Episode 676: Understanding Energy Demand in the Face of Extreme Weather with Sean Kelly of Amperon

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About the Episode:

Extreme weather underscores the necessity for energy resilience, a theme Sean Kelly, CEO of Amperon, intimately understands through personal experience and technological innovation. His firsthand battle with Winter Storm Uri's devastation brings to light the critical impact weather has on our energy systems. Amperon responds with advanced analytics, offering real-time load forecasts that bolster grid reliability. This dialogue delves into the significance of data in forecasting, simplifying regulatory processes, and adopting strategic financial and asset management practices bolstered with world class data.

Importantly, it transforms weather conversations from mundane to meaningful, serving as a compelling call to action for energy developers to better understand all aspects of the power sector and integrate accurate energy trading models into their asset management protocol.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Sean Kelly: 

Check out Amperon:

Website | LinkedIn | X | YouTube

Podcast Mentioned:

Scaling Clean: Mike Casey interviews Sean Kelly of Amperon

Key Takeaways:

  1. Impact of Extreme Weather: Natural disasters and extreme weather events have catalyzed both the collection of crucial data for future preparedness by companies like Amperon and inspired a significant shift towards the clean energy transition, as individuals seek more meaningful contributions beyond traditional tech roles.

  2. Regulatory Hurdles: The acceleration of the clean energy transition is impeded by bureaucratic hurdles, highlighting the need for streamlined regulations to facilitate faster progress. Additionally, the financial and operational optimization, even weatherization, of projects in the face of extreme weather is becoming a priority, with Sean advocating for a proactive “merchant market” approach to enhance project efficacy.

  3. Weather Talks: The conversation around weather has evolved from being an after thought to an integral component to any project’s operational success, reflecting a broader societal focus on asset management, risk assessment, and the overall impact of climate on business operations.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:

“Extreme weather is now dinner table conversation.”
— Sean Kelly
“This has made the people that I get to hire now really, really fun. Because they are all passionate and they say, ‘you know, I’m tired of working at this massive tech company, I’d prefer to come and do something impactful’.”
— Sean Kelly

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 675: Can America Be THE Battery Manufacturing Leader? | John Zahurancik of Fluence Energy

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About the Episode:

John Zahurancik, President Americas at Fluence, discusses the need for the U.S. to bolster domestic manufacturing of energy storage solutions, vital for the clean energy transition. In his keynote at Intersolar NA, he highlights the challenges of relying on international production, which exposes the renewable energy sector to supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical risks. Zahurancik discusses Fluence’s manufacturing facility in Utah and underscores the importance of policy clarity, strong partnerships, and innovation. His approach aims to secure energy security, enhance supply chain resilience, and support the scalable deployment of renewable energy, paving the way for a sustainable and decarbonized future.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with John Zahurancik:

Check out Fluence:

Full Episode (#640): Why Fluence Continues To Outperform The Market, With President Of Americas - John Zahurancik

Key Takeaways:

  1. Domestic Manufacturing Necessity: The reliance on overseas battery production exposes the energy sector to supply chain risks and geopolitical vulnerabilities. Establishing domestic manufacturing for energy storage batteries is essential to ensure resilience, security, and sustainability in the push for decarbonization and the deployment of more renewables onto the grid.

  2. Policy and Partnership Importance: Clarity in policy and strong partnerships are crucial for scaling domestic content in utility-scale energy storage solutions. These factors are necessary to navigate the complexities of the energy storage market and to foster the conditions needed for domestic manufacturing to thrive.

  3. Building Regional Supply Chains: Developing supply chains closer to major markets in the US is identified as a strategic opportunity. This approach supports not only the decarbonization goals but also the growth of the energy storage market by reducing logistical challenges and enhancing the responsiveness of the supply chain to market demands.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“It only makes sense to take the largest market for energy storage in the world, the second largest market for electric vehicles and the largest market for consumer electronics and have a domestic supply chain of the critical material batteries in this country.”
— John Zahurancik

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 674: Where to get the best electricity grid carbon data in seconds, with Wenbo Shi of Singularity Energy

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

About the Episode:

Occasionally on the anniversary of an episode that really impacted us, we like to run a vignette of something we learned from such an episode to give new listeners (or those of you who just missed it originally) insight from the excellent content in our back catalog, much of which we believe is worth revisiting.

Wenbo Shi, CEO and Founder of Singularity Energy, discusses the pressing issue of GHG emissions and the vital role of accurate carbon data in fighting climate change. Many lack real-time data on their carbon footprint, especially in electricity usage. Traditional methods, offering outdated regional averages, don't align with the dynamic power grid, since there is increased renewable presence on the grid. Singularity Energy, born from Wenbo's pivot from energy management to carbon data, addresses this gap. The company provides precise, real-time carbon intensity data by merging public and proprietary utility data, exemplified by their partnership with Eversource. 

This episode highlights the critical role of real-time carbon data in emission reduction, aligning perfectly with Singularity Energy's mission to deliver up-to-date, granular grid carbon data. This empowers entities to make well-informed decisions, steering them towards effective carbon emission reduction strategies.

If you find this interesting, there's a lot more where that came from in the longer episode that ran exactly a year ago with Wenbo (link below).

Key Takeaways:

  1. Carbon Footprint Awareness: Most consumers and businesses have a limited understanding of their precise, real-time carbon footprint, particularly in relation to their electricity consumption. Visibility to this data can fundamentally change decision-making.

  2. Hyper-local Insight: Singularity Energy provides real-time, location-specific carbon intensity data by analyzing both public and proprietary utility grid operations data. Access to proprietary utility data allows for more accurate local carbon estimates than what is possible with public data alone.

  3. Progress Tracking: The detailed carbon data provided by Singularity Energy aids organizations in setting realistic emissions reduction targets and monitoring their progress towards these goals. Accurate carbon data measurement also facilitates prioritization of emissions reduction efforts, helping to justify costs and make data-driven decisions.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Once you have the measurements, then you will have a much better understanding of which part of the system is more carbon intensive, it’s kind of like those hotspots on the maps, right. And then you will also have be able to identify specifically where you want to prioritize, right so that you can leverage those data and insights to inform those decisions, right so that you can accelerate and then measure the progress against your goals, so that you’re using the best information to make the best decisions to accelerate that process.”
— Wenbo Shi

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 673: The Grid We Need to Decarbonize America: A Playbook by Jesse Jenkins, Princeton University

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

About the Episode:

Jesse Jenkins, a leading voice in sustainable energy policy, lays out a compelling vision for America's clean energy future in this special recording of his keynote address from Intersolar NA. With the United States at a crucial milestone for actions needed to meet climate and decarbonization goals, legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, offer incentives for solar, energy storage, hydrogen, and other sustainable technologies, thereby positioning the nation to accelerate towards a net-zero future.This legislative framework has already sparked a 42% increase in clean energy investments, reaching $225 billion. However, Jenkins underscores the critical need for further acceleration in our journey to decarbonize 70% of the nation's energy consumption, primarily from fossil fuels. His strategic insights call for a significant upscaling in renewable energy use and grid expansion. This episode distills Jenkins' roadmap to achieving net zero by 2050, underscoring the vital role of federal initiatives and collective efforts in navigating towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral energy paradigm.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Jesse Jenkins:

Check out Princeton University:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Federal Support as a Catalyst for Clean Energy: The Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure law have significantly accelerated investment in and deployment of clean energy technologies in the U.S., showcasing the powerful impact of federal support on the renewable energy sector.

  2. Need for Massive Transmission Expansion: To accommodate the surge in renewable energy capacity and meet the growing electricity demand, a significant expansion of the transmission grid is urgently needed.

  3. Phasing Out Coal and Maintaining Zero-Carbon Resources: Rapidly reducing coal generation and maintaining existing sustainable (low carbon emitting) resources, such as nuclear power, are essential steps for achieving steep reductions in emissions from the electricity sector.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“The passage of the inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law brings the full financial might of the federal government behind the clean energy transition.”
— Jesse Jenkins

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 672: Giving Old Solar Panels a Second Life with Cesar Barbosa of Nulife Power Services

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

About the Episode:

Cesar Barbosa, Founder and President of Nulife Power Services, began his journey in the solar industry as an installer, a role that uniquely positioned him to identify a niche in decommissioning solar panels. This insight came to fruition when a client presented him with the opportunity to dispose of old solar panels, leading to the inception of Nulife. In this discussion, Barbosa talks about maximizing the lifespan of decommissioned solar panels. Leveraging his hands-on experience, he emphasizes innovative strategies for repurposing panels that have outlived their financed, but not functional, life. Through refurbishing and repowering, Nulife extends these panels' usability, focusing on providing affordable solar solutions in less affluent regions. This conversation underscores the critical importance of fully utilizing solar technology to minimize waste, reflecting Barbosa's deep commitment to sustainable energy practices.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Cesar Barbosa:

Check out Nulife Power Services:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Innovative Approach to Panel Decommissioning: Barbosa's entry into the decommissioning niche was marked by a creative solution when tasked with disposing of old panels. Instead of discarding them, he found a way to repurpose and reuse them in Latin America, demonstrating an innovative approach to what was initially seen as waste.

  2. Markets for 2nd Life Solar: Recognizing the opportunity in places like Mexico, Barbosa focused on selling reused panels at affordable prices to potential customers like farmers, highlighting his commitment to not only environmental sustainability but also economic accessibility.

  3. Repowering Solar Energy Systems: Barbosa explained the concept of repowering, which involves reusing existing infrastructure, such as racking, while upgrading components like inverters. This process exemplifies how existing solar installations can be modernized efficiently.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, my family’s from Mexico. My parents are now living there. And, you know, to see an opportunity to use an industry that’s done so well for me and my family, and to find a unique way to give back whether that’s through a used component. Listen, you go to a farmer, and you say, Hey, here’s a 200 watt panel for, you know, nickels on the dime of what otherwise bought something new. They’re gonna take it with both arms.”
— Cesar Barbosa

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 671: We Can Secure Drinking Water From The Air! Renewable Energy Pioneer Takes on Renewable Water, with Alex von Welczeck of SkyH2O

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

About the Episode:

We often talk here about renewable energy. But how often have you thought about renewable water?  Is it even a thing? And, what if we could manufacture clean water, from the air?

Did you know, the EPA reports that 45% of U.S. tap water is toxic!?! 

And, while an estimated 3 billion people globally currently face water stress, that number is projected to increase to 5.2 billion by 2050! 

This situation underscores the interconnectedness of the climate and water crises, emphasizing the vital “energy-water nexus” and the urgent need for solutions to ensure both water availability and purity.

Alexander von Welczek founded SkyH2O to address these water challenges through atmospheric water generation (AWG). As a seasoned climate tech & solar finance entrepreneur, von Welczek's journey in the water sector began around 2015, motivated by California's severe droughts. And, when he partnered with UC Berkeley scientists shortly after, SkyH2O's ambitious vision of large-scale AWG systems became a reality. Von Welczek and the Berkeley team engineered a system capable of producing 10,000-100,000 gallons of water per day, which is particularly well oriented to solving commercial and industrial water needs. His insights into the global water crisis offer a deep dive into the potential and challenges associated with AWG, a technology that holds massive potential to relieve global water stress as it literally generates water directly from the air without relying on existing water bodies. 

I’ve known Alex since his early days in Solar, and have been watching as he incubated SkyH2O from it’s earliest ideation.  So I’m honored to finally feature Alex here on SunCast.  SkyH2O's approach to AWG offers a scalable solution to water stress and toxicity. Von Welczek's motto, "no excuses, let's make it happen," embodies the spirit of this mission, inspiring a call to action for sustainable, global water management. Such pioneering work in climate tech offers a path forward in securing a more sustainable world for generations to come.

This discussion reveals the importance of innovative approaches in climate tech, highlighting SkyH2O's role in addressing the critical need for clean, accessible water and showcasing how visionary solutions can lead to a more sustainable future.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Water Quality and Scarcity as Dual Challenges: Water stress encompasses not only scarcity but also toxicity, a growing concern even in developed nations. Alexander von Welczek emphasizes that 45% of tap water in the U.S. has been found toxic, illustrating the severity of water quality issues right here in the developed world.

  2. Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) is ready for primetime: AWG can provide a solution to water stress. By filtering, compressing, and cooling air to extract water, AWG presents an innovative method to produce fresh, potable water, now.

  3. We need AWG at scale: Differentiating from other AWG companies, SkyH2O focuses on developing large-scale systems capable of producing 10,000 to 100,000 gallons of water per day. This positions SkyH2O uniquely in the market, targeting commercial and industrial needs rather than smaller, appliance-scale solutions. The water produced is highly purified, making it suitable for diverse uses, including potable water and industrial processes.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Currently, it’s estimated that there’s about 3 billion people worldwide living in water stress. And it’s expected that that number is going to increase to about 5.2 billion people by 2050.”
— Alexander von Welczeck

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 670: From Gigawatts to Terawatts: The Technologies & Software Driving Unprecedented Scale in Solar with Matt Campbell CEO of Terabase

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

About the Episode:

With the need to increase solar deployment and prepare for the terawatt era, Terabase Energy Inc. has positioned itself as a leader in transforming utility-scale solar power. This conversation, recorded live at Intersolar North America 2024, dives deep into the innovative strategies and technologies that Terabase is deploying to amplify solar energy production and to meet the demands of the solar market. With a strategic focus on reducing solar costs to as low as 1 cent per kilowatt-hour, Terabase is pioneering efforts to make this ambitious goal plausible.

Matt Campbell, CEO and co-founder of Terabase Energy Inc., discusses the company’s mission for advancing utility-scale solar into the terawatt era. Campbell provides an in-depth look at Terabase's suite of innovative software products, each meticulously designed to optimize different phases of solar project development. From 'Plant Predict', which enhances design efficiency, to 'Plant Controls', which elevates operational effectiveness, he illustrates how Terabase is reshaping the solar construction industry. Oh, and did we mention robots? They’ll do it all with robots!

This discussion highlights how companies like Terabase are revolutionizing solar project efficiency and sustainability through digital innovation and automation.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Matt Campbell:

Check out: Terabase Energy Inc.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Integrated Software Suite for Solar Project Optimization: Terabase has developed a comprehensive suite of software products specifically designed to streamline and optimize every phase of utility-scale solar projects. This integration from design to long-term operations is crucial for reducing costs to $0.01/kWh in large-scale solar power generation.

  2. Continuous Improvement through Plant Controls: By integrating real-world performance data from their plant controls software back into the design tools, Terabase enables a continuous cycle of improvement in the design and operation of future solar projects. This feedback loop is vital for the ongoing optimization of solar plant efficiency and performance. Oh yeah, and robots - they’re building utility-scale “factories” in the field and using robots to deploy the systems with precision & speed.

  3. Terawatt-Level Demand: Terabase's overarching vision and technological innovations are focused on meeting the growing global demand for solar energy, projected to reach terawatt levels annually. Through increased optimization, automation, and digitalization across the project lifecycle, Terabase is not only addressing current industry challenges but also paving the way for the future scalability of utility-scale solar power.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“I’ve never seen the market stronger. The number of projects that are entering construction is incredible. And I was just speaking with a colleague recently that, you know, 500 megawatts is just an average project these days.”
— Matt Campbell

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 669: Navigating the New Normal in Renewable Finance: How Changes in Equity Markets Are Impacting Project Development with Robert Sternthal

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

About the Episode:

Rob Sternthal, Managing Director at Piper Sandler and a veteran in investment banking for the renewable and ESG sector discusses the financial complexities of renewable energy projects and the headwinds faced by developers in 2024. Sternthal addresses the current challenges faced by project developers, including rising capital costs, rising interest rates, plateauing electricity prices, and the pivotal shift from traditional equity to credit funds demanding higher, short-term returns. These factors are compressing margins, especially for mid-sized and smaller developers, posing threats to the growth of renewable energy and global sustainability goals. 

Sternthal offers pragmatic advice, highlighting the importance of clear exit strategies and exploring emerging technologies like battery storage. This conversation is essential for anyone involved in renewable energy, offering insights into overcoming financial hurdles and strategies for long-term success in this dynamic sector.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Robert Sternthal:

Check out Piper Sandler:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Capital Cost Pressures: Rising costs of capital, inflation/interest rates, and plateauing electricity prices are squeezing developer margins and reducing returns.

  2. Equity Market Shifts: Traditional equity markets have evolved, moving from pure equity funds to credit funds requiring higher, shorter-term returns, reshaping project financing.

  3. Company Setup: Developers should consider setting up their companies with an end goal in mind, or exit strategy considering elements like vertical integration, advanced technology strategies, and future financing or sale structures.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“If I’m a developer, or I’m a business owner, and I’m building something, I don’t want to wait till I go to the market to know what my exits are. I want to know what I need to be building to.”
— Robert Sternthal

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 668: How to leverage Storytelling as a business driver, with Andrew Reagan of Clean Energy for America

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

About the Episode:

Storytelling is not just entertainment. It's a fundamental part of being human. A story’s most important function is to remind us we are not alone in the world.

And as we champion the clean energy transition, our stories help remind hundreds of thousands that there is a career opportunity they can choose that also can leave a legacy. Yet, the gap between the industry’s advancements and public perception of technology such as solar continues to exist despite our industry being one of the largest job creators of the past decade. This disconnect between reality and the narratives told in communities large and small palpable, but a few organizations have finally begun to help re-write the story in compelling and public ways.  Despite the tremendous progress of renewable energy, Joe and Jane Public still have concerns.  And, addressing those concerns requires more than just presenting facts and figures; it calls for a powerful, human-centric approach through storytelling. By sharing personal narratives, the clean energy sector can effectively bridge this knowledge gap, making the transition more tangible and relatable to the general public.

The crucial role of storytelling in the clean energy transition is discussed with Andrew Reagan, Executive Director of Clean Energy for America. Reagan discusses the "Faces of Clean Energy” profile from the Clean Energy for America Education Fund, highlighting stories of individuals transitioning from traditional sectors to clean energy. These narratives serve as powerful tools to bridge the gap between the sector's advancements and public perception, showcasing the diverse opportunities and skill transferability in the field. The conversation emphasizes the human element in conveying the reality and potential of clean energy, moving beyond politics and skepticism. The episode also touches on the creation of  Valence, a newsletter seeking to amplify these impactful stories, reinforcing the importance of personal experiences in driving the clean energy movement. The episode is a call to action: to share your story and encourage others to share their story.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Andrew Reagan:

Check out Clean Energy for America:

Check out Clean Energy for America Education Fund:

Video Clip:

Want to share your story? Clean energy workers can share their stories and join the Faces of Clean Energy program by visiting Clean Energy for America Education Fund (ce4aef.org), clicking clean energy stories, and share your story.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Storytelling is an Essential Tool: Get personal. Storytelling is key in changing public perception about clean energy. Personal narratives are crucial for illustrating the practical and positive impacts of the clean energy transition, making the concept more relatable and understandable to the general public.

  2. Highlighting Career Transitions: The stories of individuals who have transitioned from traditional industries like oil and gas to clean energy are particularly impactful. These narratives demonstrate the transferability of skills and opportunities in the clean energy sector.

  3. Call to Action for Wider Participation: This discussion serves as a call to action for individuals, companies, and policymakers to engage in this narrative shift. By sharing and promoting stories of those in the clean energy sector, there's a collective effort to demonstrate that the clean energy transition is a non-partisan issue with widespread benefits for communities and the environment.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Effective storytelling has to be a key part of anyone in this industry, whether you’re a business, whether you’re an individual, not only does it build your own brand, as you talk about so well, but it’s essential for winning the larger public narrative around clean energy.”
— Andrew Reagan

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 667: The Intrapreneur journey and engineering a company pivot, with Sohan Das of EVS Inc.

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

About the Episode:

Sohan Das, Vice President at EVS, Inc., addresses the demand for(and gap in) skilled engineering labor in the renewable energy sector. EVS, Inc., a family-owned engineering firm, is pivotal in bridging this gap for specialized expertise in electrical, civil, structural, geotechnical, and land survey engineering, crucial for the transition of global energy grids towards renewable sources. Das’s extensive background in architecture and solar energy has been key to EVS’s evolution into an industry-leading engineering services provider in an entirely new category for themselves - Solar Energy. This discussion delves into the company’s approach to meeting the demands of the renewable energy market, highlighting their efficiency and effectiveness in project management. It also explores EVS's successful business model pivot through an intrepid young hire, and the intrapreneurial spirit driven by their core values and customer-centric approach.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Sohan Das:

Check out EVS, Inc.:


Episodes Referenced In this Conversation:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Strategic Market Evolution and Client-Centric Approach: EVS's successfully transitioned from a civil engineering firm to become a pioneer in community solar and storage.  Their commitment to a comprehensive 'one stop shop' engineering services helps clients accelerate project delivery without sacrificing quality, and builds long-term client relationships founded on trust, honesty, and reliability.

  2. Internal Talent Cultivation: Core to EVS’s success is investing in the development and upskilling of employees to build a robust and diverse workforce capable of scaling the company in a demanding renewable energy environment while maintaining the core values of respect, humility, and integrity.

  3. Navigating Leadership Challenges: embrace the responsibilities of leadership, including making difficult decisions and learning from mistakes, to foster a strong and empowered team.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“Every director is always looking for the best of EVS, not for just the best of their own department. And that’s what I think the Midwest values, the values that Dennis brought. And our core values are respect, humility, and integrity is really key to make that happen.”
— Sohan Das

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 666: Bold Predictions, a Best-of 2023 recap

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

About the Episode:

Today’s episode features bold predictions from a compilation of 2023’s best episodes. I asked leaders from diverse fields within the renewable energy sector to answer, looking as if from the future: What did we get right to meet our decarbonization and clean energy goals now that it’s 2050?

With this compilation episode, bold predictions for the renewable energy sector from 2023's most impactful conversations are shared. Several factors are necessary to achieve clean energy goals, from the vital role of battery storage and the need for widespread global collaboration to the importance of education for decision-makers. Technological advancements foster optimism, including the emergence of electric vehicles and carbon capture tech solutions ready to scale. The discussion highlights the necessity of diversifying the supply chain, improving efficiency, and supporting a robust “green” workforce to meet ambitious climate & energy targets.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Laura Pagliarulo & check out her episode:

Connect with Ardes Johnson & check out his episode:

Connect with Christie Obiaya  & check out her episode:

Connect with Robert Piconi  & check out his episode(s):

Connect with Aaron Halimi & check out his episode:

Connect with Katherine Hamilton & check out her episode:

Connect with Steven Zhu & check out his episode(s):

Connect with Andy McCarthy & check out his episode:

Connect with Billy Lee  & check out his episode:

Connect with Damian Beauchamp & check out his episode:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Technological Innovations: Battery storage will play an integral role in being able to deploy more renewables on the grid. Continued focus on R&D and tech innovation that can be scaled is also needed to fuel the clean energy transition.

  2. Global Cooperation and Education: Highlighting the critical need for international collaboration among nations in achieving renewable energy targets complemented by a comprehensive understanding of clean energy options among decision-makers and communities.

  3. Workforce Development: Focusing on the importance of developing a strong “green” workforce to meet ambitious renewable energy targets, which is key to driving the transition to a more sustainable future.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“What we will need to have gotten right is incorporating battery storage to allow more renewables to come online.”
— Laura Pagliarulo
“We decided that every country has to participate, not only from the way that you live, but more more myopically. And when I’m more focused on solar production, and manufacturing, we’re making our first steps and something that’s very new, about how we approach the solar industry, at least in the US.”
— Ardes Johnson
“I truly believe that we have the technological solutions today, to deploy at scale, and to beat this thing.”
— Billy Lee
“Simply by reducing Labor’s costs or material costs, you cannot lower the cost that much, you have to increase your efficiency, you have to increase your productivity, you have to increase your technology, improve your technology, in order to reach a lower cost.”
— Steven Zhu
“You know, the next billionaire out there in the world is probably sitting in their garage right now, he or she is trying to find smarter ways to move electrons around the world.”
— Andy McCarthy

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 665: Intersolar N. America ‘24 - Know Before You Go

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

About the Episode:

We’re here to help you gear up for InterSolar North America and Energy Storage North America, happening January 17-19 at the San Diego Convention Center. Discover how this event, with exponential growth since 2019, is the place to kickstart your 2024 mojo and lean into the year’s theme: "accelerating the energy transition." Hear from Wes Doane of Diversified Communications about the event's transformative journey, Rudy Saporite from IBTS about the intense Solar Games competition with $16,000 in cash prizes, and Candace Letizia, who reveals exciting event features, including an interactive floor map app and networking spaces. Plus, don't miss the details on the Thursday night Block Party Bash. This episode offers a comprehensive view of what to expect and how to maximize your InterSolar experience.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Candace Letizia:

Connect with Rudy Saporite:

Connect with Wes Doane:

Check out Diversified Communications:

Check out IBTS:

Check out Intersolar North America & Energy Storage North America:

InterSolar North America Floorplan

Key Takeaways:

  1. Event Theme: This year, InterSolar North America focuses on the principle of "accelerating the energy transition."

  2. Solar Games: This engaging competition showcases the skills of solar installers. Teams compete over three days on parameters such as safety, handling, wiring, code compliance, and, of course, speed - with the championship round occurring at 11 am on the final day - psst - with a not-so-secret host of ceremonies - ME!

  3. Networking Events: Notable side events include early breakfast and tour of a vanadium flow battery project, the Solar Games installation competition, and the memorable Block Party bash. Over 500 exhibitors and 100 speakers will join more than 9000 registered guests in this not-to-miss annual event.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES:

“We have eight teams from around the US that are competing, the top three winners will take away a combined $16,000 in cash. And it’s just really lovely to see the talent and the industry come together and you know, have a lot of fun while getting a little competitive.”
— Candace Letizia
“What I like about trade shows is they’re kind of this barometer for how the industry is doing.”
— Wes Doane
“You know, teams that are better, more knowledgeable, both in equipment and in process and in strategy on a rooftop tend to have a better outcome, both within the games as well as in real life.”
— Rudy Saporite

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 664: Inside Trina Solar's Strategy for Global Expansion, with President Steven Zhu

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

About the Episode:

Steven Zhu, President of Trina Solar's US division, is recognized as a pioneer in the solar industry.  His pivotal role in Trina Solar's 20+ year growth is highlighted through anecdote & allegory in this wide-ranging discussion with SunCast Host, Nico Johnson. The discussion reveals Steven's personal journey from childhood in China to leadership roles shaped by experiences in US academia and at technology behemoth IBM. Covering his career trajectory, Steven reflects on how he came to work at Trina Solar, his foray over to competitor GCL, and eventually returning to Trina to lead the US build out. Under Steven's stewardship, Trina Solar has solidified its position as a top global solar manufacturer. His strategic insights underscore the importance of technology improvements and supply chain efficiencies for achieving grid parity without long-term incentives. Steven recognizes as well the need for balancing ambition with conservative execution, one of the keys, he says, to Trina’s durability in an otherwise volatile and difficult marketplace.  Today’s discussion offers a rare glimpse into the strategic mindset of this solar industry giant’s leadership circle and brings into focus Trina Solar's core principles of localization, flexibility, and customer-centricity.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Steven Zhu:

Check out Trina Solar:

Website | LinkedIn | X | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Key Takeaways:

  1. Risk-taking: Founder & Chairman, Jifan Gao, sent a young Steven Zhu into uncharted territory very early in the solar industry’s buildout.  Steven recounts being one of the only solar companies visiting the silicon industry’s primary annual conference in San Francisco, and the rapid transformation of that conference toward this “new” industry known as solar.

  2. Expansion Strategy: Localization, customer centricity, and flexibility are central to Trina Solar's strategy for global and U.S. expansion. Zhu underscores the need to balance ambition with prudence and to enter markets with decade-plus visions. 

  3. China’s ambition: Achieving the lowest possible system costs, and thus a proliferation of solar technology globally, would not have been possible, argues Zhu, without the commitment of the Chinese government to drive rapid adoption domestically and to support the industry R&D.  It is hard to argue against China’s role in driving the cost curve down to a point where solar could reach grid parity and scale.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Simply by reducing labor costs or material costs, you cannot lower the cost that much, you have to increase your efficiency, you have to increase your productivities you have to increase your technology, improve your technology, in order to reach a lower cost”
— Steven Zhu

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 663: Launch of Valence & the Influencer List

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

About the Episode:

Heading into 2024, in partnership with our team at www.resourcelabs.co, we are launching a LinkedIn newsletter called "Valence: Content that Connects." Borrowing the term from chemistry, we visualize clean energy community members as 'elements' that, when combined, drive sustainable change. Valence highlights influential people and the stories they tell – within the renewable energy and climate sector.  In our launch editions of the Newsletter, we have featured notable figures like Alessandro Blasi, Katharine Hayhoe, and Daniel Shugar with more to be announced daily through January 6 as part of our 12 Days of Christmas. The newsletter will revert to weekly publications thereafter, highlighting leaders who are re-writing the energy & climate narrative.

Our goal for 2024 is to foster daily connections, converging ideas, and leveraging resources to foster the clean energy transition.

Follow along on LinkedIn and subscribe to Valence for the daily list of influencers. And if you missed it, we’ll have the full list over on www.resourcelabs.co afterward.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Episodes Mentioned:

Key Takeaways:

  1. "Valence" meaning: the degree of combining power of an element, as shown by the number of atomic weights of monovalent elements such as hydrogen. With Valence, I want to center around this idea of connectedness and the human potential to change the world through improving our storytelling capacity. Better described here.

  2. Human Potential: I believe that my job is to connect the human potential, it's the human element of the energy and climate story, and to help tell those stories with greater reach and efficacy. Valence, then, captures the how, why and with whom we connect the dots of the energy & climate narrative.

  3. Daily Connections: Goal for 2024 - to forge daily connections, merge diverse ideas, and show YOU how telling a great story can make all the difference in your endeavor.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“As we unpack this project, I guess, one thing I didn’t share with you is, my commitment for the year beyond launching Valence as a standalone project is that the underlying principle is connecting the dots, and therefore making myself a personal challenge that I will be connecting to people every day, for 365 days, I’m going to try to find meaningful ways to connect to those around me, but also to track the progress and the results.”
— 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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 662: Turning Communities Into Renewable Properties, with Aaron Halimi

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

About the Episode:

Aaron Halimi, the President, and CEO of Renewable Properties shares his experience developing solar projects. Aaron highlights the potentials and challenges of community solar. He discusses his journey into the industry, starting from a project on his family's rural land in Central Californal, through his industry growth phase leading utility-scale origination at Borrego Solar, to founding Renewable Properties. We learn how community solar is evolving to provide more accessible and flexible options compared to residential and utility-scale projects. Aaron also addresses the pivotal role of education and storytelling in dealing with misconceptions about renewable energy. Lastly, the conversation broadens to discuss the integration of renewable energy and the emerging EV market and how to drive energy forward.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Aaron Halimi:

Check out Renewable Properties:

Website | LinkedIn | X | YouTube

Key Takeaways:

  1. Evolution of Community Solar: Community solar has grown as a viable “Fourth Vertical” in the solar market, making it feasible to procure solar energy for those who do not have the option of solar on their individual home or building while presenting less developmental risks compared to utility-scale projects.

  2. Crucial role of communication: Storytelling, education, and addressing public misconceptions about solar deployments are integral parts of any company's development strategy.

  3. Expansion beyond solar: Renewable Properties sees opportunity tangential to the solar development sector to diversify its offerings, including the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, supporting a comprehensive approach to building community-based clean infrastructure.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“We as an industry need to continue to aggressively recruit and attract talent from other industries where there’s transferable skills. And even in industries where there might not be, we need to really be focused on that.”
— Aaron Halimi

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 661: What is Boxing Day? Plus 12 Days of Christmas 2024 Edition

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

About the Episode:

Today we explore the historical roots of Boxing Day, a tradition echoing gratitude from Victorian times, where the upper class honored their servants with boxes of provisions. 

And, as the holiday spirit continues, join us for a unique '12 Days of Christmas' series introducing influencers in the climate and energy sector. This series will connect you daily with innovators and leaders re-shaping the climate narrative through innovation, science and journalism. 

Follow along on LinkedIn for daily updates through January 6th. And if you missed it, we’ll have the full list over on www.resourcelabs.co afterward.

This short episode covers bridging tradition, innovation, and climate action into the new year.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Nico Johnson on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways:

  1. Boxing Day History: Dating back to Victorian times, Boxing Day is when the upper class traditionally gave boxes filled with food, money, or goods to their servants or tradespeople as a token of appreciation. Today, Boxing Day is marked by sports events, charity runs, and continued exchange of gifts.

  2. 12 Days of Christmas: Stay tuned for our exclusive 12 Day of Christmas “The Influencer List” series featuring thought leaders in Energy & Climate you should be following in 2024.

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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.

Bonus: Invitation - Join me in Hawaii?! (Mastermind)

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

About the Episode:

Imagine starting your new year in the tropical paradise of Honolulu, Hawaii. Not just for a vacation, but to join industry leaders Nico Johnson and Joshua Porter at a 4-day mastermind event designed to supercharge your leadership skills and network. This isn't just about escaping the winter blues; it's about setting the stage for a successful year ahead. Over these four days, we'll be learning the art of storytelling, getting up-to-speed on the latest policy and market innovations, and engaging with peers in an intimate setting. So why not shake off the winter chill and jumpstart your new year with us?

This mastermind event is co-located with the first ever RE+ Solar & Storage event in Honolulu, Hawaii Jan 22-23. It's a unique opportunity to get insider guidance on understanding the dynamic Hawaii market and how it could influence your approach to other less mature markets in the US. Hawaii has, after-all, been a pioneering market for storage attachment to residential solar projects, and continues to be a test bed that other utilities and market regulators are watching closely. Imagine the synergy of attending this timely industry event, then deepening your understanding through our targeted mastermind sessions. You'll have access to local insiders and exclusive pre & post-event networking & teaching by Josh, Nico and guests. The lessons you learn here could be game-changing, offering a timely injection of knowledge and storytelling prowess to boost your personal and corporate brand early in the year.

Ready to level up? Visitwww.mysuncast.com/precharge to fill out the application. If you're interested in attending, book a call with Josh and Nico next week. We have limited space, as we are only taking a dozen folks with us on this journey. Don't miss this chance to start your year strong, expand your network, and enhance your leadership & storytelling skills. Remember, the best investment you can make is in yourself. Join us in Hawaii this January and let's make this year your best one yet.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Josh Porter on LinkedIn

Connect with Nico Johnson on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways:

  1. Storytelling - Nico & Josh have honed the art of visual and audio mediums for storytelling and have never before shared their secrets in such a timely & intimate setting. Leverage their decade-plus experience to boost your message & media skills

  2. Peer Network - Surround yourself with peers who can push, pull and stretch you to reach your goals and beyond. Mastermind groups give you the support network you need - you don’t have to feel like you’re the only one with the answers.

  3. Kickstart the Year - So many plans are made in Q4 that get off to a sluggish start in January. Be the contrarian and put yourself in a position to dominate your goal list by gaining acumen and accountability among a group of A-Players like yourself.

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 660: Why care about COP28? A Recap with Nathan Jovanelly, Brad Stutzman, Elizabeth Andrews, Tito Jankowski, Steve Anglin

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

About the Episode:

This Industry Pulse roundtable, led by hosts Nico Johnson and Nathan Jovanelly, unpacks the insights and experiences of renewable energy & climate leaders - Elizabeth Andrews, Steve Anglin, Brad Stutzman, and Tito Jankowski - from the recently concluded COP28. By touching on technologies, such as green hydrogen, the remarkable scope of COP28, and the need for collaboration and investment in clean energy, our experts cast a keen eye on the event's impact on the global fight against climate change. 

Everyone attends these events with their own agenda: network, raise awareness, raise money, get “in the room” where it happens! 

The discussion offers a look at COP28 from quite different perspectives while tying together their observations into one theme - why should those of us back in the ‘real world’ give a d* about whether or not these proceedings have meaning for our day-to-day lives?

Tune in and discover for yourself.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Brad Stutzman:

Connect with Elizabeth Andrews:

Connect with Tito Jankowski:

Connect with Steve Anglin:

Connect with Nathan Jovanelly:


Check out O3 Energy:

Check out New Energy Nexus: 

Check out AirMiners:

Check out Utopio:

Check out SunRaise Capital LLC:

Check out Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Key Takeaways:

  1. Financial Support: There is an ever-present need for increased funding and investment, particularly in developing regions, to fuel the growth of clean energy and climate tech, and COP proceedings pay particular attention to HOW we will raise funding for those most vulnerable to climate change.

  2. Scale: The sheer scale of COP28 and its associated events can be overwhelming, so the panelists discuss where attention should be focused and how they spent time this trip versus where and how they’d do it next time.

  3. Technological Innovation: Like many conferences, the event serves as a catalyst for displaying innovations that could help solve the climate crisis. Startups specializing in climate technologies are provided a great opportunity to connect with investors and expand their networks at the COP events happening outside the Blue Zone.

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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 659: The question is not WHO is Meyer Burger, but WHY have you not heard of them, yet?! With Ardes Johnson, President of Meyer Burger Americas

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

About the Episode:

Ardes Johnson, President of Meyer Burger Americas, introduces us to Meyer Burger, the 70 yr old Swiss firm whose equipment production lines and innovative technological breakthroughs have helped such industry stalwarts as Trina Solar and REC scale to multi-GW factories around the world.  Ardes takes us through their groundbreaking Heterojunction Technology (HJT) and SmartWire Connection Technology that enhance solar energy output while minimizing resource use. Meyer Burger is leading the way in refining technologies like Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) cells and tandem modules, and is expanding manufacturing operations from Germany to the U.S. The company is constructing solar facilities in Goodyear, AZ and Colorado Springs. Ardes shares his extensive experience gained from starting off as a Nuclear Officer in the Navy to working at GE, SolarWorld, Tesla, and JLM Energy. He underscores the necessity of policy stability for the growth of the solar industry and calls upon stakeholders and policymakers to unite for long-term policy support. This is aimed at propelling American solar manufacturing forward to contribute to global climate goals.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Ardes Johnson:

Check out Meyer Burger:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Technology: Heterojunction technology forms the core of Meyer Burger's innovation beachhead, and they have efforts underway to further lift efficiencies through IBC cells, tandem modules, and the incorporation of, dare we say it… perovskite.

  2. Infrastructure: To establish and nurture a vibrant domestic solar manufacturing industry, immense investments are needed, underpinned by solid policy stability. Meyer Burger is investing in not just a solar module manufacturing plant, but is also bringing a CELL fab to the US As well…that takes guts (and know-how).

  3. Partnerships: A combination of strong partnerships and customer commitments have enabled Meyer Burger to accelerate its U.S. manufacturing plans. It cannot be overstated how important the UP-FRONT customer pull-through is to the success of all the major manufacturing announcements we’ve been seeing. If you don’t see customer commitments behind these announcements, question reality.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“I want to make fewer modules but get the same gigawatt output, right? Get more output on a roof, get more output in the field, do it in a sustainable way, do it in an ethical way with quality product. And that’s really what Meyer Burger is all about.”
— Ardes 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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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.

658: Top Trends cleantech podcasters predict for 2024? End of Year Cleantech Podcasters Roundtable

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

About the Episode:

In this year-end podcasters’ roundtable, fellow renewable energy show hosts Mike Casey, Marie Burgquist, Bill Nussey, Dana Perkins, David Roberts, and Chris Caldwell join Nico to dissect where we stand with clean energy goals going into next year. They assess the year's progress, tackling topics such as China's renewable market explosion, grid infrastructure challenges, COP28, authoritarianism and climate action. They also identified compelling subjects slated for broader public awareness in the upcoming year, spanning innovative storage solutions, advancements in emissions accounting, the potential of off-grid renewables, and the critical role of risk assessments within the insurance industry. This discussion delves into crucial aspects of renewable energy and energy storage, underscoring the ongoing imperative to propel diverse sectors into active participation in the transition toward clean energy.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Mike Casey:

Connect with Bill Nussey:

Connect with Dana Perkins:

Connect with Marie Burgquist:

Connect with David Roberts:

Connect with Chris Caldwell:

Check out Tigercomm/Scaling Clean Podcast:

Check out Freeing Energy:

Check out BloombergNEF/Switched On:

Check out Watts Up by Nelnet Renewable Energy:

Check out Volts:

Check out Conversations On Climate:

Website | LinkedIn

Key Takeaways:

  1. Grid Infrastructure challenges: Interconnection bottlenecks and rising costs remain major obstacles to ramp up the deployment of renewable energy.

  2. Rising Interest Rates: Interest rates impacted the clean energy sector considerably in 2023 especially when it came to residential solar, and it’s expected to be an important factor moving forward.

  3. Potential Developments in 2024: Exciting future transformations could come from areas such as off-grid renewables, thermal batteries, degrowth economic frameworks, along with a heightened attention on mitigating the risks of climate change with financial products.

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. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

Speed up PV installations for lower LCOE with TrinaTracker and improve overall system value with optimized compatibility using Trina Solar’s industry-leading modules and the TrinaPro utility-scale or C&I Solutions. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/trina

Elevate your solar projects with PVcase - an innovative company specializing in solar solutions. PVcase products provide user-friendly tools ensuring precision, efficiency, and error elimination—a game-changer for your projects. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/pvcase

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.