Folgen
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You can buy solar panels in many places around the world for around 10 cents-a-wattâ 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 whatâs 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 jobsânot fewer. And Kerim asks the tough questions about sovereignty, security, and system-wide inefficiencies. Weâve got further reading down in the resources section, but first youâll want to tune into this discussion to learn:
đš How smarter permitting could unlock a solar job boom in the U.S.
đš Why Australia achieves $1/Watt installsâand whatâs holding the U.S. back
đš Why tariffs donât protect jobsâthey stall innovation
đš What Elon Musk could do to fix residential solar (no, seriously)
This is the solar debate we should be having. Buckle up, SolarWarriors, weâre in for yet another stomach-churning ride on the solarcoaster.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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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 regulationâas both an engineer and a lawyer. Now at GridX, sheâs 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 electrificationâand 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:
đš Why most people still donât know they can choose their electricity rate
đš How GridX lets customers simulate bill impacts down to the penny
đš Why EVs are the gateway drug to grid participation
đš Whatâs holding some utilities back from embracing time-of-use pricing
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Fehlende Folgen?
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Texas: where oil and gas once reigned supremeâand now, renewables are rewriting the rules.
In this special live episode recorded at Intersolar & Energy Storage North America 2025, Doug Lewin and Nico Johnson flip the script. Doug takes the mic to interview Nico about his biggest takeaways from the show, and the two dive deep into whatâs fueling Texas' meteoric rise in solar, storage, and energy expansion.
Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about why Texas has become the unexpected juggernaut of clean energyâand what risks could upend that growth if policymakers aren't careful.
Expect to learn:
đš How Texas' merchant energy market supercharged solar and storage
đš Why oil and gas giants are quietly backing clean energy
đš The looming policy threats that could slow Texasâ renewable momentum
đš How massive new data center loads are reshaping ERCOT
Get ready for bold insights, insider perspectives, and a fresh view of how Texas is setting the pace for America's energy future.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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âDonât pitch slap me.â
Thatâs the line Spenser Meeks uses to describe the all-too-common trap most any professional falls into when presenting information (Usually via presentation decks) â jumping straight into specs and data before earning your audienceâs attention. In a lively convo, Spenser and Nico break down why 60% of all conference speaking sessions (yes, your conference panels) are rated âmehâ⌠and how better storytelling could fix that.
If youâre tired of your message falling flat or sales calls that go nowhere, learn to help people care before they calculate. Spenser, whoâs trained the moderators and presenters for RE+ and other top trade shows, shares the emotional and psychological blueprint that can transform technical pitches into conversations that land.
đ Why storytelling creates instant emotional engagement
đ§ How to structure sales conversations for maximum buy-in
đŹ The âone-linerâ framework that makes your value unforgettable
đ¨ How to ditch boring slides and make your presentations pop
Whether youâre prepping for your next pitch or just want your message to stick, this episode will help you stand outâwithout shouting specs.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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The FinTech Reboot Solar Has Been Waiting For
What happens when local banks finally start playing ball in solar lending? Ravi Mikkelsen is here to tell us.
In this âWhere Are They Nowâ episode, we reconnect with Ravi Mikkelsen, the co-founder and CEO of Atmos Financial, who first joined SunCast in 2021. Since then, the solar financing world has been flipped on its headârising interest rates, shifting policies, and a return to leases have left installers and homeowners alike with questions and headaches. Ravi has been quietly building an answer in the form of a fintech platform that bridges the gap between traditional banking and solar projects.
If youâve ever wondered why solar loans still feel so complicatedâor what it would take to truly democratize clean energy financeâthis is your episode.
đš Why solar loans are getting more expensiveâeven as hardware costs fall
đš How dealer fees can wipe out the homeownerâs tax credit benefit
đš The return of leasesâand what that says about market conditions
đš Why Atmos is moving out of deposits and doubling down on lending
Tune in to hear how Atmos is powering the next wave of solar finance by making it easier, cheaper, and more transparentâfor everyone involved.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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âVirtual power plantâ might be trendingâbut Eversourceâs Tilak Subrahmanian says it misses the mark.
In this RE+ Northeast PowerUp Live stage interview, Nico sits down with Tilak for a refreshingly candid utility perspective on how distributed energy resources (DERs) are being integrated, managed, and monetized at scale. Spoiler: it's not just about demand response anymore.
From managing EV charging loads to influencing ISO capacity calculations, Tilak breaks down how Eversource is designing a distributed grid built for policy, performance, and people. If youâve ever wondered how utilities actually think about DERs, this is the episode for you.
What youâll learn:
đš How 70,000 residential and 400+ commercial customers help Eversource manage load
đš What âedge DOMsâ and âgrid DOMsâ areâand why they matter
đš How Eversource partners with OEMs like Renew Home and EV manufacturers
đš Why toaster ovens are the secret weapon in small business energy efficiency
This is utility thinking, unfiltered. Tap play and gain a deeper understanding of the real opportunitiesâand challengesâbehind the energy transition.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Whatâs blocking our climate tech breakthroughs?
Itâs not the tech. Itâs the process.
Ben Downing has seen the system from both sidesâfirst as a Massachusetts state senator, then as VP at Nexamp scaling solar across the country. Now, as Chief Growth Officer at The Engine, MITâs accelerator for âtough tech,â heâs helping commercialize game-changing innovations that can decarbonize the toughest sectorsâsteel, cement, transmission, and beyond.
But itâs not just about the science. Itâs about fixing the systemsâpermitting, infrastructure, policyâthat stall progress. In this episode, Ben shares why real-world deployment is the biggest hurdle⌠and how The Engine is building what he calls a âSolutions Factoryâ to overcome it.
Expect to learn:
⥠Why product-market fit is the #1 blind spot for climate tech founders
⥠How startups like Sublime and Commonwealth Fusion are scaling real impact
⥠Why Massachusetts might be the best place to pilot manufacturing
⥠How to rebuild broken processes that stall startup success
Benâs optimism is infectiousâand itâs backed by hard-won insight from the frontlines of policy and innovation. If youâve ever wondered why brilliant climate ideas stall out and how to course-correct, press play and take notes.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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The U.S. grid is facing its biggest stress test since WWII. The answer? Batteries.
Joan White, Director of Storage & Interconnection Policy at SEIA, joins Nico on the PowerUp Live stage at RE+ Northeast to unpack the audacious 700 GWh storage deployment target laid out in SEIAâs latest white paper. Thatâs a 50% increase over the âbusiness as usualâ trajectoryâand Joan believes itâs not just possible, but necessary.
As AI data centers, EV adoption, and manufacturing supercharge national energy demand, the grid must evolve. Energy storage isnât a luxury anymoreâitâs a requirement. Joan walks us through the policy levers, market dynamics, and cost curves shaping this once-in-a-generation energy transformation.
đš Why SEIA is pushing for 700 GWh of storage (and how we get there)
đš The invisible hand of tariffs and trade cases reshaping the battery market
đš The threat of repealing the ITCâand how states are stepping up
đš How storage can finally retire fossil peaker plants and replace standby fees
Joan doesnât just know the policyâsheâs writing the playbook. Whether youâre a policymaker, developer, or just curious about whatâs next for the grid, this oneâs a must-listen.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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When Maria Robinson took the helm at the Grid Deployment Office within the US Department of Energy (US DOE), she stepped into one of the most pivotal (and difficult) roles in the clean energy transition.
Now that sheâs no longer a government employee, Maria reveals what really happens inside DOE decision-making rooms, why the grid is far more fragile than most realize, and how her new role as CEO of IREC is helping shift the power back to the people.
From wildfire response to data center load growth and interconnection bottlenecks, Maria clearly understands what is driving (or stifling) our energy transition âyou donât want to miss this conversation.
đ Why our grid is more outdated than you think
đĽ The inside story of DOEâs wildfire response efforts
đ What solar pros need to know about FERC (and why theyâre not paying attention)
𧊠How IREC is taking on the hard problems utilities donât want to face
Tune-in, and after youâve had a listen, consider sharing this with someone to help us spread the word!
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Residential solar may still be a long way from recovery âbut the commercial and industrial (C&I) solar market is heating up. In this power-packed episode recorded live at RE+ Northeast, Nico sits down with John Carroll of SolarEdge to explore why the commercial market could be the biggest growth driver in clean energy this year.
From training installers to navigating the evolving incentive quagmire, John unpacks the forces reshaping the C&I landscape in 2025..
đ The IRAâs surprising ripple effects on project development and jobs
âď¸ Top challenges facing new C&I installersâand how to overcome them
đ How module-level power electronics are changing the economics of scale
đđşđ¸ Why SolarEdge is doubling down on U.S. manufacturing and domestic content
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Microgrids are essential to the clean energy futureâbut theyâre still too complex, slow, and unbankable. Thatâs the problem Adib NaslĂŠ set out to solve. With Xendee, heâs built a platform that makes distributed energy systems faster to plan, easier to finance, and smarter to operate.
Nico digs into how Adib and his team turned 20 years of national lab research into a commercial product now used by governments, fleet operators, developers and data centers. If you want to understand where AI, microgrids, and electrification convergeâthis is the episode for you.
đš The 3 biggest choke points in microgrid adoption
đš Why software, not hardware, is the key to energy independence
đš How Xendee is supporting Neom, Fiji, and Travel Centers of America
đš The power of dynamic forecasting and rolling 72-hour optimization
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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At a time when uncertainty looms for many clean energy companies, Encore Renewable Energy just secured a $389 million financing deal that proves the big moneyâs still looking for good bets to be made. Chad Farrell walks us through their recent landmark deal with Brookfield and what it signals for the broader renewables industry.
From raising capital the slow, scrappy way to winning major infrastructure funding, this episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating the shift from developer to independent power producer. And it also is a strong signal from the capital markets that distributed generation has solid support.
đš The novel financing structure that lets Encore Renewable Energy move at industry-scale speed
đš How solarâs economic case is winning over skepticsâacross party lines
đš What Encore Renewable Energyâs growth path says about capital market trends
đš Why community engagement is key to unlocking project velocity
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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800 episodes. 1 unforgettable conversation. For the first time in years, Nico Johnson becomes the guest on his own show, interviewed by friend and fellow podcaster, Lisa Ann Pinkerton. What follows is a raw and powerful exploration of the highs, lows, and turning points behind SunCastâs success. Whether youâre building a brand, running a business, or just love clean energyâthis episode has something for you.
đš How vulnerability built SunCastâs loyal following
đš Why podcasting is a secret weapon for industry influence
đš Failures that almost killed the show
đš What clean energy needs most in the next 5 years
Hope you like this one. Itâs 9+ Years in the making!
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Live from the Hub Stage at Intersolar 2025, Nico gathers a powerhouse podcaster panel to dig into whatâs really going on in the solar & battery sectors. Sean White (Solar Sean), Chris Crowell (Solar Builder), and Joe Ordia (Solar Surge) donât hold back as they swap stories and product insights live from the show floor, and discuss the tough realities facing the solar sector presently.
Itâs equal parts geek-out, gut check, and group therapy. Donât miss this behind-the-scenes take from media voices walking the solar beat daily.
đš Candid takes on layoffs, slow budgets & where growth is hiding
đš The comeback of module-level battery storage with a twist
đš Why solar permitting (still) might be our biggest bottleneck
đš How repowering could be the next big business opportunity
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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There are billions of square feet of commercial rooftops in the U.S. that should have solarâbut donât. Why? Because financing these projects has been nearly impossible⌠until now. For years, the thousands of unrated businesses, nonprofits, and local institutions that want to go solar are stymied by one primary roadblock - financing. One developer is finally unlocking commercial solar for the long tail of the market, and weâre here to share exactly how.
Claire Broido Johnson (Sunrock DG) and Josh Goldberg (Sunstone Credit) have âcracked the code on commercial solarâ, giving small businesses and nonprofits access to solar PPAs and loans through an empowered network of hundreds of local solar businesses.
Today we explore:
đš Why most commercial solar deals failâand how to fix it
đš How Sunstone Credit built a financing model banks actually trust
đš Why permitting & local regulations are still the biggest hurdles
đš How solar EPCs can unlock more deals with the right financial tools
The future of C&I solar is hereâand itâs not just for Walmart & Target anymore.
đ If youâre an installer, developer, or solar entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights you canât afford to miss.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Smithville, Texas, a town known for its giant gingerbread man and Hollywood cameos, is making headlines for something even biggerâits solar future. With a 1.4MW solar power plant now generating clean energy for over 100 homes, this small town is proving that the energy transition isnât just for big cities.
In this episode, we go behind the scenes of Smithvilleâs solar transformation, from the unique financing mechanism that made it possible to the community benefits already taking shape. Hear from the local government and developers as they share the challenges, solutions, and surprising impacts of bringing solar to rural America.
đš The financing strategy that covered 50% of the project cost
đš How a 25-year power purchase agreement is saving the city $40K per year
đš The unexpected way Smithville is maintaining the land (hint: đ)
đš Why this project could be a model for small towns across the U.S.
Join us for a look at how Americaâs small towns can take big steps toward a clean energy future.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Solar and battery prices have dropped so low that energy independence is truly NOW within reachâno permits, no utility red tape, just DIY power that any homeowner can harness. Kerim Baran, CEO of SolarAcademy, breaks down why this shift is happening now and how it could reshape the way we think about electricity as homeowners. From âbalcony solarâ to microgrids, Nico & Kerim explore why these utility-disrupting models are at a tipping point and how innovators around the world are capitalizing on this moment.
đš The concept of balcony solar and why itâs booming in Europe
đš How DIY solar & battery setups can deliver a 1-2 year payback
đš Why utilities may soon lose their monopoly over energy
đš The hidden economics of personal energy generation
đš What happens when solar & storage hit God Parity
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Community solar promises to lower energy costs while expanding access to clean powerâbut does it deliver? Aviv Shalgi, CEO of Solar Simplified, joins Nico to expose the hidden challenges and big opportunities in this growing market. From financing hurdles to state-by-state policy shifts, we dig into whatâs really happening behind the scenes. If you want the inside scoop on the future of community solar, this episode is a must-listen!
Here are five key topics from the interview:
1ď¸âŁ What is Community Solar? â The surprising way renters and homeowners can benefit without installing panels.
2ď¸âŁ The Business Model Uncovered â How companies profit while offering guaranteed energy bill savings.
3ď¸âŁ Hidden Risks for Developers â Why some projects fail and what most donât see coming.
4ď¸âŁ 2025 Market Shakeup â Whatâs driving potential industry consolidation and who will survive.
5ď¸âŁ The Future of Energy Savings â Why community solar is gaining bipartisan support and expanding nationwide.
Curious? Check out the full episode!
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Solarâs growth isnât just steadyâitâs compounding. If current trends hold, half of the worldâs energy could come from solar by 2035. Thatâs the prediction Andrew âBirchyâ Birch has modeled using real-world data and the S-curve of technology adoption. He explains why mainstream forecasts underestimate solar, how exponential growth works in energy markets, and what policies must change to support a fully electrified economy.
Birchy is the CEO and co-founder of Open Solar, a free solar design and project management platform used by installers worldwide. A longtime solar industry pioneer, he previously co-founded Sungevity, one of the first online solar sales platforms, and has spent decades advocating for policies that expand solar access (like pushing forward the SolarAPP in the US). Now, heâs working with the Global Solar Council to push for an industry âBill of Rightsâ that ensures fair energy market rules and a standardized approach to integrating solar into the grid. Want to hear and see the data supporting Birchyâs bold claim that Solar will be More than 50% of our primary global energy in just 10 yearsâ time?
Expect to learn:
Why the S-curve shows solar reaching 50% of global primary energy by 2035How the U.S. solar market compares to the rest of the worldHow SolarApp and permitting reform could unlock residential solarWhy tariffs and subsidies are distorting the solar marketHow OpenSolar is making solar design software free for installers worldwideIf you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
Mentioned in this episode:
CPS July 2024 V2
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With 45 percent of U.S. water sources containing toxic contaminants, according to the EPA, access to clean drinking water is becoming increasingly uncertain. Worse still, according to a UN study, over 40% of the world's water bodies are considered severely polluted, meaning a significant portion of Earth's water is contaminated; this translates to around 1 in 3 people not having access to safe drinking water. Traditional water treatment methods rely on filtering or distilling existing sources like lakes, rivers, or oceans. But a new approach is gaining tractionâone that pulls water directly from the air.
Alexander Von Welczeck, Founder and CEO of SkyH2O, explains how Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) is reshaping water access. By capturing humidity and converting it into purified water, AWG provides a decentralized supply of water that reduces dependence on our failing infrastructure. As concerns grow over PFAS (forever chemicals) and other pollutants in municipal systems, AWG offers a safer alternative with wide-ranging applications.
As water scarcity grows, AWG is emerging as a scalable solution for industries, communities, and facilities that need reliable access to clean water in an increasingly water stressed world. Tune-in to hear how it really works and just how close we are to pulling water right out of the air!
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.
Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!
SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.
You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.
Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about todayâs guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.
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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
Mentioned in this episode:
CPS July 2024 V2
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