Welcome to Episode 149 of SunCast!
Today’s Guest doesn’t consider herself an entrepreneur, but after listening in I’m sure you’ll agree most corporate leaders and startup founders alike can learn a lot from Bernadette del Chiaro. Her accolades are many, and we discuss them in the episode, but I thought it would be great to round out this Women’s History Month with someone who has made an indelible mark on the solar and energy sector through her advocacy and political organizing.
Bernadette has been a leading voice in California clean energy & climate advocacy for 2 decades. Now, as the Executive Director of the California Solar and Storage Association, she is directly responsible for providing a voice and platform for over 500 member solar companies. Hear how she helped create the California legislative initiatives we now credit as a huge impetus to the current solar boom in the US! She’s now instrumental in driving forward energy storage initiatives like SB700, dubbed the Million Solar Roofs of Energy Storage. We dig into these and more, including Bernadette’s advice on how You can be more active in lobbying and policy right where you live.
Also, next week we’ll hit episode 150! Woot! I’ve got an amazing guest lined up, Mr. Henk Rogers, who is the founder of Tetris, Inc, yes, the popular game you no doubt have spent hours playing. He also has an energy storage startup, and it’s a fascinating story, so stay tuned.
Remember you can always find me onTwitter,LinkedIn oremail and you can get the resources and learn more about how to find Rick or his recommendations on theSunCast Blog.
Resources:
Connect with Bernadette on LinkedIn
Follow Bernadette on Twitter
Follow CALSSA on Twitter
CA Solar & Storage Associations Website
The Million Solar Roofs of Energy Storage Passed California Assembly!
California's Solar Success Story: How the Million Solar Roofs Initiative Transformed the State's Energy Landscape
2002 Vote Solar Summary of California Solar Initiative SB1 Fact Sheet
Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Million Solar Roofs (SB1 & SB1017)
Books Mentioned:
Angle of Repose by Stegner Wallace
About the Host of SunCast:
Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, a regular conversation with Solar Industry professionals who are leading in emerging solar markets. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.
Nico is a 10-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala and is considered one of the market's leading experts on solar PV expansion in the region.
Nico can be reached on Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus