SunCast

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.Get your Solar Fight Night tickets before they're gone: https://tinyurl.com/522wf8v3Also check out Renewables UnWind Las Vegas: https://tinyurl.com/2ea2c6k3And don't forget about the pickleball games: https://tinyurl.com/p9h5nv42If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll 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 today’s 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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Barry Cinnamon, a solar industry veteran and podcaster at Cinnamon Energy Systems, interviews Nico Johnson, who transformed from solar sales to a podcasting powerhouse. They discuss how storytelling drives audience engagement and builds influence in the clean energy sector. Nico reveals his journey of turning curiosity into a successful media brand, emphasizing that the best marketing feels authentic. The conversation also covers sponsorship strategies and how to craft genuine dialogues that resonate with listeners.

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.Get your Solar Fight Night tickets before they're gone: https://tinyurl.com/522wf8v3Also check out Renewables UnWind Las Vegas: https://tinyurl.com/2ea2c6k3And don't forget about the pickleball games: https://tinyurl.com/p9h5nv42If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll 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 today’s 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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

In this engaging discussion, Andrew McGuigan, General Manager for OpenSolar and a solar industry veteran, reveals why residential solar in the U.S. remains costly. He highlights the hefty soft costs and operational bottlenecks, such as permitting nightmares and bloated commissions. Andrew shares innovative strategies like the SolarAPP for streamlining permitting and discusses how OpenSolar's financial tools are revolutionizing installer cash flow. His insights on a consultative sales approach and the rise of solar storage systems provide a fresh perspective on enhancing solar adoption.

Mark LaVerghetta, co-founder of ReElement Technologies, is reshaping the coal industry by innovatively extracting critical minerals from coal waste more efficiently and sustainably than China. He discusses how his company is transforming environmental liabilities into valuable resources, highlighting the importance of metallurgical coal in the clean energy economy. They delve into the U.S. effort to onshore mineral refining and tackle supply chain challenges, emphasizing the critical role of these minerals in modern technology and national security.

Join Jason Steinberg, CEO of Scanifly, as he discusses revolutionizing the solar design process with drone technology. Discover how his innovative approach can reduce permitting times from three weeks to just three days. Jason dives into the critical gap between sales and operations, explaining how outdated methods can sabotage installations. He emphasizes the surprising ROI of drone tech and challenges the reliance on AI-generated designs. If you're in the solar industry, this insight could help you streamline workflows and boost your bottom line!

Joining the conversation is Michael Worry, CEO of Nuvation Energy, an innovator in battery management systems. He discusses how his company stands out amid a flood of cheap imports and geopolitical risks. Learn about the critical implications of over 80% of U.S. battery infrastructure being influenced by foreign governments. Michael shares his entrepreneurial journey, from building EVs before Tesla to developing unique user testing platforms. He emphasizes the importance of supply chain security and the future of reliable energy technology amidst global challenges.

Derek Chase, the Founder and CEO of OnSight Technology, shares groundbreaking insights into the AI and robotics revolutionizing utility-scale solar farm maintenance. He discusses the capabilities of the Bulldog robot that uses 3D vision and thermal imaging to preemptively detect failures and prevent costly downtime. In addition, Derek highlights the OwlCam's real-time fire detection functionality, emphasizing the significance of predictive maintenance and how these innovations can save millions for solar asset owners. Tune in for an inside look at the future of solar performance!

Barry Cinnamon, a 20+ year veteran in the solar industry and host of his own podcast, dives into the turbulent landscape of solar in 2025. He discusses the surge in layoffs and budget cuts affecting solar companies and the importance of strategic partnerships. Cinnamon shares survival tips for companies diversifying into HVAC and roofing, highlighting the need for smart marketing despite cutbacks. With challenges like shifting tax credits and regulatory hurdles, he emphasizes adaptation as key to thriving in clean energy's future.

Ann Will, founder of GroundWork Renewables, dives into the game-changing role of high-accuracy irradiance data in securing crucial funding for solar projects. She reveals how just 0.3% of CapEx can lead to a staggering 10X ROI. Ann shares her journey from investment banking to launching a successful clean energy startup, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships and data-driven decisions. Listeners will learn how GroundWork helps de-risk solar developments and the innovative use of satellite data in project assessment.