Episode 486: The Project Developer Perspective: Is it really that different? with David Kane, EDP Renewables

This is Episode 2 of 5 in our Community Solar Series

Learn more here.

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

“Many states have made the mistake of making these [community solar] programs very rich, and it encourages this gold-rush mentality, but there are only so many ‘parking spaces’ to put the projects on, from a real estate perspective.”
— Dave Kane, EDPR

You have to secure that coveted interconnection position. That’s the lesson learned from countless developers who’ve tried to participate in the booming community solar market as each state rolls out their version of a program to attract developers and investors to their market. 

So, how do you see ahead of the curve to get these early “parking spaces” that Dave’s referring to? What are some of the critical elements of developing the project, at a basic level? That’s what this Episode 2 of the Community Solar series aims to help unpack. 

In  today’s conversation, our Community Solar expert, David Kane, gives us the view from the developer angle. 

  • What exactly is entailed in his role as project developer? How does the organization rely on he and his team for progress?

  • How does a developer think about policy as an enabler or driver for how to structure his/her time & team?

  • What does the ecosystem of stakeholders look like? What are the kinds of people that one looks for in “local” partners?

Dave also gives us a glimpse into what is required from a skillset mix of community solar developers, like:

  • Interconnection & Land are the basic skills

  • Working with partners to identify sites

  • Identifying Grid constraints

  • Understanding environmental constraints 

And, I ask the question that seems to really be on many people’s minds: “Are these skills & needs all that different from Utility scale development?  And Dave graciously goes into the details that enunciate just how different (and, yes, similar) this vertical is from it’s brethren in the solar development market.

If you’ve been wondering

  • How do you decide where (market, team requirements, partner development) to focus the effort?

  • Where do people most often fail or mess up in the development process for community solar?

  • What sets successful projects apart from the rest - what do you look for in a development partner or project?

Then this next episode of the Community Solar series is for you!

Tune-in, and also if you missed it go queue up Episode 1 from the series with Jeff Cramer of CCSA.

You can learn more about today’s guest and our expert lineup along with what else is to come in the series at www.mysuncast.com/communitysolar 

The Community Solar series presented in partnership with EDP Renewables N. America, Distributed Generation.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make SunCast free for you, here: www.mysuncast.com/sponsors

And you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links, and more than 485 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

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

Here’s a peak at what’s coming this week on the Community Solar Series

Episode 1: The Role of Policy in Community Solar with Jeff Cramer, CCSA & David Sandbank, NYSERDA

Episode 2: The Project Developer Perspective: Is it really that different?

Episode 3: Federal support for equitable access to solar

Episode 4: Customer acquisition for Community Solar

Episode 5: Understanding the “Value Stack” for Community Solar

TIMESTAMPS:

(03:02) When Dave saw potential in community solar
(04:59) What makes an enabling legislation a key driver
(06:20) Dave's role in EDPR
(08:29) Basic skill sets for community solar developers
(09:48) What makes community solar different from roof top solar for a team of developers
(12:28) How EDPR channels it's development dollars
(16:34) What kind of partners is EDPR looking for
(20:09) Wrap up

ABOUT DAVID KANE:

A renewable energy developer skilled in originating, developing and financing distributed generation projects in the Northeastern US, David’s expertise extends to all of the major solar markets including MA, NY, and NJ. David brings a swiss-army-knife of skills to the development process which includes lead generation, fatal flaw analyses, financial modeling, managing interconnection and permitting, project finance, securing offtake agreements, running a competitive disposition process, and asset management. His insights into the development needs specific to community solar are timely and helpful in setting the stage for how community solar is differentiated from other verticals. David helps us frame the development requirements and hurdles that are specific to this segment of the market.

RESOURCES:

Find David on LinkedIn.

Follow EDP Renewables on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and check out their website.

CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY SOLAR SERIES:

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 485: Community Solar Series Ep 1: The Role of Policy in Community Solar with Jeff Cramer, CCSA & David Sandbank, NYSERDA

This is Episode 1 of 5 in our Community Solar Series

Learn more here.

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

Over the years, a segment of the industry has emerged as what has been referred to as the fourth vertical for solar. It’s not just a phenomenon in the United States, but worldwide, and it’s called Community Solar.  Community solar is the model where community members can collectively purchase clean electricity from a central offsite solar array, and this model has been gaining massive attention and momentum of late, offering an option for equitable access to clean energy while helping to reduce carbon emissions and promising to keep energy prices low for consumers. But is it really different from any other type of solar energy project? Perhaps more importantly, what does it mean for you as we embrace this clean energy revolution?

We’ve dedicated this series to those of you who are trying to figure out “is this right for me, is this right for my company,” and “what decisions do I need to think through before I can actually throw my hat in the ring for community solar?” In this new mini-series, we’ll navigate the inner workings of what has been hailed as the fourth vertical in the solar industry.

Consider this your Community Solar 101.

This five part series presents unique perspectives from industry experts on how each of us might consider the role of community solar in our business, career or even neighborhood. Does it really provide equitable access to solar energy? Will it live up to the hype and hope? Or is it too good to be true?

In this Episode One, we’ll hear from Jeff Cramer, Executive Director of the Coalition for Community Solar access, also known as CCSA, which Jeff co-founded in 2015. Jeff and I go deep into the history of how community solar came about as well as the policies, both at a federal and state level, that have supported this sector’s growth. We’ll also hear from David Sandbank, Vice President of distributed energy resources at NYSERDA. David has been instrumental over the last few years in ushering in a slew of policies at NYSERDA, and has been a huge proponent of community solar. David gives us some insight into the latest legislation that was introduced to get New York to 10 gigawatts of community solar.

This Community Solar series is a production of SunCast Media and is brought to you in partnership with EDP renewables, North America. 

Here’s a peak at what’s coming this week on the Community Solar Series

Episode 1: The Role of Policy in Community Solar with Jeff Cramer, CCSA & David Sandbank, NYSERDA

Episode 2: The Project Developer Perspective: Is it really that different?

Episode 3: Federal support for equitable access to solar

Episode 4: Customer acquisition for Community Solar

Episode 5: Understanding the “Value Stack” for Community Solar

TIMESTAMPS:

(04:16) How community solar started in Colorado
(12:22) What the success factor for CCSA is
(14:21) Divergence between roof top solar and community solar 
(17:10) Does community solar serve as a pseudo utility scale
(23:53) What other States should learn from New York
(29:49) Roadmap to New York City community solar expansion
(32:20) Hallmarks of good community solar policy programs 
(38:22) Policies that could help other states market evolve like New York
(44:26) What the potential for community solar is to Jeff
(50:00) What Jeff is excited about
(53:17) Important trends in  the community solar sector
(58:06) Jeff's advice to developers and policy makers
(59:40) Wrap up

ABOUT JEFF CRAMER:

Jeff Cramer serves as Executive Director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA), a national trade association representing innovative businesses and non-profits working to expand customer choice and access to solar for all American households and businesses through community solar. Prior to co-founding CCSA in 2015, Jeff was a co-founder and partner at 38 North Solutions, a Washington DC-based consultancy specializing in clean-energy public policy, business strategy, and campaign development and management.

ABOUT DAVID SANDBANK:

Renewable energy expert with proven success in launching companies from the ground up, building and managing teams, and bringing products to market in the private and public sectors. Well versed in all facets of the renewable industry lifecycle and experienced at navigating through regulatory & political complexities. Able to both conceptualize, as well as implement a strategic vision. Effective at gaining trust from decision makers and executing a vision with significant results.

RESOURCES:

Find Jeff on LinkedIn.

Find David on LinkedIn.

CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY SOLAR SERIES:

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 484: "They" said she should resign! Catherine Von Burg on scaling SimpliPhi against all odds

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

Many entrepreneurs are chasing the idea of "microwave" success, looking to "go viral" or "make it big" instantly. The end goal most entrepreneurs chase is that ever-elusive "exit". While our ancestors aimed to leave legacies and build generational family businesses to pass on, modern-day culture suggests we can get rich quick and should live for today, often borrowing from future generations to enjoy the riches we believe we deserve.  The good news is that not all entrepreneurial leadership seeks this ephemeral ego-high. Some, like Catherine Von Burg, are intentionally taking the road less traveled to help smooth out its bumps, create with passion and value, and leave a lasting impact on the world they interact with daily. 

While this story has a happy ending, it was by no means easy or even joyful all along the way and wasn't created in an easy-bake oven. Catherine's story begins in the shadows, but if you stick around long enough, you'll see how she emerged into the light. 

Rather listen than read? We dig into Catherine's story in the SunCast Podcast  (episodes #148 and most recently #484). Listen to them wherever you get your podcasts (or right here on this page if you’re in your browser!) 

TIMESTAMPS

(04:49) Catherine's introduction to the corporate world
(07:07) What's not on Catherine's LinkedIn profile
(13:10) Catherine's past formative story
(17:23) Importance of a nurturing environment
(23:16) Book recommendation
(28:43) How Catherine grew her $800k start-up
(35:41) Catherine's back story with VCs
(40:57) What would limit SimpliPhi's company scale
(51:37) Why SimpliPhi partnered with Briggs & Stratton
(55:05) Catherine's learning points for similar CEOs 
(1:02:29) How to connect with Catherine
(1:04:07) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Catherine on LinkedIn.

Connect with SimpliPhi Power, Inc. on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and on their website.

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

Ideal Team Player
by Patrick M. Lencioni

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

 

Are infrequent field checks an oversight? Do you need proper insight? Our app is a snap. With 60Hertz in your pocket, you’ll bring solar to the socket. Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/60hertz

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.

Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.

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

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

Episode 483: Listen to your customer! James Worden on product development & the evolution of EVs

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

Today we’re sharing 2 snippets from the >2hr juggernaut of an interview we had with one of the early EV & solar power electronics pioneers, James Worden. Many of you in the Solar industry might recall James from his Inverter business, Solectria Renewables. But, did you know that technology was birthed from a 2-decades love-affair with electric vehicles? We get into ALL the backstory in the 2-part interview which debuted in late May. But for those of you who didn’t have the stomach to commit to the longer interview I’m pulling out 2 snippets from the 2nd part of that fascinating storyline. 

The first segment gets into James’ perspective on how the Electric Vehicle industry has evolved over the last 2.5 decades since he first debuted his Solectria Force electric car.

The second is a brilliant look at how James and his team think about product development, in particular through the lens of some of the product iterations they took at Solectria Renewables.

Hope you enjoy these snippets, then I’d suggest you queue up the longer interview as it’s well-worth the listen!

You can find that in Episodes 475 & 476!

TIMESTAMPS

(03:29) Evolution of electric vehicle
(08:06) Solectria's first investor exit
(11:07) What Solectria's exit was about
(18:59) Why implement customer's ideas
(23:24) Why too much complexity held Solectria back
(28:40) Impact of American Reinvestment Recovery Act on Solectria
(31:27) Why Chint partnership with Solectria made sense
(36:26) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find James on LinkedIn.

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

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 481: Culture Shock, Circular Economy, & Navigating Acquisitions with Dean Vukovic of Terrasmart

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

Dean Vukovic moved to the US with visions of revolutionizing the way we manufacture and ultimately reuse/repurpose consumer goods. Embracing the circular economy philosophy, he crossed the pond from Oz to help pioneer that movement here in the USA for his prior employer. Now, he’s GM at Terrasmart (the entity formed by Gibraltar’s roll-up of RBI Solar, Terrasmart, Sunfig and SolarBOS) and leads their fixed tilt division (formerly RBI Solar). Dean has such a great story to tell and it’s one that incorporates many lessons learned from both the culture shock of moving halfway round the world as well as being first among the 4 companies herein mentioned that were integrated under one roof with Terrasmart. I spent time with Dean discussing how he thinks about circular economy, the specifics of his management approach to the integration of the various businesses that are now Terrasmart, and what he believes is still holding the industry back from fully realizing the potential we all believe is possible.

This conversation was quite inspiring for me. In the fervor that has been the M&A cycle of the last 2+ Years, I think that only a handful of companies have really gotten it “right” from an integration and branding perspective, and Terrasmart is one such example. Thanks to Dean and his team at Terrasmart for being willing to discuss the details, and I look forward to bringing more insights from the Terrasmart group of products to the SunCast tribe!

Timestamps

(4:17) Dean's conversations with his parents growing up
(10:15) Dean's first job out of high school
(12:47) A career path Dean thought he would take
(15:20) How to take large projects and break them down
(16:33) Moving to the USA
(19:08) First exposure to the solar industry
(20:20) A portable skill set
(22:39) How long does it take someone to get up to speed in the solar industry
(25:36) What Terrasmart does
(28:45) What the solar company does right
(30:41) Solving the landfill problem in solar
(33:18) Experience being with a company with rapid growth
(35:40) The process of integrating people from different places
(37:37) The culture at Terrasmart
(40:28) Developing client relationships
(42:35) The new brand for Terrasmart
(46:30) Key lessons from mentors
(48:06) How Dean sees the solar industry evolving
(52:00) Recommended books
(52:40) Dean's morning routine
(54:07) How to connect with Dean
(54:24) Dean's bold prediction
(55:59) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Dean on LinkedIn.

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

Email: dvukovic@terrasmart.com

VIDEOS MENTIONED:

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“We actually are doing something that hasn’t hasn’t been done before...definitely in the US, maybe in the world.”
— Dean Vukovic
“Something that I take to heart and I try to emulate is DO NOT GIVE UP.
It does not matter how big that mountain is or how complex that problem is, do not give up.”
— Dean Vukovic

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

 

Are infrequent field checks an oversight? Do you need proper insight? Our app is a snap. With 60Hertz in your pocket, you’ll bring solar to the socket. Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/60hertz

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.

Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.

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

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

Episode 480: A simple idea to mount solar modules faster, Robert Sewell of Vespr Solar [Live from RE+NE]

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, Robert Sewell, is the founder & CEO of Vespr Solar. I’ve been intrigued with Robert for awhile now, mostly because every time he named one of his advisors it was someone I deeply admire and respect in the solar industry (and I kept asking myself “how the heck is this young guy with zero solar experience got so many of my mentors to back his idea!?”). Like the others in this RE+ NE series, we dig into what trends he’s seeing as he sells across the Utility-scale solar sector, where the opportunities lie, and what obstacles he’s overcoming to get there. But Vespr really is a different kind of application, and I’m curious to hear if You think this is an application you’d adopt for your own solar plants! Tune-in & tune up your skills, #SolarWarrior!

Timestamps

(3:38) Importance of in person meetings
(5:27) The VesprSolar Advisory Board
(7:03) What the DOE thought was groundbreaking about a new clamp
(10:34) VesprSolar's escalator pitch
(14:32) What would make VesprSolar's product obsolete
(17:33) The upside of VesprSolar
(20:20) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Robert on LinkedIn.

Connect with VesprSolar on LinkedIn and on their website.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“People look past it because they think yeah, to really provide vibration resistance, to really be a wind resilient solution, it had to be a much more complex product.”
— Robert Sewell

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 478 & 479: Becoming the #1 Solar contractor in America, George Hershman - SOLV Energy

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

George Hershman is the CEO of SOLV Energy (formerly known as Swinerton Renewable Energy), a company that, in my tenure in the industry, has grown to become the largest utility-scale solar Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) company in the US.  I’ve been impressed at every turn how George, and his all-star team at SOLV, has consistently delivered the highest quality on almost every standard, excels at employee retention & growth, and is generally considered the premium brand when it comes to EPC firms (both in perception & price!). So, naturally I’ve long-wanted to get George in the SunCast booth to hear the story of how it all came together, and where it’s going from here. In this 2-part interview with George, we cover his extensive background in construction, inception point of his solar career (and Swinerton Rewewables), and how he and the SOLV Team have ridden the wave of the solar revolution these last 13+ years. 

George began working for general contractor, Swinerton Builders, in 1997. In 2008, he was tapped to build the company's presence in the growing solar sector. George was employee number-one at Swinerton Renewable Energy, a company which quickly  grew into the country’s largest grid-level solar installer and the #1 Solar Contractor in America. George has spent his career in general construction management. His wide expertise in energy issues, trade policy, construction projects, and the technical hurdles that the solar industry currently faces gave plenty of headroom for a wide-ranging discussion, so we navigate topics from across the spectrum of startup culture and corporate growth and we get into the challenges inherent in growing anything as big as what his company has become. 

In 2021, Swinerton Renewable Energy and its wholly owned subsidiary SOLV, Inc. merged into a single company, SOLV Energy. George and I get into the details of the decision to pursue the merger and spinout from Swinerton. As CEO of SOLV Energy, he continues to position the company at the forefront of the renewable energy economy.  And, In recognition of his broad expertise as a renewable energy business leader, George was voted to serve as Chair of the Solar Energy Industry Association’s (SEIA) Board of Directors for a second term in 2022.

Fun Fact, George is also an avid sailor, recently participating in San Diego's Hot Rum Series with the boat he co-owns. The boat’s called “GoodEnergy”, in case you get the chance to meet him in a happy someday and want a good starter conversation! In the second half of the interview we delve into his work at the Solar Energy Industries Association (where he’s now serving a second term as Chairman of the Board) and the opportunities that we have as an industry to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs in the coming years. George also shares his candid views on leadership & team building, the legacy of mentors in his own career, and how he thinks about building talent among his own team.

“I want entrepreneurship to be infectious in this business, and I want to support it.”
— George Hershman

SOLV is a success story on so many fronts, and It was an honor to get a chance to hear it from George himself. As Jim Rohn says, “Success leaves clues”, and in the case of Swinerton & SOLV Energy the fingerprint & evidence of their impact on our industry is evident and will endure for decades to come.

Timestamps

Part 1

(6:57) The entrepreneurial bug early on
(9:21) Willingness to take risks
(13:41) A culture of failing forward
(20:03) Companies that inspires George
(26:49) Swinerton back in 1997
(31:52) A renewables opportunity at Swinerton
(35:56) Going all in on utility scale solar
(40:27) Swinerton in the Mexico market
(42:53) Building vs owning & operating
(47:49) Long term strategy for solar installation
(52:07) A single service EPC through O & M
(55:50) The importance of being involved with CEA
(59:15) Wrap up

Part 2

(3:54) The evolution of a brand
(7:42) Covering both aspects, building it and maintaining it
(10:06) Driving costs down for the end client
(13:19) Critical elements that CEA will play in the coming years according to George
(15:47) A culture of excellence
(22:09) Success in our industry
(25:29) Lessons from George's mentors
(28:46) George's habits that has impacted his life
(32:35) Engaging with SOLV
(34:45) George's bold prediction
(38:30) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find George on LinkedIn.

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

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“Turn the lights on, and turn the lights off, and you’ll be successful.”
— George Hershman's Dad

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

Are infrequent field checks an oversight? Do you need proper insight? Our app is a snap. With 60Hertz in your pocket, you’ll bring solar to the socket. Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/60hertz

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 477: RALLY: How CA’s NEM Fight is Everybody’s Net Energy Metering Future with Carter Lavin of CalSSA

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

It’s time to rally together once again, #SolarWarrior! As you’ll hear in today’s #TacticalTuesday (TT), Carter Lavin and the folks at the California Solar & Storage Association need our help to not only get the word out, but to GET out and be present to be heard in this Thursday’s upcoming Rally in California.

 Carter is one of the folks I find most knowledgeable and compelling in his ability to explain what’s at stake for the industry. So, in today’s TT, we go into what is the premise of NEM, why it’s so important, and how, exactly, it’s under fire in the CA market.

 In January, we put out the call-to-arms for our solar community to get to the rallies in LA and SF, and thousands of you show up. We hope that you’ll rally once more, as the fate of the CA solar industry still hangs very much in the balance. 

January’s solar rally was the largest solar rally in history, and it led to Commissioners getting fired & updates to the commission's directive. But the legislative win that followed was only the beginning.  This week, the CA Public Utilities Commission (PUC) meets again, and we intend to make a public display that the Solar industry is united and strong.

What are these rallies? Why are they important or happening at all, and when/where are they? That’s covered in today’s discussion w/Carter.

As Carter says, “These discussions at the PUC are deciding the fate of the solar industry…If we want to win, we have to fight.” 

Here are a handful of facts from Carter’s discussion:

  • CA is largest market in the US - >70K employed just in CA

  • CalSSA has 9 full time employees supporting the industry

  • The PUC and Regulated Utilities are running million-dollar attack ads focused on [defeating/diminishing] the solar industry

  • CA is where we have the strongest defense - so if the utilities can steamroll the industry in CA, then it will only embolden other states’ lobbyists and utilities AND those supporting PG&E (and other IOUs) within the state! 

“Show up, rally, donate, be loud”, as Carter says.

You see, Solar Warrior, you can be right all day long and still be made illegal or impotent by those who wish to see the Solar industry choked out. Don’t let it happen in CA; soon “they” will be coming for your state.

 For over a decade, Carter Lavin has helped renewable energy nonprofits and companies develop, design and execute marketing plans and sales drives, plan networking and educational events, track policy, and connect with media, government officials and community members. Listen in today as he brings the heat on why we need to stand together against this CPUC movement.

 If you’re totally unfamiliar with Net Energy Metering, , we’ve covered the California policy market and in particular what’s at stake in this NEM battle extensively in these previous episodes (in particular in the final 3):

Timestamps

(3:08) What is CALSSA
(5:52) What is net metering regulation
(9:05) Rally locations on June 2, 2022
(12:39) What's at stake and how much money is against the solar industry
(17:34) How is this different than the one defeated last year
(21:22) A common assumption
(22:56) Energy is inherently political
(24:3) How to help if your not in California
(26:48) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Carter on LinkedIn.

Connect with CALSSA on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and on their website.

Phone: (916) 228-4567

Email: carter@calssa.org

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“What happens in California is going to very much reverberate across the country.”
— Carter Lavin

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 475 & 476: James Worden, The “Bill Gates of EV” & Solectria Corporation & the making of Solectria Renewables

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

Part 1 - The Beginning  

In 1996, after years of “can’t be done” grumbling from the major automakers, Solectria announced the development of the sporty Sunrise electric car under the leadership of CEO James Worden, calculating that the price could be as low as $20,000 if they got 20,000 orders.  Ahead of his time in every way, James inspired an EV revolution, laying the foundation for innovation in not one but two industries, and we get to his contribution to the solar industry in Part 2 of the conversation.  

For years, I’ve admired James and Solectria from afar, installing their solar inverters on some of my favorite projects over a decade ago.  Today, you’ll get to hear a two-part conversation from our in-person interview in Boston earlier this year.  We get a rare glimpse into Worden’s early life, the proving ground of his engineering mettle at MIT, his entrepreneurial story and what ultimately became his life’s obsession, Solectria Corporation.  There’s so much we unpack today, so settle in for a deep dive with the one and only James Warden. 

Part 2 - The Pivot!  

If you listened to Part 1, you’ve got a solid appreciation for James & Solectria Corp’s roots in solar car racing.  In this second half of our conversation, we look at how James and his team pivoted their core business to leverage their pioneering energy conversion technology into the soon-to-be-booming solar power industry.  James Warden and his wife, Anita, created a “made in America” brand that many installers in the US have relied on, including me! We talk about the quick rise of this new company, his philosophy on rapid prototyping and time to market, and ultimately how and why he and Anita decided to sell the company...Again.  By the time we’re done, I’m certain you, like me, will be eager to learn what they are focused on today (and follow James on Medium, as I have!).  If you’ve ever been a tinkerer, an inventor, a wisher, a thinker, a doer, a dreamer or even a magic-bean-buyer, come in!   This is one flax-golden tale* you don’t want to miss!

Find James on LinkedIn and follow his writing on Medium.

The article on EV vs Hydrogen was what sparked the conversation between Nico & James that led to this Episode!

Below we list a Lot of other resources that we unearthed in the research for the recording.

*Because, #poetry, if your a read-to-the-bottom-er, I hope this makes you smile: Invitation, by Shel Silverstein

“Invitation
If you are a dreamer, come in,
If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer…
If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire
For we have some flax-golden tales to spin.
Come in!
Come in!”
— Shel Silverstein

SunCast is presented by Sungrow, the world’s most bankable inverter brand.

(yes, not lost on us that we are sponsored by an inverter company and telling the story of another inverter company - but that’s why we love Sungrow, they’re very secure in their position and love seeing others win too!)

Timestamps - Part 1

(2:38) Intro
(6:33) James Worden the early days
(8:32) Fascination with mechanics & electronics
(15:20) First attempt at electrifying vehicles
(22:11) Why James went to MIT
(24:04) Where the name Solectria come from
(27:56) How the solar car team at MIT came about
(40:56) James' first Tour De Sol
(44:29) Funding the Tour de Sol
(50:18) Being a visionary & building a team
(1:07:33) The magic incubator
(1:09:03) How the solar car team end up being a corporation
(1:11:22) How the solar car team get publicity
(1:15:31) Wrap up of Part 1

Timestamps - Part 2

(03:19) Selectria's early vision
(07:14) Meeting Selectria's first investor
(15:34) Selectria's super mechanic- Trembley
(20:16) James' thought on the evolution of electric vehicles
(24:49) The exit of Selectria's original investor
(27:58) What's Selectria's exit was about
(30:03) Would there have been the revolution of electronic vehicle without Toyota Prius
(33:45) How Solectria exited to Azure Dynamics in 2005
(44:55) Example of products rushed into by Selectria
(51:27) How much complexities held Solectria back in listening to customer
(57:42) Impact of Obama's America investment recovery on Selectria
(1:00:38) Why Solectria partnered with Chint rather than continue to manufacture
(1:06:08) Why Yaskawa bought Selectria
(1:16:12) Wrap-up

RESOURCES:

Find James on LinkedIn.

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

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“In all the races that I was the captain we never had time to think about strategy at all. We were just racing to get the car built. Our next car, next car, next car. We had so many new things in it, so many advances, working on getting those built and get it to the bloody race on time, get the team over there, get people fed. I mean, it’s an operation.”
— James Worden

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

Are infrequent field checks an oversight? Do you need proper insight? Our app is a snap. With 60Hertz in your pocket, you’ll bring solar to the socket. Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/60hertz

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 474: Resi & Commercial finance is evolving w/Doug Pierce of Sungage Financial [Live from RE+NE]

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, Doug Pierce, is Director of Sales for Sungage Financial, a platform I know many of you use to offer financing to your resi & commercial customers. We get insight from Doug on what’s trending for 2022 and where he sees opportunity for growth, as well as the lightbulb moment for him in his sales journey with most customers. 

If you haven’t heard Doug’s take on financing before, I’d recommend you queue up our Great Debate from last year, (episode 375 of SunCast) or, even better, go over and watch it on our Youtube channel where you can watch Doug duke it out with 2 other powerhouse speakers on the topic of “What is the best residential finance solution.” 

I hope you enjoy these “live from” series of Tactical Tuesdays. We have more coming from BNEF and other live events on Nico’s travel schedule from the year.

Timestamps

(3:20) First asset backed solar loan
(4:21) The importance of the in person element of business
(5:30) What surprises people most about the Sungage product & business
(6:45) Why didn't zero interest leans exist before?
(7:02) Where's the money being made?
(7:29) Does the dealer fees get increased?
(8:13) What happens when the Feds start to raise rates?
(10:26) What fundamentals has stayed the same during the pandemic?
(11:39) Keeping communication tight
(12:31) The most impact on residential solar the rest of 2022
(13:48) A battery only loan
(14:52) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Doug on LinkedIn.

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

THE GREAT SOLAR DEBATE VIDEO:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“I think the supply chain issues are here to stay for a while from what you can see. So I think ultimately, it means we need to be as a sales industry, upfront with our consumers to let them know timelines are going to shift and set that expectation early. ”
— Doug Pierce
“That might be the most obvious and understated ah-ha moment for me in the last six months. That the idea that we are needlessly hampering the sales process by locking two pieces of the sales cycle together as a financial transaction. And it can be separated.”
— Nico Johnson

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 473: Can we make C&I solar more “bankable”? Jeff McAulay & Jim Bowen of Energetic Insurance

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

Want to do more solar in the C&I sector? Good luck finding a credit rating for most of your would-be offtakers. The finance sector uses a Moody’s rating to assess credit risk for commercial entities; this is the corporate equivalent to a FICO score, and it’s something that is not so common to find for smaller companies. Yet, if we can achieve this level of “bankability” broadly in the C&I sector, it would unlock massive potential for developers who could target a wider range of potential solar clients. 

Why does bankability matter for financing these systems? Simply put, the banks want to know who will cover the revenue stream if that local business (Offtaker) defaults on payments. Kind of like a landlord still wanting to get paid even if the tenant can no longer pay - today’s guests have innovated around the downside risk of the solar offtaker revenue stream. 

Jeff McAulay and Jim Bowen are back on SunCast to discuss how we can reach more Commercial & Industrial (C&I) customers and accelerate the adoption curve for this critical segment of the industry. I’ve had Jeff on the show before talking about how, through their company Energetic Insurance, they have helped developers improve the credit rating of their solar clients such that they are able to do more projects more quickly. Today Jeff & Jim talk about how the solar market is evolving to address our collective ability to reach more clients faster within the C&I sector. Among the questions we touch on in today’s discussion are:

How do you evaluate the risk of unrated solar projects?
How do you move at the pace of startup in an otherwise glacial industry?
How do you innovate on an existing product (credit insurance)? \
What shifts are they seeing in the industry, and are they achieving commercial traction?
How does Tax Equity play a role?
How has the rise of ESG increased capital available to build projects?
And what Trends are they watching unfold?

This is a fun discussion that I hope will equip you to better understand & execute on solar projects for the C&I sector. I’d love your feedback on whether we hit the mark, or what other aspects of this subject you’d like to see us cover here.

Timestamps

(4:45) The product of insurance
(7:30) How the Energetic Insurance team come togethe
(9:36) Jeff's background
(11:34) Jim's background
(12:59) How property ownership can affect a business going solar
(17:26) What makes Energetic Insurance different
(20:05) Is project size a critical element?
(22:03) Clarifying what is covered under Energetic's insurance product
(24:11) What Energetic Insurance is focusing on
(25:51) How market volatility affects the developer
(29:18) The biggest ah ha moment
(30:01) Leveraging financial products to increase cash flow
(32:19) Wrap up

RESOURCES:

Find Jim on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Find Jeff on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Connect with Energetic Insurance on LinkedIn, Twitter and on their website.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“The really interesting thing about insurance, if you think about it, is we shouldn’t have a sweet spot. We need diversity. We need different industries, different geographies, different sizes. All of those are different types of risks. We want small, medium and large projects. And collectively, we build a diverse portfolio of insurance assets. ”
— Jim Bowen
“Coming from that customer focused project development perspective, we invented the insurance policy that we wanted to buy. So imagine that, an insurance policy that you actually want to buy, because it helps enable something that is essential for your business.”
— Jeff McAulay

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

Are infrequent field checks an oversight? Do you need proper insight? Our app is a snap. With 60Hertz in your pocket, you’ll bring solar to the socket. Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/60hertz

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

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

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)

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

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

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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.