SunCast

Is the world’s most powerful energy data set hiding in plain sight?Justin Locke, former RMI leader and now Executive Director of Global Energy Monitor, joins Nico to uncover how real data—not just rhetoric—is shaping the future of global energy. If you've ever looked at a chart on coal retirements, gas pipelines, or solar growth, chances are it came from GEM. Or at least, the person who created it was likely using this little-known FREE Open-source data set.In this episode, we go deep into the data warehouse purpose-built to help illuminate what’s really happening behind the curtain of the energy transition.  We also spotlight a massive—but little discussed—spike in U.S. natural gas development. What’s behind it? AI-driven demand from hyperscale data centers. Why is this a warning sign? It’s quietly tipping the energy scales in ways we didn’t predict.You’ll hear why Justin left RMI to lead this critical watchdog organization, how GEM tracks infrastructure across 26 energy sectors, and why Southeast Asia and Africa are at a clean energy crossroads.Expect to Learn:🔹 Why the U.S. is now leading global gas plant development🔹 The off-grid data centers powering AI—and burning more gas🔹 How renewables are still growing fast… even amid fossil resurgence🔹 Why the Global South is the key to solving the climate crisisThe energy transition is messy—but the data doesn’t lie. Find out what’s really going on.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

The $2/Watt Challenge: Can We Get There?Is $2/watt solar a pipe dream—or a real target we can hit in the next few years?Patrick Crane, Global Head of Growth at OpenSolar (and solar pioneer since Sungevity), says not only is it possible, but we already know how to get there. In this conversation, Patrick breaks down the most bloated parts of the cost stack—from customer acquisition to permitting delays to clunky tech stacks—and lays out a clear path to radically cheaper solar installs.Drawing on two decades in solar and his time as CMO for LinkedIn, Patrick shares how smarter software, better referral systems, and AI-driven tools could change the economics of solar forever. If you’re serious about scaling solar and building a profitable, future-ready business, this one’s required listening.Expect to learn:🔹Why CAC is still solar’s biggest cost lever (and how to fix it)🔹How AI-powered design tools are slashing sales timelines🔹What SolarApp is doing to eliminate permitting bottlenecks🔹Why simplifying your tech stack could unlock 40+ cents/watt in savings🎧 Hit play to hear how Patrick and the OpenSolar team are helping the industry move from “solar sold” to “solar bought.”Not convinced we can get to $2/W for US Resi solar?  Sound off - what are we missing?Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Why is solar so expensive in the U.S.?Nick Josefowitz has the receipts—and a plan to fix it.In this episode, we dig into one of the largest hidden reasons rooftop solar costs $35,000+ for the average American homeowner (while in Australia it's closer to $6K). Spoiler: It’s not the panels—it’s the paperwork.Nick is the founder of Permit Power, a nonprofit laser-focused on making solar faster, cheaper, and easier to install by tackling the bottlenecks that most people overlook: permitting and interconnection. Drawing from his experience as both a C&I developer and public infrastructure policy leader, Nick shares how America’s red tape turned rooftop solar into a bespoke luxury—and why that’s about to change.If you’ve ever felt frustrated by utility interconnection delays, permit backlogs, or unnecessary installation costs, this is the episode that gives you hope—and tools.🎧 Expect to learn:🔹 Why U.S. rooftop solar is 5x more expensive than in other countries🔹 The hidden costs of permitting delays—and how they drive up CAC🔹 How smart policies in CA, TX & FL are changing the game🔹 Why Nick chose to build a nonprofit to fix a for-profit industry problem📣 Whether you're a solar installer or policy nerd, this one’s for you. Listen in and get inspired to fix solar from the inside out.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Planning to attend NYC Climate Week?Already there!? When Nico realized he had to make a last-minute trip to NYC this week during climate week, he reached out to two friends who could give him a solid education on what to expect (and where to focus) for this week’s NYC Week. Whether you’re flying in from the West Coast or crossing borough lines, this episode is your essential survival guide to one of the most chaotic, inspiring, and decentralized climate events on the planet.Nico did a live stream last week with Silas Mähner, co-host of the Cleantechies Podcast, and Steven Zhang, the resource genius behind ClimateTechList and Interconnection.FYI. Together, they unpack the who, what, where and of course the WHEN of Climate Week—from invite-only rooftop dinners to jam-packed founder meetups and satellite panels hosted in every corner of Manhattan.Expect to learn:🔹 Why NYC Climate Week is no longer just a “side event” to the UN General Assembly🔹 Where job seekers and climate founders go to actually get hired or funded🔹 The must-know digital tools and maps for navigating events (without losing your mind)🔹 How to prep, pitch, and stand out—even if you don’t have a ticket to anything yetIf you’re attending—or just curious what all the LinkedIn buzz is about—this episode gives you the inside scoop you won’t find on any official agenda.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Nearly 1 billion people still live without reliable electricity. Nedjip Tozun co-founded d.light to change that—starting with a $10 solar lantern and growing into one of the world’s most influential off-grid solar companies.Today, d.light has already impacted hundreds of millions of lives and aspires to reach 1 billion by 2030, bringing affordable, clean energy to the people and places traditional grids overlook.In this conversation, Nedjip shares the spark that launched d.light, the toughest hurdles they faced, and the financial and leadership innovations that helped them scale globally. A masterclass in entrepreneurship, energy access, and climate impact.Expect to learn:🔹 How toxic kerosen lanterns inspired a decade-long global solar campaign🔹 Why rural trust was harder to build than the product itself🔹 Why early failures were key to building rugged, low-cost solar products🔹 How "Pay-Go" solar financing unlocked ownership and scale in Africa🔹 What it takes to scale across 70+ countries without traditional marketingYou’ll hear how Nedjip moved to China to manage manufacturing himself, and how d.light pioneered a business model that became a blueprint for the solar industry in rural development. If you’ve ever wondered how social impact and innovation collide—this is the episode for you.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

The Wake-Up Call We Can’t IgnoreClean energy isn’t losing the economics game—it’s losing the political one.Jigar Shah returns to SunCast live at RE+ 2025 with an urgent message: the energy transition will stall unless we, as an industry, stop underestimating the role of political power. The economics are there. The technology is there. What’s missing? Unity, speed, and ground-level influence.This isn’t just another policy chat—Jigar breaks down:🔹How residential solar can reach $2.50/watt (including storage!)🔹Why storage-first thinking is flipping the solar script🔹The staggering $4B political spend from oil & gas—and our paltry $150M🔹How 70,000 boots on the ground could change everythingYou’ll come away from this episode with clarity, conviction, and a checklist for action. “The Oracle” delivers again in a rousing episode live from Las Vegas.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Straight from Day 3 at RE+ 2025, this replay of the PowerUp Live Morning Show and Daily Round Up wraps up an incredible week of insights from the clean energy leaders driving the industry forward.Nico Johnson, Lisa Ann Pinkerton, and Sylvia Leyva Martinez close out the final day with bold takeaways, surprising perspectives, and a few laughs. From the future of tribal energy to the flow of investment capital and the race to build a domestic supply chain, this finale captures the urgency and optimism powering clean tech.Brendan Bell – Aligned Climate Capital • Why clean tech keeps winning despite policy headwinds • The global lesson: thriving without tax credits • Where investor money is flowing in today’s marketChéri Smith – Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy • Pathways to Trust program • Bringing renewable energy and equity to Native American tribesSeira Kamei – Furukawa Electric Co • Winner of the 2025 Swag ContestDean Solon – Create Energy (formerly Shoals) • Manufacturing inverters in America today • What it will take to complete the domestic supply chainDaily Round Up • Nico Johnson & Sylvia Leyva Martinez highlight the biggest takeaways of the week • Derek Mast (derek the solarboi) recaps the show floor and closes with the final “Would You Rather” quizThank you to everyone who joined us at this years RE+, and thank you to those of you who kept up to date with what was happening at the show through our episodes! See you next year! Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Straight from Day 2 at RE+ 2025, this replay of the PowerUp Live Morning Show and Daily Round Up continues our mission to bring you insights from the leaders shaping the clean energy transition.Nico Johnson, Lisa Ann Pinkerton, and Sylvia Martinez welcome industry voices who share fresh perspectives on the policies, technologies, and strategies pushing renewable energy forward. From SEIA’s advocacy work to storage breakthroughs and how homes can become part of the grid, this episode captures the fast-moving conversation in Las Vegas.Stephanie Bosh – SEIA • How clean energy leaders can shift the political balance of powerDaniel Dus – Cleantech Industry Resources • Development-as-a-Service for solar + storage • Solar Fight Night — the wildest debate in renewablesMolly Bales – Wood • Long-duration storage’s rise beyond lithium-ion • How Trump-era policies reshaped the supply chainLaura Cornish – Uplight • What it takes to turn every home into a mini power plantMelissa Baldwin – Tigercomm • The mistakes developers can’t afford to keep makingDerek Mast – derek the solarboi • A cheeky quiz on oil, Trump, and the future of energyPier LaFarge – Sparkfund • Why utilities are ditching generation for procurement powerBryan Wagner – CPS America • Why string inverters could outpace central in the U.S. marketThis isn’t just a recap — it’s a front-row seat to the debates and ideas driving clean energy’s next chapter.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Straight from Day 1 at RE+ 2025, this replay of the PowerUp Live Morning Show and Daily Round Up brings you a fast-moving mix of leaders shaping the clean energy transition—from domestic steel to EVs, hydrogen, DG, big-grid storage, and much more.Nico Johnson, Lisa Ann Pinkerton and Sylvia Martinez welcome leaders, influencers and clean tech podcasters onto the stage. Here is who you can expect to hear from in this episode, straight from Day 1 at RE+ 2025:Jigar Shah - MultiplierEthan Ehlers - NextWave Energy MonitoringChanel Parson - Southern California EdisonGary Kessinger - Attala SteelDaily Round UpBen Kuisle - Burns & McDonnellKevin Lin - TeraHiveDerek Mast - Derek the solarboiNick Sangermano - GP Power PartnersRyan Harty - HondaFor more conversations like this, be sure to come visit us at the PowerUp Live Stage this week at RE+ in Las Vegas!Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

“Storage Was Never Just an Add-On”What if we’ve been thinking too small about batteries?In this rebroadcast from RE+, Kiran Kumaraswamy, former VP of Growth at Fluence, makes a bold case for reimagining energy storage—not just as a renewable add-on, but as a foundational tool for grid transformation. Kiran breaks down how the energy storage sector evolved from supporting solar to replacing gas peakers, enhancing transmission, and becoming central to resiliency planning.  Long before the IRA supercharged the market, he was urging utilities and regulators to rethink what batteries could do—and now, we’re seeing those ideas implemented at scale.From the Inflation Reduction Act’s massive market tailwinds to the rise of virtual transmission, this conversation is loaded with strategy, foresight, and tactical insight for storage developers, grid planners, and policy leaders alike.Expect to learn:🔹 Why peaker replacement was the battery industry’s first killer app🔹 How Fluence is positioning storage as critical transmission infrastructure🔹 What the IRA’s standalone ITC means for decoupling storage from solar🔹 How domestic manufacturing and supply diversification are shaping the next phase of growthFor more conversations like this, be sure to come visit us at the PowerUp Live Stage next week at RE+ in Las Vegas!Whether you’re deep in the weeds of development or just curious about the future of grid reliability, this is one of those “listen again” episodes.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Heading to Las Vegas for RE+ 2025? This episode is your ultimate field guide.We’ve got the inside scoop from SunCast host Nico Johnson and some of the industry leaders shaping this year’s event—from Abby Hopper’s optimistic industry outlook to Jigar Shah’s no-nonsense advice for finding your tribe in the midst of uncertainty. You’ll also hear from RE+ content architect Kathy Schott, social media guide Derek Mast, sales pro Ethan Ehlers, and Daily Morning Show co-host Lisa Ann Pinkerton as they break down how to navigate the largest clean energy show in North America.This episode will help you make the most of your time on—and off—the show floor whether a first-time visitor or a returning veteran.Expect to Learn:🔹 The mindset shift leaders like Hopper and Shah want you to embrace post-OB3🔹 What’s included in the Full Conference Pass (spoiler: it’s worth it this year)🔹 The best networking spots and new layout features like the RE+ Bridge🔹 And how the new RE+ app will [almost] literally walk you to your destinationRE+ isn’t just a tradeshow—it’s a moment of reconnection, recalibration, and reinvention. Don’t go in blind. Listen now and show up ready.See you under the bright lights!  And do come see us at the PowerUp Live Stage!Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

"You're not in the solar industry anymore."That bold declaration from Jigar Shah at RE+ 2023 sparked debate, shifted mindsets—and now, two years later, is being realized.Nico Johnson recently revisited the discussion with Jigar for a current-day check-in before diving into the full, original conversation that started it all. As the then-Director of the DOE Loan Programs Office, Jigar laid out a compelling case: the future for solar installers is not solar at all. It’s storage, VPPs, and full-blown grid integration.If you think you’re just in solar, you’re falling behind. This episode lays out why storage, grid services, and demand response are becoming the real business of clean energy—and what you need to do now to stay relevant. Jigar explains why the business model is evolving faster than most realize—and how those who embrace the shifts afoot stand to win big.Expect to learn:🔹 Why VPPs are the new normal (and why the utilities are finally playing ball)🔹 How entrepreneurs are flipping the solar+storage business model on its head🔹 Why the utilities finally care—and what they need from you🔹 Why installers must pivot from LTV/CAC to circuit-specific problem solvingWhether you're running a solar company or rethinking your clean energy strategy, this episode is a key to unlock the next decade.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Is the U.S. solar manufacturing boom standing on a hollow foundation?In this live episode from PV ModuleTech USA, Nico sits down with solar industry veteran Arndt E. Lutz, a global exec who’s seen it all—from Germany’s early solar rise to hydrogen innovation and now leading EliTe Solar’s manufacturing efforts.Despite America’s massive build-out of module assembly plants, there's a gaping hole in the supply chain: solar cell manufacturing. Arndt lays out the challenge with clarity—and urgency. It's not just about economics. It’s water, power, permitting, and a chemical process no one’s quite ready for.If we’'re serious about reshoring manufacturing, this is critical path.Expect to learn:🔹 Why 50GW of module assembly in the U.S. means little without more cell fabs🔹 How Germany’s “right to interconnect” flipped the solar game🔹 Why permitting delays are crushing U.S. manufacturing timelines🔹 The surprising reason Texas leads in solar deployment & manufacturingThis is your front-row seat to the real challenges (and solutions) shaping the future of solar in America.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Heat pumps are the EVs of HVAC—so why aren’t we all using them?Stephen Lake, a highly successful engineer turned climate-tech entrepreneur, is here to explain why heating and cooling is the most overlooked piece of the decarbonization puzzle.After selling his last company to Google, Stephen founded Jetson to tackle one of the biggest—and slowest-moving—sectors of home energy: HVAC. From cold-weather performance to noise, he busts the myths about heat pumps and outlines why they haven’t hit mass adoption in North America.Spoiler: it’s not the tech. It’s everything else—price, friction, contractors, complexity.Expect a crash course in sector disruption, including Jetson’s decision to build everything in-house and cut install costs by half through full-stack operations. If Tesla built HVAC, it’d look like this.🔹 What makes heat pumps 300% efficient (and why it’s not magic)🔹 The hidden friction points that stall heat pump adoption🔹 Why cold-climate performance is no longer a dealbreaker🔹 Lessons from scaling a vertically integrated climate tech startupIf you’ve ever wondered why heat pumps haven’t gone mainstream—or whether it should be part of your electrification journey—this is a conversation you can’t miss.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

A new wave of power demand is here. Is the grid ready? And can States keep up?Doug Scott, now in his second term as Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission, joins Nico to share how Illinois is navigating the accelerating pace of the energy transition. From integrating energy storage to regulating gigawatt-scale data centers, the ICC isn’t moving at glacial speed anymore—it’s sprinting.Does Illinois provide a glimpse into the agency that individual States have in managing their way through this energy transition? Doug reveals the behind-the-scenes challenges of regulating clean energy deployment while keeping costs in check and reliability rock-solid. In this conversation, we unpack how Illinois plans to balance electrification, equity, and economic growth—all while trying to avoid ratepayer whiplash.  Plus, we dig into the legislation that almost passed and what’s still on the table for 2025. Expect to learn:🔹 The ripple effects of data centers on local and regional grid planning🔹 What the “beneficial electrification” agenda really means for consumers🔹 Why energy storage and VPPs are at the center of Illinois’ grid playbook🔹 How the ICC is adapting to a faster, more decentralized energy landscapeGet the full picture of Illinois’ clean energy momentum and what it means for the rest of the country. If you’ve been waiting for policy to catch up to innovation—this is the episode for you.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

So what’s the secret to building influence in a Trillion-dollar industry?Perhaps it’s “start when it’s only a Billion-dollar industry!” But in today’s episode a few more “secrets” are discussed. In this rare role-reversal, Nico Johnson—the voice behind SunCast—is interviewed by solar industry legend (and fellow podcaster), Barry Cinnamon. It’s a full-circle moment packed with lessons on storytelling, scaling influence, and building a media brand that moves the clean energy industry forward.Nico shares how podcasting became his outlet for deeper industry insight—and how a single conversation with a GreenTech Media analyst changed his life. He reveals how he turned curiosity and connection into a flywheel for audience growth, impact, and eventually revenue.If you’ve ever wondered how to build influence, tell better stories, or scale a niche media company in a fast-changing industry—this one’s for you.We also discuss:🔹 Why the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing🔹 The “3-legged” stool of any media company🔹 How SunCast attracted early sponsors even with a relatively small audience🔹 Why great storytelling is still the ultimate clean energy recruiting toolReady to turn insight into action? Listen now (or watch on SunCast Media), share it with one person who’ll benefit, and tap follow/leave a quick review so we can keep bringing you the playbooks that move our industry forward. Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Most warranties aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.In a solar market defined by price pressure and disappearing installers, consumers are more skeptical than ever—and they’re asking smarter questions. Who’s responsible when something breaks? Will anyone answer the phone in 10 years? 5 years?In this live session, Nico Johnson sits down with Dean Chiaravallotti of Solar Insure at NABCEP 2025 to unpack how modern solar companies are rethinking service, liability, and the real value of a system warranty. Dean outlines the pitfalls of relying solely on manufacturer coverage—and why smart contractors are shifting to a proactive, financially backed model that keeps them competitive and customer-centric.This isn’t just about insurance. It’s about building trust at scale—and protecting your business in the long haul.Expect to learn:🔹 The warranty models installers are using (and where each one fails)🔹 How to turn your service department from cost center to profit driver🔹 The real impact of workmanship warranties when companies go under🔹 What criteria sets top-performing partners apart?Warranties aren’t just fine print—they’re your reputation on the line. Whether you’re scaling your solar company or just trying to avoid costly callbacks, this episode gives you the insights and tools to build a smarter service model. Dean brings years of experience and hard-won lessons to the mic—and you’ll walk away with ideas you can implement immediately.Hit play and learn how to turn warranties into a winning advantage.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Why is residential solar still so hard in the US? Andrew McGuigan will wager an answer.After 13 years in the solar trenches—from knocking doors at Sungevity to leading OpenSolar’s global expansion—Andrew has seen every twist of the solar coaster. Now at OpenSolar, he’s got a front row seat to helping 25,000+ installers worldwide streamline their businesses and survive the industry’s many curveballs.In this live conversation from the NABCEP 2025 stage, Andrew unpacks the economic and operational bottlenecks plaguing U.S. residential solar—and how he’s helping contractors fight back. From permitting nightmares to bloated sales commissions, the U.S. market still carries some of the highest soft costs on Earth.But there’s a shift underway—one driven by smart workflows, instant permitting, embedded finance, and a deep understanding of the homeowner journey.💥 Expect to learn🔹 Why US solar costs 2-3x more than global markets—and how to fix it🔹 The hidden costs of permitting and how SolarAPP is changing the game🔹 How OpenSolar’s “cash flow” feature is replacing QuickBooks for installers🔹 Why consultative sales and storage are reshaping the residential pitchWhether you’re a new installer or an industry veteran, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s working—and what’s broken—in residential solar right now. Andrew’s practical insights and global perspective make this a must-listen for anyone navigating today’s market.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Are Coal and clean energy still at odds??It might sound like a contradiction, but today’s guest is proving that innovation often comes from the most unexpected places - in this case, Coal Mines.Listen in as Nico sits down with Mark LaVerghetta, co-founder of ReElement Technologies, a company turning the coal industry on its head by extracting critical minerals from coal’s waste stream — and doing it cleaner and cheaper than China. Born from a contrarian bet on distressed coal assets, ReElement is now on the frontlines of the U.S. effort to onshore mineral refining and reduce our dependence on geopolitically fragile supply chains.We were all skeptical about this episode.  “Should we bring on a coal industry executive? Is this really a clean energy technology, or just greenwashing?” Nico was very intentional about learning as much as possible to guide the discussion, and as a result our Producer said “This Is The Most Interesting Episode of the Year!” Mark reveals how his team transformed environmental liabilities into valuable resources, using patented tech to separate rare earth metals with unprecedented efficiency—and far less environmental harm.Expect to learn:🔹 Why metallurgical coal still matters in the clean energy economy🔹 How ReElement is beating China at its own game—without toxic waste🔹 What makes critical minerals “critical” (and how the U.S. can produce them)🔹 How entrepreneurial risk-taking turned coal waste into national security assetsThis one’s dense—but powerful. If you’re a visual thinker, head to our YouTube version with added visuals to better understand the process.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

What if the tools you use to sell solar are setting you up to fail?That’s the uncomfortable truth Jason Steinberg, CEO of Scanifly, is tackling head-on.In this episode recorded live at NABCEP 2025, Jason and Nico dig into the disconnect between sales and operations in solar—where remote designs sell the dream, but outdated imagery and manual measurements leave teams scrambling on install day.Jason shares how his team is transforming the design process by putting drones and data at the center of solar workflows. The result? Fewer change orders, faster permitting, and a safer, smarter job site.Expect to learn:🔹 How Scanifly slashed permitting timelines from 3 weeks to just 3 days🔹 The business case for getting your crew off the roof (hint: it's not just about safety)🔹 Why AI-generated designs can actually worsen accuracy—unless you do this🔹 Why faster design = faster payment in a milestone-based finance world🔹 The surprising ROI of drone tech—via lower insurance premiumsIf you want to future-proof your workflow, boost close rates, and build trust with homeowners, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

In a market flooded with cheap imports and geopolitical risk, one company is standing its ground.Did you know there’s only one North American battery management system (BMS) provider at utility scale—despite growing pressure from subsidized Chinese competitors offering systems at zero cost? Michael Worry, CEO of Nuvation Energy, joins Nico to share how his company became that lone provider. But the core of this episode brings a critical warning: what happens when over 80% of the U.S. battery infrastructure is owned or influenced by foreign governments? And how should engineers and lawmakers respond?Michael takes us on a wild entrepreneurial ride: from building EVs before Tesla was cool to deploying robot kegerators at Burning Man. Nuvation’s “garage projects” aren’t just PR stunts—they’re real-world user acceptance test platforms that prove product reliability under extreme conditions.Expect to learn:🔹 Why Nuvation rejected deals to white-label Chinese BMS tech🔹 The loopholes foreign firms use to bypass U.S. battery bans🔹 How garage innovation became a proving ground for serious tech🔹 What’s at stake if supply chain security isn’t taken seriouslyThis episode is a wake-up call, a founder story, and a blueprint for building mission-critical tech without venture capital. Don’t miss it.Are we sleeping on supply chain security? Hit play and find out.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Nextracker just made yet another bold move…What if a robot could detect a solar failure before it happens—and build the repair plan to deploy the right resources to the precise location, in real time?That’s not science fiction. It’s what OnSight Technology is already doing on numerous utility-scale solar farms across the US.  And Nextracker have officially acquired OnSight Technology!  So, if you’re here because you’re asking yourself “What the heck? Why did NXT Buy this company, and what do they actually do?!” then you’re in luck!In this exclusive episode—recorded before the news dropped—we sat down with Derek Chase, Founder & CEO of OnSight, at their HQ in Sacramento, CA for an inside peek at the autonomous robotics platform that just made headlines.From the Bulldog robot that scans sites with 3D vision and thermal imaging to the OwlCam that detects smoke and fire in real-time, OnSight is setting the standard for predictive, AI-powered solar O&M. But I believe that Derek and his team of NASA Scientists are up to much more than just optimizing solar.It’s not just impressive tech—it’s a full-stack solution that saves developers, EPCs, and asset owners millions in avoidable losses.If you care about the future of solar performance (Or are just curious about the tech behind Nextracker’s latest acquisition), this is a must-listen.Expect to hear:🔹 What makes OnSight such a valuable acquisition🔹 How AI + robotics are revolutionizing fault detection and fire prevention🔹 The ROI of predictive maintenance—and how it’s deployed at scale🔹 How OnSight built a robotics ops team using Xbox controllers and StarlinkThis is one of the most forward-looking conversations we’ve had on SunCast—and now, it’s breaking news.🎧 Hit play and learn how the future of asset management has arrived.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Is This The Reality Check We All Needed?Layoffs. Shrinking margins. Policy gut punched. If you’ve been wondering how the solar industry will make it through this, hang tight - I’ve got a 20+ yr veteran who’s seen enough dips & turns on the SolarCoaster to provide ample insight.Barry Cinnamon returns to SunCast for a brutally honest conversation with Nico Johnson about what’s unraveling in the solar and storage space—and what smart companies are doing to stay ahead.From Capitol Hill chaos to customer acquisition woes, this conversation covers the unfiltered landscape of 2025’s solar rollercoaster. If you’re feeling the pressure to pivot, cut back, or just survive, you’re not alone.Expect to learn:🔹 Which financing models are collapsing—and who might survive🔹 Survival tips from companies investing in HVAC, roofing, and service🔹 Where companies are cutting fat and doubling down🔹 Why marketing is often first to go—and why that’s a mistakeThis isn’t about doom and gloom—it’s about adaptation. And as Barry reminds us, clean energy is inevitable. But only the nimble will thrive in the next 12 months.While much of the policy discussion in this episode turned out to be accurate, this conversation is meant to provide a broader perspective on the direction of the solar and battery storage industries.To fact-check or dive deeper, we’ve provided a quick breakdown below of all the key policies and bills mentioned, along with their current status as of mid-2025:📌 Policy & Bill Breakdown:⚫ 25D (Residential Tax Credit) ✅ Still active. Remains at 30% through 2032 under the IRA, despite political pressure to shorten it.⚫ 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit) ✅ In effect. Applies to commercial & utility-scale projects. Implementation delays caused confusion, but credit is live.⚫ FIAC (Foreign Entity of Concern Rule) ⚠ Active and restrictive. Disqualifies projects with Chinese-linked components from IRA tax credits, disrupting supply chains.⚫Net Metering & AB 942 (California) ❌ AB 942 not passed. Grandfathering still applies when homes are sold, though future legislation could change this.⚫Community Solar in California ⚠ Still limited. Despite legislation (e.g. AB 2316), utility resistance continues to stall interconnection and access.⚫ Safe Harbor / 5% Construction Rule ✅ Still usable. Developers can qualify projects for IRA incentives by spending 5% before year-end.⚫ Domestic Manufacturing & Transformer Bottlenecks ⚠ Ongoing issue. Major delays and cost pressure remain due to limited domestic supply, especially for transformers.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

What if the smallest line item in your solar project budget could unlock millions in financing?Solar projects don’t get financed on hope—they get financed on data.Meet Ann Will, founder of GroundWork Renewables, the company solving one of utility-scale solar’s biggest pain points: uncertainty. GroundWork has quietly enabled over 1,000 met campaigns and helped developers secure billions in funding with high-accuracy irradiance and resource assessment data.In this episode, you’ll discover how Ann turned a mid-life career pivot into a multimillion-dollar clean energy business that developers and financiers now rely on to de-risk their projects.Ann’s story blends grit, intuition, and a deep understanding of both Wall Street and renewable energy. From pioneering irradiance measurement campaigns to scaling nationwide data platforms and working with leading developers like Recurrent Energy and Lightsource bp, Ann has helped the industry embrace data as a competitive advantage.Expect to learn:🔹 The 0.3% of CapEx that can drive 10X ROI and millions in pro forma value🔹 What Ann Will learned raising capital after years of bootstrapping🔹 How GroundWork grew from a service provider into a full-stack data platform🔹 Why high-accuracy data is the key to unlocking solar project financing🔹 The business value of no-gap irradiance data (hint: it’s in the millions)🔹 How GroundWork de-risks utility-scale solar projects years before steel goes in the groundAnn also unpacks how strategic capital from Lime Rock New Energy is helping her take GroundWork to the next level—and what it means for the future of clean energy infrastructure.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Commercial & Industrial solar is no longer just about getting panels up on the roof (Or over the parking lot, as the case may be). I wanted to explore something that’s been bugging me…given the increase in C&I traction lately, what’s still holding the sector back from adopting batteries at scale?For the answer, I turned to Jayson Smith, Solutions Engineer at CPS America, to better understand how footprint, lead times, and complexity have historically stalled C&I battery storage adoption.  But that’s all rapidly changing thanks to smarter tech, tighter energy management integration, and a drive to reduce total cost of ownership. From 3.5-year payback periods to shrinking footprints, this episode is packed with insights to help installers and developers stay ahead of the storage curve.Expect to learn:🔹 How demand charge reduction is leading to 3.5-year paybacks🔹 The UL 1741 CRD standard that removes costly BOS components🔹 The top barriers to battery adoption in the C&I market (and how to overcome them)🔹 The real reason you should care who actually makes your battery system🔹 How HVAC control turns buildings into thermal batteriesWhether you're selling, designing, or deploying storage, this episode can help you make sense of what the latest advancements mean for your business.And, if you are curious about how we can PREVENT costly battery failures before they even get to the field, tune in to our next Live Broadcast on July 23 titled “Trust but Verify, How to ensure BESS Quality before it’s too late!” where we’ll be joined by field experts from Fire Safety and Factory Quality Assurance to better understand how the industry at large can improve battery deployments while avoiding giving renewables a black eye.  Register (Or watch the replay) at www.suncast.media/liveAre there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Nextracker has proven its market dominance for more than a decade, and has practically rewritten the playbook on utility-scale solar globally. Lately, they’ve been on an acquisition spree, further fueling their market dominance and diversifying to better serve their customers. If you, like us, are on the outside looking in wondering “how they heck do they do it?”, then this episode will give you a glimpse inside the magnificent machine that is NXT!Jonathan Eastwood, Nextracker’s SVP of Sales, has seen the clean energy industry evolve from the ground up—literally. In this long-awaited episode, Jonathan joins Nico to share how product innovation, customer obsession, and strategic M&A are helping solve solar’s most urgent challenges, from logistics chaos to catastrophic hail risk.It’s a rare peek behind the curtain on how NextTracker has become more than just another manufacturing partner—offering not just parts, but fully integrated systems that EPCs and owners trust to perform. From solving logistics bottlenecks with proprietary software to designing hail-proof stow systems that win over insurers, Eastwood shares the innovations—and the culture—that keep NextTracker at the front of the pack.You’ll hear what most people get wrong about trackers, how customer feedback led to some of NextTracker’s biggest breakthroughs, and why integrated solutions—not just price—are winning deals in 2025. Expect to learn:🔹 The sales innovation that helped NextTracker stay 2–3 years ahead🔹 How HailPro tech saves projects and unlocks lower insurance premiums🔹 Why integrated platforms are winning over cost-focused EPCs🔹 How customer feedback shapes everything at Nextracker🔹 The secrets behind NextTracker’s elite sales culture🎧 Don’t miss this candid and career-spanning conversation with one of the industry’s sharpest operators—Eastwood’s story is proof that customer-driven innovation is still the ultimate differentiator in solar.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

What happens when a solar technician calls themselves a “Level 2,” but no one knows what that actually means?For years, solar O&M has lacked the structure and standardization seen in other trades. The result? Confusing job titles, wage inflation, inconsistent training, and safety risks. But that’s all about to change.In this Tactical Tuesday episode, Nico Johnson is joined by Amanda Bybee, CEO of Amicus O&M Cooperative, and Karo Fernandez, Technical Training manager at AES Clean Energy. Together, they have helped create and rollout ANSI/SEIA 301, the first ANSI-accredited standard defining technician levels in the solar industry! They share how a diverse coalition of stakeholders—from co-ops to giants like AES—came together to define skill levels, competencies, and a real career ladder for solar techs.Amanda breaks down the origin of the standard, why it’s necessary, and how it was shaped through broad consensus (60+ companies!). Karo brings it to life, showing how AES is rolling out hands-on, real-world training that prioritizes safety and clarity.If your business hires solar technicians—or wants to keep them—this episode is a must-listen.Expect to Learn:🔹 Why lack of technician standards leads to industry-wide wage inflation🔹 How ANSI/SEIA 301 enables clear career pathways for solar workers🔹 The 5 learning modalities AES uses to implement tech training🔹 The surprising data benefits of standardized technician levelsAre there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Your solar project is one storm away from financial disaster!That’s not just fear-mongering—it’s the reality many developers are waking up to. In this episode, Nico sits down with Jason Kaminsky, CEO of KWH Analytics, the data-driven company reshaping how solar projects are financed and insured. You’ve probably already read this year’s Solar Risk Assessment—that’s the genius and hard–work of Jason’s team on full display, and the latest SRA dropped in Mid-June, so we’re here to cover the details for you.We’re presently in a high-stakes reality of asset performance, from the rise of “big and floppy” modules to the silent cost of wildfire smoke and hail storms. You’ll hear how the kWh Analytics team built a robust data infrastructure from scratch (literally by asking for spreadsheets from anyone who’d listen) and turned it into risk mitigation tools Wall Street trusts.More than just an insurance firm, KWH Analytics is building financial scaffolding for a volatile climate future—and they’re doing it with a mission to make solar stronger.Expect to Learn:🔹 Why 73% of solar financial losses come from just 6% of hail events🔹 How module design changes are quietly increasing system fragility🔹 The evolution of the Solar Revenue Put and risk-resilience insurance🔹 How wildfire smoke and cyber threats are reshaping performance expectationsDon’t miss this deep dive into what’s next for solar risk, resilience, and reliability.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Is the “Big Beautiful Bill” about to choke the life out of solar & wind? Can energy storage be solar’s savior? Isn’t Solar inevitable? We don’t need no stinking subsidies, right?  Right?If you haven’t had a chance to catch up yet on all that the bill implies, keep reading (seriously at the bottom I’ve linked a ton of recommended reading!) In this episode, policy analyst, Christian Roselund, returns to SunCast to unpack the real implications of the recently passed Megabill—a sweeping piece of legislation that redefines how the solar (and wind) industry can operate in the U.S. From shifting timelines to aggressive FEOC (foreign entity of concern) ownership rules, the bill undoes decades of positive momentum, but could hasten the inevitable - that solar + batteries will be at or below grid-parity with or without incentives.With residential solar already faltering and manufacturers scrambling to comply with 45X and FEOC rules, this episode delivers an unfiltered look at the legislative changes that could derail billions in investment.Christian—known for making complex policy digestible—breaks down what the new rules actually say (well, what was known at the time at least!), what’s still misunderstood, and how companies should prepare for a volatile few years ahead. Note to Listener: Since this conversation was recorded, the final version of the OBBB was passed with some significant updates: most notably, the 25D and 48E residential solar tax credits were retained, as was transferability (a huge collective sigh!), and the 45X manufacturing credit remains in place, though compliance with FEOC rules will continue to challenge supply chains. The ITC/PTC windows under 45Y and 48E are now expected to run at full value through the early 2030s, providing much-needed policy certainty. Below, we’re providing you with PLENTY of links to the latest reading Nico and the team have been doing wrt this huge megabill and it’s impact to the solar industry. Recommended reading:https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text -> The ACTUAL Bill text - have fun!But if you want to save some time…https://zenodo.org/records/15801701 - Princeton professor Jesse Jenkins and his REPEAT Project analysis team’s takehttps://www.cruxclimate.com/insights/one-big-beautiful-bill-act-passes-senate - Crux Climate summary - they are also hosting a webinar on the 9th that you still have time to sign up for Energy Changemakers’ blog is predicting more grid defection: https://energychangemakers.com/big-beautiful-bill-distributed-energy-trends/ https://www.mwe.com/insights/the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-navigating-clean-energy-tax-credits-in-a-new-era/ - MWE gives one of the better legal reviews I’ve seenAs does Novogradac: https://www.novoco.com/notes-from-novogradac/the-final-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-is-bad-news-for-solar-wind-home-energy-efficiency-other-clean-energy-tax-credits The Center for American Progress predicts that the OBBBA would increase average annual electricity costs by $110 per household as early as next year, with some states seeing more than $200 increases annually. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/what-trumps-anti-environment-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-means-for-your-wallet-health-and-safety/ Meanwhile Carbon Brief says it’ll add 7Bn Tonnes which would cause global climate damages worth more than $1.6tnhttps://www.carbonbrief.org/chart-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-blows-us-emissions-goal-by-7bn-tonnes/ https://www.hoganlovells.com/en/publications/one-big-beautiful-bill-act-signed-into-law-clean-energy-credits-and-new-feoc-prohibited-foreign - Noted legal firm Hogan Lovells - decent tables, a little hard to read imho Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Solar projects getting canceled? Clean tech CEOs burned out doing their own PR? Amanda Foley has seen it all.As the CEO of Kiterocket, Amanda leads one of clean energy’s most influential PR firms, helping clients go from misunderstood to market-ready. Recorded live at CleanPower 2025, this conversation dives into why even great technology companies struggle with messaging—and what to do about it.From overcoming community opposition to engineers writing their own press releases (spoiler: don’t), Amanda and Nico explore the gaps that often hold clean energy companies back from widespread adoption. They also unpack how today’s media landscape—from YouTube creators to AI-driven news cycles—is reshaping how clean tech companies need to communicate.Whether you’re an early-stage founder still wearing the marketing hat yourself or leading a growth-stage company ready for scale, Amanda offers real-world advice on when (and how) to invest in PR.Expect to Learn:🔹 The #1 mistake founders make when scaling their marketing efforts🔹 How to craft messaging that speaks to engineers, policymakers, and consumers🔹 The real role of press releases—and why most quotes are throwaways🔹 Why the Fourth Industrial Revolution is a communications goldmine (if you know how to tell the story)🔹 When founders should finally let go and hire real marketing leadershipAre there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

The AI boom isn’t just reshaping tech—it’s redefining the energy grid.As data center demand skyrockets, clean energy providers are scrambling to keep up with unprecedented power needs, speed requirements, and reliability expectations. In this special live panel, hosted by Jessica Fishman of Kiterocket, we hear directly from leaders at Equinix, Clayco, QTS, and MGM Transformer—key players shaping the future of power-hungry infrastructure.From fuel cells as primary power sources to grid-forming transformers and liquid-cooled AI campuses, this conversation dives deep into what’s working, what’s failing, and what’s coming next at the intersection of data, power, and renewables.🔍 You’ll learn:🔹 How the AI arms race is driving data center energy innovation🔹 Why grid constraints are forcing new collaboration models🔹 What roles geothermal, hydrogen, and district energy loops might play🔹 Why the energy transition may stall without workforce and regulatory breakthroughsIf you work in clean energy, utilities, or digital infrastructure, this episode offers a front-row seat to one of the most urgent—and opportunity-rich—conversations happening today.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

What would you do after taking your company public and becoming a billionaire?If you’re Dean Solon, you start over—with even bigger ambitions.The outspoken founder of Shoals Technologies is back with his new venture, Create Energy, and a mission to tear down the solar industry’s bloated, outdated playbook—and rebuild it from the ground up with speed, precision, and American grit.In this unfiltered live keynote from Midwest Solar Expo, Dean reveals:The real story behind Shoals’ rise to a billion-dollar IPOWhy he walked away at the peak—and what he’s building nextHis no-BS take on labor, logistics, and why the industry’s too damn slowExpect big ideas, bold opinions, and: 🔹 Why he’s betting (again) on U.S. manufacturing 🔹 How “Hot Pocket munchers” inspired a new labor model 🔹 The “McDonald’s menu meets Amazon Prime” approach to solar 🔹 How Create Energy built Nissan’s next-gen microgrid in 9 months flatIf you like your clean energy insights with a side of irreverence and hard truth, this one’s a must-listen.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

How do you bridge the gap between fast-moving renewables and slow-moving utilities? Brian Nelson has spent the last two decades doing exactly that—from building house-sized transformers to now leading ABB’s renewables segment. At ACP 2025, he sat down with Nico to pull back the curtain on how utilities think, why they’re cautious, and what it really takes to bring innovation to the grid.In this episode, you’ll hear why Brian believes in the future of smart substations, 2,000-volt switches, and solid-state breakers—all designed to meet utilities where they are while pushing the envelope of what’s possible.Expect to learn:🔹 Why utilities are risk-averse—and how that impacts tech adoption🔹 How ABB is accelerating virtual power plants and grid-scale DC systems🔹 The surprising bottlenecks holding back renewable deployment🔹 What "local-for-local" manufacturing means post-IRAWhether you’re frustrated by permitting delays or excited by the future of DC microgrids, this one’s a must-listen.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Can one of the world’s biggest tech companies actually go carbon-free, not just today, but retroactively, all the way back to 1975?In this powerhouse keynote from Intersolar 2025, Hanna Grene, leader of Microsoft’s Global Energy and Resources team, lays out a bold vision for this tech giant’s energy future. She makes one thing clear: Microsoft isn’t here to play catch-up. They’re partnering with the clean energy industry to lead. From ditching diesel in data centers to using AI to optimize dispatch and permitting, Microsoft’s commitments are already reshaping how energy is created, distributed, and consumed.Whether you’re building the grid or optimizing your solar bids, this episode will show you how this tech stalwart is helping turn clean energy headwinds into tailwinds.Expect to learn:🔹 Why Microsoft is one of the largest buyers of carbon-free energy on Earth🔹 How AI is slashing permitting timelines and supercharging forecasting accuracy🔹 A mind-blowing story of how 17GW of fossil fuels got cut with just software🔹 How quantum + AI helped shrink 32 million storage compounds down to 18 viable candidatesAre there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

What if the biggest threat to your solar business wasn’t competition—but compliance?Rebekah Hren has spent over 20 years helping the solar industry avoid costly mistakes and dangerous shortcuts - by writing the very codes and standards that govern it. From fieldwork and training at SEI to consulting for AirBnB and now co-founding Solar Tech Collective, Rebekah has seen it all—and helped shape how we do solar safely and at scale.In this episode, Nico dives deep with Rebekah to uncover the untold story of the National Electrical Code (NEC), the real reason rapid shutdown rules nearly derailed the industry, and how better training - not just better tech - is key to solar's future.You’ll learn:🔹 Why UL certifications aren't optional - and what too many installers still get wrong🔹 The behind-the-scenes battles of Code Making Panel 4 (CMP-4)🔹 How O&M pros are rewriting the rules of safety and reliability🔹 Why rapid shutdown rules almost broke the solar industryThis is more than a conversation about compliance - you need this if you want to build a solar business that lasts.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Inflation, interest rates, tariffs—most markets flinch. But according to Josh Goldberg, commercial solar doesn’t blink. In this Tactical Tuesday, Josh pulls back the curtain on how Sunstone Credit is adapting—and thriving—by making it easier than ever to finance clean energy upgrades for America’s businesses.You’ll hear why commercial solar might be more resilient than resi, how to decode confusing lease structures, and why every building owner should be thinking like a telecom landlord. Plus: what makes a killer commercial proposal and the surprising financing products Sunstone now offers (hint: they finance roofs!).Expect to learn:🔹 How to translate NOI boosts into powerful solar sales🔹 Why EV chargers and storage make sense in C&I (but also complicate the deal)🔹 The tools commercial solar desperately needs—but don’t exist yet🔹 How Josh is making Sunstone the easiest lender in the clean energy game

“AI is the greatest threat to your business ever.” That’s how Sheldon Kimber opens this episode—and it only gets bolder from there.Live from the Kiterocket Lounge during ACP CleanPower 2025, Sheldon returns to SunCast to unpack the real story behind energy-hungry data centers, the rise of hybrid power solutions, and why clean energy is no longer about purity—it’s about pragmatism.As CEO of Intersect Power, Sheldon’s built one of the most forward-thinking development firms in the sector. He shares how Intersect is co-locating massive renewables with gas, batteries, and even grid backup—forming what might just be the future of baseload power. This is a must-listen for anyone monitoring how clean energy collides with digitalization, electrification, and AI.Expect to learn:🔹 Why the U.S. grid is fundamentally broken—and who’s really to blame🔹 The hybrid power recipe Intersect is using to power Google-scale data centers🔹 How political oscillation—not gas—is the real threat to climate progress🔹 Why Intersect is building its own control software instead of relying on VC-backed startupsAre there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Forget what you thought you knew about data centers.Ryan Abbott of Clayco (a major datacenter design/build firm) joins Nico to explain how today’s hyperscale data centers are flipping traditional construction and energy planning on their heads. With AI workloads multiplying and compute demand skyrocketing, the real constraint isn't land—it’s power. And not just any power. Reliable, sustainable, redundant power systems that can handle 24/7 cooling, compute, and connectivity.In this conversation, you’ll learn how data centers are being redesigned for the AI age—everything from chilled water loops to rooftop geometry to satellite data transmission all have an impact on the efficiency of what could be the most important structures to be built in a generation.Expect to learn:🔹 Why data center siting now revolves around power, not land🔹 What “heat rejection” really means and why roofs matter more than you think🔹 Why water use and air-cooled chillers are becoming make-or-break issues🔹 What next-gen data center design teaches us about renewable integration🔹 The reason Arizona—not Alberta—may be the new hub for AI computeThis one is for the builders, the planners, and the visionaries driving clean energy forward. Listen in and learn why the future of compute is all about collaboration—with the grid.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

What makes someone actually care about solar? It’s not the data. It’s the story.On this special “SundayCast”, Nico sits down with the Reverend himself—Aaron Nichols (okay, not officially a Reverend, but the story behind that title is worth tuning in for). Aaron has made waves as a marketing & advocacy specialist at Exact Solar, helping the company thrive in a time when many others in solar are shrinking. His secret? Telling stories that spark action.From a school greenhouse in Philly to a donated community solar project, Aaron shares how real narratives—not kilowatt stats—are driving leads, national press, and community engagement. If you’re tired of wonky white papers and want to learn how to make clean energy compelling, what you’ll learn in this episode needs to be part of your playbook.Expect to learn:🔹 Why “facts are for the in-group, stories are for the out-group”🔹 How a single solar story got NPR, local press, and a Congressman’s attention🔹 The storytelling tactics Aaron uses to turn readers into leads🔹 How to make your next LinkedIn post actually get seen (and shared)Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

What if a renewable energy power plant could achieve capacity factors above 70%? Wouldn’t that make it, finally, FIRM baseload power, dispatchable and “reliable” for the grid? Can ai help? What else is required? The simple answer is hybridization, but a long-time industry pioneer is here to tell us more.Martin Hermann has spent the last 2 decades pioneering the future of utility-scale solar. From founding 8minutenergy, one of the first to bring Utility-scale solar parks to the US, to launching BrightNight, focused now on making solar dispatchable, Martin’s mission has stayed consistent: make renewables not just clean—but reliable.In the latest episode of SunCast, you’ll hear how BrightNight is rethinking the way we build power plants, why Martin deliberately didn’t hire solar industry veterans, and how AI is changing the way utilities plan for grid stability. This isn’t about adding more megawatts—it’s about turning renewables into baseload power, with capacity factors north of 70%.Martin shares how he’s using hybridization (wind + solar + batteries + market integration) to unlock grid value, and what it takes to design dispatchable renewables from the ground up.Expect to learn:🔹 Why utility-scale solar must escape the “real estate developer” mindset🔹 How BrightNight’s software optimizes entire systems—not just individual tech stacks🔹 The future of long-duration storage and why multi-day batteries are on the verge🔹 Why AI could become the most important tool in designing next-gen power plantsReady to rethink solar's role in the power stack? Hit play.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

“Even the most unsinkable ship can sink.”That’s Trevor Noah reflecting on the fragility of democracy, and he’s not just here to make you laugh—he’s here to challenge how you think. At CLEANPOWER 2025, Trevor delivers a brilliant, unscripted dialogue with Jason Grumet, the Chief Executive Officer of American Clean Power, unpacking how stories shape our national psyche—and what that means for the clean energy movement.This episode is full of surprises. From philosophical riffs on the social power of red lights to how a “thank you” at the front door can restore social cohesion, Trevor delivers a masterful discussion on systems thinking, imagination, and empathy.Most importantly? He lays out a quietly radical idea: stop selling people what you want—sell them what they need. Clean energy has a messaging problem, and it’s time we stop preaching morals and start aligning incentives.You won’t hear a more thought-provoking or entertaining take on American politics, trust, and the future of our energy system all year. (We recorded this Live Keynote with permission at the American Clean Power “CleanPower 2025” conference - it was delivered the very morning of the Houses passing vote on the Big Beautiful Bill) 👉 In this episode:🔹 The difference between truth, facts, and perception🔹 Why clean energy needs better storytelling, not better tech🔹 How conflict (done right) leads to discovery and love🔹 The power of human connection in a disconnected worldIf you're serious about leading the energy transition, start here—with the questions only a comedian dares to ask.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

What if the biggest opportunity in solar has been hiding in plain sight?Josh Goldberg is no stranger to solar. He’s a multi-exit founder who helped shape residential solar finance—and now he’s back to tackle the “messy middle” of commercial solar. After stepping away from the industry, Josh returned with a mission: to unlock the underfinanced, overlooked world of small-to-mid-sized commercial solar.In this episode, Josh shares how Sunstone Credit is solving a billion-dollar bottleneck—by giving installers and non-rated businesses the financing tools they’ve always needed. He opens up about what’s changed in the market (and what hasn’t), the whiteboard moment that sparked his latest venture, and why the time for this market is finally now.Expect to learn:🔹 Why the C&I market still hasn’t scaled like residential or utility🔹 How Sunstone built bank-grade underwriting for an “unbanked” sector🔹 The real reason pricing in commercial solar hasn’t improved in 15 years🔹 What it took to convince banks to bet on a “brand new” asset classIf you’ve been wondering when large-scale commercial rooftops will finally go solar (or why it hasnt happened yet…), this one’s for you.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Winter is comingIf you're a solar or battery developer, especially in utility-scale or C&I, you're likely feeling it already: capital has tightened, exits have dried up, and project timelines are stretching longer than ever. Sound familiar?Rob Sternthal, co-founder of XIP and a two-decade veteran of clean energy finance, joins Nico to deliver a tactical wake-up call. This isn’t just another “market update”—it’s a field guide for navigating what could be the most turbulent season the industry has faced in most of your careers. Rob breaks down the myths developers are clinging to, the real risks of mid-stage assets, and how to avoid ceding your entire platform to creditors.You’ll hear why Rob believes the “build and flip” model is on life support, what capital providers are really thinking, and how XIP is helping developers get scrappy, strategic, and solvent in a capital-constrained world.🧭 Expect to Learn:🔹 Why the capital markets have gone from firehose to faucet🔹 The red flags of a distressed developer (and how to know if it’s you)🔹 Strategies to stay liquid and avoid a fire sale🔹 What kind of investors to seek (and which ones to run from)If you’re feeling the pressure to sell early, raise expensive credit, or just keep your team afloat, this episode could be a lifeline. And if you’re looking for the Linkedin Article that prompted this episode, it’s here: https://bit.ly/RobSternthal-LI-PostAre there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

What if your rooftop solar could do more than just power your fridge?Karl Andersen believes it can—and should—power the future of AI.Karl unpacks the grid’s biggest vulnerabilities, why data centers lack critical power infrastructure, and how we can turn solar-powered homes into the building blocks of a decentralized compute network. Lektra’s tech fuses distributed energy with cloud computing—think “Raspberry Pi meets Tesla Powerwall meets AI.” The result? A game-changing business model where solar homeowners become micro data centers—and start earning like one.From national security concerns to GPU monetization, Karl walks us through why our energy and data systems are broken—and how his patented solution bridges both.Expect to learn:🔹 How Lektra turns excess solar energy into compute power🔹 Why grid fragility is now a national security issue🔹 What it takes to patent an entirely new category of energy-tech🔹 How homeowners could earn 1000x more than selling to the gridThis isn’t really even about solar. It’s about rethinking energy, ownership, and what the next version of the internet could look like.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

If you think batteries are just for backup, think again. The post-NEM 3.0 world has flipped residential solar economics—and companies like TeraHive are leading a storage revolution that’s all about ROI, not just resilience.Ram Bhat, Head of Product at TeraHive, explores how software-first thinking and DC-coupled architecture are transforming what’s possible in home energy systems. Ram brings deep expertise from Enphase, fuel cells, and flywheels into a conversation that’s equal parts technical and strategic.You’ll hear why the next big winners in storage will nail low cost, modularity, and software intelligence—and how software approaches to battery management could be the key to unlocking this much-needed grid-edge solution.Expect to learn:🔹 How NEM 3.0 is reshaping battery attachment economics🔹 Why autonomous, AI-driven systems are critical to homeowner adoption🔹 The power of DC-coupled architecture for cost and efficiency🔹 What it takes to serve the “middle-income” solar-plus-storage marketIf you're trying to future-proof your product offerings—or your business model—you’ll want to hear this.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

What if your truck could power your house—and save you hundreds a month on electricity?Could your EV be a secret energy arbitrage opportunity?Barry Cinnamon, a true solar pioneer, shows that it’s possible right now with Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) systems. Listen in as Barry breaks down why V2H is finally ready for prime time—and why the utility-centric V2X model is failing to deliver real value for homeowners.Barry's message is clear: customers want control, not complexity. And with a 240V inverter in your EV (at least, in his Ford Lightning) plus the right home inverter/battery setup (ht to FranklinWH here), you can skip the expensive hardware and take back some control of your utility costs!This isn’t just a backup power story. It’s about a seismic shift toward energy independence.Expect to learn:🔹 How Barry hacked his Ford F-150 Lightning to power his home🔹 Why utilities are resisting customer-centric energy models🔹 The real cost difference between home solar + EV vs. staying on the grid🔹 What grid defection looks like—and why it’s accelerating in CaliforniaWhether you're an installer, a homeowner, or just EV-curious, this is your primer on the future of decentralized energy. It’s practical, passionate, and packed with real-world insight.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Why haven’t more homeowners installed batteries—despite growing outages and rising rates? I tend to agree with Vinnie Campo, co-founder and CEO of Haven Energy, who believes the answer lies in who owns the asset. But beyond who owns the asset (and assuming, then, that it should not be the homeowner?), is there a way to deliver a truly zero-cost, fully managed battery system that benefits both homeowners and the grid?In this episode, Vinnie shares how Haven is flipping the script on residential energy storage. Backed by strategic investors (and co-founded by former Casper Mattress execs), Haven is creating a seamless path for utilities and CCAs to deploy batteries at scale—without burdening customers with financing complexity or upfront costs.We explore Haven’s creative partnership with one of those CCAs, Clean Power Alliance, helping deliver batteries to their base of 3 Million homeowners. We also learn just how they make it possible to deploy “zero cost” batteries, and why Vinnie’s background in energy trading helped bring this vision to reality.👉 This isn’t just about batteries. It’s about solving the grid's most urgent problems—and unlocking energy resilience for everyone.Expect to learn:🔹 How Haven offers batteries at no cost ever to income-qualified homeowners🔹 Why utilities and homeowners value batteries for very different reasons🔹 The secret to aligning grid capacity with backup power needs🔹 What makes VPP deployment finally scalable and financeableAre there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

The biggest threat to scaling community solar isn’t cost. It’s interconnection.Live from the PowerUp Stage at RE+ Northeast, Samantha Weaver of the Coalition for Community Solar Access dives into why so many promising clean energy projects never make it past the planning phase. Spoiler: it’s not because the technology isn’t ready—it’s because the system isn’t.With jaw-dropping examples (a 100-project backlog that would take 50 years to process?!), Samantha breaks down how sluggish utility review processes, outdated cost models, and data black holes are bringing progress to a crawl.This is an eye-opening conversation that shows how the right policies—and partnerships—can turn gridlock into greenlight.Expect to learn:🔹 The policy loopholes causing multi-million-dollar grid upgrade surprises🔹 What “zombie projects” are and why they’re choking the interconnection pipeline🔹 The one map every solar developer needs before applying🔹 Why community solar is essential for the 70% of Americans who can’t go solar on-siteDon’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the roadblocks to energy equity—and what it’ll take to clear the way.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

You can buy solar panels in many places around the world for around 10 cents-a-watt— so why are Americans still paying an average of about $3.70 for every watt installed?In this candid and fiery live episode, Nico Johnson sits down with long-time clean energy champions Andrew Birch and Kerim Baran to unpack what’s really slowing down solar deployment in the U.S. The verdict? Bureaucracy, bad trade policy, and a lack of open-market access are dragging us down.From SolarApp to tariffs to balcony solar, this conversation delivers a clear-eyed exploration of clean energy economics and the tension between innovation and regulation. Birchy argues for smarter global trade to lower prices and create more jobs—not fewer. And Kerim asks the tough questions about sovereignty, security, and system-wide inefficiencies. We’ve got further reading down in the resources section, but first you’ll want to tune into this discussion to learn: 🔹 How smarter permitting could unlock a solar job boom in the U.S. 🔹 Why Australia achieves $1/Watt installs—and what’s holding the U.S. back 🔹 Why tariffs don’t protect jobs—they stall innovation 🔹 What Elon Musk could do to fix residential solar (no, seriously)This is the solar debate we should be having. Buckle up, SolarWarriors, we’re in for yet another stomach-churning ride on the solarcoaster.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

What if the utility bill you barely understand holds the key to stabilizing the grid, accelerating electrification, and saving you money?Rachel Bryant has spent nearly 20 years navigating the complex world of energy regulation—as both an engineer and a lawyer. Now at GridX, she’s helping utilities across the country translate convoluted tariff structures into clear, actionable decisions for customers. The result? Better engagement, smarter energy use, and a grid that can flex with our electrifying future.Recorded live at RE+ Northeast, this conversation unpacks why traditional cost-of-service rate structures are crumbling under the pressure of EVs, solar, and home electrification—and how time-variable pricing might just be the answer. From peak load reduction to EV charging patterns, Rachel breaks down how data, software, and savvy communication can bring utilities and customers into alignment.Expect to learn:🔹 Why most people still don’t know they can choose their electricity rate🔹 How GridX lets customers simulate bill impacts down to the penny🔹 Why EVs are the gateway drug to grid participation🔹 What’s holding some utilities back from embracing time-of-use pricingAre there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?Hit us up - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to their contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://suncast.media/episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.suncast.media/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus