Episode 725: Fewer holes, No Leaks. Solar Racking Reimagined, with Pegasus CEO Kai Stephan

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:

What is the unsung hero of solar installations?

Racking…  It's a "set it and forget it" component for contractors, as its reliability is essential to avoid costly service calls, making that critical product choice a “near-religious experience” for most installers. 

Kai Stephan, the founder and CEO of Pegasus Solar, has developed one of the fastest growing solar mounting software and hardware solution providers here in the United States on the vision of simplifying the product and giving homeowners and installers more peace of mind.

His entrepreneurial journey was not all smooth sailing. After leaving a kush Utility job at SoCal Edison to found Pegasus, Kai encountered more than a few challenges.  What do you do when your launch-customer files for bankruptcy? Pivot.  What do you do when regulations change the rules of engagement? Reinvent yourself. Pegasus is not exactly the business Kai thought he’d leave his corporate nest to create, but it’s proved a worthy competitor in a very competitive landscape for more than a decade, and seems to only be getting better.

Despite the hurdles, Kai has remained committed to his vision to make rooftop solar easy with a product that’s “better by design”. I’d encourage you to watch the video version of this one if you can, as I had an AHA Moment myself when Kai finally explained to me the genius of the product design. Here’s a significant stat for you - 5 Million units shipped over the past decade with ZERO product failures and…ZERO Roof Leaks!

There are numerous lessons to be learned along the way:

  • The design features that make Pegasus solar installations fast, easy and more reliable

  • Kai's approach to navigating financial setbacks

  • A novel approach to water-intrusion testing that includes a kiteboard 

  • How software automation accelerates solar panel layouts

  • Pegasus’ creative process behind new product development

Hit play to gain insights into Kai’s entrepreneurial journey and how Pegasus’ hardware and software solutions are improving residential solar installation.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Kai Stephan:

Check out Pegasus Solar:

Resources:

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

 
 

NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:

“Whatever area that your product or services are in. It’s not just the person that’s paying the bill. That is a very key component to it. But think about how whatever it is flows through the entire channel, and how you can remove friction along all those different touch points.”
— Kai Stephan
“My hope is that the work that we will have done will have truly enabled a faster adoption of solar through lower cost hardware, through higher accessibility to a better technology to enable more people to enter the industry who may not have the resources or training through easier products to work with.”
— Kai Stephan

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is Chint Power Systems America!

CPS America is the #1 supplier of 3-phase string inverters for Commercial & Industrial and Utility-Scale projects with more than 8 gigawatts of inverters installed on 20,000+ sites around the nation!

Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/cps

We are grateful for our GOLD sponsor:

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

Episode 724: Operating Systems for a Drama-Free Workplace | Maria Kingery of Southern Energy Management & 360Impact

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:

“Unclear expectations are a downpayment for future resentment.”
— Maria Kingery

Maria Kingery is the Founder & Principal of 360Impact and Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer of Southern Energy Management. With over two decades of experience, Maria has honed her coaching practice to shepherd leaders through the gauntlet of business growth. Previously working within the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework, Kingery now offers a “delightfully independent” coaching style that helps business leaders unlock their potential and build a culture that empowers others. Her approach is rooted in practical, actionable advice tailored to each unique business, incorporating frameworks like the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership. 

There is wisdom gleaned from her 20+ years of entrepreneurship, and it’s an honor to share some of her business philosophy with you here.

You’ll discover:

  • The importance of clear core values in guiding business behavior

  • How coaching frameworks can streamline business operations

  • The “Drama Triangle” and strategies for building a drama-free workplace

  • How to select the right coach to help achieve personal and professional aspirations

Listen in now and discover how core values and coaching can be the catalysts for your business success.

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

 
 

NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:

“My stated purpose in life is to impact the impactors.”
— Maria Kingery

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is Chint Power Systems America!

CPS America is the #1 supplier of 3-phase string inverters for Commercial & Industrial and Utility-Scale projects with more than 8 gigawatts of inverters installed on 20,000+ sites around the nation!

Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/cps

We are grateful for our GOLD sponsor:

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

Episode 723: From Tetris To Clean Energy: Henk Rogers' Conversion Story

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 you think it takes grit to build a battery energy storage company, try going behind the Iron Curtain two years before the end of the Cold War to broker a licensing agreement for what would become the best-selling video game of all time: Tetris.

Either of those feats would be remarkable; to accomplish both is a whole other level of entrepreneurial achievement.  While some of you may not be familiar with today’s guest, you’ll definitely be familiar with his work, and you may have even watched a movie about him!

Henk Rogers is known as the father of role-playing games in Japan and for introducing Tetris to the world. Leveraging his software development and licensing expertise, Henk is now tackling what he considers the greatest problem of our time: climate change. And, yes, he was even played by Taron Edgerton in the 2023 Apple TV+ movie ‘Tetris’!

A mid-life health scare helped Henk realize that he needed to trade pixels for a higher purpose. Through founding the Blue Planet Foundation, he is helping to do just that, starting in his home state of Hawaii where he was instrumental in driving their goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045. With his most recent venture, Blue Planet Energy, he is developing advanced battery energy storage systems to enhance safety, reliability, and output for renewable energy.

In this Flashback Friday clip, you’ll discover:

  • How Henk Rogers discovered Tetris and revolutionized the gaming industry

  • The pivotal moment that redirected his career toward environmental activism and the fight against climate change

  • The unwavering determination that has propelled him to the forefront of the renewable energy movement in Hawaii

  • The strategies he's employed to transform the Aloha State into a model the rest of the planet can follow

If you’d like to hear more than just this snippet, then I’d encourage you to queue up episode 150 and explore how a gaming legend became a driving force in the fight against climate change.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Henk Rogers:

Check out Blue Planet Energy:

Check ot Blue Planet Alliance:

Check out Blue Planet Foundation:

Full episode:

Resources:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:

“This is not how I die. I don’t want my legacy to be that I made a bunch of money and died. That’s not enough. I want my life to have to mean something.”
— Henk Rogers
“If we cannot become sustainable, we’re doomed. We’re going to like drink our last drop of water, breathe our last bit of oxygen. At the end of the day, we have to get to the point where we’re living sustainably on this planet.”
— Henk Rogers

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is Chint Power Systems America!

CPS America is the #1 supplier of 3-phase string inverters for Commercial & Industrial and Utility-Scale projects with more than 8 gigawatts of inverters installed on 20,000+ sites around the nation!

Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/cps

We are grateful for our GOLD sponsor:

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

Episode 722: A 100-Year Vision for a new kind of Energy Company with Cherry Street’s Michael Chanin

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:

What does it take to build a 100-year business? How does one expand beyond integration of off-the-shelf products to branding power plants as a unique identifiable product? What does it take to secure an entire City’s rooftops…like Atlanta? 

Michael Chanin, the CEO and founder of Cherry Street Energy, is bringing this ambitious vision to fruition. Chanin's team is embracing the power of renewables for transforming our infrastructure, and my meeting with him left me inspired. Chanin is not your typical investment-banker-turned-renewable-energy-entrepreneur.  How this Macon, GA native found his way to banking is in itself an unlikely turn in his career. So, when he decided to leave Wall Street for Main Street, it was in many ways a return to his roots as a social anthropologist and activist at heart.

Chanin found his calling in the clean energy sector through his banking work with early financial pioneers like Vivint who were leveraging public markets to bring solar to neighborhoods around the country.  But, he saw a gap (Opportunity) beyond the residential solar revolution in how these products (power plants) could benefit municipalities, universities, and communities writ large.  What he built as a delivery mechanism, Cherry Street Energy, has quickly become Georgia’s foremost non-utility provider of renewable power!  And, with over 1000 projects in the queue, Michael and the Cherry Street team are just getting started.

In this episode, discover:

  • Cherry Street Energy’s unique approach to finance and deploy distributed energy resources.

  • Culture, collaboration, kindness, and a long-term vision as essential ingredients to success.

  • How Warren Buffett changed Michael’s career prospects

  • Their Shine On program for workforce development “from blue collar to new collar”

  • The operational fabric supporting Cherry Street Energy's progress.

Hit play to learn how Cherry Street Energy is paving the way for a sustainable, low-carbon future.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:

“Energy is a right. It’s why we created the utility monopolies so that everyone has equitable access to reliable power.”
— Michael Chanin
“We have this idea that we’re elevating and lifting up our customers, helping them achieve their goals. We have these incredible partners and customers that say we want to not only incorporate sustainability in our mission, but we have these major goals of equity and inclusion. How can we create a diverse workforce? How can we get the benefits of the renewable energy economy to shine on everyone?”
— Michael Chanin

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is Chint Power Systems America!

CPS America is the #1 supplier of 3-phase string inverters for Commercial & Industrial and Utility-Scale projects with more than 8 gigawatts of inverters installed on 20,000+ sites around the nation!

Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/cps

We are grateful for our GOLD sponsor:

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

Episode 721: Achieving 250x growth, How CPS Americas scaled to >1000 customers & #1 Market Share in under a decade, with Bryan Wagner

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:

Every growth story has roots in finding scalable and duplicatable processes. From a Big Mac to the Macintosh, the capacity to create products people want and galvanize a team around delivering them is what sets true market leaders apart from their peers.  However, in the more than 700 interviews we’ve done at SunCast, we know that the path to the top is not linear nor is it free from failure. So, when I see someone succeeding for multiple years in a leadership position, I want to know what made it work.  Such is the case with CPS Americas.  

Are you curious what frameworks & models contributed to their becoming the #1 Three-Phase String Inverter Supplier in the US?
What visionary leaders’ stories or tried-and-true methods did their leadership ‘borrow’ for application to the power electronics industry?

Bryan Wagner, GM and President of Chint Power Systems Americas (CPS), shares the strategies and insights that helped CPS reclaim their top position in the US Market. Through efficient management, teamwork, their “Lightspeed '' system and “triangle offense”, Bryan divulges for the first time the leadership and operational tactics that have cemented their market dominance and fostered an enviable team culture.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

  • How CPS navigated quality challenges to reclaim market leadership

  • The importance of developing a customer-centric culture and welcoming feedback

  • Why slow is smooth, and smooth is fast in an evolving market

  • Insights into the future of string inverters and energy storage solutions

  • The value of an approachable leadership style and empowering your team

Listen in to hear Bryan Wagner's expert advice on driving growth and innovation in the solar industry.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Bryan Wagner:

Check out Chint Power Systems Americas:

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

 
 

NOTEWORTHY QUOTEs:

“That’s how we think of storage. Our core team and leadership will carry the idea that was started a couple of years ago into the next phase. On the field, we’ll make decisions based on how we improve the Lightspeed for that business.”
— Bryan Wagner
“You are only ever as good as your team.”
— Bryan Wagner

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is Chint Power Systems America!

CPS America is the #1 supplier of 3-phase string inverters for Commercial & Industrial and Utility-Scale projects with more than 8 gigawatts of inverters installed on 20,000+ sites around the nation!

Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/cps

We are grateful for our GOLD sponsor:

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

Episode 720: Derek Chase Built A Robotics Company For Better Solar Inspections

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 a Roomba on a solar farm with a camera that can automatically inspect modules, wiring, even hot-spots, and report all that information back instantaneously to the asset manager. That level of computer vision and automation is finally possible, and it looks a Lot like a fun Disney character you’d recognize!

Derek Chase, founder and CEO of OnSight, is revolutionizing solar asset management through robotics and computer vision that uses  a WALL-E-like advanced autonomous navigation robot to significantly enhance the accuracy of solar farm inspections with AI-powered detection. With more than 15 years in the industry, Derek has pioneered scalable operations and maintenance solutions, successfully building and selling one of the most successful O&M businesses in solar - SunSystem Technologies. 

But Derek is not one to sit on his haunches and relax, nor are his co-founders (most from his previous venture), and his story of stumbling upon the idea for OnSight (at a Garage Sale, no less) is sure to inspire and inform your entrepreneurial tendencies.

Expect to learn:

  • How OnSight's robots autonomously navigate and inspect solar farms, capturing high-resolution data beyond human capability

  • The role of machine learning and computer vision in detecting subtle issues, like high-resistance connections that could cause fires

  • Strategies for funding and assembling a world-class team

  • The future of solar asset management with predictive maintenance and comprehensive data collection

  • Lessons in entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and perseverance 

Listen in to discover how Derek Chase and OnSight are solving the unseen risks of solar one robot at a time.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“If anybody wants to start a business, go get a job as a project manager first. You’ll learn how to get a lot of stuff done on time and manage a budget.”
— Derek Chase

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is Chint Power Systems America!

CPS America is the #1 supplier of 3-phase string inverters for Commercial & Industrial and Utility-Scale projects with more than 8 gigawatts of inverters installed on 20,000+ sites around the nation!

Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/cps

We are grateful for our GOLD sponsor:

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

Episode 719: Training The Clean Energy Workforce w/Brittany Heller of Heatspring

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:

Perhaps the best way to scale your company is by investing in your people!  

If knowledge is wealth, then upskilling your workers (and indeed yourself) could be the best return on your investment. Brittany Heller, Director of Program Management at HeatSpring, explains how training programs are not just essential for attracting and developing new talent, they’re also how growing companies scale commercially. By offering comprehensive online training, HeatSpring helps professionals learn at their own pace and fit training into their busy schedules, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the industry. 

Here’s what you’ll discover:

  • The role of online education in workforce development

  • The benefits of upskilling and structured training programs

  • How companies are scaling by upskilling their workers

  • How HeatSpring collaborates with industry leaders to create tailored training solutions

  • The importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning within companies

Check out Heatspring and level up your skills (or your team!).

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Brittany Heller:

Check out HeatSpring:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“We need to attract and bring new people into the industry, help make them feel comfortable that they can grow here, and then give them all the tools, online training, and hands-on training to help them get to where they need to go.”
— Brittany Heller

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is Chint Power Systems America!

CPS America is the #1 supplier of 3-phase string inverters for Commercial & Industrial and Utility-Scale projects with more than 8 gigawatts of inverters installed on 20,000+ sites around the nation!

Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/cps

We are grateful for our GOLD sponsor:

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 718: FBI Negotiation Tactics To Better Your Business, With Chris Voss

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’m going to argue that procurement (buyer OR seller) negotiations are just like hostage negotiations. Hear me out.

Effective negotiations are crucial for uncovering hidden opportunities, maintaining control without aggression, and closing better deals. Mastering these skills can significantly impact business outcomes, ensuring more favorable terms and stronger relationships. And in procurement, there is often a lot at stake on both sides - and the hostage? Well, the project itself becomes the hostage.
And, in a world where we are SPRINTING to install as many GW As possible, we need more savvy negotiators who are helping set our projects free!

Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator and author of "Never Split the Difference," is a veritable expert with over 20 years of high-stakes negotiation experience. Voss now applies his hard-won insights to the business world. 

We’re going back in the vault to the time he agreed to come on and answer all my questions about negotiation.

Get a pen & paper.

Expect to learn:

  • How to leverage FBI negotiation tactics in business

  • The power dynamics of procurement and sales

  • Techniques for effective communication and labeling

  • The importance of slowing down negotiations

Play this valuable snippet from episode 101 and apply practical negotiation skills to your business.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Chris Voss:

Check out The Black Swan Group:

Resources:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“What people don’t realize in the business world, which we’ve really discovered since we’ve been out here, is that the procurement negotiator, the contracts negotiator, and the supply chain negotiator have the exact profile of the international kidnapper, I mean, just down to a tee. They react and think the same way. They’re threatening or intimidating. They think they’ve got all the leverage, and you think they do too.”
— Chris Voss

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is Chint Power Systems America!

CPS America is the #1 supplier of 3-phase string inverters for Commercial & Industrial and Utility-Scale projects with more than 8 gigawatts of inverters installed on 20,000+ sites around the nation!

Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/cps

We are grateful for our GOLD sponsor:

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 717: Is THIS the biggest clean energy opportunity? Panama Bartholomy of Building Decarbonization Coalition thinks so

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:

Electrify Everything! 

Ok, we’ve heard that “Electrification” is coming, but beyond our Automobiles what else can be electrified? 

Did you know that cleaning up our built environment is one of the biggest clean energy opportunities today? In the U.S., buildings are the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, representing 35% of total energy-related emissions. There are meaningful steps we can take to reduce the overall impact our buildings have on the environment while also improving how we use and enjoy being inside of them. For example, Today’s guest finally convinced me that the replacement of my gas stove with an induction stove not only makes ecological but also economical sense. But I learned so much more than appliance economics.

Our communities need safer, healthier, and more affordable energy. Most listeners of this show agree with that. The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) is harnessing the power of coalition to forge paths for effective upgrades that power homes and buildings with clean electricity.  Panama Bartholomy, the Founder and Executive Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition, has 25 years of experience in the building sector, and he’s committed to helping pave the way for electrification of buildings.  Bartholomy and his team are working to mainstream electric technology alternatives like heat pumps and induction stoves while also addressing the economic and equity implications of this transition.

Expect to learn:

  • How neighborhood scale actions are the future of building decarbonization

  • Market actors, including manufacturers and installers driving the transition

  • The health and environmental benefits of eliminating gas appliances in homes

  • Managing economic impacts of the gas-to-electric transition

Curious whether the move away from gas infrastructure can really happen?
We can all play a role in creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable built environment - Tune-in to learn how.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“What we wanted to do is create a coalition where all those entities could come together, and work on the solutions that 80% we agree on to be able to build market momentum and faith in each other, so that we can work on the 20% that we still fight about.”
— Panama Bartholomy

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is Chint Power Systems America!

CPS America is the #1 supplier of 3-phase string inverters for Commercial & Industrial and Utility-Scale projects with more than 8 gigawatts of inverters installed on 20,000+ sites around the nation!

Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/cps

We are grateful for our GOLD sponsor:

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 716: NC's Clean Energy Evangelist (is not a Democrat): John Szoka

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:

Energy isn't a battle of fossil fuels vs renewables; it's about figuring out the energy transition together.

As a North Carolina State Representative (GOP), John Szoka was once dismissive of renewables, as many might expect.  Yet, after serving five terms in the legislature, Szoka transitioned from a renewable energy skeptic to a champion, thanks in large part to his open-mindedness when presented with data from a lobbyist which conflicted with his own understanding of the value of Renewables. Rep. Szoka carried the Republican torch on clean energy by championing key bills, including House Bill 589: Competitive Energy Solutions for NC and House Bill 951: Energy Solutions for NC, two bipartisan pieces of legislation that each altered the trajectory of energy within the state.  Now, as the CEO of the Conservative Energy Network (CEN), he works to educate and engage conservatives in rural communities about the benefits and opportunities of clean energy. Szoka is a true believer and his work is converting hearts and minds in the heartland of America.

Expect to learn:

  • Why John Szoka shifted his stance on clean energy.

  • The role of CEN in educating rural communities about clean energy benefits.

  • The impact of property rights and energy costs on conservative views.

Listen in to discover how bipartisan cooperation and conservative advocacy can deliver results for the clean energy transition.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with John Szoka:

Check out Conservative Energy Network:

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“We educate legislators on things. We don’t lobby for any bill, but every bill that’s out there has underlying principles that people need to know about.”
— John Szoka

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is Chint Power Systems America!

CPS America is the #1 supplier of 3-phase string inverters for Commercial & Industrial and Utility-Scale projects with more than 8 gigawatts of inverters installed on 20,000+ sites around the nation!

Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/cps

We are grateful for our GOLD sponsor:

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 715: Why Culture Eats Strategy: A Peak Performance Playbook From An Inc 5000 Solar Company, with Summit Energy's Eric Israelson and Dallin Mall

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:

Finally, a feel-good story of independence and triumph!  There’s little more patriotic and American than the dream of starting out on your own and building a business that supports your family, serves your neighbors and builds a durable legacy. And we even have a “He left med school for this?” to pull your heart strings too. 

The true-life story of the rise of Summit Energy as one of the Inc 5000 fastest growing companies, now 2 years running, is a heartfelt look at how Culture truly does eat Strategy for lunch. 

In this episode, Summit Energy's co-founders, Eric Israelsen and Dallin Maw, share their journey from door-to-door sales to building a thriving solar business. Armed with a philosophy of continuous improvement and a desire to empower their customers and staff to be community leaders, they’re giving people reasons to trust the solar industry again. Tune-in as Summit’s Chief Empowerment Officer discloses how building their company helped both find fulfillment in work and life. 

Hope you’ll take a break from ice cream and apple pie to feast on this homegrown success story. It’s sure to inspire and guide any would-be solar company leader to reach new heights.

Expect to learn:

  • How Summit Energy empowers their customers and staff 

  • The leadership philosophies that have made Summit Energy a success

  • Dallin's emotional story of what he overcomes every day to be successful as an entrepreneur 

  • How Eric and Dallin foster continuous learning and growth in their business

  • Real-life stories of how Summit Energy's culture has impacted employees and customers

Ready for a solar industry story where the good guys are winning? Hit play!

And, even if you’re listening to this months or years from it’s publishing date, Happy Independence day, #SolarWarrior!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Eric Israelsen:

Connect with Dallin Maw:

Check out Summit Energy:

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is Chint Power Systems America!

CPS America is the #1 supplier of 3-phase string inverters for Commercial & Industrial and Utility-Scale projects with more than 8 gigawatts of inverters installed on 20,000+ sites around the nation!

Visit https://www.mysuncast.com/cps

We are grateful for our GOLD sponsor:

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 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.