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Nathan Jovanelly believes everyone should have the right to purchase clean energy. But he didn't start a non-profit. During our interview today, we talk about his childhood in a blue collar family, how he almost enlisted in the military, and how discipline and diligence paved the way to success, first in engineering and now as the Director of Business Development for IGS.

Nate, as he asked me to call him, studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware, but his heart was focused on the environmental impact that companies have on the world. He learned compliance by working in several sectors, including wast e water regulation for Motts Applesauce and Utz Potato Chips.

Eventually, some good relationships and excellent productivity brought him to IGS, the largest retailer of energy in the US, where he helped diversify their energy portfolio by launching IGS Solar. What were some of the advantages Nate and IGS had over the competition when launching this fast growing division?

For starters, cash and a tax appetite. IGS is privately held by the White family and in those days (circa 2013) they were able to take advantage of the state and federal incentives in order to fund smaller projects, especially for hospitals, schools and other nonprofits. In fact, they became so proficient at the under-500-megawatt category that they partnered with Sun Edison to do the jobs that were too small for their portfolio.

We talk about some of the strategies they used to become efficient experts in these markets. About creating financing options for those that otherwise wouldn't have access to solar, creating tech interfaces that the customer can easily understand, and about when to say "no" to some opportunities.

Nate is not just disciplined, he's full of inspiration. Some of my favorite quotes from his linked-in videos (called Monday Motivations) are:

"The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." and "Lost time is never found." He's also not afraid to change his mind, we ponder his changing perspectives on battery storage and access to renewables for low- and middle-income Americans. Listen to his "bold predictions"

and more gems from our conversation, here on episode 413 of Suncast.

Resources:

Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn or Instagram

Follow IGS Energy on LinkedIn, Twitter and check out their website.

Check out one of Nate’s Motivational Mondays Videos and Follow him on LinkedIn!

Hear Nate on our friend Benoy’s “The Solar Maverick” podcast 100th Episode.

What does it mean to have carbon neutral gas? IGS explains in this Video

Learn more about which states have deregulated electricity markets

Two great quotes that have inspired Nate's Motivation Mondays

"The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." - Joseph Campbell

"Lost time is never found." - Benjamin Franklin

Acronyms explained:

CHP (Combined Heat and Power) - A suite of technologies that can use a variety of fuels to generate electricity or power at the point of use, allowing the heat that would normally be lost in the power generation process to be recovered to provide needed heating and/or cooling.

SAPC - Solar Access to Public Capital

LMI - Low to Moderate Income

EPC - Engineering, Procurement and Construction

Books mentioned and recommendations:


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About the Host of SunCast:

Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. 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 an Investor, Executive Coach, and 15-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.

You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.

If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20min on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.