SunCast

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

How has the IRA affected financing renewables, in particular solar projects? Renewable energy projects are contending with the harsh realities of rising capital costs and shrinking profit margins. Understanding the financial underpinnings of renewable energy ventures is increasingly crucial, particularly for mid-sized and smaller project developers who often face significant challenges in securing sufficient capital to get their solar projects into the pipeline. These obstacles not only threaten the growth of renewable energy but also raise concerns about meeting global sustainability goals. Rob Sternthal, Managing Director at Piper Sandler, brings twenty years of experience in investment banking for the renewable energy sector to bare in this earnest discussion about the realities of the current equities markets and the current financial hurdles faced by project developers.  It is increasingly difficult to achieve the returns necessary to finance large-scale renewable projects amidst rising costs and plateauing electricity prices. He delves into the nuances of the current market, including the shift from traditional equity funds to credit funds demanding higher returns in shorter periods. This shift has significant implications for developers, especially smaller ones who struggle with new barriers like hefty letters of credit for interconnection queues. Sternthal's perspective is not just analytical; he offers pragmatic advice for developers, emphasizing the importance of clear exit strategies, the potential of emerging technologies like battery storage, and the strategic positioning of companies for long-term success.Rob Sternthal's decades of primary experience in renewable energy finance provides us a nuanced glimpse into the drivers directly impacting project development. Will we continue to see headwinds? Does your experience align with Rob’s guidance and perspective? Tune in, and then let me know your thoughts.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

Storytelling is not just entertainment. It's a fundamental part of being human. A story’s most important function is to remind us we are not alone in the world.And as we champion the clean energy transition, our stories help remind hundreds of thousands that there is a career opportunity they can choose that also can leave a legacy. Yet, the gap between the industry’s advancements and public perception of technology such as solar continues to exist despite our industry being one of the largest job creators of the past decade. This disconnect between reality and the narratives told in communities large and small palpable, but a few organizations have finally begun to help re-write the story in compelling and public ways.  Despite the tremendous progress of renewable energy, Joe and Jane Public still have concerns.  And, addressing those concerns requires more than just presenting facts and figures; it calls for a powerful, human-centric approach through storytelling. By sharing personal narratives, the clean energy sector can effectively bridge this knowledge gap, making the transition more tangible and relatable to the general public.Andrew Reagan, Executive Director of Clean Energy for America, understands and advocates the power of storytelling in reshaping public opinion and fostering a deeper understanding of the clean energy transition. Through the "Faces of Clean Energy" campaign, the Clean Energy for America Education Fund highlights the stories of individuals who have transitioned from traditional sectors like oil and gas to clean energy, illustrating the diverse opportunities and skill transferability in this burgeoning field. These narratives serve as a beacon, guiding the public to recognize the reality and potential of clean energy, moving beyond misconceptions, politics, and skepticism.This conversation delves into the essence of storytelling. While statistics and data are informative, it's the 'human element'—the personal stories and experiences—that truly captivate and inspire. This narrative approach is not just about disseminating information; it's about connecting on a deeper level, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Recognizing this, the Valence Newsletter was formed as a dedicated platform to highlight the elemental components of good storytelling and how it can impact and grow the industry. Please check it out and subscribe.This conversation is a call to action to please share your story and encourage others to share their story!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

The demand for skilled engineering labor in renewables is skyrocketing. As the world's energy grids transition towards terawatts of renewable energy, there is an incredible need for owners and developers to outsource key components of electrical, civil, structural, geotechnical, and land survey engineering. This gap in specialized skills presents a unique challenge for developers and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractors who often lack these capabilities in-house or find it non-essential to their core business focus. Over the last decade-plus, however, full-service engineering services companies have begun a vital service for the renewable energy contractor that is becoming increasingly indispensable in the sector.At the forefront of bridging this resource gap is Sohan Das, Vice President at EVS, Inc., a family-owned pure-play engineering firm that has adeptly positioned itself as a 'one-stop-shop' for comprehensive engineering services. With a background in architecture and a robust experience in the solar industry, Das's journey is a reflection upon how one does not have to be the founder or CEO of a business in order to lead it to great heights. Under his leadership, EVS has become a respected and recognized pioneer in growth markets like Community Solar and Battery Energy Storage.  EVS not only provides partners with much-needed engineering expertise, but their depth of experience in these ‘frontier markets’ of the industry has helped streamline the entire project development process, ensuring equity, efficiency and effectiveness across multiple verticals and product integrations as the solar industry has matured.This conversation delves into the essence of intrapreneurship. Sohan's story illustrates that you don’t need to start the company to become a recognized force for positive change in an industry. From cultural values to corporate commitments, EVS’s family approach to business has allowed Sohan to thrive and their own company to survive in this ever-evolving energy & engineering landscape.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

Today’s episode features bold predictions from a compilation of 2023’s best episodes. I asked leaders from diverse fields within the renewable energy sector to answer, looking as if from the future: What did we get right to meet our decarbonization and clean energy goals now that it’s 2050?This compilation features the insights of Laura Pagliarulo(Solareit), Ardes Johnson(Meyer Burger), Christie Obiaya(Heliogen), Robert Piconi(Energy Vault), Aaron Halimi(Renewable Properties), Katherine Hamilton(38 North), Steven Zhu(Trina Solar), Andy McCarthy(RACV Solar), Billy Lee(Reunion) and Damian Beauchamp(8Rivers). Each was a featured guest on one of our Thursday executive deep-dives, and in this special episode I’m providing a synthesis of their collective answers to the key actions they believe are needed to achieve the aggressive decarbonization and clean energy goals necessary to avert climate disaster.One of the most consistent responses on the year was the imperative for increased battery storage to propel more renewables onto the grid by 2030. Technological advancements and a commitment to diversifying supply chains are other key drivers in deploying additional renewables. EVs and carbon capture technologies will also play an important role in reducing emissions and meeting climate goals.In tandem with tech innovation, achieving ambitious renewable targets demands a global collaboration, where every nation plays a significant role. To make these informed clean energy choices, decision-makers and communities must be equipped with the right education. Equally crucial is the cultivation of a 'green' workforce prepared to tackle ambitious targets head-on. Together, these narratives demonstrate the need for innovation, resilience, and unwavering determination to reach climate & energy goals by 2030 and beyond to 2050.I’d love to know what your takeaways were, as well as your favorite episodes on the year!Let’s connect on Linkedin - I’m always looking for feedback: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalusIf 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

It’s that time of year again - everybody’s favorite warm-winter-weather solar tradeshow - Intersolar North America and Energy Storage North America - is just a few days away.  I’ll be trading the winter chill for sunny San Diego along with 10,000 of my fellow #SolarWarriors. Today's episode is geared to get you ready to go (and pumped) for Intersolar, January 17-19 at the San Diego Convention Center.As with other major shows, I like to do a Know Before You Go (KBYG) episode to help you get oriented and better plan your time.  Reminder, if you haven’t already, you can get a 20% discount to the show with code “SUNCAST” (and also get a FREE Expo Hall pass!)..so what are you waiting for?Today you’ll hear from 3 folks intimately tied to the programming & planning of Intersolar & Energy Storage North America: Wes Doane, Vice President of Diversified Communications, shares the event's transformation journey under the new management and this year’s theme. Rudy Saporite from the Institute for Building Technology and Safety takes us behind the scenes of the crowd-favorite “Solar Games” competition - an actual live installation race where solar installers can earn up to $𝟏𝟔,𝟎𝟎𝟎 in cash prizes! And, Candace Letizia, our third guest and Marketing Director of Clean Energy for Diversified Communications, outlines features of the show designed to enhance attendees' overall experience, including an interactive app and dedicated networking spaces.Don’t miss the Thursday night Block Party Bash! See you there?HMU!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

Steven Zhu, President at Trina Solar, discusses Trina Solar's global expansion and their strategy for driving down the cost of renewable energy. They highlight Trina Solar's achievements, including shipping over 140 GW of modules and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. They also discuss Trina Solar's growth and localization strategy, as well as the importance of long-term incentives in achieving grid parity in the renewable energy industry.

Happy New Year!!! If you’ve been following along on Linkedin, then you’re now doubt aware that last week I launched “Valence” - a LinkedIn newsletter specifically geared toward connecting the dots between the stories we tell and the people who tell them in this pivotal clean energy transition. As a natural connector, I find resonance in the idea of valence as it pertains to the combining power of elements, which I explain a whole lot further in today’s special episode. Just as atoms unite to form compounds, our collective effort as professionals, influencers, and enthusiasts of renewable energy can compound if we learn to tailor our narrative to hit the mark more often with our intended audience(s).Valence, drawing from its etymological roots meaning "power" and "capacity," becomes a guiding force in my work. As part of the launch, we introduced "The Influencer List," a curated selection of individuals reshaping the discourse around Energy and Climate in 2024. This list comprises creators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, and doers who leverage compelling storytelling to rewrite narratives, showcasing the momentum behind global climate action. Recognizing the 'elemental' individuals within our sector is vital for this unified vision. So far I’ve highlighted notable influencers like Alessandro Blasi from the International Energy Agency, climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, and renewables pioneer CEO & Founder of Nextracker Daniel Shugar and his enlightening "Dinner with Dan" series. These influencers along with others that will be added daily through January 6 and then weekly, much like valence electrons, are crucial participants in the foundational elements of change we seek in our global infrastructure and resource utilization.In 2024, I hope Valence becomes more than just a newsletter—it may be a catalyst for daily connections, combining multifaceted ideas, and leveraging resources within our community. We hope that by subscribing to Valence on LinkedIn, our listeners and followers will actively participate in the mission of connecting and advancing our clean energy community by learning from those who are already doing it well and emulating that success in their own endeavors.Enjoy, and let me know what you think by DM’ing me over on Linkedin, ok?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

Community solar democratizes access to clean energy for those unable to install rooftop solar. National Renewable Energy Laboratory analysis shows nearly 50% of households and businesses face limitations for rooftop solar systems. This model expands renewable energy on the grid, offering widespread access to clean energy benefits and giving distributed renewable energy more equitable access.Aaron Halimi is the President of Renewable Properties and brings over a decade of experience in solar and real estate. His solar experience began when his family's land became the first utility-scale land deal SunEdison ever signed. While that 20 MW project ultimately didn’t get built, the experience led Aaron to Borrego Solar (leading their Utility project origination) and a fruitful and prolific career in solar. Aaron went on to start Renewable Properties, which focuses on the evolution of community solar, addressing the industry's challenges with scaling origination, lowering development risk, and contributing to early market acceptance of the community solar model. He emphasizes how the industry has made community solar projects more financially attractive by professionalizing the difficult land and customer acquisition through companies like his as well as third-party subscriber companies that aggregate the consumer demand. Renewable Properties now has 80% of their pipeline focused on community solar, and the roots of the company and its choices in product are found in Aaron’s family business - cowboy boots.Halimi underscores the importance of dispelling myths around solar implementation with education and storytelling, ultimately encouraging a broader acceptance of solar power. Aaron also dives into the intersection of renewable energy and the emerging EV market.  Halimi’s mission to drive renewable energy forward for local communities is the heartbeat of Renewable Properties. Tune in to learn more about this inspiring entrepreneur’s story.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

I hope you've all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. As we welcome December 26, we find ourselves in the middle of “Boxing Day” — a tradition steeped in history and goodwill. It occurred to me recently that I actually don’t know why the heck the lesser-known (at least here in the US) holiday of Boxing Day exists. If you’ve ever asked yourself the same question, well today’s mini-sode will make you smarter! Stemming from Victorian times, this holiday on the day after Christmas, was a way of expressing gratitude to Servants for their year of service! Today, the celebration extends to sport events, charity runs, and continued exchange of gifts. As we continue into the festive season, I’m excited to carry on my annual '12 Days of Christmas' tradition - this year it’s called “The Influencer List”.  Each day, I’ll connect you with a new thought leader (Influencer) that is helping re-write the narrative on climate & energy in 2024 with their innovative ideas and climate action stories. Some names might be familiar, some new, but all are worth following as they continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling and innovation in driving climate action. So, keep an eye on our LinkedIn posts each day through January 6th.I’d recommend you tap the notification bell on my Linkedin Profile (link below) so you get a mobile push each day when I publish the latest story.  Stay with us on this wonderful journey as we welcome an exciting new year of innovation and climate action.And let me know who YOU would have added to the list.  We’ll be creating a more broad-reaching influencer matrix over on www.resourcelabs.co during the month of January.Oh, and happy Boxing Day! 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