SunCast

Latest Episodes:

Oh, the Places You'll Go! (Ep061) Jan 10, 2018

Show notes

Happy New Year. I've got some exciting episodes and community planning coming, but in the meantime, I hope you enjoy this timeless story.

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this New Years episode of SunCast.

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

Tied with Elon Musk - Jigar Shah (Ep060) Dec 21, 2017

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 60 of SunCast!

In today's episode of SunCast, I speak to Jigar Shah, an icon in the solar industry. From founding SunEdison to leading the Carbon War Room as its first CEO, Jigar has been innovating on business models in the energy and infrastructure arenas for more than 2 decades.

Currently, Jigar is the co-founder and President of specialty finance company, Generate Capital, investing in infrastructure assets in what they refer to as the world's critical resources, energy, water, agriculture and basic materials

Tune in Today as we Discuss:

How Jigar's early career and family life shaped the companies he's built
Why Jigar believes you can't build a business as a side-hustle
SunEdison's early days of financing, and how that influences his own investing ethos
What Jigars sees smart entrepreneurs doing to win

For resources from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/060)

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Solrates.com, the fast and Free online platform for providing your commercial customers with a credible lease financing proposal. If you have projects over $100K value, and you'd like to see how Solrates can help You quickly and easily deliver a financing proposal to your customers, Head over to www.mysuncast.com/SolRates and click on the Request an Invitation button.

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Jigar Shah.

Flow vs Lithium - next in Solar + Storage - Mike Grunow of ViZn Energy (Ep 059) Dec 14, 2017

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 59 of SunCast!

This is installment #2 in the Solar+Storage series.

Today on SunCast, I get to interview one of the guys who's had a massive impact on my own personal career, Mike Grunow, the VP of Marketing at Vizn Energy Systems.

Tune in today as we discuss:

How to spec out a good MRD - Market Requirements Document
The biggest misconception about Li-ion batteries
Limitations of both from duty & cooling cycles to electrodegradation
The difference between Power & Energy, and why it's not always clear for many developers new to storage

IF you missed the first in this Solar+Storage series, be sure to check out Travis Simpkins Episode as well #56.

And for resources (and a hilarious yet informative video) from today's episode, head over to www.mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes to today's and every other show's blog posts. (the direct URL is ...episodes/059)

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Mike Grunow.

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

Funding Commercial Solar with Bryan Birsic (Ep 058) Dec 07, 2017

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 58 of SunCast!

Today on SunCast, we are digging into the inner workings of a company (Wunder Capital) many of you have probably begun to work with, and who has clearly done a great job of gaining traction since it's founding back in 2013. For you entrepreneurs out there, I ask Bryan a ton of questions specifically about the who/what/how/when/why of starting and growing his business. Bryan Birsic and his co-founders have grown Wunder Capital to be one of the fastest-growing and useful platforms for funding commercial solar projects in the US right now.

Tune in today as we discuss:

Founding Bain's Green Team
Why Wunder is different from other platforms like Mosaic
How Wunder is Funding Commercial Solar
And, what Bryan believes is the most Critical decision every Founder makes

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Bryan Birsic.

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

Dan Shugar, Part 2 - Solar Pioneer Series (Ep 057) Nov 27, 2017

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 57 of SunCast, and episode #5 in the Solar Pioneers series.

Today is the much-anticipated Part 2 of Episode 39 with Dan Shugar!

As founder and CEO, Dan Shugar helped build NEXTracker into one of the fastest growing cleantech companies in the U.S. Dan was responsible for spinning NEXTracker out of Solaria Corp. where he also served as CEO, and then merging with FLEX almost 2 years ago. Nextracker has become the largest tracker company in the world by volume shipped, and I wanted to know more about what has driven that success. If you don't know Dan's backstory, and it's a GREAT one, please be sure to listen to Episode 39!

Tune in today as we discuss:

The similar evolution of the Auto and Solar industries.
The Best Advice Dan has been given by his Mentors.
Advice to budding Entrepreneurs.
The book Dan has given away the most.
What's in Dan's crystal ball?

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Dan Shugar.

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

Dr. Travis Simpkins on the Future of Microgrids (Ep 056) Nov 06, 2017

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 56 of SunCast.

Today I talk to Dr. Travis Simpkins, based on a recommendation from one of our amazing listeners!

Travis is the founder and CEO of muGrid Analytics.

muGrid Analytics are the nerds of the renewable energy world. Analyzing potential or existing projects to help you make sound data driven decisions and get the most out of our renewable energy investments. Travis provides techno-economic analysis of renewable energy and energy storage projects to developers, utilities and component manufacturers using their proprietary Redcloud energy optimization platform.

Tune in today as we discuss:

Solar plus Storage
Microgrids
Travel Hacking
Mountain Climbing
What's Hot and What's Hype

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Dr. Travis Simpkins

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

Does software help make Renewables more competitive? (Ep 055) Oct 28, 2017

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 55 of SunCast.

Edmee Kelsey, CEO of 3MegaWatt, is an expert in Solar Asset Management. Today, she's here to help us better understand the world of Asset Management, and the underlying software that keeps it going. Many of us don't really have a glimpse into this side of the plant, as we're focused on the upfront sales, marketing, and installation aspect, but with over 300GW in global operational assets being managed, one asks, "Who is handling all that data, contracts and compliance?"

3MegaWatt is the industry leader today in solar asset management software, with >16GW of assets on their platform, so I sat down with Edmee to get a bit better insight into the topic. Hope you enjoy it.

A quick reminder to check out the webinar series 5to50: The Secret Formula to Conversion, being hosted by SunCast, SolarLeadFactory & SolarEdge - This is webinar number 2 of 3, building on what we presented on Oct 13th all about Lead Generation.

If you're interested in tips on how to prepare for massive growth in your solar business go to www.mysuncast.com/webinar to register for the upcoming webinar happening Friday, November 3rd.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Solrates.com, the fast and Free online platform for providing your commercial customers with a credible lease financing proposal. If you have projects over $100K value, and you'd like to see how SolRates can help You quickly and easily deliver a financing proposal to your customers, Head over to www.mysuncast.com/SolRates and click on the Request an Invitation button.

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Edmee Kelsey.

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

054 Chad Medcroft on Bringing Zep Solar to Market Oct 20, 2017

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 54 of SunCast.

Today we go deep with a friend of mine who's seen the ups and downs of this industry. He's been at the top & bottom of the food chain, successes & failures, and lots of lessons learned along the way. Some of you may know Chad Medcroft, as he was one of the key executive team members responsible for growing Zep from a niche California solar racking company to the having the largest market share in the US Residential market (and now beyond after it's acquisition by SolarCity). We get into many details about that experience, and the PTSD of being acquired by a major industry player! Tune in today as we discuss:

Ways Chad helped reduce the soft costs of solar installation
The hurdles to scaling resi & commercial solar companies
Benchmarks and resources for installation and engineering best practices
What it's like to watch your baby be absorbed into a larger organization
And some of Chad's Aha moments and advice for others on a similar path.

Chad cut his teeth in solar more than 20 years ago, and has done a lot of thinking about how the industry can improve and what he could have done, and can now do better to contribute even more. And I think you're gonna love this discussion.

A quick reminder to check out the webinar series being hosted by SunCast, SolarLeadFactory & SolarEdge - we had installment 1 of 3 Last week all about Lead Generation, and it was a PACKED House with a ton of value delivered. If you're interested in tips on how to prepare for massive growth in your solar business go to www.mysuncast.com/webinar to register for the next one happening on November 3rd.

Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with Chad Medcroft.

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

053 Mika Nuotio on NEC & UL Codes Oct 17, 2017

Show notes

Welcome to Tactical Tuesdays, a weekly short-form conversation with subject-matter experts to give you the edge in building your solar business and brand.

And this week, we welcome Mika Nuotio of Empower Micro Systems.

Nature of how power electronics sector works and implication for solar industry, inverters, etc.

What changes in UL and NEC standards are driving inverter and module electronics architecture evolution?

How is safety in power electronics evolving?

UL 1741 - what is it? how has it evolved and what implications are there for solar technology development?

2014 edition Vs 2017 edition - what's new in these updated editions?

When is compliance required?

What is Rule 21

Is the US leading or lagging in terms of grid integration and control standards? What is Low-voltage ride-through and why is it important?

What is Reactive power

NEC 680.2 & The background behind Rapid-shutdown

And differences between the implementations of the 2014 version and the revisions of the 2017 version

Who is really driving this regulation, and when is compliance required?

Mika really breaks things down to very specific details, but I think he manages to keep it approachable by the layman, which appreciate.

Tune in, and Tune-up your skills.

Thanks for checking out Tactical Tuesday and please share this episode with someone you think would benefit!

If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!

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

052 TJ Kanczuzewski on Building a Brilliant Tomorrow, CEO of Inovateus Solar Oct 13, 2017

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 52 of SunCast. I'm so glad

I'm eager to hear your thoughts on the first Tactical Tuesday.It's 20 minutes of marketing morsels with our friend Solar Fred. What topics do you want more of there, or who should be featured? Today on SunCast is Mr. TJ Kanczuzewski, CEO and chief innovator at Inovateus Solar. TJ is one of the most high-energy executives I know, and he leads a team of winners, but don't take my word for it, tune in as we discuss:

The time-honored tradition of taking over the family business
Best places to work and having a fun culture
Growing a nationwide presence with staying power, in particular, the keys to their staying power
The power of a pivot
Detailedexamples of tactics he's infused into Inovateus to foster growth and productivity
Probably one of the best reading lists yet and more...

This episode is Long, but Worth it. This really was a blast to record and is jam-packed with good insight into how to build a thriving company straight from the man who's dedicated the last decade of his life to it.

This episode is brought to you by Buyourfuture - You can go back and listen to Episode 25 or go to http://bit.ly/buyfuture to learn more,

And by US - SunCast, SolarLeadFactory & SolarEdge - we had installment 1 of 3 TODAY on how to prepare for growth in your solar business. We broke records with nearly 800 registrations. Go to www.mysuncast.com/webinar to learn more, and join us for the next one on November 3rd.

1 more thing, stick around ALL the way to the end, because everybody loves a good party!

Enjoy this week’s episode of SunCast, with TJ Kan-chew-zeski, CEO of Inovateus Solar.

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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