128: From Macy’s Exec to Crypto ICO, Girard Newkirk of kWh Coin

Welcome to Episode 128 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

If you’ve been keeping up you know that I’ve been diving into the nexus of blockchain and energy lately. Well, I consider today’s guest one of my own mentors and experts on the topic, and I’m lucky to have met him. Thanks to his right hand, Monica, who reached out to me on Twitter, we’ve gotten to know each other this year, and I’m jazzed to finally have him on SunCast. Girard Newkirk is an entrepreneur on a mission to bring critical civic infrastructure to millions of homes in developing countries, starting with Africa. He has raised over $1.3 Million for his Crytpocurrency kWh Coin in an ICO earlier this year, and has big plans for his network of tokenized clean energy assets.

KWHCoin is a blockchain-based community, ecosystem and cryptocurrency backed by units of clean, renewable energy. Physical units of kWh energy are leveraged from multiple sources including smart meters, sensor readings and green button data. This measurable output is tokenized on the blockchain to create KWH tokens.

Today we dig into the why, when, how, where and who with Girard. I learned a lot, and I am certain you’ll come away with some insights.

-

If you’re a member of the SunCast Tribe, you will have access to the additional Exclusive interview with Girard where he disclosed his top picks and prognostications for cryptocurrencies in 2019.

We want to thank Folsom Labs (makers of Helioscope) and our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

-

Resources

Learn more about kWh Coin on their website

Read the kWh Coin Whitepaper

Connect with Girard on LinkedIn

Follow kWh Coin on Twitter

Find kWh Coin on Facebook

Follow kWh Coin Renewable Energy on Instagram

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

127: Sam Vanderhoof: Solar Cowboyz, PV Recycling, 40 yrs in Solar

Welcome to Episode 127 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Back in episodes 40 & 42 with Cory Vaughan, we talked about a Pioneer of the industry named Sam Vanderhoof.

Sam runs the consultancy Solar Cowboyz, and I thought it fitting to air his episode on Thanksgiving b/c he’s a person we all should be thankful for. Sam is one of the real pioneers in this industry, and I’m honored to have been able to host him on the show.  

Sam was part of the coming of age from catalogue sales of offgrid products to introducing some of the most transformative grid-tie systems to the industry, and he was featured in Jeff Spies’ documentary Solar Roots. I hope by the end you’ll feel you know him a little better, and I hope you enjoy his stories.

-

We want to thank Folsom Labs (makers of Helioscope) and our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

Today's episode is brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

With its independent, technology-focused reporting, pv magazine concentrates on covering the latest solar PV news, topical technological trends, and worldwide market developments. This is an ongoing editorial cross-pollination, so If you're joining us as a new listener thanks to PV Mag, thank you for checking out SunCast.

-

Resources

Connect with Sam on LinkedIn

Check out the RecyclePV website

Follow Solar Cowboyz on Twitter

It’s Time to Plan for Solar Panel Recycling, Solar Power World Online Article

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

126: Adam Hall, Million Solar Stars

Welcome to Episode 126 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Welcome to this week’s Tactical Tuesday. On this week’s episode, Adam Hall, middle school science teacher and founder of the non-profit Million Solar Stars, shares how and why he chose to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy via the non-profit sector. 

Contrary to what some may believe, many non-profits act as a bridge – not a vehicle – so that tech, software, and other providers can extend their reach nationally and internationally. That is why I believe collaboration between for- and non-profit organizations is critical for lasting change, and why I felt it was important to highlight Adam Hall and his organization in today’s episode. 

Million Solar Stars helps our world’s youth gain greater access and understanding of solar power so they can stand as tomorrow’s solar industry leaders. Whether it be solar reading lights provided to underprivileged students in Africa or a solar race car built with groups of high school students, Million Solar Stars is reaching an ever-growing number of children to “power the potential of the next generation.”  

Adam teaches in Dubai’s sustainable city, and has worked in the renewable energy industry since 1999. Working with students holds a special place in his heart; he knows that the solar programs he provides will fuel progress both in the industry and in our world for years to come. 

In short, with projects ranging from solar windmills to solar-powered and remote-controlled racecars, Million Solar Stars is doing an exceptional job of making solar learning fun and engaging for the soon-to-be change-makers, leaders, and keepers of our planet.

-

We want to thank Folsom Labs (makers of Helioscope) and our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

Today's episode is brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

With its independent, technology-focused reporting, pv magazine concentrates on covering the latest solar PV news, topical technological trends, and worldwide market developments. This is an ongoing editorial cross-pollination, so If you're joining us as a new listener thanks to PV Mag, thank you for checking out SunCast.

-

Resources

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn

Check out Million Solar Stars here

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

125: Bill Nussey is Freeing Energy, Moving from the Cloud to the Grid

Welcome to Episode 125, Solar Warrior!

Bill Nussey is a tinkerer & creator, and founded his first company in High School. He’s spent most of his career as a tech CEO, and has some incredible stories from his time at Greylock and as VP of Corp Strategy at IBM. But his storytelling also extends to writing, and his newest project, Freeing Energy, is one of the best new blogs I’ve had the pleasure to dive into. If you’re a fan of Energy Transition show, you’re gonna love Bill.

Thanks Andy Klump for the intro to Bill as well!

-

We want to thank Folsom Labs (makers of Helioscope) and our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

Today's episode is also brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

-

Resources

Check out Bill’s TED Talk below:

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

Follow Bill on Twitter

The Freeing Energy Project’s Book Website

Follow the Freeing Energy Project on Twitter

How Edison’s Protege Made the Power Industry into a Regulated Monopoly blog post

Check out the Solar Inventions Website

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

124: Nano Leasing Solar for Africa - Abe Cambridge

Welcome to Episode 124 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Today's entrepreneur is a climate change scientist who laid down his pen and picked up a pv panel, so to speak, and has accomplished some notable firsts in the industry. Stay tuned to hear why Abe Cambridge left London for S. Africa to build the first nano­scale solar leasing platform and how blockchain is helping pull it all together .

Abraham Cambridge is a British born solar entrepreneur who establishes businesses and projects around the world that use solar energy as a means for bringing about major socio-economic shifts.

-

We want to thank Folsom Labs (makers of Helioscope) and our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

Today's episode is also brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

-

Resources

Follow the Sun Exchange on Twitter

Connect with the Sun Exchange on LinkedIn

Learn more about The Sun Exchange here

Article referenced from Genesis Block referring to the Impending Economic Crisis

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

123: Richard Branson Bought His Company - Bruce Levy of BMR Energy

Welcome to Episode 123 of SunCast, Solar Warriors!

Today's entrepreneur journey leads us down the path of a seasoned energy industry exec who finally ventured out on his own, and after a couple years developing their portfolio, he successfully sold the company to none other than Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group!

Bruce Levy has worked in the power and energy industry for more than 35 years. He's run a major International Utility, a US IPP with 7GW of assets, and is Currently Founder, President and CEO of BMR Energy. Virgin Group acquired the Caribbean and Latin America project developer in 2016, and Bruce and his team are considered among the region's experts on clean energy deployment.

-

We want to thank Folsom Labs (makers of Helioscope) and our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

Today's episode is also brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

-

Resources

Check out the BMR Energy Website

Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn

Follow BMR Energy on Twitter

Follow Bruce on Twitter

Bruce's recent article describing BMR's due diligence efforts to improve energy infrastructure longevity in Latin American & Caribbean communities in the face of increasing storm severity

BMR's recent project in St. Croix. You can find more information about this project on their website here

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

122: Empower female leaders in Renewables with Patricia Tatto

Welcome to another episode of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Today is Episode 122, and it's Tactical Tuesday, a short-form conversation with subject-matter experts designed to give you practical tools, tips and advice for building your solar business or career.

A lot of you out there have a desire to help the industry beyond just your day job, and you are movers and shakers, that's one of the reasons you listen to SunCast! Today's guest is just like you, incapable of sitting by when she sees a need, and she's a self-starter. When my Friend and longtime SunCast listener Patrica Tatto told me she was going to organize all the women in the Mexico renewables industry, I knew it would grow to be something important. Today we're going to have a look at how that spark of initiative has grown into a beacon of light for women all across Latin America.

-

We want to thank Folsom Labs (makers of Helioscope) and our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

Today's episode is also brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

-

Resources

Check Out the MERM Website

Connect with Patricia on LinkedIn

Join the LinkedIn Group - Mujeres en Energia Renovable Latinoamerica 

Connect with MERM on Twitter

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

121: Women In Cleantech & Sustainability Founder, Lisa Ann Pinkerton

Welcome to another episode of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Today's conversation is with another power hitter whose built a sustainable and growing business out of what she loves to do.

Lisa Ann Pinkerton and I have many things in common, but chief among them is a love to share cleantech stories with the world, but we go about it in slightly different ways. So I was intrigued to better understand how and why she’s been able to build a loyal client base of rabid ‘fans’ of her work in the past 7 years. In an era when most clients turnover every 18 months, her company, Technica Communications, has managed to retain clients from as far back as 2012! After this interview, it was clear to me why: when you get a pro on your team, you don’t want to let them go!

In addition to being named a Women of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2017, Lisa Ann is founder and Chairwoman of Women In Cleantech & Sustainability, which will host the upcoming WCS Talks at the Google Campus on November 3rd.
WCS Talks is an annual TED-style event hosted by Google, including the first female-focused startup pitch competition for the cleantech and sustainable industry.

As a SunCast listener, you can get a special 25% discount on your WCS Talks ticket by using the code “SunCast” at checkout!

Lisa Ann started her career as a broadcast journalist for nearly a decade. Her work has been broadcast on National Public Radio, PBS Television, NBC and other US news outlets. It was a joy to finally get a full interview with her to discuss how she transitioned from a radio career to become a clean tech marketing maven. And it’s always great to share the mic with someone who’s got professional voice training! I explored Lisa Ann’s past to uncover some of the tricks of the trade she has ported over from her journalistic and radio career. I was especially surprised to learn one of the key hiring criteria she credits for her success! You’ll be glad you tuned in.

-

We want to thank Folsom Labs (makers of Helioscope) and our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

Today's episode is brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

With its independent, technology-focused reporting, pv magazine concentrates on covering the latest solar PV news, topical technological trends, and worldwide market developments. This is an ongoing editorial cross-pollination, so If you're joining us as a new listener thanks to PV Mag, thank you for checking out SunCast.

-

Resources

Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn

Follow Technica Communications on Twitter

Learn more about Women in Cleantech & Sustainability here

Top Ten Twitter Tips for an Optimized Solar Power International 

4 Steps to Following up After Solar Power International

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

120: Andy Klump on China, Trina, Quality and Personal Growth

Welcome to Episode 120 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Andy Klump is one of the most connected and charismatic figures I have met in solar; not only does he know and work with  major industry players, but he's been part of helping the industry mature, and as an American in China, has a unique perspective to share.

Andrew Klump is a recognised board advisor to the world’s leading solar manufacturers, EPCs and project development companies. 

Until 2008 Andrew was Vice President of Business Development for Trina Solar where he managed international growth, JV/M&A activity, and the signing of long-term polysilicon agreements in over nine countries. He has experience in raising capital helping the company raise near $500 million through its IPO on the NYSE in 2006, and subsequent follow-on offerings. 

Andrew has worked in China since 2003, serving in executive management roles with Dell and Intel. He received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Northwestern University in 1998 and MBA degree from Harvard in 2003. Andrew lives in Shanghai with his family and is fluent in Mandarin.

-

We want to thank Folsom Labs (makers of Helioscope) and our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

Today's episode is brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

With its independent, technology-focused reporting, pv magazine concentrates on covering the latest solar PV news, topical technological trends, and worldwide market developments. This is an ongoing editorial cross-pollination, so If you're joining us as a new listener thanks to PV Mag, thank you for checking out SunCast.

-

Resources

Connect with Andy on LinkedIn

Connect with Clean Energy Associate on LinkedIn

Learn more about Clean Energy Associates on their website

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

119 - TT: Drones and Computer Vision, Lance Li of Aerospec

Welcome to Episode 119 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

I've been noticing there's an increasing hum drum about drones and their role in asset management and on-site data acquisition pre and post-installation, so thought I'd bring on an expert in the subject to better understand it, Lance Li of Aerospec.

Aerospec is a data-driven aerial inspection provider for the renewable energy industry and now have made a lot of progress in the solar field by using artificial intelligence to detect assets issues.

-

We want to thank Folsom Labs (makers of Helioscope) and our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

Today's episode is brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

With its independent, technology-focused reporting, pv magazine concentrates on covering the latest solar PV news, topical technological trends, and worldwide market developments. This is an ongoing editorial cross-pollination, so If you're joining us as a new listener thanks to PV Mag, thank you for checking out SunCast.

Resources

Connect with Lance on LinkedIn

Follow Aerospec on Twitter

The Value of AI Powered Analytics in Solar O&M - Case Study

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

118: Founder of Canadian Solar (CSIQ), Shawn Qu

Welcome to Episode 118 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

We are back to the Solar Pioneers series. 

I'm so grateful you are here, and this interview with Dr. Qu won't let you down.

Dr. Shawn (Xiaohua) Qu has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer since founding Canadian Solar in October 2001 with little more than a vision and his personal savings, and taking it public on Nasdaq (CSIQ) only 5 yrs later!  17 years in, and the company operates on 6 continents and is set to achieve an impressive 6GW in shipments and > $4Billion in revenues for 2018!

I got the privilege of sitting down with him in Anaheim recently during Solar Power Int'l, and squeezed as much as I could out in the hour I was given. 

We want to thank Folsom Labs (makers of Helioscope) and our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

Today's episode is brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

With its independent, technology-focused reporting, pv magazine concentrates on covering the latest solar PV news, topical technological trends, and worldwide market developments. This is an ongoing editorial cross-pollination, so If you're joining us as a new listener thanks to PV Mag, thank you for checking out SunCast.

-

Resources

Follow Canadian Solar on Twitter

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn

Learn more about Canadian Solar on their Website

The Shawn Qu Story - part of the inspiration for this interview.

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

Leaving Tesla for VC with Adam James (+Happy Birthday, SunCast!)

Welcome to Episode 117 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Adam James was the first guest on SunCast and returns to celebrate the 3rd Anniversary and talk about his new role at Energy Impact Partners.

This episode is a reunion of course, but it's also a fascinating look into how Adam spent the last 3 years at SolarCity, then Tesla, and most recently his foray into Venture Capital at Energy Impact Parters. 

-

Today's episode is brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

With its independent, technology-focused reporting, pv magazine concentrates on covering the latest solar PV news, topical technological trends, and worldwide market developments. This is an ongoing editorial cross-pollination, so If you're joining us as a new listener thanks to PV Mag, thank you for checking out SunCast.

We want to thank our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

-

Resources

Want a blast from the past? Listen to my first interview with Adam: Episode 1

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn

Follow Adam on Twitter

Find out more about Energy Impact Partners here

Get Your Tickets for emPOWER 2018 here

Books Mentioned

Awareness - Anthony DeMello

Black Swan - Nassim Taleb

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

116: Creating Industry Leading Events, Nadim Chaudry

Welcome to Episode 116 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Nadim Chaudry is a world traveler, a voracious reader, and a market maven the likes of few I've met. His founder story is an intriguing one, but so is his backstory, and it's all here.

-

Today's episode is brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

With its independent, technology-focused reporting, pv magazine concentrates on covering the latest solar PV news, topical technological trends, and worldwide market developments. This is an ongoing editorial cross-pollination, so If you're joining us as a new listener thanks to PV Mag, thank you for checking out SunCast.

We want to thank our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

-

Resources

The Future of Clean Energy in LATAM - Nadim Chaudhry, CEO & Founder, Green Power Global

Connect with Nadim on LinkedIn

Keep up to date with Nadim on Twitter

Check Out Green Power Global’s Website 

Books Mentioned

Waiting For the Last Bus - Richard Holloway

Resilience - Greitens

Director S - Steve Coll

Taming the Sun - Varun Sivaram

A Prayer Before Dawn - Billy Moore

Autobiography of Richie McCaw

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

115: #ThisIsWhy, SPI Live Exclusive

Welcome to Episode 115 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

On Monday I had the awesome opportunity to meet Dan Whitten, VP of Communications for SEIA, and he invited me to record the opening remarks by SEIA's President Abby Hopper as she kicked off the 2018 Solar Power International and Energy Storage Int'l conference and North America Smart Energy Week.  

I was honored and grateful for the gracious offer, and so today I'm sharing part of that opening session with you here. 

If you're a member of the SunCast Tribe, you can hear the rest of the 40 minutes I recorded with the panelists in the session via your Patreon Feed. 

-

Today's episode is brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

With its independent, technology-focused reporting, pv magazine concentrates on covering the latest solar PV news, topical technological trends, and worldwide market developments. This is an ongoing editorial cross-pollination, so If you're joining us as a new listener thanks to PV Mag, thank you for checking out SunCast.

We want to thank our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

-

Resources

Follow Abby on Twitter

Connect with Abby on LinkedIn

Learn more about SEIA Here

Read more about the Report Abby Hopper was mentioning here.

Follow SPI on Twitter

Learn more about Dan Whitten of SEIA here

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

114: SPI 2018 is Here!

Welcome to Episode 114 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

On this episode, Christian Roselund from PV Magazine and I discuss the reality of 100% renewables on the grid, and he gives an overview of the PV Magazine roundtables happening this week at Solar Power International 2018.

If you missed my SPI preview episode, be sure to give it a listen here.

-

Today's episode is brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

With its independent, technology-focused reporting, pv magazine concentrates on covering the latest solar PV news, topical technological trends, and worldwide market developments. This is an ongoing editorial cross-pollination, so If you're joining us as a new listener thanks to PV Mag, thank you for checking out SunCast.

We want to thank our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

-

Resources

Follow Christian Roselund on LinkedIn

Interested in the Roundtables? PV Magazines Future PV Roundtables

Need More SPI Info?

SPI Floorplan: https://spi18.mapyourshow.com/7_0/floorplan/ 

SPI FAQ: https://www.solarpowerinternational.com/about/faqs/  

SPI iOS App

SPI Android App

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

113: Puerto Rico 1 Yr Anniversary of Hurricane Maria

Welcome to Episode 113 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Today, September 20th is the anniversary of Hurricane Maria's landfall on the US Territory of Puerto Rico. To commemorate it, we are looking at the response to the subsequent and drastic loss of electricity on the island. Millions were left without power, and many continue to this day waiting for PREPA the local power authority to turn the lights back on.

We'll look from both the non-profit and for profit angles at how solar energy and storage have been part of the rebuilding of the electric infrastructure from two perspectives, The first will be from Andrea Leucke, founder and Executive Director of The Solar Foundation, which has raised several million dollars in support of the island, and the second is John Berger, CEO of Sunnova Energy Corporation, the largest residential solar provider in Puerto Rico

Today's episode is brought to you in collaboration with PV Magazine USA.

With its independent, technology-focused reporting, pv magazine concentrates on covering the latest solar PV news, topical technological trends, and worldwide market developments. This is an ongoing editorial cross-pollination, so If you're joining us as a new listener thanks to PV Mag, thank you for checking out SunCast.

We want to thank our amazing sponsors and partners of SunCast. You can find more about them by visiting our sponsors page.

Resources

Keep in touch with what the Solar Foundation is doing here: 

• Solar Foundation Website

• Solar Saves Lives

• Solar Foundation Twitter

Keep in touch with what Sunnova is doing here: 

• Sunnova Website

• Sunnova Puerto Rico Facebook  

• Sunnova Twitter

Connect with Andrea Leucke on LinkedIn

Follow Andrea on Twitter

Connect with John Berger on Linkedin

Follow John on Twitter

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

112: SPI 2018 Know Before You Go

Welcome to Episode 112 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

SPI is back in California, and back at the Anaheim Convention Center!

Listen in to gain pro tips and insight to optimize your time and impact at the USA's largest solar trade show.

Resources

Follow Lisa Ann Pinkerton on LinkedIn

Follow Christian Roselund on LinkedIn

Follow Tor Valenza (aka Solar Fred) on LinkedIn

Follow Kristan Kirsh on LinkedIn

2017 Post-Show Report 

My SPI Tips LinkedIn Thread

More Pro Tips on SPI from Lisa Ann Pinkerton: 

• Top Ten Twitter Tips for an Optimized Solar Power International 

• 4 Steps to Following up After Solar Power International 

Not To Miss Events

Run With Sun 5K Here 

PV Magazines Future PV Roundtables

Full Networking Special Events List

SPI Links

SPI Floorplan: https://spi18.mapyourshow.com/7_0/floorplan/ 

SPI FAQ: https://www.solarpowerinternational.com/about/faqs/  

SPI iOS App

SPI Android App

Ridesharing Partnership with Lyft

SPI Solar Power Mexico 2019 - Check Out When It Will Be!

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

111: Gridvolution, Tom Tansy of SunSpec Alliance

Welcome to Episode 111 of SunCast, Solar Warrior!

Tom Tansy is Chairman of the SunSpec Alliance where he leads the distributed energy industry's efforts to establish data and communication standards that enable seamless integration of solar PV and storage into the Smart Grid.  

Tom previously served as a board member for the Solar Energy Finance Association, as General Manager and Vice President of Business Development for Power-One (now part of ABB), VP of Business Development for Fat Spaniel, pioneering solar Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider and start up contributor of the electric vehicle manufacturer, Zero Motorcycles. 

Resources:

Connect with Tom on LinkedIn

Check out SunSpecs website

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

109/110 - PV Evolution Labs & the Amazing Founder Story of Jenya Meydbray

Jenya is a visionary who took the risk of opening a startup company during an economic crisis and succeeded. I'm grateful to Jenya for this his first ever podcast appearance! His depth of experience, candor and generosity will blow you away.

You can find part 1 of my interview with Jenya above and part 2 below.

Resources:

Follow Jenya on Twitter

Connect with Jenya on LinkedIn

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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

108 TT Procuring Solar Tips From a Pro - Michael Foster, Origis Energy

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s Tactical Tuesday. On this week’s episode procurement expert Michael Foster of Origis Energy joins us and unpacks the ingredients to the success of his company’s development team and project execution. So listen in to sharpen your skills and get some tangible takeaways for the week ahead.

Today we’ll discuss…

• How early to get involved with the development team as a procurement manager

• Tools for handling immediate deadlines

• Module vendor lead times

• The bi-facial manufacturing movement

• Competition in the solar modular market and future trends

Recently, there has been a fair amount of movement in solar manufacturing. Ten years ago there were only three or four manufacturers in the solar modular market, all of which were extraordinarily expensive, with long lead times, and frequent shortage issues. Because of this, Chinese manufacturers were able to seize the high demand opportunity and ramp up their manufacturing process, significantly improving the quality of their product.

Since then, Michael has noted a similar pattern with the Chinese battery manufacturers—they’re bringing the quality up, the price down, and producing batteries nearly as good as the A1 solar batteries. But how do we monitor quality control? It’s neither practical, nor financially feasible to walk the factory floor in each facility grinding the details of each product.

What to do? “Start relying on those experts…our integrator partners for quality validation.” Michael encourages. More and more integration companies are cropping up that you can trust with the complexity of solar product quality control. The knowledge base is growing, easing the integration process—what Michael argues is “the linchpin to successful energy storage projects.

To put it simply, if you can’t successfully integrate and meet your demand, you can’t make money. You need to build a team of people you can rely on, people who, as Michael says, “jump out of their seat and are excited.” That’s what makes a good partner. Someone you can rely on to carry out and build upon your procurement strategy. This team, these partnerships will allow you to fully take advantage of the growing competitive market.

Tune in to this week’s episode for even more wisdom and expertise from Michael Foster on procurement today!Resources:

Check out Origis Energy

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!

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