Episode 695: ‘Digital Owner’s Manuals’ for installers with Illu co-founder Sierra Fan

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

About the Episode:

We’ve heard that we need to focus on workforce development.  Yet many times the workforce we’ve developed has to re-invent the wheel for lack of reliable systems to a) know what good looks like, and b) replicate it in the field with minimal oversight.  

What if any solar installer had reliable, step-by-step installation guidance straight from any manufacturer? Would this improve the process? 

Solar projects are custom-built each time, often with components from a range of OEMs. This means that installers have to spend costly hours figuring out how to connect different solar technology on a per-project basis (what we often refer to as commissioning).

Sierra Fan, cofounder of illu, offers a solution to this age-old efficiency hurdle. illu is a software platform that allows manufacturers (and installers) to create custom easy-to-follow processes to aid installers in completing fieldwork of all types. This system eliminates the need for manufacturers(OEMs) to develop their own bespoke software, and it guides installers through solar system installations and commissioning safely, every time.
It’s the simple yet effective idea that won illu the Solar Prize from the DOE and I believe it could be the perfect solution for OEMs trying to better support Installer operations.

Expect to learn: 

Why illu won the American Made Solar Prize

  • How Sierra went from financier at Morgan Stanley to successful entrepreneur

  • How illu got their start working on microgrids in Myanmar.

  • Strategies for promoting sustainable technology adoption in emerging markets.

  • The  partnerships and resources that are bringing  illu early success

This is a startup-story that you won’t want to miss!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Sierra Fan:

Check out illu:

Episode Mentioned:

527: Rnd 5 American Made Challenge Winners Announced! Live From RE+ Media Zone

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“We’re here to help standardize and make it super easy for those manufacturers to deploy standardized processes, and onboard an installer network to do that reliably every time.”
— Sierra Fan
“It’s a software version of the owner’s manual, that also actually verifies and collects information. So not just teaches, but also tracks how things are going.”
— Sierra Fan

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 694: LG Proves There’s More Than One Home Battery That’s Easy, Effective & Elegant

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 if solar installers could easily integrate energy storage with any inverter on the market? LG Energy Storage Systems (ESS) makes that possible, and in an important and elegant way. 

At the 2024 NABCEP Conference, Jim Brown, Senior National Sales Manager at LG ESS, highlighted LG's new "Home 8" AC-coupled energy storage system, a game-changing product for solar installers. In today’s episode, Jim and Nico discuss AC vs. DC-coupled systems, homeowner misconceptions, and a new technology that will help homeowners maximize their solar plus storage investment. 

Expect to learn::

  • Why some homeowners are still buying energy storage systems without solar

  • What installers can do to better educate and prepare homeowners for power outages 

  • How LG engineered the Home 8 to work with any inverter on the market

  • The importance of “frequency watt control”

  • How to get the power of Home 8 for your customers

Still reading? Come on, hit play! It’s what the cool kids are doing…

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Jim Brown:

Check out LG Electronics North America:

Expect To Learn:

  • Why some homeowners are still buying energy storage systems without solar

  • What installers can do to better educate and prepare homeowners for power outages 

  • How LG engineered the Home 8 to work with any inverter on the market

  • The importance of “frequency watt control”

  • How to get the power of Home 8 for your customers

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“One of the gaps that needs to be filled is to be sure homeowners understand when they add energy storage, they now become their own mini power plant. Solar generating juice during the day energy storage, obviously holding it, gives them a tremendous amount of energy independence and energy insurance to have that energy when generation capacity as well as dispatch capacity when the grids are down.”
— Jim Brown

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 693: Off-Grid Solar Products As A Form Of Wealth Delivery And Value Creation, with Amped Innovation’s Andi Kleissner & Kurt Kuhlmann

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

About the Episode:

We often take access to electricity, refrigeration, and running water for granted. In many parts of the world, these are luxuries. 

In today’s episode, Andi Kleissner and Kurt Kuhlmann, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Amped Innovation, discuss how they’re changing lives by installing high-performance off-grid solar systems and appliances across Asia and Africa. Nico visited with the pair in their CA headquarters; Seated on two of their high-efficiency solar freezers, they share insights from making solar products that empower impoverished families in the “developing world” to earn stable incomes. 

Expect to learn:

  • Amped Innovation’s strategies to encourage productive use of power in emerging markets

  • How Amped Innovation designs products with affordability and repairability in mind to make clean energy accessible to the most remote communities. 

  • How Amped Innovation leverages microfinance and Pay-as-You-Go systems to overcome financial barriers for families.

  • About Amped’s full suite of products, from TVs and freezers to generators

Their entrepreneurial journey is inspiring; we hope you feel the same!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Kurt Kuhlmann:

Connect with Andi Kleissner:

Check out Amped Innovation:

Expect To Learn:

  • Amped Innovation’s strategies to encourage productive use of power in emerging markets

  • How Amped Innovation designs products with affordability and repairability in mind to make clean energy accessible to the most remote communities.

  • The microfinance and Pay-as-You-Go systems Amped Innovation uses to overcome financial barriers for families, making solar solutions more attainable.

  • About Amped’s full suite of products, from TVs and freezers to generators

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“I think one of the most unique features of humans, besides opposable thumbs, is kind of an infinite ability to take things for granted.”
— Kurt Kuhlmann
“I think it’s a mistake to sell something on price only and that applies to every single market, you have to have a product that has value. Everything we do is the lowest price it could possibly be, the performance is the thing that usually hooks people on the sale.”
— Andi Kleissner

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 692: Hydrogen's Role in New York's Green Future with Haiyan Sun of NYSERDA

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:

New York set an ambitious goal for a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040.
What will it take to get there? 

Hydrogen may be the key to New York's climate strategy, especially for difficult-to-electrify sectors

Haiyan Sun is the program manager and team leader for hydrogen and clean fuels at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).  With over a decade of experience in the power sector, she has valuable insights to offer onthe hydrogen’s potential to fuel NY’s clean energy goals.

Expect to learn:

  • How hydrogen can decarbonize hard-to-electrify industries like the transportation, power gen, and high temperature industrial sectors (ie, Steel).

  • The importance of including disadvantaged communities in the energy transition.

  • New York's strategy for making hydrogen as successful as solar and battery storage. 

Curious if hydrogen lives up to the hype? Unpack the hydrogen revolution with us!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Haiyan Sun:

Check out NYSERDA:

Expect To Learn:

  • How hydrogen can decarbonize hard-to-electrify industries like the transportation, power gen, and high temperature industrial sectors (ie, Steel).

  • The importance of including disadvantaged communities in the energy transition.

  • New York's strategy for making hydrogen as successful as solar and battery storage.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Hydrogen could play a critical role to help New York achieve climate goals in terms of decarbonizing some of the hard to electrify sectors, provide reliability for our grid, and also provide resilient solutions.”
— Haiyan Sun

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 691: Adding Storage to Solar is Harder Than We Thought! Leigh Zanone managed 8Minute/Avantus’s Portfolio & Shares His Insights

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:

Hybrid solar and storage projects are changing the game in renewable energy, but are they the solar industry messiah we’ve been promised?

Turns out it’s not that simple. 

Building hybrid power (solar+storage) projects requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges they present, from how to forecast revenue to  building integrated software solutions that can handle massive complexity. 

Leigh Zanone, an 18-year solar industry veteran, shares his insights and experience from working in leadership roles at meteocontrol and Avantus (formerly 8Minute Energy) plus a long tenure in the monitoring & asset management side of the business long before that was even the terminology. Leigh’s expertise spans the technical, legal, and financial aspects of solar project management, and his perspective on what it takes to finance and build these projects will challenge your conventional wisdom. 

Expect to Learn:

  • Why deploying hybrid projects is far more complex than solar-only projects.

  • Why comprehensive software solutions for forecasting and optimization are currently lacking (and how we can solve this issue).

  • How we can better educate investors to help them understand hybrid project risks.

  • The hidden complexities that actually require longer diligence periods for hybrid projects.

  • What factors make solar plus storage almost three times more volatile than traditional solar projects

Press play, get smarter.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Leigh Zanone:

Check out Zanonergy:

Expect To Learn:

  • Why deploying hybrid projects is far more complex than solar-only projects.

  • Why comprehensive software solutions for forecasting and optimization are currently lacking (and how we can solve this issue).

  • How we can better educate investors to help them understand hybrid project risks.

  • The hidden complexities that actually require longer diligence periods for hybrid projects.

  • What factors make solar plus storage almost three times more volatile than traditional solar projects

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“There’s a huge upside, but there’s more complication, there’s more risk. And so that’s just different, from Wall Street’s perspective of renewable power plants just being a financial instrument. It’s not a bond with a guaranteed, basic level of return, it’s much more of a stock, there’s a higher upside, there’s higher revenue, but it’s more risky.”
— Leigh Zanone

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 690: Can We Squeeze More Power Through The Existing Wires? AES says Yes; Alexina Jackson, VP of Strategic Development

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 do we solve yesterday’s interconnection problems with today’s technology? 

Alexina Jackson, Vice President of Strategic Development at The AES Corporation, peels back the curtain to show us how AES is using cutting-edge technology to integrate renewable energy into the grid. Because we need to add new energy fast, and our current grid isn’t up to the challenge, AES is inventing solutions as they go. 

Expect to learn:

  • How AES’s new technology can push more power through existing wiring when the conditions are right

  • Why more battery storage will add flexibility to the energy grid.

  • AES’s method for turning distributed resources (separate windmills, solar farms, etc.) into The benefits of dynamic line rating and “virtual power plants” in boosting system efficiency.

AES is the leading developer for commercial and industrial customers in the US. They’re on the front lines, inventing technologies to augment the efficiency of existing utility assets. 

Ready for the most useful fifteen minutes of your week? Hit play!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Alexina Jackson:

Check out The AES Corporation:

Expect To Learn:

  • How AES’s new technology can push more power through existing wiring )when the conditions are right)

  • Why more battery storage will add flexibility to the grid.

  • AES’s method for turning distributed resources (separate windmills, solar farms, etc.) into “virtual power plants.”

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“A virtual power plant is a great way of creating a portfolio of assets that can be called to provide services to the customer, but also to the grid, help find that balance and enable us to build the right sized grid for our electrical future.”
— Alexina Jackson

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 689: O&M: How to Keep Existing Solar Projects Producing for Decades to Come with Renewable Energy Veteran & Founder, Josh Fraughton (FSLR, NOVA, R7/RNWBL)

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:

As our Secretary of Energy says, deploy deploy. It’s incredible to see how hard we’re pushing to modernize the grid, but at some point, we have to maintain and ensure solar projects are delivering on every kilowatt hour that we promised. Today’s guest has been delivering on those promises for nearly two decades. 

Josh Fraughton, a renewable energy veteran, has worked for some of the titans of the industry and his twenty years of solar experience has been on the bleeding edge of solar O&M. A few years ago, Josh noticed that it was nearly impossible for solar professionals to be proactive with O&M, because the supply chain was so backwards. Maintenance professionals would spend their whole careers putting out fires and waiting around for parts they needed from backed-up orders. So Josh founded R7 Supply, a venture so immediately successful that he scaled and exited within 18 months. 

Today, Josh shares that story. 

Expect to learn:

  • Josh’s story of going from boots-on-the-roof as an installer to orchestrating O&M and supply chain operations for industry giants. 

  • A business idea to address a clear need in the solar industry that Nico and Josh both believe will be huge!

  • Josh’s plan is to tackle the issue of obsolescence in solar components and ensure that systems remain efficient and viable over time.

  • How well-intentioned entrepreneurs are creating their own inflation in the solar industry. 

Don't miss out – we uncover more about the O&M side of solar and Josh’s extensive experience in the field guiding us to a successful clean energy transition. And one helluva great entrepreneur journey

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Josh Fraughton:

Expect To Learn:

  • Josh’s story of going from boots-on-the-roof as an installer to orchestrating O&M and supply chain operations for industry giants. 

  • A business idea to address a need in the solar industry that Nico and Josh believe would BLOW UP

  • Josh’s plan is to tackle the issue of obsolescence in solar components and ensure that systems remain efficient and viable over time.

  • How well-intentioned entrepreneurs are creating their own inflation in the solar industry.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“My supply chain experience, to a large extent, had always been trying to train assist, persuade vendors, to do things I needed them to do that were outside of the box, and or blending parts I knew I could get from them, with my technical knowhow, or the technical resources I had.”
— Josh Fraughton

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 688: Debunking Myths About Solar's Resilience in Extreme Weather; Lightsource BP’s Kevin Christy and Dave Martin

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:

As we experience more extreme weather events, can solar withstand nature's furies and lead us to grid stability? Is Solar a reliable asset to the grid in these extreme scenarios, or a liability? What does the data suggest?

In today's episode, Kevin Christy and Dave Martin of Lightsource BP share what they’ve learned from years of fortifying solar assets against extreme weather and enhancing grid reliability with solar power. 

You'll learn precisely how robust solar is during severe weather conditions and much more. Kevin and Dave weigh in on how digitalization is changing solar manufacturing and how to address common solar myths and misconceptions. If you’re interested in solar’s reliability in the renewable energy transition, this one’s for you!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Kevin Christy: 

Connect with Dave Martin:

Check out Lightsource bp:

Expect To Learn:

  • Lightsource BP's strategies for managing solar assets during extreme weather events like Winter Storm Uri

  • Exactly how reliable solar is in extreme weather

  • How automation and digitalization will change solar plant operations and maintenance

  • The role of renewable energy, particularly solar, in creating a more stable energy grid

  • How Kevin Christy addresses common misconceptions about renewable energy's grid impact

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“So solar has proven itself in extreme weather circumstances. In cold snaps, very hot weather, and every point in between, all around the globe. Solar works. It’s a solid state, very reliable technology.”
— Kevin Christy
“We have, actually, a director of digital product and applied AI, who is running a bunch of internal AI related work streams. So that could be around things like really fine-tuning energy forecasting. I mean, if you think about just to backup, if you think about AI, generally, the whole concept is you feed a bunch of data to it. And it tells you things that you couldn’t have seen with the naked eye if you were just scrolling through these large-scale datasets.”
— Dave Martin

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 687: Are Diversity and Efficiency being downplayed in the Clean Energy Revolution? Paula Glover of The Alliance to Save Energy gives advice from the front lines

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:

Our guest today points out that energy efficiency is actually employing MILLIONS MORE than Renewable Energy as a sector! 

Paula Glover, President of the Alliance to Save Energy, is fighting on the front lines to reduce energy waste. She uses her platform to champion energy efficiency as a cost-saving measure and a fundamental principle for achieving energy justice and economic growth. Paula believes that the "first fuel" is non-consumption. 

She’s a returning guest to the show (Ep 333) but it’s our first time digging into her career evolution and role in championing Energy Efficiency.

Expect to learn: 

  • How many people the energy efficiency sector employs (hint: it's way more than you think)

  • Why energy efficiency is foundational to achieving broader economic and environmental goals

  • Paula and the Alliance to Save Energy's strategies to educate the younger generation about energy efficiency 

  • An unlikely ally to black industry leadership that led to a best-selling book 

  • Why Paula thinks diversity, justice, equity and inclusion have been sidelined as a conversation.

Why are you still reading…click play and find out for yourself.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Paula Glover:

Check out Alliance to Save Energy:

Expect To Learn:

  • How many people the energy efficiency sector employs (hint: it's way more than you think)

  • Why energy efficiency is foundational to achieving broader economic and environmental goals

  • Paula and the Alliance to Save Energy's strategies to educate the younger generation about energy efficiency 

  • An unlikely ally to black industry leadership that led to a best-selling book 

  • Why Paula thinks diversity, justice, equity and inclusion have been sidelined as a conversation.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Efficiency also has multiple ways to benefit our economy. If we’re talking about affordability and energy burden, reducing how much people use is a way to reduce that burden.”
— Paula Glover

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

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

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

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 686: Fixing Solar’s Waste Problem | Kelly Weger, Qcells’ Dir. of Sustainability

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:

By 2050, 80 million metric tons of PV modules will reach the end of their life globally. So what choices can we make now to ensure that 100% of their materials can be re-used? 

Kelly Weger, Director of Sustainability for North America at Qcells, shares insights into Qcells' action plan  to create a circular economy within the solar industry. She details their partnership with SolarCycle and how they’re fostering end-to-end circularity in their supply chain. She also touches on why Qcells pursued an EPEAT certification to validate their sustainability claims, and how much they’ve invested in a Georgia manufacturing facility to keep production close to home. If you’re a solar warrior passionate about circularity in our industry, this one’s for you!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Kelly Weger:

Check out Qcells:

Expect To Learn:

  • How Qcells is reducing embodied carbon throughout their supply chain, from material sourcing to end-of-life recycling.

  • The strategy behind Qcells and SolarCycle’s circular economy recycling superhero team-up.

  • What it will take to create a true circular economy in solar, a vision Qcells is actively working towards.

  • How certification standards like EPEAT validate a company’s sustainability claims.

  • How much Qcells has invested in their wafer manufacturing facility in Georgia (it’s a massive number).

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“The end goal isn’t just landfill diversion. We want these really valuable resources to go back into new products.”
— Kelly Weger

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

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

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

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 685: How this Zillow-like Software Simplifies the Land Permitting Process for Large-Scale Solar; Robin Laine, CEO of Transect

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:

Fed up with the permitting process? So was Robin Laine. This environmental consultant-turned-entrepreneur founded Transect to streamline traditional permitting for large-scale solar project. Their software significantly shortens site assessment timelines using a blend of public and proprietary datasets.

This episode delves into Transect’s origin story, highlighting the challenges of understanding customer needs, the importance of continuous product iteration, and the  importance of maintaining culture fit while scaling a company.Transect's journey, from early customer validation to securing significant clients and Series A funding, offers a roadmap that all aspiring green entrepreneurs can follow.  Curious how a climate tech company is built from the ground up? 

So were we, and Robin delivered.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Robin Laine:

Check out Transect:

Expect To Learn:

  • How Robin and her co-founder collected and leveraged freely available land data to create a desperately needed tool for developers

  • How Transect developed their Minimum Viable Product (MVP) 

  • Why Transect's early success with customers like Recurrent Energy set them apart from competitors and positioned them as a leader in their field

  • What it took for Transect to acquire significant clients and secure Series A funding 

  • Transect’s plan to continuously innovate and iterate products to maintain market relevance and accelerate the energy transition

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“I thought the role of a startup CEO was supposed to be one way, but I think I’ve figured it out. It’s really about removing obstacles; meaning, if there are roadblocks, you need to know how to clear them, while also ensuring we have enough funds to keep the company running. Additionally, it involves acting as a guide rail and providing some form of North Star guidance, but really, it’s about placing a lot of trust in my team to build the business.”
— Robin Laine

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

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

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

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 684: Why Can't We Immediately Decommission Natural Gas? National Grid’s Caroline Hon 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:

In an ideal world, we’d decommission our natural gas infrastructure tomorrow and heat every home in America with clean electricity. So what’s stopping us?

In today’s conversation, Caroline Hon of National Grid breaks down the complexities of shifting from gas infrastructure to a fully electrified grid. She shares her experience educating homeowners on clean energy, the benefits of air-source heat pumps and geothermal systems, and the economic aspects of decarbonization. Caroline discusses addressing the challenges in older Northeastern homes, the importance of utility collaboration, and the careful considerations before gas decommissioning. Interested in the nuanced path towards a sustainable energy future? Press play, and learn how National Grid supports its customers through their transitions.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Caroline 

LinkedIn | Email 

Follow National Grid and check out their website

LinkedIn | X | FaceBook | Instagram | YouTube | Website

Expect To Learn:

  • The importance of education in facilitating the transition to cleaner energy sources.

  • The role of alternative heating options like air source heat pumps and geothermal systems in decarbonization efforts.

  • The economic considerations that influence customers’ energy use decisions. 

  • The challenges and opportunities presented by older houses in the Northeast.

  • The significance of data sharing and collaboration across utilities in strategizing for decarbonization.

  • Why a cautious approach to decommissioning gas systems is necessary to ensure a smooth transition to electricity without compromising reliability.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“I think the transition, especially when we think about cumulative emissions, and that piece of it is going to require everything and where we can make progress, you make it and I think that that’s something that we just have to consider is like, don’t decommission gas too soon. If you aren’t ready yet.”
— Caroline Hon

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

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

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

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 683: Will Maryland Fail To Meet Their RPS Targets? What Other States Can Learn, with Stephanie Johnson, President of Maryland Renewable Energy Alliance

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:

Stephanie Johnson, the President and Founder of the Maryland Renewable Energy Alliance, shares her transformative journey from corporate compliance to championing renewable energy advocacy in Maryland. With the state aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2035 and net zero by 2045, Stephanie discusses the formidable challenges of reaching these ambitious targets. Pivotal legislation, like the Climate Solutions Now Act and the Renew Act, play a crucial role in Maryland's clean energy transition and climate goals, but the targets are ambitious and the path to success remains unclear. 

If you’re wondering how state-level battles move renewable energy forward at the national level, today’s episode is for you!

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Stephanie Johnson:

Check out Maryland Renewable Energy Alliance:

Expect To Learn:

  • What it takes to build state-level community engagement and support for the development and siting of renewable energy projects.

  • How MD-REA and other organizations like the League of Conservation Voters are fostering a dialogue with key communities to build this engagement.

  • How the implementation of policies like the Climate Solutions Now Act and the Renew Act, will accelerate Maryland's transition to renewable energy.

  • Maryland’s plan to bridge its funding shortfall of about a billion dollars annually, which is critical for Maryland to meet its renewable energy goals.

  • How advocacy groups and alliances can build relationships between stakeholders to facilitate key policy discussions and advance the clean energy agenda.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Maryland has some of the most aggressive renewable energy goals in the country, we don’t have the funding mechanisms to make these work currently. My goal is to get as many folks engaged as possible, like if they’re not in energy currently, but they’re interested in how this impacts them on the local level, I want everyone who’s interested to feel like they’re welcome in this conversation and they’re welcome to contribute.”
— Stephanie Johnson

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

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

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

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

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

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

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

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

{Bonus} How a NABCEP Certification Gives System Designers an Edge: Jada Alcindor (NABCEP) and John Novak (Scanifly)

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:

NABCEP is the closest thing we have to an industry-standard certification, yet many installers and solar companies don’t require NABCEP certified installers on their crews!  

Should NABCEP credentials be mandatory? 

At RE+ Northeast, Jada Alcindor from NABCEP asked around to answer one of the industry’s key questions: “How much does a NABCEP certification help installers when it comes to designing systems accurately?” When she sat down with John Novak, the founder and CPO of Scanifly, she found a clear answer. And you get to ‘eavesdrop’ on this conversation between two solar junkies as they break down the benefits of certifying installers, talk up some industry-leading tech, and show you how to get free continuing NABCEP education credits. 

If you're curious about designing top-notch solar energy systems or just love learning about interesting technology, hit play! 

To learn more about Scanifly you should find their booth at the upcoming NABCEP conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, from March 18 to 21, 2024! 

See you in Raleigh

This is NOT a paid endorsement or advertisement from NABCEP nor from Scanifly.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Jada Alcindor and John Novak on LinkedIn

Follow NABCEP and Scanifly on LinkedIn and check out their websites:

Scanifly Academy: website

NABCEP: website

Expect to learn:

  • How and why a NABCEP certification gives solar designers a clear edge

  • How Scanifly's software can turn anyone into a solar project wizard

  • How to use a drone to lay out where the panels in a solar system should go, down to the inch.

  • A sneak peek into what Scanifly will teach at the upcoming NABCEP conference.

  • Where to find a free resource to become a Scanifly certified designer and surveyor

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

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

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

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 682: When Will These Domestic Battery Factories Actually Be Online? Joan White of SEIA

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:

Joan White, SEIA’s Director of Energy Storage Policy, takes us deep into her world, underscoring the indispensability of energy storage technology for achieving 80%+ renewable energy penetration. Amidst discussing the Inflation Reduction Act's role in propelling domestic manufacturing and addressing past industry challenges, Joan offers insights into ensuring a resilient and durable energy storage market.

This discussion not only highlights the importance of policy and market readiness but also provides guidance for startups navigating the energy sector.

Are you eager to explore the energy transition's next (perhaps final) frontier?

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Joan White: 

LinkedIn | Email 

Check out SEIA:

LinkedIn | X | Instagram | YouTube | Website | FaceBook | Email

Key Takeaways:

  1. Domestic Manufacturing IS Coming: Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, like tax credits and incentives, are expected to significantly boost the energy storage market starting in 2024.

  2. Battery Factories Will Still Take Time: Energy storage facilities coming online between 2027-2030 will help meet domestic manufacturing needs by around 2030, with the bulk of that coming closer to the end of the decade.

  3. New Incentives Abound: Incentives like New York's proposed index storage credit aims to provide the "missing money" needed to finance storage projects through long-term revenue certainty.

  4. Training in Fire Safety: Training on NFPA 855 fire safety standards is critical for safe installation of behind-the-meter storage systems.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“It’s true that all of the energy market is driven by policy, policy is driven by politics. [That’s] why it’s so important that people get out and support candidates who can uphold the IRA, and make sure that we have the support that we need to make the green revolution happen.”
— Joan White

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

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

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

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 681: Nextracker’s secret marketing strategy is hard to copy, Kristan Kirsh

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:

Kristan Kirsh, SVP of Global Marketing at Nextracker, shares from her deep global marketing expertise, highlighting the company's massive achievements in the solar tracker sector, including the 1 year anniversary of Nextracker becoming an IPO and the shipment of over 90 GW of trackers worldwide. Her insights underscore marketing's critical role in advancing renewable energy through customer focus, storytelling, and diversity. Additionally, she discusses Nextracker's philanthropic efforts with organizations like Green Empowerment. Kirsh's approach demonstrates how strategic marketing, coupled with a dedication to sustainability, fuels business success and creates meaningful impact.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Kristan Kirsh:

Check out Nextracker:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Customer Feedback = Innovation: Nextracker’s approach to marketing emphasizes the critical importance of engaging with customers to capture feedback and integrate it into sales and product strategies. Products like the NX Horizon XTR, designed for extreme terrain, demonstrate the company's commitment to meeting customer needs through listening and adaptability.

  2. Aligned Marketing and Sales: Kirsh has focused on a cohesive approach to the marriage between marketing and sales. These two teams can often be at odds, but the Nextracker team has proven they can work with synergy, and it has been a key driver in the company's growth and market penetration. They achieved one of the most successful IPOs in 2023, as noted by none other than Jim Cramer!

  3. Storytelling is a Fundamental Marketing Tool: Kirsh firmly believes narrative converts complex products into relatable and compelling ideas customers and stakeholders can understand. From naming a product to how it’s presented to customers, every element is mapped out with meticulous detail to compel the customer to make a decision.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Solar, wind, renewables, clean energy, battery technology, EVs, mobility, the whole entire ecosystem of the clean energy economy affords a very long and fruitful career path for many people that want to do meaningful work.”
— Kristan Kirsh

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

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

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

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 680: Best practices for Community engagement from Solstice Co-founder, Sandhya Murali

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:

Solstice is revolutionizing access to solar energy, showcasing that inclusivity in renewable energy is not just achievable but critical for industry success. Co-founded by Sandhya Murali, Solstice stands out in community solar for their focus on education, engagement, and strategic marketing. This conversation highlights Solstice’s efforts to build trust, nurture long-term relationships, and enable diverse community participation in solar energy. Hear how Solstice's mission-driven approach and creative strategies are paving the way for a sustainable, equitable energy future, and learn how community solar offers significant savings and environmental benefits to a broader audience than just environmentally conscious early-adopters.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Sandhya Murali:

Check out Solstice:

LinkedIn | Website | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Email

Key Takeaways:

  1. Community Engagement and Trust: Solstice's approach to community solar emphasizes the importance of building trust and fostering inclusive participation through comprehensive education and transparent communication. This foundational strategy not only demystifies solar energy for homeowners, renters, businesses, nonprofits, and others but also establishes a strong, trust-based relationship between the community and solar projects.

  2. Strategic Marketing and Relationship Building: By implementing strategic marketing techniques that prioritize long-term community relationships, Solstice ensures the sustainability of community solar initiatives. This method goes beyond mere transactions to nurture a deeper connection with communities, reinforcing the mutual benefits of solar energy and ensuring ongoing engagement and support.

  3. Proactive Community Involvement and Economic Incentives: Solstice's proactive engagement with communities from the early stages of solar projects, combined with the use of economic incentives, catalyzes renewable energy adoption. This approach not only encourages communities to embrace solar energy but also empowers them by highlighting the economic and environmental benefits.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“It all starts from a point of education, explaining what community solar is, what are the benefits to the local community, and we have a referral program where we can actually contribute wealth back into those communities.”
— Sandhya Murali

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

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

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

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 679: Business Lessons from 23 Years in Solar | Bob & Maria Kingery of Southern Energy Management

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:

Bob and Maria Kingery, co-founders of Southern Energy Management, unpack their two-decade journey running a pioneering solar energy company. Starting in 2001, they have navigated the fledgling solar landscape, scaling their business while steadfastly adhering to their values. They delve into the challenges of growth without external investment, the importance of a values-driven mission, and strategies for fostering a resilient and adaptable business. The Kingerys have mastered the art of distributed decision-making, and embrace the significance of inclusive leadership. This discussion provides valuable lessons on building a sustainable, values-driven enterprise in the renewable energy industry.

Listeners can expect to learn:

  • The importance of maintaining a values-driven mission in the face of industry pressures and opportunities;

  • Strategies for building a resilient and adaptable business

  • The impact of distributed decision-making and inclusive leadership on employee empowerment and company culture;

  • Lessons from riding and surviving the solar coaster and a near-extinction event

Through their candid conversation, Bob and Maria Kingery offer insights into the power of principled management over short-term gains, showcasing how Southern Energy Management's approach to business and sustainability has not only stood the test of time but also paved the way for hundreds of team members and thousands of families to leave a generational impact on our planet.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Bob Kingery:

Connect with Maria Kingery:

Check out Southern Energy Management: 

Check out 360Impact:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Core Values and Culture as a Foundation for Success: The importance of establishing strong core values and a culture centered around purpose, people, and planet is critical. This foundation not only drives long-term success but also helps in navigating the challenges of growth and industry changes.

  2. Scaling with Integrity Through Operational Frameworks: Implementing operational frameworks like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) allows a values-driven business to scale effectively. This ensures that as the company grows, its core culture and mission remain intact and continue to guide decision-making processes.

  3. Development of Soft Skills through Internal Training: Internal training programs like their own SEM University, that focus on developing soft skills are essential for reinforcing the company's mission and values. These programs ensure that employees not only excel in their technical roles but also embody the company's core values in their interactions and decision-making.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“Our stated purpose is to improve the way people make and use energy. We work both with builders and developers and planners to help develop more sustainable energy, like on the front end, the energy efficiency side.”
— Maria Kingery
“But the reality of it is now that the energy prices for renewables have dropped so much that it’s really about personal rights, and it’s becoming about choice. And that is not that it crosses all political boundaries.”
— Bob Kingery

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

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

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

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 678: How We Build A Diverse & Equitable Workforce, with Barry Reaves of NECEC

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:

Live from our PowerUp Live stage at RE+ Northeast in Boston, Barry Reaves of the North East Clean Energy Council (NECEC) discusses what it takes to reach & empower diverse communities in clean energy sector opportunities. Serving as Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice (DEI/J), and Workforce Development, he leads efforts across the Northeast, fostering collaborations to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within workforce strategies. 

This conversation contains enlightening lessons on the importance of workforce diversity from a practitioner on the front lines. It underscores the critical role that organizational leaders play as catalysts for change, advocating for diversity and inclusion right from the top. It also delves into the challenges policies can pose to such initiatives, emphasizing the need for holistic thinking in developing programs that attract diverse talent. Reeves’ work calls for inclusion beyond ethnicity, recognizing the need to encompass individuals from rural communities, the military, and various gender and sexual orientations, among others. 

Listeners will learn about the tangible benefits of diversity for companies, the significance of establishing connections with often overlooked communities, and the strategies the NECEC employs to foster a more inclusive clean energy sector. This dialogue sheds light on the imperative for equitable workforce development, but also illustrates how inclusivity can drive innovation and progress in clean energy and beyond.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Barry Reaves:

Follow NECEC:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Leadership's Pivotal Role: Learn how the commitment of CEOs and organizational leaders to diversity and inclusion initiatives is crucial for fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and empowered, thereby setting a tone that influences the entire organization.

  2. Navigating Policy Challenges: Explore the complexities of navigating existing policies that may hinder inclusivity efforts, and the significance of proactive advocacy by leaders for policy changes that support a diverse and inclusive workplace.

  3. Expanding the Scope of Inclusion: Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of including people from various backgrounds, not limited to ethnicity but also encompassing those from rural areas, veterans, individuals across the gender and sexuality spectrums, and more. This broad approach enriches the clean energy sector with diverse perspectives, driving innovation and ensuring a more resilient future.

  4. Building Meaningful Connections: Discover the strategies employed by the NECEC to forge lasting relationships with communities that have been historically marginalized, ensuring their representation and participation in the clean energy transition.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“We try to encourage organizations to not just go to the community, but be a part (and) be committed to that community, invest in that community, get your team outside their four walls into that community to really understand how to really be connected to the community.”
— Barry Reaves

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

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

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

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 677: The “Carfax” of Solar, How Software is (finally) Transforming Fieldwork Management, With James Nagel & David Penalva of HelioVolta

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:

James Nagel and David Penalva, co-founders of SolarGrade by HelioVolta, dive into one of the lingering challenges of the solar energy industry, the scarcity of comprehensive data on solar project performance. Their innovative solution, SolarGrade, is a software tool designed to automate field reporting and create a "SolarFax," akin to a Carfax for solar projects. This discussion highlights the importance of early customer feedback, the balance between cost efficiency and quality in solar projects, and the critical role of data in predictive maintenance. The episode underscores the need to empower the dedicated teams behind solar energy systems, using machine learning to accelerate solution deployment and improve project development.  And of course their entrepreneurial journey is shared against the backdrop of their personal adventures, passion for the great outdoors, and deep work history solving exactly these kinds of problems for some of the largest developers in the world.

American Made Solar Prize winners, James Nagel and David Penalva, co-founded HelioVolta to focus on creating products SolarGrade.  They’ve converted their extensive experience in solar project development and data analysis into robust software aimed at providing a measurable long-term value of solar projects.  Finally, software is automating field reporting and creating a centralized database, called SolarFax.  By integrating detailed project data, SolarGrade aims to improve predictive maintenance, enhance performance insights, and ultimately, support the reliable and cost-effective deployment of solar energy. And, like Carfax, it may prove incredibly useful in the valuation and resale of these assets someday.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with James Nagel:

Connect with David Penalva:

Check out HelioVolta/SolarGrade:

Other Resources:

Check out Episode 527 Announcement of American Made Solar Prize Winners, James Nagel & David Penalva

HelioVolta Awarded DOE Grant for SolarFax (solargrade.io)

Key Takeaways:

  1. Importance of Comprehensive Field Data: Collecting and analyzing detailed field data on solar project performance, maintenance, and quality over time is a critical-but-overlooked aspect of asset performance. This data is essential for optimizing solar project reliability, making informed investment decisions, and ensuring the long-term asset value of solar energy infrastructure.

  2. Balancing Cost Efficiency with Quality and Safety: There is a delicate balance between minimizing up front costs and maintaining high standards of quality and safety in building solar projects. Cutting corners to reduce expenses (before OR after the project is built) can lead to serious issues such as fires, and potential lawsuits, damaging brand and industry reputation.

  3. Quality Assurance is a Transferable Skill: Leveraging their core competencies in data collection and analysis has opened up opportunities for expansion into energy storage. Predictive maintenance and performance insights are valuable for all clean energy assets, not just solar energy plants.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE:

“We’re trying to create the Carfax for solar or what we call it solarfax. You think about it, you wouldn’t buy a car just based on the mileage of the car, you probably walk around the car, you want to see maintenance records, you want to see how the car looks like on the outside, the inside.”
— David Penalva
“By being really mindful and working with all of our clients, taking a really constructive approach and never dictating issues, but always having a conversation. So that as conflicts arise as they will, you’re coming at it from a point of empathy, or like wanting to get to common ground, that’s profitable for everyone.”
— James Nagel

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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.

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