SunCast

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.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 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/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/nickalusCheck out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 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/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!Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 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/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?Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 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/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.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 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/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! Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Imagine starting your new year in the tropical paradise of Honolulu, Hawaii. Not just for a vacation, but to join industry leaders Nico Johnson and Joshua Porter at a 4-day mastermind event designed to supercharge your leadership skills and network. This isn't just about escaping the winter blues; it's about setting the stage for a successful year ahead. Over these four days, we'll be learning the art of storytelling, getting up-to-speed on the latest policy and market innovations, and engaging with peers in an intimate setting. So why not shake off the winter chill and jumpstart your new year with us?This mastermind event is co-located with the first ever RE+ Solar & Storage event in Honolulu, Hawaii Jan 22-23. It's a unique opportunity to get insider guidance on understanding the dynamic Hawaii market and how it could influence your approach to other less mature markets in the US. Hawaii has, after-all, been a pioneering market for storage attachment to residential solar projects, and continues to be a test bed that other utilities and market regulators are watching closely. Imagine the synergy of attending this timely industry event, then deepening your understanding through our targeted mastermind sessions. You'll have access to local insiders and exclusive pre & post-event networking & teaching by Josh, Nico and guests. The lessons you learn here could be game-changing, offering a timely injection of knowledge and storytelling prowess to boost your personal and corporate brand early in the year.Ready to level up? Visit www.mysuncast.com/precharge to fill out the application. If you're interested in attending, book a call with Josh and Nico next week. We have limited space, as we are only taking a dozen folks with us on this journey. Don't miss this chance to start your year strong, expand your network, and enhance your leadership & storytelling skills. Remember, the best investment you can make is in yourself. Join us in Hawaii this January and let's make this year your best one yet.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

The recent wrap-up of COP28 in Dubai has catalyzed a renewed sense of urgency and reflection on the global efforts to address climate change. A key takeaway emerged from the event: the world is finally willing to say outloud “we need to chart a definitive course to wean ourselves off fossil fuels!” Moving beyond the main headlines and chatter, the real progress is found in the collective efforts of disparate stakeholders working towards a common purpose - and as the Chamber of Commerce noted, the real work will be done in the halls of private industry. Despite initial controversy around the oil-rich UAE hosting COP28 and the fossil fuel executive presiding over it, the unfolding narrative proved compelling. The UAE and other Middle Eastern nations demonstrated a renewed interest and commitment to the global energy transition, underscoring their crucial role in the energy transition by supporting a broad-sweeping agreement signed by 200 nations committing to a 2050 deadline for alternatives to a fossil-fueled society.Today’s conversation was live-broadcast on Wednesday December 20th, and we’re borrowing our “Industry Pulse” monicker from our PowerUp Live stage as co-hosts Nate Jovanelly and Nico Johnson intend to continue this as a series looking at the expert sentiments underlying the trends and headlines that are driving the narrative around Climate Action.This discourse provides a detailed account of COP28 through the experiences of our panelists who attended the event in-person: Elizabeth Andrews, CDO at New Energy Nexus, Steve Anglin, CEO of Utopio, Brad Stutzman, Founder & CEO of O3 Energy, and Tito Jankowski, CEO of AirMiners.  Everyone attends these events with their own agenda: network, raise awareness, raise money, get “in the room” where it happens! The discussion offers a look at COP28 from quite different perspectives while tying together their observations into one theme - why should those of us back in the ‘real world’ give a d* about whether or not these proceedings have meaning for our day-to-day lives?Tune in and discover for yourself.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalusMentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2

There’s a name in Solar that everybody who’s ever been involved in module manufacturing surely knows, but many, many of you who have only interacted on the commercial side may have missed up to now - Meyer Burger.  The 70 yr old Swiss company is, in many ways, the ‘brand behind the brand’, the veritable “intel inside” of the solar industry.  It’s their carefully crafted and highly engineered production lines, afterall, that have provided scale, speed and quality assurance for many of those name-brand solar modules you are installing on homes and businesses (and fields) across America. So, before we get into questions like “How do we make solar energy more efficient and more accessible on a global scale?” or “How might heterojunction technology reshape the renewable energy market?”, I think we’ll need to spend some of our conversation on Who exactly is this company that major manufacturers from Trina Solar to REC have relied on for decades.Meyer Burger is a venerable Swiss technology leader with a rich 70-year history and over four decades of dedicated expertise in solar technology development. At the forefront of innovation, the company's strategic focus revolves around optimizing solar energy output while concurrently minimizing resource consumption. Their heterojunction technology and the SmartWire Connection technology, increases solar module output,and has little to no degradation over time. The company is continuously striving to break new grounds with plans to refine more efficient technologies, like Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) cells, tandem modules, and the integration of perovskite into their tech portfolio of 6.7 GW. And, like many of their peers, they are expanding their manufacturing into the US with a facility in Goodyear, AZ coming online by the end of 2024 that will produce an additional 2 GW of solar modules annually and another facility for cell manufacturing in Colorado Springs that will produce roughly 1.7 million cells per year bringing more solar jobs to the US.Ardes Johnson, is the President of Meyer Burger Americas, Ardes brings decades of experience from the energy sector starting with his time in the Navy to working for GE, SolarWorld, Tesla, and JLM Energy. He lays out how the company navigates the seen and unseen challenges of innovative development, scaling operations, and ensuring strategic growth in the volatile renewable energy market. Ardes' additionally covers embracing opportunities, building a potent culture of support, and the critical role of partnerships and customer commitments in scaling manufacturing plans.But as Ardes rightly flags, these ambitious objectives hinge on policy stability. He urges stakeholders across the solar industry and policymakers to collaborate towards establishing long-term policy support for solar manufacturing in the United States to help achieve climate goals.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalusMentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2