SunCast

Few companies have contributed to the progress being made toward more scalable battery storage solutions than Fluence Energy (FLNC).  With a deep heritage in power and energy from its founding as a JV between AES and Siemens, the Fluence technology and leadership team has weathered the test of time better than most of their peers. However, there are still challenges that influence battery storage availability, such as global supply chain disruptions, rising demand for affordable and efficient energy storage, and safety concerns. Learn from a voice of experience how domestic battery storage manufacturing is shifting the paradigm and uncover how storage technology adds reliability and resilience to the grid.John Zahurancik, President, Americas at Fluence, is an energy storage expert who is on a mission to prove and scale up energy storage technologies. In this conversation with Nico Johnson, Zahurancik explains how he and the Fluence team are focused on domestic manufacturing to fortify the supply chain, rigorous safety measures to mitigate risks, and advanced project development services to ensure successful energy storage projects. This conversation provides key details on how Fluence is impacting the battery storage industry, beyond establishing domestic manufacturing we look at their use of storage as a form of transmission and grid stabilization. Of course, when considering the incentives provided by the IRA and ITC tax credits, it’s important to recognize that domestically manufactured battery storage systems will play a crucial role in bolstering the U.S. clean energy economy and meeting our renewable energy goals.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/nickalusMentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2

Solar developers often find themselves encountering complex project challenges, including varying regulations across jurisdictions, obtaining community approval, and supply chain complications, all in the face of looming deadlines.  All too often, projects are delayed or shelved, which further impedes our progress towards cleaning up the grid.  This episode brings together experts across the project supply chain who are committed to overcoming these barriers. Rob Anders from EDP Renewables discusses how they navigate the regulatory labyrinth, while Eric Veuleman from Beta Engineering sheds light on the evolution of construction techniques. Jaime Fernandez of Nextracker offers insights into tackling supply chain issues, and Chris Haltom from TorcSill presents ways technology improvements can fast-track projects. What connects these industry leaders is their emphasis on the human element — they reiterate that early community engagement and focus on job creation is as essential as technical adaptation. This conversation promises valuable lessons for those actually building renewable energy projects.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/nickalusMentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2

In today's fast-evolving, tech-driven world, there is a need for diverse perspectives more than ever before. While the renewable energy sector advances at a rapid pace, there remains a disparity in the representation of women contributing to this progress. The potential innovation and fresh perspectives brought by women are often overlooked due to persistent barriers and gender bias in the industry. The call for women to join the field is out there, the question is how to inspire women to make the transition into the field.Today's podcast highlights an insightful conversation with two women breaking barriers in the renewable energy sector, Nhan Pimentel, VP of Home Solutions, and Joanna Marienhagen, Head of Product Management and Solution Development at SMA Solar Technology. From tackling issues such as developing a personal brand amidst the stereotypes in predominantly male fields to communicating effectively and being flexible in rapidly changing environments, Nhan and Joanna share their experiences. Their experiences can be models for other women looking to step into this industryAs the renewable energy field continues to grow, it's crucial to highlight the substantial advantages and potential that diversity can bring to the renewable energy sector. The audience will appreciate the practical advice, leadership insights, and the understanding of how having more women in leadership roles fosters creativity, ingenuity, and improved team dynamics. Their journey can inspire many more women to confidently overcome challenges and be essential contributors to the renewable energy sector and beyond.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/nickalusMentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2

In a world dominated by technology and data, we often lose sight that people are at the heart of the matter. Building connections & partnerships in communities is essential to any project's success. Building (and Telling) compelling narratives helps us connect with our target audience on a deeper level and significantly enhances the impact of marketing strategies. However, capturing and presenting these stories in campaigns effectively is challenging, especially given the rapid shifts in media, the difficulties in sourcing stories across geographical and corporate boundaries, and the sheer volume of content we are capable of generating these days. So I’ve assembled an esteemed panel if practitioners: Scarlett Chepke from SOLV Energy, Pallavi Singla from Nextracker, and Tom Weirich from EDP Renewables, all distinguished leaders in marketing and communication. They offer insight into harmonizing technology with creative thought to make a lasting connection with your ideal customer and audience. Their approaches range from specific social media policies and AI-powered analysis to glean audience insights, to motivating employees to share their experiences, using software to tag and manage content effectively, and tips on managing the story-gathering process at scale. This dialogue provides key details on how, despite the implementation of AI and software tools, the heart of good marketing is a return to the story. By understand its mechanics, we are able to craft communication, internally & externally, that aids in accelerating this energy transition and enrolling more agents of change to stand alongside us.That’s the power of Storytelling. Are you using it well?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/nickalusMentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2

As clean energy continues to dominate global conversations, understanding the intricacies of this high-growth sector are more critical than ever. Supply chain disruptions, surging financing costs, and complex regulatory landscapes continue to slow progress, especially in the areas of battery storage and M&A. We recently had the opportunity to speak with the folks responsible for navigating these waters at one of the most respected banking & advisory practices in the game: Keybanc Capital Markets(KBCM). In today’s discussion, we are joined by Aaron Klein, Julian Bailliet, Ari Citrin, Timothy Beach, Everett Currier, and Ryan Pirnat, all Managing Directors from KBCM. This group of experienced industry experts have not only managed through regulatory challenges and financing obstacles, but they have been involved in deploying nearly $10Billion in capital to build our clean energy infrastructure. Renowned for their strategic agility and market acumen, our interviewees have championed pioneering projects and broken through barriers to secure early-stage capital and ensure clients projects got across the finish line, time and time again.What can one glean from this engaging dialogue? From the nitty-gritty of supply chain management to the nuance of tax equity financing, the conversation is packed with valuable insights. It's an opportunity to dig deeper into the details of the renewable energy market from the capital perspective. You won’t be disappointed.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

I finally got around to a complete recap and takeaways from this year’s RE+ main event, a milestone in the clean energy industry that saw an astounding attendance of over 40,000 people. Joining me is industry expert Nate Jovanelly, who for the past 2 years has hosted the Industry Pulse segment at our PowerUp Live Podcast Stage, and hosts his own podcast called Limitless (you really should already be subscribed to this one!). Nate is also co-founder of Sunraise Capital and one of my go-to resources for all things related to residential solar & financing. But today’s convo is not about either of those, directly.  Rather, Nate & I give our take on this year’s RE+, takeaways, thoughts, superlatives, and more. This year’s RE+ in Las Vegas truly highlighted the outstanding growth in the industry, and we kick things off with a recurring theme in many conversations on the show floor: workforce development.  We also talk about how the industry is “crossing the chasm”, highlighting how prosumers are playing a crucial role in shifting market dynamics.  And we dig into the growing trend of strategic partnerships among pioneering companies (manufacturers chiefly) that is shaping a new era of collaboration and innovation.  But, this year’s RE+ event was not without challenges, so we provide our take on what could be improved, along with what turned out to be a quite popular segment of our daily show, the SWAG Roundup!  Regardless if you were at RE+ this year or not, its sheer size likely guarantees that there was plenty you missed, so tune into this recap episode, and if you find yourself wanting to hear more of what took place, make sure to visit suncast.live to watch all the shows from our PowerUp Live Podcast Stage at RE+, or queue up the replays we published here on the pod of the daily morning shows and roundups!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

While businesses grapple with skyrocketing energy costs, increasingly frequent power outages, and mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions, clean energy & energy efficiency providers struggle with how to find & convert them as customers. The complexity of on-stie energy challenges often leaves businesses feeling overwhelmed with options for transitioning to cleaner, more resilient, on-site energy solutions, also known as distributed energy resources. Adding to this complexity are the 'soft costs' associated with developing these solutions, which include consulting, engineering, sales, and procurement, which can account for a staggering 50% of project costs. The energy market also suffers from a pervasive information asymmetry. Buyers often find themselves at a loss for who to trust, and suppliers struggle for project traction due to customer indecision.Gareth Evans, the CEO and founder of VECKTA, designed a company specifically to tackle these challenges head-on. Their unique platform helps businesses navigate the energy transition by developing tailored strategies, prioritizing projects, designing optimal solutions, and providing access to vetted suppliers via a streamlined marketplace. In our conversation, Evans offers an in-depth look into how VECKTA managed to overcome the hurdles of achieving product-market fit, which included building their platform in isolation during a global pandemic. Evans also shares insights about managing the growing pains of a start-up: from recruiting and maintaining an effective team, to raising capital, to managing the transition from intrapreneur to CEO.Evans offers a unique perspective on the transformation that businesses must undergo to meet increasing environmental pressures and transition to more resilient energy solutions. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in how businesses can navigate the complexities of the energy transition and provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of leading a startup in a rapidly evolving industry. VECKTA may have just unlocked the doorway to scaling the C&I sector for what Evans prefers to call “On-site Energy”, which we have commonly referred to as Distributed Energy, Solar, Energy Effiiency, etc.  Give it a listen and let us know what you think with a note on Linkedin or X! 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

The solar energy sector is witnessing momentous identify shifts. I’d call it an identity crisis, but we’re not that far yet. Jigar Shah, however, might be so bold. As homeowners transition from merely generating energy to storing and redistributing it to the grid, there's a growing sense that our traditional understanding of "solar" as the industry in which we participate might be too narrow. But what does this mean for installers, utilities, and everyday consumers?Jigar Shah, the director of the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office, offers an exciting (if provocative) glimpse into the future we shall inherit. With his hand in funneling billions to pioneering energy projects that transcend the boundaries of solar, encompassing batteries, electric vehicles, and more, Shah has taken on the mantle of Chief Story Architect, so to speak, in conveying the captivating concept of the “virtual power plant”. Shah elaborates on how this next evolution of the grid will place homeowners at the heart of vital grid services. Yet, as we explore these innovations, Shah also casts a spotlight on a pressing concern: how do we ensure equitable access to these advancements, particularly for marginalized communities facing steep energy expenses? Join us for a riveting discussion, recorded live from the RE+ 2023 Tradeshow floor, that promises to expand horizons, challenge preconceptions, and reveal the latent potential within our homes and communities. Shah challenges us to embark on a journey into a more holistic, equitable, and resilient energy future, where every individual has a role to play, and no company may any longer call itself a “solar” company…we’re in the Virtual Power Plant business now, y’all!This and many other iconic conversations were captured LIVE at the PowerUp Live Podcast Stage in Las Vegas the week of Sept 11-14, 2023. You can watch them all at www.suncast.live !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

The next best thing to being at RE+ Vegas, is catching the PowerUp Live Show.  Get the lowdown from Nico for the PowerUp Morning Show, LIVE with Nico Johnson & Lauren Glickman, presented by Meyer Burger, and RE+ Daily Round Up with Nico Johnson & Josh Porter, presented by Modern Energy to share their experiences of Day 3 at RE+ Vegas.  If you want to catch the whole PowerUp Live show, make sure to visit suncast.live to hear from some of the top voices speaking on the state of the industry today.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/nickalusMentioned in this episode:Midroll For Week Of RE+ 2023

The next best thing to being at RE+ Vegas, is catching the PowerUp Live Show.  Get the lowdown from Nico and Lisa Ann Pinkerton for the PowerUp Morning Show, LIVE with Nico Johnson & Lisa Ann, presented by Meyer Burger, and  RE+ Daily Round Up with Nico Johnson & Josh Porter, presented by Modern Energy to share their experiences of Day 2 at RE+ Vegas.  If you want to catch the whole PowerUp Live show, make sure to visit suncast.live to hear from some of the top voices speaking on the state of the industry today.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/nickalusMentioned in this episode:Midroll For Week Of RE+ 2023