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About the Episode:
Oh, Florida! You’re the Sunshine State…why has it taken you so long to establish a real solar market? Well, the good news is it’s now heating up. But, that means so is the competition! So, how do you build a profitable solar business in one of the most competitive markets in the U.S.?
Mike Vergona, the founder of Urban Solar, has been a key player in Florida’s solar industry for over a decade, and has become one of the most respected and referred solar installers in the state. Mike’s journey from his father’s electrical company to founding one of Florida’s top solar companies is packed with lessons for anyone in the renewable energy space.
We talked about the tough decisions, the wins, and the lessons learned that have defined his business and leadership style. Plus, we discussed how grid parity is making solar energy more affordable and accessible and why this shift matters for solar businesses everywhere, not just Florida.
Expect to learn:
The realities of competing in Florida’s fast-evolving solar market.
How Mike bootstrapped his company to top 20 status.
The role of strategic partnerships in sustaining business growth.
Lessons in nurturing a purpose-driven company culture.
How technology and innovation are changing the solar installation process.
Mike’s stories are universal, not just for solar but practically any business. I’d love to hear how what he shares inspires or challenges you to reach for something more, or simply confirms for you that you are on the right path. Either way, you’re here, so you’re doing something right! ;-)
Steady on, Solar Warrior.
NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:
“It’s our job to tell people that solar energy is cheaper than energy from the grid, and once we’ve told people that, it’s our job to implement solar technology.”
Thanks again to this week's sponsor, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is Chint Power Systems America!
CPS America is the #1 supplier of 3-phase string inverters for Commercial & Industrial and Utility-Scale projects with more than 8 gigawatts of inverters installed on 20,000+ sites around the nation!
We are grateful for our GOLD sponsor:
Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina
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 16-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 15 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.