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?

Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolar

If 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!

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 850 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/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

NYSE Owner to Invest $2B into Polymarket, OpenAI Launches Interactive Apps for ChatGPT

The Rundown

Outro

The AI-powered Podcast Player