SunCast

Latest Episodes:

597: Community Solar’s meteoric rise, with Arcadia’s Kiran Bhatraju live from MWSE’23 May 23, 2023

Show notes

If you’ve been following what we refer to here on the pod as “the 4th vertical of solar”, namely, Community Solar, then you know it’s been quite a year for this category. So, for this Tactical Tuesday episode, I got a chance to speak Live from the Midwest Solar Expo stage in Chicago with passionate proponent of clean energy proliferation, Kiran Bhatraju, about best practices for engaging lawmakers, utilities, and customers.

Kiran founded Arcadia almost ten years ago to offer consumers greater access to the clean energy needed to combat our nation’s climate crisis. Originally from Eastern Kentucky coal country, his mission is to build the nation’s first digital utility and bring renewable and efficient energy to residents and businesses in all 50 states.

In our discussion, Kiran and I cover business and communication strategies we can all use to activate the people who can make change in our industry. Kiran describes the need for businesses to devote a healthy portion of their time and funding to pushing policies that support expedited and equitable clean energy growth. He details key conversations we can have with truculent utilities, local legislators, and existing and prospective solar customers. Additionally, Kiran stresses the role of technology in getting our messages out in a simple, engaging manner.

Kiran Bhatraju wants us as business leaders and energy consumers to get past any obstacle in order to grow solar. Check out the podcast to hear how.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

596: How Google empowers climate innovation May 18, 2023

Show notes

SunCast Host Nico Johnson and Bodhi CEO Scott Nguyen host three expert panelists for a wide-ranging discussion on tackling climate change through investments and technology.

Our panelists — Mark Tomasovic, Principal at Energize Ventures and two Google executives, Caroline Golin, Global Head of Energy Market Development and Policy and Sonal Somaiya, Sustainability Investments and Corporate Development — offer practical ways individuals can support clean energy initiatives, emphasizing collective action, informed decision-making, and increased awareness.

They also encourage individuals to live the change they want to see, engage in conversations with others, and stay updated with climate-focused technological advancements.

This is a replay of our special Earth Day live broadcast on the energy transition with Bodhi and Google. Bodhi is a software platform that helps growing residential solar companies remove operational headaches and sell more to more people.

Join us to learn about actionable strategies and participate in an engaging pop quiz on climate threats and the impact of rising CO2 emissions on global temperatures.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

595: The DOE's Path To Implementing Enduring, Equitable Clean Energy May 16, 2023

Show notes

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, we speak with three Department of Energy officials on strategies for building lasting, equitable institutions that effectively forward the adoption of clean energy in our communities.

From the newly created Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) come Chief of Staff Chris Castro and Director Dr. Henry McKoy. SCEP’s mission is to work closely with state and local governments, tribal nations, and community members to deploy decarbonizing technologies. Chris was formerly Director of Sustainability for the City of Orlando and President of the environmental nonprofit IDEAS for Us. Henry was the Director of Entrepreneurship at NC Central University, held positions at Duke University and Harvard University, and served in the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

We also hear from Anna Siefken, Senior Advisor for the Office of Technology Transition (OTT). After serving as Executive Director of The Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon, Anna joined the OTT to focus on moving energy and climate tech innovations from the research lab to market.

Our guests offer specific insights about how to introduce clean energy solutions so that communities can really absorb them. They dig into staffing in a way that reflects the communities and building systems that lower barriers to entry for funding and programming. Chris and Anna talk about questions to ask when engaging organizations that don’t always know how to proceed while Henry defines how to reach those communities that need decarbonizing tech the most.

The goal for these three visionaries? “Transform this country,” as Chris puts it. Catch the full episode to learn how.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

594: Sollega Racks up Wins With Unique Flat-Roof Solar Solutions, with CEO Elie Rothschild May 11, 2023

Show notes

Sollega founder and CEO Elie Rothschild talks with Suncast host Nico Johnson about the innovation and founding story behind the company’s category-defining approach to ballasted rooftop solar racking.

The San Francisco-based commercial flat-roof PV solar racking manufacturer is a unique company that solves universal issues in a solar niche known for low margins and intense competition.

Elie launched it in 2008 to find an easier way to install solar panels on notoriously frustrating commercial flat roofs, and his approach has garnered serious fans and accolades for form & function.

Their roof mounting system is designed to minimize on-roof assembly, install quickly, and maximize available roof space, reducing both mounting and installation costs associated with commercial rooftop solar arrays. And their flexible design can handle undulations in roofs, work around obstacles, and is compatible with the most common solar panels today…All while using almost no metal (certainly by comparison with their peers)!

Elie emphasizes the importance of innovation and partnerships, citing Sollega's successful collaboration with other solar manufacturers. "We have to keep innovating, and we have to keep finding ways to provide value to our clients and excellent service," he said.

If you're interested in learning how Sollega has survived more than a decade in a largely consolidated solar racking industry dominated by metal fabricators, you’ll want to queue this episode up asap.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

593: Insights into the Untapped Opportunities of Commercial and Industrial Solar with Tim Montague May 09, 2023

Show notes

Solar and storage expert Tim Montague’s tagline is “to help speed the energy transition”. He’s helped hundreds if not thousands of people through his work as a Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Solar Developer, a green business consultant, and as the host of the podcast, Clean Power Hour, producing over 300 episodes! Tim’s been a featured speaker on our Quarterly cleantech podcasters roundtable, in our RE+ Media Zone and on numerous stages, but this is his first time on SunCast (so how bout a round of applause!) ;-)

In this interview, we tease out the initial spark that led Tim to make a career shift into the solar industry. From an energy fair in New Mexico as a boy, to his deep involvement in the clean energy transition in Illinois, Tim’s passion for sustainability and solar are more than skin deep.

Tim shares some excellent advice on how he has been able to accelerate his knowledge in the solar industry, especially within the challenging C&I sector. Over the course of his journey, he’s become a go-to expert for C&I development. In fact, as we touch on in this conversation, he was asked by the folks at Heatspring to curate two courses of his own to help those solar professionals who want to venture into the relatively untapped market of commercial & industrial sales.

Tim Montague’s wealth of knowledge stems from his insatiable curiosity and the fact that he is still active as a Solar Project Developer for the global power company EDPR. But as we have discussed in recent episodes (ironically with another EDPR employee!) Tim also gets the importance of personal branding and sharing knowledge with your peers which is why he has dedicated so much time outside his day job to creating his own podcast. Tim is intentional about leaving a legacy that will help others, and this episode is one that I hope adds to the cannon.

Enjoy!

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

592: EPRI's Arshad Mansoor on Resiliency as the Crucial Factor in Sustainable Energy Systems May 04, 2023

Show notes

Today we talk with Arshad Mansoor, President and CEO of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), about the crucial link between resiliency and decarbonization.

Reducing our carbon footprint and transitioning to a low-carbon economy is essential for combating climate change. However, before we can achieve these goals, we need to ensure that our systems are resilient enough to cope with the impacts of climate change.

Arshad Mansoor defines resiliency as "the tip of the spear to get to decarbonization."

EPRI is an independent, nonprofit energy research and development organization that has been shaping the future of clean energy for 50 years. But as Arshad noted, the role is growing increasingly complex and essential with climate change.

During a keynote address at the University of North Carolina Clean Tech Summit 2023 and a subsequent conversation with SunCast Host Nico Johnson, Arshad made a case for resilient and affordable decarbonization.

He stressed we need to retool and develop a new grid for tomorrow's weather, citing

EPRI's Climate READi: Power initiative. It aims to unite global thought leaders and industry stakeholders to develop a common framework to enhance resiliency and adaptation.

Join us today as we explore this critical topic and learn more about the vital work EPRI is doing to ensure a sustainable and resilient future.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

591: What is Climate Tech? >> Climate Avengers begins… May 02, 2023

Show notes

I’m so incredibly excited today to announce the officially official launch of our newest podcast, Climate Avengers! Many of you have heard & shared the trailer episode that we revealed a couple of weeks ago (thank you). Now, here is Episode 1 of the show, featuring the show host, Elena Foukes, and yours truly answering one of the questions that’s on the tip of the tongue for many folks investing in the renewable and “cleantech” sector over the last couple of years… “just what IS Climate Tech???”

Elena is the host of Climate Avengers, which explores the exciting world of climate tech startups and investments. In this episode, Nico and Elena speak on what the term climate tech actually covers.

Join Elena weekly as she investigates what it takes to build & invest in the next generation of climate tech innovation, proving you can indeed save the world and make money at the same time.

But you’ll need the link to the Climate Avengers podcast if you want the whole story…this will just whet your appetite.

Learn more at: www.resourcelabs.co/climateavengers

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

590: Dominion Energy Plans to Become the Most Sustainable Energy Company in the US, w/Bob Blue, CEO of Dominion Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

Dominion Energy Chair, President, and CEO Robert "Bob" Blue explains how his company plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and become the most sustainable energy company in the country on today’s podcast.

Bob shares his vision of a cleaner, greener future with SunCast Host Nico Johnson, while explaining how the realities of reliability, affordability, and reasonable regulation play into Dominion’s plans.

Dominion is one of the largest regulated electric utilities in the United States, servicing more than 7 million customers in 16 states. The company has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40% since 2005 and is on track to meet its interim targets for reducing emissions by 2030.

Nico interviewed Bob during the recent University of North Carolina Clean Tech Summit, where Bob also opened the conference with a keynote address on "Roadblocks to the Clean Energy Transition."

In today's podcast, we bring you the best of Bob's keynote and his conversation with Nico for a well-rounded look at how one leading utility is adapting to the energy transition. Curious what the new generation of renewable power means to well-established regulated utilities? Then you won’t want to miss this episode.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

589: Developing Large Scale Projects by Nurturing People & Providing Opportunities Apr 25, 2023

Show notes

Navigating the complexities of land acquisition and project development in renewables is no easy task. From securing the right land, doing site control, perfecting sites, and looking at financing there are so many details that give leeway to possible mistakes that could end up costing a lot of money.

In today’s Tactical Tuesday, we get to learn from Kimberlee Centera, CEO of TerraPro Solutions, and how she became a land and title expert. Listen as explains how she helps to ensure that renewable energy developers are successful with their projects.

In her words, Kimberlee's ability to synthesize complex information in an accessible way is what keeps clients coming back. She leaves us with her belief that the success of her business really comes from the ability to curate a working environment that nurtures people, and shares with us ways you can do the same.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

588: Saving the Planet & Making Money, Elena Foukes, host of Climate Avengers Podcast! Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

Elena Foukes is an investor, advisor and climate entrepreneur who upgraded her career from a low-level analyst at a public utility to co-founder and CEO of a climate-tech startup.

Now she develops programs to help others build purpose-filled climate careers, stressing, "You can make money and save the world at the same time."

Elena was reared in a Midwest family steeped in automotive tradition, has been in climate work her entire career, and even had a stint paying homage to the family heritage when she joined Tesla.

In today's podcast, Nico Johnson, the creator and host of SunCast, talks to Elena about her latest role — host of SunCast’s new Climate Avengers Podcast. Launching Tuesday, May 2nd, the podcast will demystify climate tech venture capital.

Elena and Nico are both venture partners with Climate Avengers, an investment fund started by friend and fellow #SolarWarrior, Kyle Cherrick.

Listen as Nico guides us through Elena's own startup stories and give listeners a glimpse of what they can expect in the coming weeks from the new show.

Elena has a triple major in economics, political science, and international studies from Loyola University Chicago and a Master's of International Economics focusing on China econometrics and energy policy from UC San Diego.

The Climate Avengers Podcast promises to be smart, reliable and insightful. If you missed it, queue up the trailer episode that dropped on the feed right before this episode!

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

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