Episode 472: Customer experience expert Scott Nguyen of Bodhi [Live from RE+NE]

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There’s so much that can go wrong during the customer journey. Sales calls get fumbled, Callbacks get forgotten, key information isn’t conveyed to the engineering & install teams, and we haven’t even gotten to the install and post-install process. Yet, >50% of all solar leads come from referrals! In an industry that relies heavily on customer satisfaction, it still baffles me how few people really focus on delivering a more painless customer experience. 

This week’s Tactical Tuesday guest is a returning SunCast collaborator & guest, Scott Nguyen of Bodhi Solar. And If you haven’t heard his executive profile, I’d highly recommend you queue that up to listen to next, it’s episode 357 from 2021, as In that discussion we go deep into Scott’s use of design thinking in developing his software platform focused on improving the solar customer journey. There really is nobody I know in the industry that’s more focused on driving customer engagement and leveraging design principles to improve the customer experience. 

Scott is always a wealth of knowledge, so enjoy his insights into the opportunities & obstacles that 2022 presents, which I gleaned in today’s Live interview discussion when we were together in Boston at the RE+ Northeast show in February. Scott shares his thoughts on what emerging trends to watch, and how being back in person is benefitting his company and the industry as a whole. I’m continually impressed when I see folks who were once solar customers take what they learned from that (often terrible) experience and turn it into a profitable idea serving other homeowners.  That’s Scott Nguyen, Harvard physicist turned petroleum engineer who saw the writing on the wall for the coming Solar revolution and decided to jump in and solve his own customer pain. I Hope you enjoy the discussion. I always love hearing from Scott, and I believe you will too.

Are you excited we’re back in person at these events? I’d love to hear from you more about what you’re looking for now in these live events since the pandemic. Is it education? Networking? After 2 years of essentially no industry gatherings, what is it that most compels you to leave home now? Feel free to email or DM me on Linkedin. I have been traveling a lot lately (actually ON a plane as I type these notes, headed to TX!). LMK where you’re headed and let’s try to meet up.

Timestamps

(3:49) The importance of face to face business
(5:16) What people didn't realize about Bodhi
(6:34) Preparing for the velocity of growth
(10:34) Creative marketing
(12:30) What Scott is excited about over the next 10 months
(13:45) The after the sale care of a client
(15:47) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Scott on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Connect with Bodhi Solar on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and on their website.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“Everyone has a pool guy or everyone has a lawn guy, everyone’s gonna have a solar guy to be able to make sure that the powerplant that they literally have on top of their roof is actually operational and delivering the value that they originally invested in.”
— Scott Nguyen

Thanks again to this week's sponsor, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

 

SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 471: Energy Management for increased Profits, Paul Webb of B2B Energy

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Energy management is an increasingly important and concerning element of any operating budget and any operator’s day-to-day task list. Addressing energy efficiency and utilizing energy wisely is among the most important ways that organizations can reduce their carbon footprint, but it also goes straight to the bottom line. Few people I know have spent more time thinking on the subject of standardizing energy management best practices and engaging global energy experts to help drive greater profits through this critical tool than today’s guest, Paul Webb.

He’s the founder of B2B Energy, and through his company and trainings he helps consistently drive down an organizations' gas & electricity consumption, reducing their carbon footprint and increasing their profits. Paul and I dig back into the very beginning stages of his 40 years’ experience in the energy industry which started out with training in Nuclear Power! Paul has designed software for energy management, written multiple books on the topic, and even hosts a podcast discussing how important Energy topics are in the global climate narrative. Along the way, he’s helped save over a billion kWh of energy for many organizations. 

Paul discussed how when he worked at the nuclear power station, he would drive through hoards of protesters objecting to nuclear waste becoming nuclear weapons. He would listen to the turbines screaming, producing the energy which also got him thinking,  “rather than generate energy and all this waste, why don't we save it?” Now he’s on a mission to educate and qualify energy experts around the world who together can help drive down energy consumption and waste, thus reducing carbon emissions to save our planet.

Paul Webb is an Energy Expert and Technical Adviser, helping businesses understand how to manage their energy consumption and implement strategic ways to reduce monthly/yearly costs. You’ll love his stories and his in-the-trenches approach which incorporates all stakeholders of an organization, from the boardroom to the shop floor, and educates and motivates people to achieve the organisation's goals and targets. He’s one of my favourite global energy experts on more than just energy savings, which is why I invited Paul as a mentor to our SunCast Tribe clients and collaborate with him often. 

Tune in to get tips on saving energy as well as growing your audience & influence online. Paul has a breadth of experience to share from and you won’t be disappointed.

RESOURCES:

Find Paul on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Connect with B2B Energy Ltd on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and on their website.

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

 

SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 470: Former Vivint sales lead is streamlining the solar sales process. Spencer Oberan, Enerflo [Live from RE+Northeast]

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Today's guest Spencer Oberan is co-founder of one of the solar software companies that seems to be on everybody’s lips lately, Enerflo.  If you haven’t heard of Enerflo, don’t worry, I hadn’t either until January of this year, but they’re a fast-growing startup that’s been in relative stealth mode but seems to be integrating with virtually every platform out there to make proposals and financing for residential solar projects easier & faster. We caught up with Spencer face to face to hear his thoughts as a longtime solar sales titan on how the industry has evolved and what he expects from the rest of 2022. Thanks to our mutual friend, Nate Jovanelly, for making the intro. 

And thanks to the kind folks at RE+ for allocating a room for us at the show to make these recordings!

Timestamps

(3:57) Importance of the in person piece of the solar business
(8:45) What was broken in the Vivint sales process
(13:18) Preparing clients for the velocity of hyperbolic growth
(15:04) Cost savings with Enerflo
(16:32) What excites Spencer over the next 12 months
(19:25) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Spencer on LinkedIn.

Connect with Enerflo on LinkedIn, Facebook and on their website.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“Learning about batteries, and like creating a holistic home for the customer, and creating an experience for them where they’re not just getting cheaper power, or they’re trading their power bill, versus renting their power and owning their power. And now let’s create a holistic system that you can use that benefits you.”
— Spencer Oberan

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

 

SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 469: Podcasters Roundtable (Q1, 2022)

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Time for #FlashbackFriday!

Each quarter, Mike Casey (CEO, Tigercomm) and I  convene the top podcasters covering cleantech sectors for a rich, one-hour discussion of trends, developments, challenges and opportunities.

Join us in hearing from the people who help shape the view of your company and your sector for investors, markets, and policymakers! This was our 4th Quarterly podcaster’s roundtable. 

In this episode, Nico is joined by: Mike Casey (Tigercomm), Tim Montague (Clean Power Hour), Marie Burgquist (GRNE Solar), Gil Jenkins (Hanon Armstrong) and Josh Porter (SolarCoaster).

If you know (Or are) a Cleantech Podcaster who should be on the Q2 Podcaster’s RT (in June) then please give me a shoutout so we can consider them!

This episode in particular featured heavily on our thoughts/reflections over the war in #Ukraine and its implications to the Clean Energy sector and the  #Energy infrastructure  & supply chain broadly. There was a very balanced view, in my opinion, on the need for a yes, and, approach to our reliance on fossil fuels, the inevitable transition to more sustainable fuels, and the necessity in the near term of different kinds of generation & distribution technology to enable a safe & secure #EnergyTransition.

You can watch the original broadcast if you prefer video:
Click Here to watch video

Timestamps

(05:26) Impact of Russian invassion on cleantech sector
(15:33) Will certain cleantech sectors take advantage of this moment
(20:27) Musk's two statements
(27:54) Domestication of manufacturing and cleantech
(34:12) Energy efficiency and patriotism
(36:18) Non-sexy tech
(38:06) Josh Haley's energy insecurity meme (US vs EU)
(39:47) It's Renewables fault
(44:43) The patriotic call to action
(46:04) Emerging trends outside Ukraine
(51:27) Impressive company or company leader in the past 3 months
(57:37) Wrap up

Connect with our Roundtable speakers on LinkedIn

Connect with Marie Burgquist on LinkedIn

Connect with Mike Casey on LinkedIn

Connect with Gil Jenkins on LinkedIn

Connect with Nico Johnson on LinkedIn

Connect with Tim Montague on LinkedIn

Connect with Josh Porter on LinkedIn

Be sure to also follow SunCast Media & Tigercomm on Linkedin so you’ll be notified when we are promoting the next Roundtable! Tigercomm also hosts Very Insightful Quarterly Editors Roundtables just like these, but with the industry journalists who bring you the news you need.

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!



SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow


Intersect Power is at the intersection of transformative energy technology and the changing needs of our society. Intersect is a clean infrastructure company bringing efficient, innovative, and scalable low-carbon solutions to its customers in energy and commodity markets.

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 468: Solar veteran says Mobility is “Next big thing”, Matt LeDucq, CEO Forum Mobility

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Matt LeDucq, has one of those “root for this guy, he’s the underdog that made it” kinda feel good stories. 

Most of my readers have probably heard of PowerLight. A fair number of you worked for Dinwoodie and Shug. But when Matt first heard of this Berkeley-based startup, from his father no less, he had no clue how hard he’d have to work to get a job there nor that it would completely change his life. Today, you get to hear that life changing story (which is by no means over). Along the way, he has great industry mentors in his life like Joe Benga, Andrew Beebe, Matt Handel and more who each influenced his journey in measurable ways.

Matt has 15+ Years of experience in renewables, specifically in developing solar for some of the biggest names in the industry like Nextera.  He’s overseen more than $5Billion in transactions in EPC, OEM and long term investments, and has deep experience leading transactions for utility scale solar, community solar, stand alone storage, electric vehicle, fuel cell & microgrids. If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering “what would this guy who’s had such a macro view on the rise of renewable energy think is the next big thing?” 

Mobility. 

Specifically, Matt says that Electrification is the next big thing, and mobility is the pathway to get there. It’s an interesting way to think about the problem, right? Not necessarily the destination or outcome (Electrification) but the vectors or pathways to get us there (Mobility). 

If you’d like to hear more about his journey, then you’ll DEF want to queue up today’s SunCast episode. 

Timestamps

(5:51) Matt's introduction to the renewables industry
(8:12) Working hard to get the dream job
(12:52) Dream of being a professional baseball player
(14:44) What was left out of LinkedIn
(16:59) Conversation with a mentor
(21:58) Renewables industry evolves into the next phase of growth
(27:21) Lessons learned from EI Solutions & Suntec
(29:05) Advice on fighting for resources
(34:33) Marketing community solar
(36:44) Meeting Topher Wood
(40:03) Leaving Nextera
(43:35) Transitioning from solar to mobility
(46:14) Becoming CEO of Forum Mobility
(50:05) What is Drayage
(54:24) Other forms of fuel like green hydrogen
(56:12) Talent for the electrification & mobility sector
(1:00:03) What impact Matt's mentors had on him
(1:01:29) People challenging the status quo in solar
(1:05:05) Advice for entrepreneurs starting out
(1:07:04) Matt's recommended book
(1:08:26) Connecting with Matt
(1:09:47) Matt's bold prediction
(1:10:35) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Matt on LinkedIn.

Follow Forum Mobility on LinkedIn and check out their website.

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“The act of building something from the ground up, allows you to see whether or not you’re about to waste your time on something in a much better way.”
— Matt LeDucq
“I’ve always been a big believer that where you spend your time and why is pretty important.”
— Matt LeDucq

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!



SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow


Intersect Power is at the intersection of transformative energy technology and the changing needs of our society. Intersect is a clean infrastructure company bringing efficient, innovative, and scalable low-carbon solutions to its customers in energy and commodity markets.

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 467: Career Profile: Solar Project Manager, Isha Rege of New Energy Equity

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

One of the most interesting and enjoyable aspects of being able to travel once again to industry events is the serendipity of meeting new people. I could not have imagined in January of this year, while randomly greeting passersby on the “rainbow walkway” outside Long Beach Convention Center, that I would have the wonderful opportunity to meet a rising star in the solar industry. I suppose it shouldn’t be a surprise; I was at Intersolar afterall, and it was the first in-person conference many of the attendees (including myself) had attended since the pandemic. Yet, there I was, greeting folks as they walked by, and I had the good fortune to extend a hand to Isha Rege. You now get the benefit of learning from her, as I have, by hearing how Isha’s intense curiosity and determination have yielded her an accelerated growth path in the solar industry.

Have you been wondering how to get into the booming solar industry? Curious about the path that someone might take who’s currently doing the job you’d like to have? Where if that job is in solar project development or management then take notes today! My guest, Isha Rege, has risen through the ranks at one of the leading solar development companies in the US, New Energy Equity. Isha Rege joined New Energy Equity in 2019 straight out of University.  After starting her career as a Project Engineer, she was promoted to Development Team Lead and then more recently, to Project Manager.  As a Project Manager with New Energy Equity, Isha leads the successful execution of contracted engineering, procurement, and construction scope in the areas of performance, financial metrics, planning, schedule, quality, contractual compliance, safety, and client satisfaction. She is responsible for multiple solar construction projects across many different markets at any given time. 

A native of Pune, India, ​Isha brings unique international expertise and perspective to the renewables industry.  Isha is active in many clean industry organizations such as the Climatebase Fellowship, Women+ in Climate Tech, and Climate Changemakers, and serves as an Ambassador for Battery Associates.  Isha got her degree in Biological Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech, but she actually didn’t intend to get a job in solar.

In today’s career profile breakdown, we get details from Isha all about how she made the transition from erstwhile student to happily employed in the solar industry. Along the way, Isha shares some of the tips she has for others looking to get their feet wet in the solar industry, and she even provides some guidance for those who are still in Academia that might help students get a leg up on the competition. Listen in as Nico and Isha discuss her journey over the last 3 yrs, which coincidentally included her company being acquired around the time that we did the interview! 

Congratulations to the New Energy Equity team. Success leaves clues (and attracts great talent, like Isha!)

If you’d like to explore what the solar industry has to offer, and you feel you might need a personal sherpa along your journey, please reach out to see if you’d be a good fit for 1:1 coaching with Nico or perhaps joining our next cohort for the Mission-minded program “12 weeks to the clean energy career you deserve”.

Timestamps

(2:47) A chance meeting
(4:48) What Isha wanted to be when she grew up
(6:22) The career path Isha did not take
(7:08) Why Virginia Tech
(8:22) Landing a job at New Energy Equity
(11:28) Finding a job out of college
(14:45) What is PVSyst
(15:48) Free software to learn for the solar industry
(17:24) Isha's roles at New Energy Equity
(20:55) Skill sets Isha had to develop
(22:22) Isha's mentor
(24:26) Isha's core skills
(26:38) Specific area where improvement was needed
(29:53) Choosing an area of focus
(31:21) The importance of networking and community
(33:36) Advice for people looking for a career in solar
(34:42) Solar resources to sharpen the saw
(36:24) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Isha on LinkedIn.

Connect with New Energy Equity on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and on their website.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“I started reaching out to professor’s and being like, how do I get this dream job”
— Isha Rege
“You need to get actual work experience and work with a solar company to figure out if this is what you want to do. You can’t change the world tomorrow.”
— Isha's Professor

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

 

SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 466: Energy Poverty, Time Magazine, Six Million Solar Lights

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Six years ago, after reading an article in Time Magazine calling energy poverty the worst kind of poverty, Simon Doble was driven to take action, and SolarBuddy was born.  I first heard of SolarBuddy, and its mission of placing a light into the hands of 6 million children currently living in energy poverty through an outreach of one of Simon’s team members. And, exactly how he is going about raising the funds for this extraordinary effort really caught my attention. You see, Simon is a true serial entrepreneur. By his early 20’s he was a successful businessman, investor & developer and has always sought to impact the built environment around him. It wasn’t until he began to visit refugee camps that he truly understood the magnitude of the problem energy poverty presents for nearly a Billion people around the world. So Simon put his ingenuity to work and began solving simple and elegant light problems for the dislocated masses fleeing poverty & war in their home countries seeking a new life and living in shelters. 

Flash forward 6 years, and Simon is now routinely standing on stages like ours and educating millions of people in the developed world to raise awareness, capital and infrastructure to solve energy poverty. Simon and I get deep into his background, the strategic partnerships he’s formed, and broader education programs they’ve developed to empower the young people of the communities SolarBuddy’s products are delivered to. And it’s working! Each SolarBuddy light positively impacts 5 people and provides essential access to light after dark. It has been shown that after receiving a SolarBuddy light children are studying up to 78% longer and families are spending 80% less on kerosene and firewood contributing to an improved environmental and economic outcomes.

I was inspired by Simon’s story. He made me laugh and cry, and he’ll make you think twice about the impact you’re having. Are you settling? Or are you feeling a calling for more? Well then settle in for this riveting conversation and I challenge you to think about how we all have a personal responsibility to care for our neighbors. SolarBuddy isn’t your traditional SunCast interview narrative, but it most certainly is aligned with our core values of continuous self improvement, compassion towards the less fortunate and trust in the ingenuity of humans to always find a way forward. 

I know you’ll be inspired by Simon’s story today, and I look forward to hearing how it impacts your life & business.

Timestamps

(3:37) What brought Simon to America
(4:17) Simon's family life growing up in the 80's
(9:08) Simon witnesses the fall of the Berlin Wall
(14:20) How a Time magazine article from 2011 change Simon
(16:47) What sparked the idea for BrightBeam
(22:56) Funding ventures, getting them off the ground and self sustaining
(25:09) Advice on funding your project and finding right partners
(31:04) From BrightBeam to SolarBuddy
(37:24) What are SDGs
(40:32) Understanding the purpose of the product that is SolarBuddy
(46:26) Growing SolarBuddy
(48:43) How we can help SolarBuddy
(50:12) Lessons from Simon's mentors
(52:50) Books that have influenced Simon
(54:48) Connecting with Simon
(56:44) Simon's bold prediction
(58:27) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Simon on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Connect with SolarBuddy on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on their website.

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

Video:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“Never chase money, Simon, it will always run away. If you attract it, it will always stay.”
— Simon's Mentor
“If I can help one refugee, then that’s something good to be proud of.”
— Simon Doble

Thanks again to this week's sponsor, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

 

SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 465: Sunnova’s John Berger on being a Solar pioneer in Oil country (Live from CERAweek)

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

“the Who’s Who list of the global energy industry”
— Houston Chronicle

The annual CERAweek hosted in Houston, TX by S&P Global has been hailed as “the Davos for Energy” by some, so in March I attended the conference to see whether there would be much focus on the Energy Transition. To my great surprise there was much discussion indeed, and they even featured a fascinating panel that included past podcast guest, Jigar Shah, on the talent gap of the Transition. It was wholly unexpected to find not just hallway chatter but many of the formal event panels discussing the role of the various industries and participants in the Energy Transition. Sure, there was a lot more talk of molecules than electrons, but on the whole there seemed to be a great sense of anticipation that the industry is on the precipice of something extraordinary.

In light of this, I had the opportunity to meet with @John Berger, CEO of @Sunnova Energy, and we discussed the reality of being a clean energy prophet in the heart of #OilandGas country. John’s been a #solar and finance pioneer in the industry for the last 15+ years and has roots originally in the Oil & Gas sector, so I wanted to hear from him first-hand what kinds of conversations he is engaging in (or not) lately with his colleagues from “across the aisle”.

The answers are insightful and give me hope that the “us vs them” narrative is dwindling. Hear John today as he discusses what he most often has to overcome, where he agrees with his colleagues in Oil & Gas, and what he sees as a necessary elements of the conversation if we have a chance of doing the good we all desire.

We truly are all in this together, and #CERAweek helped me really see that there is no us versus them in the energy transition. Listen in and learn what one of the solar industry’s leading executives has to say on the subject.

Profound thanks to the Sunnova team for helping line up this in-person with John. Looking forward to bring you all a longform convo with John soon. Till then, let me know what you think of today’s episode.

Bless.

~Nico

Timestamps

(3:17) What is CERAweek?
(5:31) How John engages with his colleagues in the gas & oil industry
(8:39) Pushbacks from the oil & gas industry
(11:46) Agreements with the oil & gas industry
(17:08) The largest impediments that need to be addressed
(20:56) Where are the alternative energy jobs right now?
(24:23) What is Sunnova doing in the area of workforce development
(25:59) How Sunnova developed an enormous bilingual staff
(27:13) Transferable skills from the oil & gas industry to renewables
(29:33) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find John on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Connect with Sunnova Energy on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and on their website.

Learn more about CERAweek by S&P Global.

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“Yes, climate change is real. It’s a real human emergency. But there’s some practical limitations and realities.”
— John Berger
“It’s not going to be the big integrated oils that are going to solve this problem. It’s going to be the startups out there, many of which I think are probably listening to your podcast now.”
— John Berger

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

 

SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 464: Deborah Knuckey on Antarctica, climate reality & practical advice for testing your limits

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Deborah Knuckey writes about climate, energy and the Antarctic, with occasional forays into

climate fiction and satire. Her wit and intellectual candor is exactly the kind of stuff I love to read, and its probably the reason I’ve become friends with her over the years we’ve worked together in the renewable energy sector.

She’s just back from the ClimateForce 2041 Leadership on the Edge program in the Antarctic, and I got to sit down with her to hear about how her various explorations of the Antarctic have influenced her winding path to clean energy. Her decades-long effort to transcribe her father’s Antarctic travel journal and revisit the life of a man she never really got to know features prominently in the story today, and even prompts some of my own reflections on how to be a better Father and friend. Today Deb & I get deep into the things she’s learned about the Antarctic, why it’s fascinated her and pushed her all her life, what we can learn from that vast baron landscape and why she considers it to be “the subconscious of the world”.

[She’s such a good writer that I would prefer to give you her version of this post/intro than my own! So, here ya go:] 

“While Deborah Knuckey’s resume says plenty about her more than 20 years of strategy

and marketing experience in the renewables sector, she defines herself more by her curiosity about the world, willingness to reinvent her life, and abiding curiosity about her father’s expedition to the Antarctic. The latter has led her to train in mountaineering and polar expedition skills, complete a graduate program in documentary filmmaking, and in March this year, join the ClimateForce 2041 Leadership on the Edge program in the Antarctic.”

Deborah Knuckey has lived a fascinating life, and she’s far from done. While she began her career at Macquarie Bank in Australia, it was her journey to the US that ultimately landed her at McKinsey’s energy practice. Many who know here in our industry recall that she rose through the ranks to become global head of marketing at a then-relatively-unknown NorCal power electronics company named Enphase. Since then, she has worked with numerous companies in solar, wind, energy storage, energy data, project finance and more, including her most recent tenure as head of a leading marketing agency’s renewables practice.  And for those who are SunCast faithful, you’ll note that she’s THE Deborah that recent guest Michael Burz refers to often in his incredible interview about the company they have cofounded - zinc battery innovator Enzinc. 

In today’s broad-reaching discussion, Deb delves into how the travel bug took her to more than 50 countries and how her winding career path led to finding her work match & life partner later in life than she may have imagined.  By her own admission, it “Took a while to learn what I enjoyed” but you’ll hear her genuine passion for the industry as she explores the way each experience builds upon the last. Deborah also believes that careers evolve as we continue to search for “Ikigai”.  For those unfamiliar, this is a Japanese reference that refers to the intersection of:

o What you love

o What you are good at

o What you can get paid for

o What the world needs – that’s become one thing: climate action (addition by Deb)

Listen in on today’s discussion as we cover a vast array of topics sure to stimulate your own musing around the value of travel, the intention with which you approach your own journey in climate solutions, and the purity and potential perils found in marching to the beat of your own drum.

Timestamps

(4:09) Profile picture at match.com
(6:08) Antarctica a relative narrative
(7:16) Deborah's father's legacy
(13:12) What most people get wrong about Antarctica
(14:53) Why a trip to Antarctica
(17:47) Famous people on the trip
(20:46) Discussion that left an impression
(22:33) Capturing the experience and telling the story
(26:17) How we're damaging the planet
(27:40) Why Antarctica is the subconscious of the world
(32:38) The art of journaling through Deborah's Dad's writing
(39:34) How Deborah discovered the energy sector
(45:00) From sustainable design to power conditioning devices
(49:20) Early challenges at Enphase
(52:12) Leaving Enphase
(56:11) Deborah's unpopular truths
(58:47) What would Deborah's TED Talk be about
(1:01:04) Where Deborah gets her inspiration
(1:02:41) An interesting direction
(1:04:36) Deborah's recommended books
(1:08:36) Deborah's bold prediction
(1:10:32) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Deborah on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Connect with Kiterocket on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on their website.

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Here we are damaging the world with oil and gas in a way that’s not killing one species, it’s potentially damaging the entire planet, irreversibly. ”
— Deborah Knuckey
“So it’s kind of this place no one looks at, but if things go south, there we’re in deep, deep trouble. I mean, the potential for sea level rise, most of that comes not from melting in the north, not from Greenland’s ice sheet, it comes from the Antarctic.”
— Deborah Knuckey
“It’s so hard when you see the scale of the world to understand that a single species has broken this planet. But we have, and it’s shocking. And I think the Antarctic is that place where we don’t see the damage, because so few people go there.”
— Deborah Knuckey

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!



SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 463: TT: Permitting slowing you down? Ankit Sheoron, Wattmonk [Live from RE+Northeast]

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

I’ve been getting to know today's featured clean energy entrepreneur, Wattmonk founder Ankit Sheoran, over the last few months. I must say that I was astounded to hear the traction Ankit and his team at Wattmonk have had helping the solar industry’s installers get more projects done. The numbers they’re moving for permitting packages are staggering, but it definitely points to how one of the most common bottlenecks in the residential solar installation process often comes down to manpower and man(or woman) hours. Still, it’s increasingly important to get facetime with customers as we emerge from the pandemic travel restrictions, so I was able to catch up in-person with Ankit on his recent trip to the US when we were both at the RE Plus Northeast show in February. 

It was delightful to meet Ankit in person finally in Boston and learn more about why he sees the US market as such a key component to the global energy transition.  Special thanks to our mutual friend Anthony Conklin for making the connection and for bringin Wattmonk to my attention. Ankit’s team is quite literally moving mountains for their clients as one of the fastest growing offshore system design & permitting companies in the industry. His success stems from more than a decade of global experience leveraging technology to accelerate the homeowner & installer timeline to solar project completion, and today you get to learn from his decade-plus of experience & insights.

Timestamps

(3:25) Importance of in person meetings
(4:10) Overview of Wattmonk
(10:21) What has not changed about doing business
(11:28) What is going to impact the residential sector the most
(14:29) A serendipitous encounter in the elevator
(16:58) Solar is going to be big
(18:05) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Ankit on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Connect with Wattmonk on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest and on their website.

“It takes a village to raise a child, this child is solar, and all of us need to come together to make it bigger, it is going to go become bigger, it is going to be bigger than any of us.”
— Ankit Sheoran

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

 

SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 462: Optimizing solar assets with intelligent cleaning, Catlin Mattheis, CEO of Fracsun

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

I said it when we released the episode with Cary Hayes back in January (Ep 438 btw) that the REC Solar “mafia” has deep roots. Today’s guest, Catlin Mattheis, is proof as he and his co-founders are one of the many “alumni organizations”, as we might call them, from that long heritage REC has given us in California. When you hear the origin story of his company, Fracsun, you’ll get a sense of appreciation for the level of attention to detail, forward-thinking and courage Catlin and his team have embodied and how it carries through to their commitment now to ensure every PV plant out there is harvesting the maximum kWh possible!

Fracsun specializes in on-site soiling loss measurement using their patented ARES soiling management system. Want to eliminate uncertainty and enable your team to confidently monitor and manage soiling loss with ease? Listen in.

You’ll also get a healthy dose of humor as Catlin and I really had a great time in what was one of my first in-person interviews of the year! Grateful for Catlin who drove down several hours to meet me when I was last in SoCal, and excited to see the Fracsun team finally getting the recognition (and funding) they deserve!

Timestamps

(4:08) Nico meets Catlin for the first time
(5:33) Catlin's early days
(7:23) Where Catlin got his engineering spirit
(11:03) First exposure to solar
(14:02) A business opportunity in correcting assumptions
(20:05) The ultimate goal
(23:23) How the competitive landscape has evolved
(25:36) What Fracsun does
(27:02) How to mitigate losses
(32:24) How the early years were financed
(35:27) Getting clients like NRG and Spower
(40:39) What needed to be done to scale
(41:41) The first big decision on how to spend the influx of capital
(42:19) An investor from the oil & gas industry
(47:41) Who comes to mind when you think about success stories
(51:13) Advice for entrepreneurs getting started
(54:52) Recommended books
(58:24) Where to connect with Catlin
(59:07) Catlin's bold prediction
(1:01:02) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Catlin on LinkedIn.

Follow Fracsun on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and check out their website.

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“It was one of the first things we did in the very, very early days. Because in order to determine whether or not it was worth pursuing, the first thing we realized we needed to do was kind of a patent search.”
— Catlin Mattheis

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!



SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow


Intersect Power is at the intersection of transformative energy technology and the changing needs of our society. Intersect is a clean infrastructure company bringing efficient, innovative, and scalable low-carbon solutions to its customers in energy and commodity markets.

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 461: One 5-letter word underscores all project success, w/John Chaimanis, CEO Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Today's guest, John Chaimanis, is  CEO of Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure. John is a returning SunCast guest & you can hear his original executive profile back in episode 196 of SunCast when we discussed his approach to what we referred to then as “Value-added finance” for solar project development. John’s team and reputation have grown substantially in the sector since our chat back in 2019, so I was supremely grateful for some time with him face to face in Boston recently to see how 2022 is shaping up, what he’s excited about, and why these in-person meetings are still so critical to his success. 

It was the first time that I actually got to meet with John in-person, believe it or not, and it was made all the more special because Beantown is his Hometown!  In our conversation, John discusses the joy of in-person meetings, the family reunion feel of these regional gatherings, and how important it truly is to get the right people in the room.

His company, KSI, has experienced tremendous growth since our original interview. He, like many, are going further upstream to provide developers with financial and project support with a nimble decision-making framework & team-building focus. As a developer, I wanted to hear John’s thoughts on where the industry has NOT changed over the years since he’s been developing wind, solar and energy storage assets. His answer, frankly, surprised me. But, it probably shouldn’t have. As you’ll see, his answer underscores the fundamental blocking & tackling approach that John has poured into his business and reputation. 

It was great to hear in his voice a conviction that the Distributed Generation segment will continue to thrive and grow, even outpacing other sectors. We share that sentiment. In fact, as proof that the sector is reaching investment-grade status and maturity, John points to how institutional capital is focusing on DG, highlighting a recent example from his own portfolio.

The takeaway? The Independent developer is alive and well. And with industry partners like KSI to help them, there looks to be plenty of runway left for this exploding market opportunity.

Timestamps

(2:45) The importance of in person family reunion
(4:16) How KSI is growing
(5:49) What hasn't changed the past couple of years
(8:30) The greatest impact over the next 12 months
(10:33) How institutional investors are looking at Distributed Generation
(11:42) How to partner with someone like KSI
(13:05) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find John on LinkedIn.

Follow Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure on LinkedIn, Twitter and check out their website.

Episode 196: Value-Added Project Finance W/John Chaimanis, Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“I think the importance of trust and respect, is absolutely the biggest thing that in my eyes hasn’t changed.”
— John Chaimanis

Thanks again to this week's sponsor, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!



SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 460: Collaboration at scale, a “Slack for Solar”? Raptor Maps CEO, Nikhil Vadhavkar

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

I’ve gotta give NASA credit.  It turns out the space program has delivered many many more terrestrial benefits and innovations than might be assumed at first observation. There’ve been a few folks lately on the show who’s original pursuits & passions took them closer to the moon than the average person. Today’s guest is among that elite group, having spent time in deep research for NASA’s space-walking astronauts; his co-founder worked for SpaceX. You can say these guys are used to shooting for the stars.

Nikhil Vadhavkar is the CEO and co-founder of Raptor Maps, solar lifecycle management software that they refer to as “The Slack for Solar”.  Nikhil is an MIT engineer, and his graduate research was thermal control systems for next-generation spacesuits in the Aeronautics and Astronautics program. He met his co-founder in graduate school, and took Raptor Maps through Y Combinator in 2016.  You’ll get a much better understanding of why when you dig in here today. Raptor Maps has delivered critical data analytics to over 45 GW of solar PV plants in 38 countries, and many of you probably consider that it’s a drone-enabled data gathering company. You’d be wrong, as was I, and Nikhil forgives you. 

 Nikhil is an expert in military-grade remote sensing and software and their aha moment was when they realized what they were offering to farmers was actually a perfect fit for Solar.  We get into the concept of “digital twin” and why it’s critical to our booming digital economy as well as the role big data will play in optimizing renewable energy assets.

Apart from a year at Accenture, Raptor Maps is the only real job Nikhil’s ever had, though. So, how did this wet-behind-the-ears young duo fund and grow what is considered to be among the most exciting data analytics platforms in the renewables industry? 

Nikhil and I discuss his “climate wakeup” moment, parlaying a $100k investment from Y-Combinator into a thriving business, leveraging their time at SpaceX, Gates Foundation, Accenture and NASA to bring military-grade remote sensing to an industry that is rapidly deploying infrastructure at scale. 

One of the critical path items for any startup is finding “Product-market fit”. Nikhil and I discuss at length the timing and underlying requirements of the market that led to Raptor Maps’ PMF. It was genuinely an eye-opening conversation as much of what Nikhil and team are working on is tech that they’re importing to solar from other sectors where it’s already been through the trials and tribulations to reach market-ready application. 

One of the questions that I had for Nikhil was, “How do you combine the information w/other data to create insight?” The concept of the “Digital twin”, something I was wholly unfamiliar with, really intrigued me and forms the genesis of their collective realization that they really did have something that was worth exploring for solar asset tracking. But, the data is disparate and hard to “connect”; that’s where Raptor Maps’ concept of the Slack for Solar software platform really shines.  From PV ariel array scans (thermal and otherwise) to over 1M PV Module serial numbers, their database can now serve as the “System of Record” for these assets and function alongside most of the popular existing asset management systems out there to allow for better communication and correlation between the data.

 Lastly, along the lines of SpaceX founder, Elon Musk (and perhaps inspired by his philosophy), we get into their decision to open-source everything:

  • All the data capture methodologies

  • Aerial inspections & hosting data (including historical data from other vendors)

  • Instructions on how to set up manned aerial vehicles, drones, etc 

  • Data set for doing Machine Learning on imaging anomalies 

 Why did they choose this path? What could it mean for your company?

Tune–in to hear more. I promise you won’t be disappointed with today’s high-IQ episode!

Timestamps

(5:49) How Nikhil's parents influenced him
(8:21) Why Nikhil pursued biomedical engineering
(10:18) Working at Accenture
(14:04) How Nikhil got his start in solar
(17:41) Military grade remote sensing and building software around it
(19:29) What is a digital twin?
(28:32) Finding product market fit
(30:10) Leaving a PHD program to start a business
(32:28) The core product
(35:49) How does Raptor Maps differ from its competitors?
(43:00) Struggles and how they were overcome
(45:12) Inspirations early on
(47:09) Lessons learned and takeaways
(49:25) Book recommendations
(52:39) Morning routine
(53:57) Where to connect with Nikhil
(55:18) Nikhil's bold prediction
(56:20) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Nikhil on LinkedIn.

Connect with Raptor Maps on LinkedIn, Twitter and on their website

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

 
 

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“People look at Clean Tech 1.0 as this, like abject failure... I see it more as, just like in 2008, you had some of the strongest companies coming out of the financial crisis, and there’s some of the most resilient companies, I think it did the same thing, in some ways to everyone who was able to emerge from that, and make the solar industry stronger, and the renewable energy industry stronger.”
— Nikhil Vadhavkar

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!



SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow


Intersect Power is at the intersection of transformative energy technology and the changing needs of our society. Intersect is a clean infrastructure company bringing efficient, innovative, and scalable low-carbon solutions to its customers in energy and commodity markets.

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 459: TT: Jon Powers, President Clean Capital [Live from RE+Northeast]

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Jon Powers, is a true [Solar]Warrior. When Jon returned from serving the US Army in Iraq, he had a vision for how important clean energy could be for our nation’s independence, and charted a path to help the armed forces transition away from Fossil Fuels. Little did he know this would lead him to the White House as the first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer under the Obama administration. He was able to parlay that expertise into a strong brand and portfolio in the clean economy vis a vis his company, Clean Capital. Since I first interviewed him way back in Episode 181, Jon and team have grown to one of the largest C&I developers & asset owners in the US market. And during they pandemic they parlayed their operating asset experience downstream to provide greenfield development support to their partners. Hear how his development capital is perhaps different from what you’ve come to understand as dev capital.

In this Live interview at RE+ Northeast, Jon and I discuss the value of in-person events & meetings in this new landscape we find ourselves in. Jon also discusses how his team has brought technology to the market to enable partners like Blackrock to get comfortable entering into these C&I transactions and portfolios.  It was so great to hear how companies like Clean Capital have thrived through the pandemic and are coming out stronger and well-prepared to make a huge contribution to the Energy Transition. What could hold us back? Hear Jon’s answer to that and more on this live interview direct from Boston.

As Jon says, “When you have business owners, job creators, telling their stories [in Washington] the impact is wildly greater…so we need all of our voices to tap into this debate because it’s gonna help push us forward.”

Timestamps

(3:02) The importance of meeting in person
(4:40) What's most surprising about Clean Capital
(6:19) Clean Capital's mission
(8:40) Bringing technology to market
(11:44) What will impact business in the next 12 months?
(12:33) Why Jon has insights into what's happening in Washington
(13:18) Wrap up

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“When you have business owners, job creators, telling their stories [in Washington] the impact is wildly greater…so we need all of our voices to tap into this debate because it’s gonna help push us forward.”
— Jon Powers

Thanks again to this week's sponsor, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!



SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 458: How’s Jigar Shah & team doing investing that $24 Billion in innovative energy technology? A 2022 update from the DOE Loan Programs Office

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

A year ago, the industry was mildly shocked to learn that Jigar Shah, Industry Icon, Entrepreneur, Investor & Visionary would be joining the US Department of Energy to head the infamous Loan Program office(LPO). The LPO is notably responsible for the Title XVII program that invested in companies like Tesla, Ford, Nissana and a large number of solar energy companies/projects. A year on, I wanted to check-in with Jigar to learn how his first year went, where he’s seeing the trends for 2022 & beyond, and how the solar industry would fare in the portfolio for the remainder of his tenure.

We touch on 3 key ares (and a few other 1st-heard-on-SunCast moments):

  1. A Portfolio Summary Report 

  2. Is there still a place for Solar at LPO?

  3. Jigar’s Journey to Federal Service & what the job opportunities look like

Timestamps

(3:32) What is the loan program office and how it works
(6:04) Jigar's first year in office at DOE
(13:18) How solar financing works
(24:38) What is the minimum loan threshold
(27:05) What makes a strong application
(29:29) Why Jigar took the role of Director, Loan Programs Office at U.S. DOE
(34:10) Working with the government objections
(38:36) Wrap up

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“The broader point here is that American innovation really is around miniaturizing things. It used to be that bigger was better. And today, small is beautiful. Whether it’s your iPhone, which is more powerful than all the computers that it took to put a man on the moon or whether it’s wastewater treatment plants today, where a $15 or $20 million unit can actually be more cost effective and efficient than a $500 million unit.”
— Jigar Shah
“We’re done talking about infrastructure weeks, we’re talking about an infrastructure decade.”
— President Joe Biden

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!



SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow


To integrate Yotta's next generation distributed energy storage technology into your project, please visit https://mysuncast.com/yotta.


Intersect Power is at the intersection of transformative energy technology and the changing needs of our society. Intersect is a clean infrastructure company bringing efficient, innovative, and scalable low-carbon solutions to its customers in energy and commodity markets.

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 457: TT: How do I work with an Electric Co-op? Piper Wilder, CEO 60Hertz Energy

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Piper Wilder has been working with electric cooperatives for decades and has keen insight into how to partner with (and sell to) them compared with the functional process with the more traditional utility structure. Recently, I was re-connecting with Piper and it became clear to me that she has a lot to teach us #SolarWarrior! In particular, I know that many of you are looking for inside advice on how to expand your offering both regionally and with regard to types of customers. I’d urge you to give electric cooperatives a look!

Do you know how many electric cooperatives there are in the United States? Or what percentage of the total (of electric utilities) that represents?

What differences exist between working with Cooperatives versus traditional Utilities? 

And how might you position yourself or identify how to work with Cooperative Electric Utilities based on what you learn today? 

Piper breaks down these 5 key areas that will help you better understand how to work with a rural electric cooperative:

  • What are the 2 flavors of electric cooperative and how does each work? 

  • What are the structural operational differences between electric cooperatives and traditional utilities?

  • What if any Strategic and Planning differences exist that influence their decision-making?

  • Who should a solar developer approach within a Cooperative?

  • How do Cooperatives like to do business with power project developers?

(3:15) What is an electric cooperative?
(4:25) How many cooperatives are in the US?
(5:16) The importance of land ownership in co-ops
(6:15) The difference between electric cooperatives and traditional utilities
(8:05) Planning and financial incentives with cooperatives vs investor owned utilities
(9:07) Who to approach within the cooperatives sector
(11:16) Pressure on Tri-State by distribution cooperatives
(15:15) Investment requirement for the cooperative market
(16:54) Ownership structure in cooperatives
(19:07) The importance of cooperatives to developers
(20:14) An impactful way to contribute
(22:02) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Piper on LinkedIn.

Follow 60Hertz Energy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and check out their website.

To read about another type of COOP that Piper is involved in, check out this article on the 60Hertz Blog:

Continuity of Operations: the Covid-informed small rural utility

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“What wins a contract with a co-op has a lot more to do with relationship building, has a lot more to do with a conciliatory compromised based approach and how the project is crafted and developed and really co-developed with your utility partner.”
— Piper Wilder

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!



SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow


To integrate Yotta's next generation distributed energy storage technology into your project, please visit https://mysuncast.com/yotta.

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 456: How to integrate Social Equity into Renewable Energy Credits(Social RECs), Dana Clare Redden, Founder of Solar Stewards

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Dana Redden is the founder and CEO of Solar Stewards, a social enterprise connecting corporate social responsibility initiatives with schools and universities, affordable and senior housing, places of worship, and nonprofits in marginalized communities. 

With over a decade of experience as a climate advocate, Dana is instrumental in bridging the world of environmental justice, solar development, and social entrepreneurship for communities around the globe. In today’s episode, we unveil the how and why of Dana’s journey into solar and the importance and impact of her present work on the development of distributed generation solar globally. 

Hear as Dana shares her story, starting with how she witnessed first-hand the ill effects of fossil fuels on her environment as a child to her ‘chilling’ account of how she first got involved in the solar industry all the way back in 2008 (a clear departure from her original pursuits in interior design), and the ten years she spent in solar concierge to her remarkable journey to her present position.

Today, Dana and Nico discuss: 

  • What is energy burden? (And how might we best work towards alleviating it?) 

  • The challenges of entrepreneurship as a female founder

  • Solar Stewards’ role in bringing solar solutions and accessibility to historically excluded communities 

  • Solar Stewards’ model for integrating Environmental Justice + Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & how, precisely, they secure funding to support their mission

Join us as we dig into this incredibly engaging episode! Tune in now.

(4:35) Dana's personal branding
(6:00) Growing up in Western PA
(15:23) Introduction to solar
(21:42) Dana's start in solar
(36:15) How is Solar Stewards different
(38:43) What is a Social REC?
(40:36) A Social REC case study
(44:06) Social RECs vs Traditional RECs
(46:43) Solar Stewards' business structure
(49:51) Funding Solar Stewards
(56:43) Joining the SEIA board
(58:19) Dana's influential "heroes"
(1:00:30) Thoughts on DE&I
(1:05:00) Books that have influenced Dana
(1:07:50) Where to find Dana
(1:08:49) Dana's bold prediction
(1:10:49) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Dana on LinkedIn.

Follow Solar Stewards on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and check out their website.

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!



SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow


To integrate Yotta's next generation distributed energy storage technology into your project, please visit https://mysuncast.com/yotta.


Intersect Power is at the intersection of transformative energy technology and the changing needs of our society. Intersect is a clean infrastructure company bringing efficient, innovative, and scalable low-carbon solutions to its customers in energy and commodity markets.

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 455: 10X Growth requires an amazing team, Tara Doyle, CCO of PVEL

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Suncast is a decidedly better show because of today’s guest. I mean that in all sincerity. In 2018, sitting with Tara Doyle over a beer at SF’s Thirsty Bear brewery, I was challenged to diversify the then very-white-very-male interview guest roster of the fledgling show (still under 100 episodes!!). That day I pledged to get SunCast to at least a 30% representation of female guests (the % of female to male team members in the industry at the time). And, to kick off Women’s History Month in 2019, we did a 2-part interview with Tara (which I highly encourage you to listen to in its entirety) which has begun a tradition on SunCast of dedicating the podcast roster to an all-female lineup every March these last 4 yrs. 

In honor of that initial kick in the pants by Tara (and bc her episode was, in fact, amazing), I’m delighted to bring you this abridged version of that episode. For those unfamiliar, Tara Doyle is the Chief Commercial Officer at PV Evolution Labs (now officially “PVEL”) and has worked nearly every support role on her way to the C-suite during her more than 15 years of experience in the solar industry. Tara is a veteran in the biz and offers considerable and nuanced insight from someone who’s been on the inside of two notable solar startup exits in her career.

For instance, Executives often tout the need to develop a culture of success within their organizations. However, Tara notes that all-too-often this “culture” is devoid of an appreciation for the dedication of support staff and field teams in the realization of that success. The devotion, resourcefulness, and overall value they add to organizations cannot be understated. Tara should know, she started as an office manager and speaks to the under-appreciated yet essential work of executing every task with excellence, from mission-critical duties like assisting with the integration of systems to the sometimes overlooked minor tasks like the timely filing of invoices. The monumental efforts of support staff are what helps in keeping the train on track. As Tara aptly summed it, “support staff are #SolarWarriors, too!”

She also highlighted the importance of strong interpersonal and communication skills as a critical piece to finding success with customers. By admission, she “doesn’t have a Ph.D. in Applied Science, but she has a Ph.D. in knowing people and talking to people.” That people-centered focus is what has driven excellence in all the organizations Tara has contributed to, and it is now a pervasive part of the culture of PVEL. When the rubber meets the road, in order to get an org to grow 10X and more, as PVEL has done, it takes real people skilLs. It makes sense that Tara is now the Chief Commercial Officer; those team and relationship building habits, it turns out, translate to happy customers for the company as well. 

She then touched on her present work at PVEL and the critical role of generating compelling data for predicting lifetime performance of power electronics, or at minimum, attempting to quantify it (which is a vital piece of any IE opinion.) Throughout, Tara gives us a look into their origins as a small start-up, their acquisition by DNV GL (and the massive impact in terms of scale and global reach), and some of the considerations that brought them back to being a fully independent entity all while maintaining synergy and a working relationship with DNV GL. 

Finally, Tara brings the message full-circle as we round out the conversation with a discussion on the challenges and rewards inherent in being an ambitious woman in the workplace while juggling motherhood’s responsibilities and raising the next generation of solar enthusiasts! 

The original conversation was a genuinely outstanding episode and I’m certain that you will undoubtedly gain from listening to this abridged version! Tune in now.

(4:00) The importance of the support staff
(7:17) A PhD in knowing people
(14:27) The value proposition to DMV GL
(15:14) The importance of data & testing
(20:53) The customer base
(22:36) Why split PVEL & DMV GL?
(25:28) What was most surprising about the split?
(26:38) The importance of family
(28:01) Wrap up

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“I do not have a PhD in physics or applied science, definitely not, but I have a PhD in knowing people, understanding people and talking to people. In solar, you’ve got to have a mix.”
— Tara Doyle
“Not only am I raising the next generation of solar enthusiasts, but I’m also getting them involved in my life and the things that are important to me.”
— Tara Doyle

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!



SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow


To integrate Yotta's next generation distributed energy storage technology into your project, please visit https://mysuncast.com/yotta.


Intersect Power is at the intersection of transformative energy technology and the changing needs of our society. Intersect is a clean infrastructure company bringing efficient, innovative, and scalable low-carbon solutions to its customers in energy and commodity markets.

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 454: Making solar policy work, Meghan Nutting of Sunnova

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

Meghan Nutting’s work speaks for itself; She has advocated for and contributed to numerous Solar policies and solutions over the past decade-plus. Additionally, she cut her teeth in public affairs, has worked as a Legislative Director for New York State Assembly member Linda Rosenthal, and as a Press Secretary for former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe. She then served at SolarCity as the Director of Policy and Electricity Markets as the industry pulled out of the last recession way back in 2009.. Presently, Meghan serves as the Executive Vice President of Government & Regulatory Affairs at Sunnova Energy Corporation (a leading U.S. residential solar and storage services provider.) Her background displays the considerable breadth of her experience, which lends her the unique lens to evaluate the Clean Energy industry and chart a way forward using policies that foster and secure a sustainable business environment for Solar electricity generation. It also makes for a particularly stellar episode as she is well-versed on the key issues facing this industry. We discuss: 

  • her time in public service (including her thoughts on how to unify our lobbying efforts), 

  • regulatory bottlenecks preventing progression in key markets

  • the NEM battle in Florida

  • how to work towards a unified vision with those “across-the-aisle” 

The list goes on, but I won’t drop any more spoilers!  Honored to highlight the work of this longtime #SolarWarrior as another shining example of the phenomenal female leadership we have in the Solar industry as we continue to highlight Key Women in Tech this Women’s History Month. Enjoy!

RESOURCES:

Find Meghan on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Follow Sunnova Energy Corporation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and check out their website.

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

To integrate Yotta's next generation distributed energy storage technology into your project, please visit https://mysuncast.com/yotta.

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.

Episode 453: Britta von Oesen on financing energy storage

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

This week we once again feature Britta von Oesen, longtime #Solar Warrior and Clean Energy maven who currently serves as Managing Director with CohnReznick Capital where she opened the W. Coast (SF) Office. She has over a decade of experience with everything from investment banking to tax equity and development in the environmental sector and she’s done BILLIONS of dollars in transactions. Not surprisingly, we recently revealed that her 2020 episode is one of our top listened-to episodes on the show! She’s the top-most downloaded female guest in SunCast history, to be more specific! There are back-to-back gems found all throughout, so much so that I decided to bring it back for an abridged Tactical Tuesday. 

As the Managing Director of an investment firm specifically geared towards serving the Renewable Energy sector, she has an eye for what opportunities attract investors and have the potential to maximize returns. She also has insight on how companies can best position themselves in the market and even added how to distinguish which ones are “pure infrastructure” financial groups that are hands off apart from wanting a portion of equity and as she cleverly puts it, “clipping coupons.” 

So, if you ever wanted to know the answers to the following questions: What are some key elements for financing storage right now (that is, what should developers think about when getting a deal financed with solar storage)? Where do new off-take models like CCA’s (community choice aggregators) fit in this economy? Or even the spectrum of investors, from small to the bulge bracket, and how investment banks think about each of these groups? And her take on the role direct relationships have to play in all of this, and whether its a viable option for developers to bypass investment banks and work directly with pensions.

Well, gimme 15 minutes — tune in now!

(3:38) Key elements of financing storage
(5:56) The CCA Model
(13:42) International investors
(15:44) What makes a developer financeable
(18:48) Using a broker vs boutique investment bank
(19:39) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Britta on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Follow CohnReznick Capital on LinkedIn, Twitter and check out their website.

Episode 235 - Britta Von Oesen - CohnReznick Capital (Women's History Month)

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“The biggest issue is the complexity. So for solar plus storage developers, the best advice I can give them on financeability is to make the offtake contract as uncomplicated as possible”
— Britta von Oesen

Thanks again to this week's sponsors, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Pleae visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

To integrate Yotta's next generation distributed energy storage technology into your project, please visit https://mysuncast.com/yotta.

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 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.