SunCast

Discover the intriguing journey of Bob & Maria Kingery, founders of Southern Energy Management, in the solar industry. They share insights on building a values-driven business, strategic marketing tactics, and sustaining growth. Explore the importance of inclusive leadership, resilient business strategies, and the evolution of solar entrepreneurship.

Barry Reaves, serving as the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice (DEI/J), and Workforce Development at the North East Clean Energy Council (NECEC), is tackling head-on the clean energy sector's need for a more diverse workforce. This challenge expands beyond ethnic boundaries, touching on gender, sexuality, and income status, highlighting the pressing need for a more inclusive approach in the industry's workforce development.The North East Clean Energy Council (NECEC) works tirelessly with a variety of partners across the Northeast, from Maine to New York, to encourage clean energy organizations to think comprehensively about workforce solutions that embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Reaves’ role involves not just strategizing but shepherding projects with and for member companies that create equitable pathways in clean energy.This conversation contains enlightening lessons on the importance of workforce diversity from a practitioner on the front lines. It underscores the critical role that organizational leaders play as catalysts for change, advocating for diversity and inclusion right from the top. It also delves into the challenges policies can pose to such initiatives, emphasizing the need for holistic thinking in developing programs that attract diverse talent. Reaves’ work calls for inclusion beyond ethnicity, recognizing the need to encompass individuals from rural communities, the military, and various gender and sexual orientations, among others. Listeners will learn about the tangible benefits of diversity for companies, the significance of establishing connections with often overlooked communities, and the strategies the NECEC employs to foster a more inclusive clean energy sector. This dialogue sheds light on the imperative for equitable workforce development, but also illustrates how inclusivity can drive innovation and progress in clean energy and beyond.If 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

Can the solar industry utilize advanced data analytics and software to address the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, maintaining project quality, and ensuring long-term asset value? Where are there still gaps to address? As the industry matures, project developers, asset owners and grid operators are increasingly focusing on leveraging data streams from the field to enhance project performance as well as grid reliability. However, one element of data gathering has been a perennial gray area - accurate fieldwork management, which is still a very manual process in just about every respect. And it just may be the part of post-construction asset value retention that is most overlooked, till now.American Made Solar Prize winners, James Nagel and David Penalva, co-founders of SolarGrade by HelioVolta, converted their extensive experience in solar project development and data analysis into a robust software aimed at precisely this conundrum.  SolarGrade, a software tool designed to tackle this challenge by automating field reporting and creating a centralized database called SolarFax, akin to a "Carfax for solar." By integrating detailed project data, SolarGrade aims to improve predictive maintenance, enhance performance insights, and ultimately, support the reliable and cost-effective deployment of solar energy. And, like Carfax, it may prove incredibly useful in the valuation and resale of these assets someday.In this episode, James and David explore several key areas:The critical role of comprehensive data analytics in optimizing solar project performance;How SolarGrade is addressing the industry's data challenges by providing actionable insights;The balance between cost efficiency, quality, and safety in project development;The significance of early customer feedback in refining and scaling innovative solutions;The broader implications of data-driven decision-making for the future of renewable energy.Through their pioneering work, James, David, highlight the importance of balancing cost efficiency with quality and safety in solar projects, the value of field data, and how their journey through the American Made Solar Prize catalyzed their growth and software improvement , all while maintaining a passion for adventure and the great outdoors. Fun fact, if you WATCH this on Youtube, you’ll be able to appreciate just how outdoorsy David truly is, as we filmed in his garage where he has built his own rock climbing wall as a respite from the daily grind of startup life. He’s also responsible for Nico’s rekindling his love for the sport over the last year. They’d both love to talk climbing with you anytime…or meet you on the crag. Hope you enjoy! If 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/nickalusMentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2

As more frequent extreme weather events become the new normal, grid operators and project developers alike seek improved data sources and market signals to help balance their daily load forecasts. The surge in electricity demand during such crises not only escalates power costs but also exposes the vulnerabilities of our energy grid, underscoring the urgency for innovative forecasting strategies. How do we harness data technology to better prepare for and respond to these environmental challenges? Sean Kelly, CEO of Amperon, provides nearly 2 decades of energy market & trading expertise to help us understand the implications. His firsthand encounter with the devastating effects of Winter Storm Uri highlights the tangible impact of these weather phenomena, and his stories help anchor the hard truth for his team and clients. At Amperon, Sean leveraged his extensive background in energy trading to pioneer the use of advanced analytics and machine learning in creating precise load forecasts based on real-time weather data. Their work enhances grid reliability and efficiency, offering a proactive approach to managing the unpredictability of weather patterns and their impact on energy systems.Here are a few things Sean teaches us in today’s Tactical Tuesday:the increasing relevance of data in forecasting and preparing for extreme weather events;how clean energy is a response to natural disasters and can help balance the grid; the imperative for regulatory agility to accelerate the clean energy transition; the financial wisdom in adopting a 'merchant mindset' for project optimization and security;the growing focus on asset management and risk assessment in energy investments; and the evolution of weather data as a key constituent to the clean energy transition. This conversation is a clarion call for collaborative efforts towards building a resilient and reliable clean power grid. You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsorsYou can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalusSubscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

The United States stands at a pivotal juncture in its clean energy transition, with domestic energy storage manufacturing emerging as the cornerstone of its sustainable future. John Zahurancik, President Americas at Fluence, joins Nico Johnson to discuss the future of domestic battery manufacturing in the United States at Intersolar NA. Also, this episode features an exclusive recording of  Zahurancik’s keynote address which further discusses the need for the U.S. to ramp up its production of energy storage solutions, showcasing Fluence's leading role in this critical shift.What the audience can expect to learn:⚡️ The Critical Role of Domestic Manufacturing: Understand why bringing battery production home is key to America's energy independence and resilience.⚡️ Navigating Supply Chain Challenges: Learn how domestic manufacturing reduces risks from international disruptions, enhancing supply chain reliability.⚡️ Policy Clarity and Partnerships: How clear policies and strong partnerships are essential for accelerating the clean energy transition.⚡️Fluence's Strategic Initiatives: A closer look at Fluence’s efforts, including their manufacturing facility in Utah, to lead the U.S. in energy storage solutions.⚡️ Future of Clean Energy: Zahurancik's vision for a decarbonized future and how domestic energy storage manufacturing plays a crucial role.John Zahurancik's insightful keynote offers a comprehensive blueprint for transforming the United States into a leader in domestic energy storage manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of policy clarity, strong partnerships, and innovation.If 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/nickalusMentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2

Occasionally on the anniversary of an episode that really impacted us, we like to run a vignette of something we learned from such an episode to give new listeners (or those of you who just missed it originally) insight from the excellent content in our back catalog, much of which we believe is worth revisiting.As GHG emissions continue to rise, the need to understand and effectively manage carbon emissions on the grid is crucial. Yet, a significant obstacle remains: most individuals and organizations lack real-time, accurate data on their carbon footprint, particularly in relation to electricity consumption. Traditional methods offer only outdated regional averages that fail to reflect the dynamic nature of the power grid, especially with more renewables being deployed. This gap in data is a limitation upon everyone seeking to mitigate the climate crisis from grid operators to individual consumers.Wenbo Shi founded Singularity Energy to resolve this issue once and for all. In this SunCast Soundbyte, Wenbo discusses the pressing issue of GHG emissions and the vital role of accurate carbon data in fighting climate change. Many lack real-time data on their carbon footprint, especially in electricity usage. Traditional methods, offering outdated regional averages, don't align with the dynamic power grid, since there is increased renewable presence on the grid. Singularity Energy, born from Wenbo's pivot from energy management to carbon data, addresses this gap. Singularity Energy stands at the forefront of providing accurate, real-time carbon intensity data. Their innovative approach leverages a combination of public data and proprietary grid operation information from regional utility partners like Eversource. The company’s unique methodology allows for more precise, location-specific carbon estimates, empowering consumers and utilities alike with the data necessary to make more informed decisions on how to effectively reduce GHG emissions.This episode highlights the critical role of real-time carbon data in emission reduction, aligning perfectly with Singularity Energy's mission to deliver up-to-date, granular grid carbon data. This empowers entities to make well-informed decisions, steering them towards effective carbon emission reduction strategies.If this resonates, then you might enjoy the longer episode we did with Wenbo (from which this vignette was clipped); that’s episode #573If 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

Amid America's energy shift, initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure bills are making clean energy more accessible and affordable, driving a 42% investment increase to $225 billion in a year. Yet, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, an acceleration is essential. Jesse Jenkins of Princeton University, speaking at Intersolar NA, provides not just an analysis of these challenges but a practical roadmap for embracing clean electricity nationwide. He highlights the shift from traditional fuels to a future powered by renewables like wind and solar, emphasizing the need to boost renewable energy production and expand the grid to support a net-zero future.Jesse’s playbook includes:⚡️ Insights into scaling solar and wind power to unprecedented levels by the 2030s.⚡️ The necessity of adding 75,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines for a robust grid.⚡️ Strategies for phasing out coal and leveraging existing zero-carbon resources for reliability.⚡️ Overview of emerging clean technologies poised for growth in the next decades.⚡️ Approaches to enhance grid flexibility with storage solutions and demand response mechanisms.Jesse Jenkins's talk offers a clear, actionable guide for transitioning the U.S. to clean electricity, emphasizing the expansion of renewable sources and grid enhancement, making it an essential playbook for those committed to America's decarbonization efforts.If 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/nickalusMentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2

What happens to solar panels when they reach the end of their financed life, but not necessarily their useful life? With the solar industry's growth, the issue of decommissioned panels has become a burgeoning service (and business) opportunity. These “old” panels, though no longer new, are often still under warranty, and definitely still retain a significant portion of their functional capacity and rated power. As we’ll see in today’s conversation, harnessing their remaining potential, or 'second life', could turn a potential waste problem into an opportunity for ongoing clean energy production and social good.Cesar Barbosa, the Founder of Nulife Power Services, has recognized the potential in these gently-used solar panels. Instead of discarding them, Barbosa sees an opportunity to give these panels a second life. His company focuses on refurbishing, repurposing, and repowering old solar arrays (mostly in California), and extending the usability of that older equipment coming off those systems for solar projects in his native Mexico, where affordable solar energy solutions are most needed. Through this innovative approach, Barbosa not only addresses the issue of waste in the solar industry but also helps bridge the clean energy gap in less affluent regions.This discussion highlights the critical need for innovative approaches of making sure solar panels and components are used to their full capacity, reducing waste. It emphasizes how repurposing and repowering solar panels not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances clean energy access in places like Latin America.If 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/nickalusMentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2

We often talk here about renewable energy. But how often have you thought about renewable water?  Is it even a thing? And, what if we could manufacture clean water, from the air?Did you know, the EPA reports that 45% of U.S. tap water is toxic!?! And, while an estimated 3 billion people globally currently face water stress, that number is projected to increase to 5.2 billion by 2050! This situation underscores the interconnectedness of the climate and water crises, emphasizing the vital “energy-water nexus” and the urgent need for solutions to ensure both water availability and purity.Alexander von Welczek founded SkyH2O to address these water challenges through atmospheric water generation (AWG). As a seasoned climate tech & solar finance entrepreneur, von Welczek's journey in the water sector began around 2015, motivated by California's severe droughts. And, when he partnered with UC Berkeley scientists shortly after, SkyH2O's ambitious vision of large-scale AWG systems became a reality. Von Welczek and the Berkeley team engineered a system capable of producing 10,000-100,000 gallons of water per day, which is particularly well oriented to solving commercial and industrial water needs. His insights into the global water crisis offer a deep dive into the potential and challenges associated with AWG, a technology that holds massive potential to relieve global water stress as it literally generates water directly from the air without relying on existing water bodies. I’ve known Alex since his early days in Solar, and have been watching as he incubated SkyH2O from it’s earliest ideation.  So I’m honored to finally feature Alex here on SunCast.  SkyH2O's approach to AWG offers a scalable solution to water stress and toxicity. Von Welczek's motto, "no excuses, let's make it happen," embodies the spirit of this mission, inspiring a call to action for sustainable, global water management. This discussion reveals the importance of innovative approaches in climate tech, highlighting SkyH2O's role in addressing the critical need for clean, accessible water and showcasing how visionary solutions can lead to a more sustainable world for future generations.If 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/nickalusMentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2

With the need to increase solar deployment and prepare for the terawatt era, Terabase Energy Inc. has positioned itself as a leader in transforming utility-scale solar power. This conversation, recorded live at Intersolar North America 2024, dives deep into the innovative strategies and technologies that Terabase is deploying to amplify solar energy production and to meet the demands of the terawatt-level market. With a strategic focus on reducing solar costs to as low as 1 cent per kilowatt-hour, Terabase is pioneering efforts to make this ambitious goal plausible.Matt Campbell, CEO and co-founder of Terabase Energy Inc., brings to the table a rich tapestry of knowledge and experience in the solar industry. Under his guidance, Terabase has developed a comprehensive suite of four state-of-the-art software products. Each product in this suite is tailored to optimize different stages of utility-scale solar projects, encompassing everything from the initial design phase with 'Plant Predict' to the intricate operational efficiencies achieved by 'Plant Controls.' Campbell's vision is both bold and clear – to significantly streamline the solar project lifecycle through digital innovation and automation, thereby enhancing project efficiency and reducing overall costs.This discussion sheds light on how Terabase's integration of advanced software and automation is not merely enhancing solar project development; it is actively revolutionizing the efficiency and sustainability of energy production. By addressing critical aspects such as design optimization, construction management, installation processes, and operational control, Terabase is not only meeting current industry challenges but also setting new standards for the future of utility-scale solar.If 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/nickalusMentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2