Episode 714: The Republican Case for Clean Energy: Insights from Georgia Public Service Commissioner, Tim Echols

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:

Have you ever wondered why clean energy is not only surviving, but thriving in RED states here in the USA? 

Despite the common perception that Republicans are against clean energy, states like Georgia (and AL, SC, and FL, not to mention TX!) are seeing significant solar growth. 

Republican Tim Echols, Vice Chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission, discusses Georgia’s journey to becoming the 7th largest state for utility-scale solar (with 6GW!) and how they are gearing up to meet the increasing energy demands of expanding data centers. GA is expected to be a clean energy stronghold for years to come…what’s behind that growth and sustained interest?

Expect to learn:

  • How Georgia structured its solar policies to make financial sense for constituents

  • The future of the IRA if Trump is elected

  • Echols’s perspective on nuclear energy's role in meeting future power demands

  • The outlook for EV adoption following pandemic slow-down and factory build-out delays from Rivian (and others)

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of Georgia’s true clean energy champions (who just happens to be a Republican!)

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Tim Echols:

Check out Georgia Public Service Commission:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:

“When you add batteries with large utility scale solar at the substation, you turn them from being an energy asset to a capacity asset. So I think Batteries are kind of like bacon, they make everything better.”
— Tim Echols
“I do feel like we have a duty to have clean air and clean water, and to utilize technology in ways that really makes sense to protect life, anywhere and everywhere that we can.”
— Tim Echols

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 713: Then And Now, How SEIA Helped Transform Solar Energy - 4 SEIA Presidents share the stage

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 50 short years, solar energy transformed from a niche interest to a key driver of the global energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. 

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has been at the forefront of this transformation, advocating for policies, fostering innovation, and driving growth in the industry. Founded in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, SEIA has worked tirelessly to give solar “a seat at the table” in Washington, and the fruits of their labor are plentiful.

In honor of SEIA’s 50th anniversary, key figures from SEIA's past and present discuss the evolution of the solar industry. Abby Hopper (sitting CEO & President) hosted this panel with Fred Morse, Scott Sklar, and Rhone Resch (all key SEIA past leaders) to share their stories of the trade association’s 50 year rise and successes.  From watching solar energy evolve beyond it’s solar water heating roots to the sophisticated photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems of today, their stories highlight the milestones, legislative victories, and technological advancements that have propelled solar into the mainstream. 

Abby’s Linked Post on the roundtable captured the moment well, from stories of the founding of SEIA, to how the Investment Tax Credit came into being. And we gained insight into where these legends believe both SEIA and the industry will be over the next fifty years.

But we captured the moment as it happened, and we hope you’ll actually give it a listen!

Expect to learn:

  • SEIA’s fascinating origin story 

  • Early challenges and how the industry overcame (and is still overcoming) skepticism

  • Key legislative victories that helped solar along the way 

  • The expanding applications of solar technology

  • What the future of solar and storage looks like 

Queue it up; get inspired by some of the OG pioneers of solar energy!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Abby Hopper:

Connect with Rhone Resch:

Connect with Scott Sklar:

Connect with Frederick Morse:

Check out Solar Energy Industries Association:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“I wanted to come into the solar and storage industry, because it was the most entrepreneurial, fastest growing, like nimble industry that I have seen across the energy technologies.”
— Abby Hopper
“Solar energy is a pimple on the backside of the nuclear elephant. Now the pimple and the elephant have changed places.”
— Fred Morse
“And now resiliency is my big thing. And I am here to tell you that solar storage and all the other renewables, smart sensors, analytics, control, AI, Blockchain, all of that will be integrated in ways that we as a society will not even notice that the coatings on the south side of buildings and the shingles on buildings and the pavement, all will be solar material.”
— Scott Sklar
“I think what’s successful about the organization, what we’ve done for years, but also where you’ve set the goal for 2030 is 30% Solar by 2030, you know, is having that vision, I think that’s fantastic. And let’s make sure we hit it and actually beat it by two years.”
— Rhone Resch

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 712: SEIA’s 50-Year Legacy of Advancing Solar Energy with CEO, Abby Hopper

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:

The United States just surpassed 5 million solar installations, but as excited as Abby Hopper is to shout that from the rooftops, she agrees we’re just getting started. While the last 50 years was about building a solid foundation (fighting for every inch), the next 50 actually has a lot more at stake.

The Solar Energy Industries Association celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, marking half a century of progress, innovation, and entrepreneurship in solar energy and storage. 

Nico joined Abby Hopper, SEIA's President and CEO, at SEIA’s Washington, D.C. headquarters, to discuss the profound impact policy advocacy has made on the industry growth.  SEIA has also helped produce industry standards and public awareness that both professionalized and propelled solar to new heights. Our largest trade association has had a large role to play in keeping solar power at the forefront of America's energy future, and that future is looking bright.

Expect to learn:

  • How  SEIA has evolved as an organization over the past 50 years and what the next 50 should look like.

  • How Abby and SEIA are tackling the industry's most pressing challenges.

  • SEIA's plans to advance solar through storytelling and advocacy.

  • How they plan to navigate whatever political outcome happens in the upcoming election. 

Listen in to hear a front-line solar warrior give her insights on the past, present, and future of the solar industry and how we all have a role to play in advancing clean energy.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Abby Hopper:

Check out Solar Energy Industries Association:

Check out our past episodes with Abby Hopper:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“I am a huge believer that most of life is storytelling. Whether it is in a personal relationship, or an advocacy position or the news. It’s all about storytelling.”
— Abby Hopper
“Building those relationships and conservative circles has been really impactful, and I think it gives us credibility, that we are not coming to say only us, but we’re coming to say we want to be part of the solution.”
— Abby Hopper

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 711: How Agrivoltaics is Doubling The Use of Scarce Land with Dan French and Dave Gahl

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:

How can we meet the growing demands for renewable energy without losing precious agricultural land? 

Agrivoltaics! It’s one of the most exciting growth sectors in solar energy! This approach leverages solar photovoltaic (PV) systems without losing the property’s agricultural capabilities, thus unlocking fertile and scarce land’s dual-use potential. 

Few have done as much to proliferate education on this topic as Dan French, Executive Producer of the Solar Farm Summit.  We recently had Dan take over as a stand-in host for Nico, and he invited Mr. Dave Gahl, Executive Director at the Solar and Storage Industries Institute to discuss all that agrivoltaic promises and what barriers still hold this promising vertical back.  

French and Gahl provide insights from the field where these practices are helping to stabilize farm revenue, enhance biodiversity, and support renewable energy goals. 

Expect to learn:

  • Key barriers to wider agrivoltaics adoption

  • How The Solar Farm Summit’s case studies help to standardize templates like grazing contracts and insurance agreements

  • Current funding opportunities for agrivoltaics projects

Discover how agrivoltaics is offering a win-win solution for farmers, energy producers, and the environment. 

And don’t miss out on the best annual agrivoltaics conference, happening in just a few weeks in Chicago - the www.solarfarmsummit.com!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Dan French:

Connect with Dave Gahl:

Check out Solar Farm Summit:

Check out Solar and Storage Industries Institute:

Resources:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“My favorite study from the University of Arizona, tripled the peppers produced under the panel’s only using half the water because the plants aren’t sweating all day. So super simple, super compelling science.”
— Dan French
“I think the rubber hits the road really at the state level. I’m pleased to see federal legislation on these issues, because I think that can help as well, but what we’ve seen in states like Massachusetts, for example, had a pretty sizable incentive built into their SMART solar incentive program.”
— Dave Gahl

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 710: The Truth About Solar's Hidden Waste Crisis with Adam Saghei of We Recycle Solar

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:

I learned a staggering statistic recently: Almost 90% of solar panels are thrown away when they reach the end of their useful life.  

In 2016, The International Renewable Energy Agency projected that 78 million tons of solar waste would be created by 2050. Within that waste sits a goldmine of opportunity: $15 billion in recyclable materials that most of the industry is simply ignoring. One entrepreneur, however, is transferring his e-waste knowledge and experience to this relatively new high-tech waste problem.

Adam Saghei (sah-gah-ee), the CEO and founder of We Recycle Solar, has translated his background in reverse logistics and managing e-waste into building one of the largest utility-scale solar recycling operations in the world. Along the way, he discovered that off-the-shelf technology would only get them so far, so, he built the technology required to increase throughput and therefore accelerate recycling capacity. But, it’s still not enough.  

 WRS has the capacity to process 7,500 modules a day (345,000 lbs) and 69 million pounds in a year, (the weight of 700 Boeing 737 jets). Still, they’ll need FOUR full-scale facilities the size of their Yuma, AZ processing plant to even begin to address the current (not future) waste stream. 

It is yet to be proven whether we as an industry will embrace the opportunity to recycle. Like all recycling, it requires a higher end-of-life cost for processing. So, the real question is, “what price is acceptable, and who will pay it?”

Expect to learn:

  • The complexities and hurdles faced in recycling solar panels.

  • The cost of recycling solar panels vs landfilling them.

  • We Recycle Solar’s “hot knife” method. 

  • Strategies for reducing solar waste 

  • The latest advancements in solar panel recycling.

Curious how you can help reduce solar waste? Listen in and expand your knowledge on end-of-life solar module management.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Adam Saghei:

Check out We Recycle Solar:

Resources:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Solar is a great source of renewable energy, and it is green. And it is something that is part of the solution. And with that, like any other forms of energy or any other type of assets, you have waste.”
— Adam Saghei
“I’m so inspired. I’m so humbled by the fact that I’m working in an industry that is solving real problems. And as I mentioned to you before, it’s not even about power generation, it is empowerment, it’s access, it’s so much more.”
— Adam Saghei

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 709: NABCEP Solar Certification: Expert Insights from the Top Trainer, Sean White

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:

When it comes to certifications and training in the solar industry, one name (or label) stands out and is recognized as the gold standard: NABCEP.  The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is the certifying body for Solar PV and Battery Installers here in North America, and I’ve been told that the NABCEP certification test is as hard as the Professional Engineering (PE) exam! And, one trainer is the top educator for NABCEP (and many other areas of solar) in North America…

Nico sat down with Sean White, a leading figure in solar education for more than 16 years, during the recent NABCEP Conference. Sean is also the IREC Trainer of the Year and Trainer of the Decade award winner; suffice to say, Sean's expertise is at another level. 

Sean’s “Introduction to Solar PV Design, Installation and Code - Self Study” is one of the most popular and reviewed courses in the industry - 11,0000+ students and nearly 2000 positive reviews!

Think you’re ready to take the exam? Try Sean’s FREE NABCEP PV Certification Practice Exam! 

Never heard of Sean?  Give today’s episode a listen, and we’re sure you’ll agree that he’s one of the most informative and entertaining educators in the industry today.

Expect to learn:

  • How earning a NABCEP PV Associate credential can boost your career 

  • Insights into the NABCEP certification process.

  • How to find NABCEP-certified professionals in your area

Whether you're a seasoned solar veteran or new to the field, Sean's insights will equip you with valuable information to advance your solar career. You can find Sean’s courses on HeatSpring.


Disclaimer: we may earn an affiliate income if you use any of the links here to pay for a course on Heatspring. Thank you in advance for supporting SunCast by supporting your OWN growth and advancement in this industry. Good luck and let us know how you’re doing!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Sean White:

Check out HeatSpring:

Resources:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Like all of these like NABCEP things. What does it qualify for you? It qualifies you for respect.”
— Sean White
“I’ve got a lot of NABCEP certifications. So that’s really cool. Did you know that if you get all the NABCEP certifications, you have more letters than the alphabet.”
— Sean White

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 708: Inside Sunrun’s Customer-Led Revolution with CEO, Mary Powell

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:

Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun, has cast the vision of the leading solar brand in North America as a clean energy lifestyle company. She recently shared with Nico how Sunrun is accelerating the transition and nearing its millionth customer despite the typical electric utilities' “no and slow” culture.

Under Powell's leadership, Sunrun installed more than 1 GW of solar in 2023, maintaining its position as the nation's leading residential solar provider. Even more impressive, perhaps, is how Sunrun’s “year of energy storage” netted an unprecedented growth rate of battery attachment to solar projects. They’ve also set a few key milestones in key markets like CA and Puerto Rico for grid services of distributed batteries.

As a former utility executive, Nico asserts that Powell is “bilingual”, understanding how to navigate and communicate in both the private sector and Utility environments facilitating the integration of more renewables into the grid. Now, she is proving that distributed energy resources (like rooftop solar) can support grid reliability when networked as virtual power plants (VPPs), and promises we are in the midst of a ‘customer-led revolution’.

Expect to learn:

  • Details of the largest virtual power plant (VPP) in the nation.

  • Why “customer obsession” is key to consumer confidence.

  • The role of virtual power plants in creating a resilient grid.

  • How Sunrun achieved a 50% storage attachment rate.

Click play to hear directly from the CEO proving that distributed energy resources can support a stronger, more resilient grid.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“This is the year we are going to transform this company into a significant step towards being a clean energy lifestyle company, to ultimately being a company that meets you, the customer, wherever you are on your clean energy journey.”
— Mary Powell
“Climate change isn’t just like this random thing that can’t touch this massive grid, it is incredibly powerful and it means that we need to be working hard to accelerate solutions.”
— Mary Powell

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 707: US Solar’s AD/CVD, The Latest Round of Investigations Explained with CEA’s Dan Shreve & Christian Roselund

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:

Anti-dumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) are nothing new; they have plagued US-based solar developers and decision-makers since 2011. These duties, aimed at preventing unfair trade practices, greatly impact pricing and timelines of solar projects and generally seed uncertainty in the marketplace (at the outset, at least).  We now have a new round of trade investigations being undertaken by the US Dept. of Commerce. What’s at stake, and who will be most impacted?

AD/CVD investigations were initiated 13 years ago to address concerns in the marketplace that Chinese-based solar module manufacturers were unfairly influencing fair market price of solar panels through dumping and government subsidies. On May 15th, 2024, the International Trade Administration (ITA) announced a new investigation into PV cells.  This time, however, it goes beyond mainland China and focuses on 4 additional countries of origin — Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia — countries that presently supply about 80% of the US's solar modules. These potential duties, ranging from 50% to 250%, aim to prevent dumping (the sale of foreign goods in the U.S. at significantly lower than U.S. prices) and protect domestic manufacturing.

Yet, many are of the opinion that it’s just going to create more market uncertainty and further slow the progress of solar energy deployment. 

Dan Shreve, VP of Market Intelligence, and Christian Roselund, Senior Policy Analyst at Clean Energy Associates (CEA) are veritable market experts on the topic, so I asked them to help us understand whether the recent AD/CVD investigations are expected to profoundly impact procurement in the coming months and what else this trade case may implicate in the US market looking out into 2025. 

Expect to learn:

  • A short history of Anti-dumping and countervailing duties. 

  • How AD/CVD investigations affect solar imports and project timelines.

  • CEA’S expectations for upcoming tariff rulings, rates, and their impact on future pricing.

Dan and Christian offer clear insights to help you navigate these changes. Whether you're a developer, IPP, or decision-maker, this episode will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions in the coming months. 

Worried AD/CVD will impact your solar projects? Listen in to find out if you’re at risk!

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Everyone’s very focused on cell capacity. That’s the real core pinch point. Module supply is very much the market, the production capacity that’s available is substantially higher than what is required in terms of US demand.”
— Dan Shreve
“In terms of the energy transition, this is likely to speed the rate of deployment of renewables globally, these products may be shut off from entering the US market. But there are other markets around the world where they’re likely to go, particularly in developing nations, that if they see an opportunity to take advantage of this low cost, solar could end up deploying a lot of renewables a lot faster.”
— Christian Roselund

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 706: An Insider's Guide To Better Solar Projects, with industry veteran Keith Cronin

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 the solar industry, we’re often building the plane as we fly it, as it were. 

This is ever-moreso evident in commercial and industrial (C&I) solar, a relatively untapped market with unique challenges. One of the key areas of failure is a lack of funding.  And, often, the culprit that leads to failed projects or lack of funding (ie, un-interested buyers) is poor processes. 
So how do you teach due diligence and standardize processes when it seems we’ve been making them up as you go for so long?? 

Despite it still, at times, feeling like the wild west in solar development, there are numerous industry veterans who have vetted and validated hundreds, even thousands of projects and developed simple checklists, toolkits, and data room best practices to help any developer willing to seek professional guidance.

Keith Cronin, Founder & CEO of SunHedge and instructor for HeatSpring, is a pioneer in the U.S. and Pacific Island solar markets. In today's episode, Keith shares his journey from helping shape Hawaii's solar market with Jigar Shah to teaching hundreds of organizations how to fine-tune their own best-practices, financial models and project diligence efforts. Along the way, Keith has helped to build trust in the market and innovative financial models for getting projects across the finish line. 

Expect to learn:

  • Specific strategies for strong financial models and building trust for your solar project. 

  • Tools you can deploy immediately for more accurate assumptions in your models and risk reduction in C&I solar projects, in particular.

  • Keith’s perspective on how we can bring more people in from other industries like oil and gas, real estate, and tech.

Careful listeners will learn (and see) how to use Keith’s FREE project screening tool, or gain access to his bestselling course, Solar Executive MBA Training, on Heatspring. 

Finally, ifyou’re ready to further develop your own thought leadership or share your expertise, check out Solar Academy, a social knowledge platform for the solar energy industry.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“All models are wrong, some are just more useful. And what I kind of mean by that, structurally, is that we have these assumptions around production. We have these assumptions around cash flows with production. We have assumptions around operations and maintenance, and equipment failure.”
— Keith Cronin
“I think it’s incredibly invaluable understanding history, reading history, there is so much to be garnered because again, history repeats itself.”
— Keith Cronin

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 705: A Solution for Plastic Pollution: How PlantSwitch’s Bioplastics Lead the Way, with CEO Dillon Baxter

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:

Ever get annoyed when you order takeout and they give you the obligatory plastic wrapped napkin and plastic cutlery? If you’re like me, you politely decline, but most just take them and dispose of them directly in the waste bin.

The world is drowning in plastic waste, and current solutions to a useful alternative aren't cutting it. 

PlantSwitch, a North Carolina-based startup co-founded by Dillon Baxter, uses agricultural byproducts to create a durable, plastic-like resin. With it, they aim to tackle the world of disposable cutlery. Their products are 100% compostable and decompose naturally, even without the need for commercial composting facilities.

If your response to compostable cutlery is an eye-roll because they are neither reliable nor compostable, you’re in good company with Dillon.  That’s why when he takes a potential investor out to dinner, he invites them to cut into a thick steak with one of his compostable knives…they usually invest. And with those investments, PlantSwitch is opening a new facility in Sanford, North Carolina, where they can produce 50 million pounds of truly compostable bioplastic resin annually! Until now, there was really nobody providing a wide-scale alternative to single-use plastics; Tune in to hear how PlantSwitch is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the biodegradable plastics industry.

Expect to learn:

  • How traditional plastic recycling is broken.

  • How PlantSwitch uses agricultural waste to create compostable products.

  • The real story behind consumer recycling (it’s more sinister than you might think).

Discover how PlantSwitch is transforming the plastic industry. Listen now!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Dillon Baxter:

Check out PlantSwitch:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“We only really recycle, effectively one type of plastic, and there are hundreds of different types of plastic. When that plastic becomes contaminated with food waste, it becomes almost impossible for the recycler to work with it.”
— Dillon Baxter
“None of the solutions that were on the market really made a ton of sense. Everything was way too expensive or didn’t work well enough. Or the worst one to me was it wasn’t even truly biodegradable or compostable.”
— Dillon Baxter

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 704: Better Funding For Climate Entrepreneurs? Dimitry Gershenson explains

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:

If we’re going to address climate change through capitalism, we’ll need about $10 Trillion. 

The growing climate crisis demands that we take urgent action, but early-stage climate entrepreneurs still face significant barriers in finding the funding to bring their innovations to market. 

CEO and co-founder of Enduring Planet, Dimitry Gershenson, offers a solution to a critical funding gap climate entrepreneurs face. After building the Energy Access program at Facebook and seeing first-hand how hard it was to get access to this much-needed startup capital, Dimitry has leveraged his experiences and network to create a fintech platform that provides fast, flexible, and founder-friendly working capital to climate-focused startups.

Enduring Planet offers non-dilutive capital (funding that doesn’t require a founder to give up equity or ownership) and comprehensive financial advisory services to help climate entrepreneurs navigate funding challenges. By doing so, they enable these startups to accelerate their projects and make significant strides in the fight against climate change.

Expect to learn:

  • Practical advice for securing and managing funding in the climate tech space.

  • The unique financial hurdles faced by climate entrepreneurs (and how we can overcome them).

  • How Enduring Planet’s innovative grant advance product works.

  • Why non-dilutive capital is critical for early-stage companies.

  • Dimitry’s story of transitioning from Peace Corps volunteer to climate finance leader.

Hit play to find out more about Enduring Planet’s innovative climate finance solutions.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“How do we help climate entrepreneurs? Solve that next financing challenge, so they can do the thing they want to do to get the impact that they want in the world and like bring us closer to that one and a half, two degrees C world that we can.”
— Dimitry Gershenson
“So you win a grant, you apply for money, and that week, you have funding. That’s like my dream.”
— Dimitry Gershenson

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 703: Unlocking Great Leadership, Imposter Syndrome, and Authenticity | Paula Glover, President of Alliance to Save 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:

Struggling with imposter syndrome? You're not alone. 

Returning guest (Ep 333, 687) Paula Glover, President of the Alliance to Save Energy, delves into one of the most common emotional challenges faced by leaders and entrepreneurs. Paula gets real about the self-doubt leaders face and the importance of authenticity in leadership. It’s rare to get this kind of honesty in a b2b podcast conversation, and Paula does it with guts and grace.

As the head of the Alliance to Save Energy, Paula has been a champion for diversity and inclusion in the energy sector. Her experience shows how crucial personal growth and self-awareness are for effective leadership. The conversation touches on the significance of self-reflection, the power of words, and the responsibility that comes with leadership roles. 

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, you’re in good company.  Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou,Tom Hanks and David Bowie are among the many professional performers, unquestionably successful, who’ve battled the self-talk and emotional rollercoaster of feeling like an imposter. 

Ready to conquer your own imposter syndrome and lead with confidence? Listen in to hear Paula's empowering stories and actionable advice.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Paula Glover:

Check out Alliance to Save Energy:

Check out our other episodes with Paula: 

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Sometimes it doesn’t matter if it’s true. It does matter how you say things. There is a responsibility to not only take account of what you say, but the impact of what you say.”
— Paula Glover
“They can’t recreate you. They can create a podcast, they can create a video. They can have the audio, they can get a great moderator. They can have wonderful people come and speak about a whole bunch of topics and still they could not recreate you.”
— Paula Glover

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 702: From Rock Star to Serial Entrepreneur: Rue Phillips' Journey

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:

He came to America with ten thousand dollars and a dream of making it big. A few years later, he was a legitimate rock star, rocking arenas with Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osborne.  So why did this British rocker who achieved the height of music stardom give it all up and start an EV charging business? How did that turn into not 1 but 3 successful exits (his most recent for north of $80M to Enphase) and a fourth energy sector startup sure to find similar outcomes? Rue Phillips, a rockstar turned entrepreneur, has a story unlike any other we’ve told here on SunCast.

Rue has always had an interest in electronics, so perhaps it’s a natural that when he hung up his axe he would find a way to leverage the trade skill handed down through his family.  But in the 90’s, EV charging and solar energy were hobbyist businesses for most aspiring entrepreneurs. Yet, Rue found himself installing EV charging infrastructure for the Hollywood elite, and parlayed that experience into fixing what he saw breaking in the solar industry, literally. 

Now, Rue has turned his attention back to addressing the weak link in our Electric Vehicle (EV) dreams, charging. A considerable portion of EV charging infrastructure is unreliable or inoperable. Phillips, once a guitarist for rock legends like Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, has truly found his rhythm in energy entrepreneurship, founding several successful ventures including True South Renewables and 365 Pronto.

His newest venture, SkillFusion, is a digital learning platform that aims to train skilled professionals to address the critical need for reliable EV infrastructure. SkillFusion offers comprehensive training programs to prepare the workforce needed to maintain and repair EV chargers.  Phillips and his team aim to help EV charging companies achieve their long-promised 97% uptime guarantee.

Expect to learn:

  • Why reliable EV infrastructure will boost the industry's growth.

  • How SkillFusion's training programs are bridging the skills gap in the EV sector.

  • Rue Phillips’ journey from rockstar to renewable energy pioneer.

  • Rue’s strategies for transforming passion into a successful business venture.

Discover how SkillFusion is powering the EV revolution, one skilled technician at a time.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Rue Phillips:

Check out SkillFusion:

Check out EV Chat:

Video Referenced:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“There will be a vast amount of electric vehicles on the roads by 2030, 2035 and the opportunities for individuals and businesses are absolutely immense.”
— Rue Phillips
“If it is important to you, then go do it, even if they are so stacked up against you. If you do it with a passion and stay to the vision, it will come to fruition”
— Rue Phillips

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 701: Nextracker and JM Steel Are Reviving American Manufacturing

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:

US manufacturing is back! 

We were recently invited to a ceremony to celebrate the expansion of Nextracker’s dedicated steel torque tube manufacturing lines at JM Steel’s Leetsdale facility in Pittsburgh. This historic site, formerly Bethlehem Steel(the company that produced the landing craft for Normandy during World War II) now manufactures low-carbon steel tubes for solar trackers. Among the many dignitaries present at the event were 3 people on Nico’s yet-to-be-interviewed bucket list, so he got the chance to get some genuine reaction commentary and excellent b-roll of the factory line up-and-running (see our Youtube video for that!)

You’ll hear from these 3 pioneering solar warriors in today’s episode:

  • Yuri Horowitz, CEO of Sol Systems, 

  • David Crane, DOE Undersecretary for Infrastructure, and 

  • Kelly Speakes-Backman, Executive VP, Public Affairs at Invenergy  

Each has an interesting perspective to offer on how the solar industry is reshoring manufacturing.

Expect to learn:

  • How the U.S. government plans to fast-track permitting and workforce training

  • Exactly how this clean green steel factory is aiming to triple its output.

  • Ways companies like Invenergy plan to support domestic manufacturing

  • Updates on the DOE’s commitment to awarding billions in infrastructure funds.

It’s beautiful to see manufacturing returning to U.S. soil. Hit play to learn why now is the time for solar companies to reshore manufacturing… And the incentives they’ll earn for doing so. 

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Yuri Horwitz:

David Crane:

Connect with Kelly Speakes-Backman:

Check out Sol Systems:

Check out Invenergy:

Check out Nextracker:

Check out JM Steel:

Resources:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“By reinvesting in the communities and building the mechanical infrastructure to build the equipment we use. We’re tightening that fabric that we have with our communities, frankly, with our country.”
— Yuri Horwitz
“When you win the competition, that’s called selection, you’ve been selected. To be under contract that’s called awarded, my goal is to have as much of that 70-80 billion awarded under contract by the end of this year.”
— David Crane
“This is an amazing example of how people are taking advantage of the policies that have been put in place. As a developer, builder, and operator, we’ve got to make sure we’ve got the domestic content so that we can take full advantage of the IRA, Inflation Reduction Act. I think that’s how we do it one link at a time.”
— Kelly Speakes-Backman

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 700! Behind the Success of Strata Clean Energy, Markus Wilhelm

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:

It only took me 8 years and 699 episodes to finally land today’s guest! But the wait was WELL worth it. You’re in for a treat. And it was recorded in-person at Strata’s HQ, so you might enjoy some of the extra footage included in the YT video version of this episode. 

Markus Wilhelm founded Strata Clean Energy in 2009, but readily admits that he didn’t have the right initial vision for the company.  In fact, it wasn’t till the THIRD pivot that he says they really found their groove.  By any measure, Strata has now become an undeniable success-story in the world of Solar Energy Development and Construction. Over the course of 15 years, Strata has grown from a small residential installer to a globally-recognized utility-scale developer, owner, and operator of clean energy assets. 

Yet, few have been able to get access to the man behind the curtain and unpack what makes him tick and how Wilhelm's background as a former media executive uniquely prepared him to grow the company to this level. One of the most interesting things for me, having done now 700 of these, is that when Markus and his wife began this venture, it was supposed to be something to pass the time…in his RETIREMENT!  15 years later, he’s still going strong, and Strata is more relevant and impressive than ever.

Filmed at Strata's Durham NC HQ, this episode finds Wilhelm reflecting on the company's evolution—from pioneering the North Carolina solar market to building multi-billion dollar solar and battery storage projects. 

Expect to learn:

  • Strata’s three strategy changes that led them to become the company they are today. 

  • How building a vertically integrated business model can enhance your project quality.

  • How Markus’s background as a media executive prepared him to grow an energy company

  • How Strata plans to stay flexible amid inconsistent government policies and administration changes

This is a rare opportunity to hear how an industry titan built a solar company from the ground up.
Oh, and listen closely, because we’re giving away a free gift to our listeners for helping us reach 700 episodes!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Markus Wilhelm:

Check out Strata Clean Energy:

Resources:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“But what attracted me to solar was that the paradigm shifts could be in my favor. I wanted to be on the receiving end of a paradigm shift, not the one defending an old paradigm.”
— Markus Wilhelm
“I think energy prices will go up, if there’s more demand than supply and demand will not be just coming from the utilities alone, if the utilities are not able to keep up with the demand, there will be solutions created probably behind the meter.”
— Markus Wilhelm

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode Bonus: A love story, about Solar. w/Tor “Solar Fred” Valenza

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:

265,000!  That’s how many of you/us work in Solar Energy so far (and rapidly growing!)

Yet, with 4 million solar installations in the U.S alone, Solar Energy is rarely featured in mainstream media. WHY?

Probably True Solar Stories, a podcast created by Tor Valenza, also known as Solar Fred, aims to bridge this content gap with engaging solar-themed fictional tales.

Valenza, once a Hollywood writer for shows like "The Dead Zone," "Dharma and Greg," and "Stargate SG-1” brings a uniquely solar flair (get it? 😉).

This BONUS episode features Solar Fred sharing a whimsical story about a wedding he actually officiated at RE+ several years back. Loosely based on real events, the narrative follows Matt and Molly, two solar industry professionals who plan to wed at the convention with the help of their industry friends. When an unexpected blackout threatens their plans, the solar community bands together to pull off an unforgettable off-grid celebration on a Las Vegas rooftop.

Stay tuned for Solar Fred's collaboration with Resource Labs and definitely subscribe to Probably True Solar Stories — where the power of the sun meets the power of stories!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Tor Valenza:

Check out Probably True Solar Stories podcast:

Check out UnThink Solar, LLC:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“We’ve got 265,000 Solar workers, give or take and we’ve got four and a half million or 4 million solar installations in the US alone today. And yet, solar is pretty much invisible in film, TV and pop culture today.”
— Tor Valenza
“So what’s the probably true solar story? It’s quite simply a story that is fictional, that always involves solar.”
— Tor Valenza

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 699: Breaking the American Electricity Monopoly | CleanChoice’s Zoe Gamble

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:

Many of us working in clean energy forget that access to clean power is still a privilege, not a right. Millions of Americans still don’t have the freedom to choose clean energy. 

People all over the country want to fight climate change by choosing renewable energy sources for their homes and businesses. But, in monopolized electricity markets, consumers are forced  to purchase power from the only available utility (like Duke Energy here in my home state of NC).

CleanChoice Energy is fighting to address this limitation. As you’ll hear from Zoë Gamble Hanes, President of CleanChoice, their platform enables residential customers in deregulated Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to choose clean energy.  And their the first in the nation to offer 100% green energy direct-to-consumer, or farm-to-table as one press release recently put it.  That is to say, they own both the generation side (with solar and wind farms) and the retail side (consumer choice contracts in deregulated markets), thus “gen-tailer”. 

Expect to learn:

  • How CleanChoice Energy distributes power to offer residential customers in deregulated markets a cleaner choice. 

  • Why  True Green Capital Management acquired a majority stake in the company.

  • Zoë’s Pioneering role in kickstarting the NC solar [tax credit] market and her subsequent milestones with FLS Energy and Pine Gate Renewables.

  • How hiring diverse leadership is helping CleanChoice solve complex energy sector problems.

  • The importance of balancing professional drive and personal well-being as a leader.

Passionate about widespread clean energy access? This one’s for you. Hit play!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Zoë Gamble Hanes:

Check out CleanChoice Energy:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“I think quality leaders are ones that can take the long view and aren’t trying to push for the next quarter’s results.”
— Zoë Gamble

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 698: How Powin Won One of the Biggest Battery Projects in the World — Anthony Carroll, former President of Powin

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 that your phone rings. The person on the other end tells you: “you won the project. Now, we need you to fly to Australia and build the largest battery backup project in the entire world.” 

Powin, a Portland, Oregon-based battery energy storage developer, was up to the challenge. 

Nico got a chance to sit down with then-President of Powin, Anthony Carroll, to discuss where the energy storage market is headed and how large-scale integrators like Powin are moving the needle. 

Under Anthony’s leadership, Powin secured the nearly 2 GWh Waratah Super Battery project in Sydney, Australia. We asked him for his insights into the utility changes and emerging job opportunities that are driving the adoption of battery technology.

Expect to learn:

  • How Powin won the contract to build the world’s largest battery backup system. 

  • The advancements in safety and reliability shaping large-scale battery deployment.

  • Why the U.S. battery market is finally ready for Wall Street

You can learn a lot in 15 minutes… Click play to hear the full discussion!

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“If you believe in your dream, you believe in your technology, just build a project and then you validate the technology.”
— Anthony Carroll
“If you want to remain competitive and succeed long term, you need to constantly update not just your customer base, but your partner base.”
— Anthony Carroll

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 697: Chris Nelder is Mobilizing an Army for Clean 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:

Chris Nelder challenges the status quo. 

And his efforts have, for nearly a decade, centered on mobilizing an army of supporters to help us transition away from fossil fuels. As creator & host of the podcast The Energy Transition Show, Nelder aims to "influence the influencers" through carefully researched interviews with clean energy experts. I know that many many listeners of SunCast are also listeners of Chris’s show (and many have even told me you’re paid subscribers!) which has long-inspired me to watch and appreciate what Chris does. It took me YEARS to finally convince him to give me the honor & privilege of hearing his backstory and sharing it w/you all.

Chris has written about energy and investing for decades, and I consider him one of the genuine thinkers and thought leaders of our modern energy community. Like me, he’s interviewed hundreds of guests on his show and has over 200 episodes; unlike me, each episode for Chris is a deep, deep dive into the technical details geared to help academics and laypersons alike have a more sensible and well-rounded understanding of a topic, not necessarily a person. 

I have heard said of him, “Chris helps me think better about the topic and gives perspectives I might not have considered.”

I like to think of him as a sort of clean energy Yoda…gently, reverently moving the collective ‘mind’ toward the outcome he envisions for our clean energy future, one conversation at a time.

Expect to learn:

  • Chris’s journey from internet publishing to solar PV system engineer to energy journalist

  • Creating a common vocabulary for key concepts like “renewables” and “energy transition”

  • What he considers the most underrated clean energy technologies

  • How Chris selects the most impactful topics and guests 

Why Chris built The Energy Transition Show as a subscription podcast

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Chris Nelder:

Check out the Energy Transition Show:

Energy Transition Show Episodes Referenced:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“By influencing the influencers by producing shows with high geek ratings, attacking questions that nobody knows the answer to, talking to the very best people that I can get to come on the show and talk with me. We’re trying to constantly push the envelope, ask the difficult questions, and make real headway on those questions.”
— Chris Nelder

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

Episode 696: Manufacturing Ground Mounts Here In The U.S. For The Same Cost as Abroad? FTC’s Solar’s Eric Frazier shares how

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About the Episode:

The IRA gave solar manufacturers a huge incentive to manufacture on U.S. soil. 

Companies like FTC Solar are taking full advantage. Today, their Vice President of Sales, Eric Frazier, shares how they’re bringing higher-paying manufacturing jobs back to American communities.

He also shares his career lessons in mitigating project underperformance, navigating complex project sites, and empowering rural economic development.

Expect to learn:

  • How The Inflation Reduction Act(IRA) is transforming U.S. solar manufacturing 

  • FTC Solar’s plan to take its manufacturing from 50% domestic to 85% U.S.-based

  • The challenges we need to overcome to manufacture complex components in the U.S.

  • How Agrivoltaics can create multiple revenue streams for landowners 

  • The impact that re-shoring manufacturing is having on small American communities. 

Interested in the creative ways solar is reviving American communities? Press play!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Eric Frazier:

Check out FTC Solar, INC:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“There’s a huge drive to take all of this manufacturing capacity that existed primarily in Asia, and bring it into the United States.”
— Eric Frazier
“These structures are mainly made out of steel. What’s fantastic about steel structures is that we can manufacture them here in the United States at the exact same price point that they would normally have been manufactured from an Asian source.”
— Eric Frazier

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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.