SunCast

Mohammed Abdalla, the dynamic founder and CEO of Good Faith Energy, navigated a life marked by early adversity. Losing his father at a young age, he cultivated resilience and determination. His journey from a short-lived career in the fossil fuel sector to traveling the world with only two backpacks brought him to an epiphany in Germany — the vast potential of solar energy. In this Tactical Tuesday, we highlight Mohammed’s distinctive business strategies, the challenges of scaling, and the power of an intentional mindset. From bootstrapping his way from selling Nest thermostats to pioneering installations of the Tesla Solar Roof, he underlines the importance of staying ahead of the technology curve. I’ve been impressed with his company, Good Faith Energy, and their effective marketing tactics, including the utility of podcasts, Google ads, and YouTube. The emphasis on transparent communication, understanding customer needs, and the pivotal role of leadership during growth phases are highlighted.Mohammed’s interview stands out not just for its tangible business strategies but for its reflection of a journey grounded in resilience, innovation, and purpose. It weaves a narrative of individual growth synchronized with sustainable business practices, offering listeners a holistic blueprint for entrepreneurial success in a world seeking green alternatives.If this episode piques your interest, and you would like to hear about the life story(ies) that got him where he is today, queue up our full Executive Profile with Mohammed, episode 557 of SunCast!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

Welcome Earthlings to Season 3! In this special episode, creator and host Lisa Ann Pinkerton previews what’s new on the podcast, how it’s elevated to Earthlings 2.0, and highlights some of the captivating you’ll hear in the first few episodes. Join us as we speak to entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists, and policy advocates to explore a wide range of topics, including innovative climate solutions, groundbreaking emerging technologies, and intriguing glimpses into the future.Whether you're passionate about sustainable living, fascinated by cutting-edge advancements, or curious about the world we'll inhabit in the coming years, The Earthlings 2.0 Podcast has something for everyone. Prepare for insightful discussions and thought-provoking conversations that will inspire you to take action and make a positive impact on our planet.

This is Part 2 with Kerim Baran, the founder of SolarAcademy.com.  If you missed Episode 618, Part 1 of this discussion, we strongly suggest you queue that one up first! Over the last 2 decades, Kerim has become a prominent figure in the solar and tech industries. With an extensive background as a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, coach, and mentor, his journey is marked by observation and innovation, and he’s tucked 2 successful exits under his belt! During his time with Civic Solar, he noted the paradox of falling solar costs while residential solar remained costly and inefficient. His vision of "god parity," where locally produced and consumed solar electricity becomes significantly cheaper, signals a groundbreaking shift in energy paradigms. And his initiative with platforms like Enki Solar and Solar Academy showcases his commitment to addressing inequities in capital and education.Kerim's insights extend beyond the technical aspects of the solar industry. He delves into the importance of virtues like patience, reflecting a broader perspective on personal and professional growth. His philosophy on investment prioritizes joy and support over mere financial gain, and his interest in projects that meld software with solar points to a future of greater equity in power infrastructure. Additionally, his thoughts on decentralized, social knowledge-sharing and the ethical considerations of information sharing contribute to a holistic understanding of modern business dynamics. We delve into how Kerim has marged these interests into his 3rd startup, SolarAcademy, and what technology improvements mean for distributed knowledge sharing & equity, in solar and beyond.The interview with Kerim Baran offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and leaders. His transparent sharing of experiences, strategies, and philosophies provides a rich resource for those looking to navigate the complexities of starting and growing a business in solar or any other sector. His focus on ethics, empowerment, and collaboration, along with his willingness to be vulnerable about personal habits and challenges, provides a template and model for leaders looking to grow their personal and professional impact. If you are interested in finding out more about SolarAcademy.com or contributing your knowledge to the community through this project, please see below how to connect with Kerim, or share the website with others you feel might be interested in learning more about the industry, its stakeholders and the business of solar.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

This is a special 2-part episode with a close friend & advisor to Nico and the SunCast Media team. Kerim Baran is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and strategist who has dedicated his career to fostering positive societal change. He was as co-founder of Civic Solar, one of the early pioneers in providing end-to-end solar installer procurement support via online distribution services (which was subsequently acquired in 2019 by CED Greentech, now Greentech Renewables).  Kerim was also founder of Yonja, one of Europe's first social networks and his first entrepreneurial exit. Kerim now spends his time investing in early-stage companies and founders in various sectors, including energy, education and healthcare, and has recently unveiled his next venture - Solar Academy (which we discuss at length in Part Two of this interview).Baran's business accomplishments are marked by innovation and adaptability. He grew Yonja to over a billion page views and 7 million users before selling it in 2007. He followed that success by turning his attention to the renewable energy sector, where he and 2 other co-founders built Civic Solar (originally ideated as an eBay-like marketplace) into a preeminent support-driven equipment distribution platform for solar installers in the United States. He was instrumental in the company's growth for the first 5-6 years and subsequently facilitated its exit to CED GreenTech in 2019. Kerim describes Civic’s negative working capital model, generating capital as it grew, a rarity in tech startups. Baran's journey from pioneering social networking to empowering solar energy deployment has provided him with profound insights into our potential as a civilization. He reveals how his meditations led him to focus on sectors like education, healthcare, and cleantech, reflecting a commitment to healthy living and societal progress. Today’s conversation unpacks complex viral concepts like “K-factor", fostering organic growth and creating products that can “sell themselves”. He also emphasizes empowering the "long tail," giving individuals power to connect. His philosophies extend to living across cultures without borders and advocating for knowledge sharing, as reflected in the story behind the name of his investment fund, Enki Solar. Additionally, he recommends two key books for investment insights that we believe everyone should have on their shelves.Enjoy the episode and then queue up Part 2!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

Welcome to a special edition of Tactical Tuesday, featuring practical insights to propel your company and your career. This episode comes straight from our live stage at RE+ in 2022 and we’ve weaved together a rich collection of strategies for audience growth, brand building, and engaging your audience effectively in the dynamic landscape of new media.The first segment delves into the role of platforms such as LinkedIn and TikTok, emphasizing their potential to bolster brand visibility and engagement, particularly in B2B markets. Our speakers caution against diving into trending platforms without strategic forethought, illuminating the unique opportunities and challenges each platform presents. The segment drives home the importance of understanding the customer journey and aligning social media strategies with the company's brand pillars as we spoke with top execs from Nextracker, Shoals, Sungrow, and EDPR.In the second segment, the dialogue turns to the strategic value and potential pitfalls of podcasting for businesses. Lauren Glickman and Nico Johnson provide key advice, suggesting that businesses could potentially reap greater benefits from guest appearances on established podcasts, rather than hastily initiating their own. This segment also delivers practical guidance on effective pitching to podcast hosts, a strategy to broaden your reach.Closing out the episode, Josh Porter and Nico Johnson discuss the art of being a podcast guest. They emphasize the importance of knowing your thought leadership, aligning with podcasters whose audience mirrors your target demographic, and the potential of repurposing podcast content across multiple platforms.By linking these segments, this episode provides a comprehensive guide for businesses navigating the currents of new media. It highlights strategic platform use for audience growth, the ins and outs of building a brand in new media, and effective strategies for resonating and connecting with your audience.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

How would you define Agrivoltaics? Generally, the practice of combining agriculture and photovoltaics has been gaining momentum, and holds significant potential for multiple benefits that are critical for both the environment and society. In a recent interview, Dan French, the Executive Producer of the Solar Farm Summit, discussed his work in agrivoltaics, a practice that merges solar energy production with agricultural activities on the same land. French, known for transforming brownfields into 'bright fields' and for spearheading the agricultural tax movement, outlined the benefits of agrivoltaics. These include increased crop yields, improved soil health, and providing a habitat for pollinators.He pointed to several obstacles that impede wider adoption of agrivoltaics, such as high initial costs, lack of knowledge, and policy challenges. French underscored the importance of community engagement in gaining approval for solar projects and averred that agrivoltaics could help to address local concerns.Drawing from his experience at BP, French shared insights on real estate and brownfield development, emphasizing the relevance of engaging stakeholders and defining clear end goals. He suggested that this 'Brownfield playbook' could be applied to solar development.French expressed optimism for the potential of agrivoltaics in revitalizing rural jobs and small farms, and sees it as a key component of a broader agricultural and land use renaissance in sync with the clean energy transition. He also emphasized the significance of agrivoltaics in mitigating climate effects such as flash droughts and dust bowls. Furthermore, French referred to a study by University of Arizona Professor Greg Barron-Gafford that highlighted the potential for increased agricultural yields with reduced water usage under solar panels.Join us in Richmond August 31st for the Summer Shindig Dan and Nico discuss in the episode.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virginia-solar-summit-summer-shindig-tickets-680277988777Get 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

Meghan Gainer, VP of Marketing at DSD Renewables, discusses the dual function of marketing, importance of a customer-first approach, and building a brand. She shares her experience with Comcast, SunEdison, and Tesla, emphasizing curiosity and embracing challenges. Gainer reveals her hiring considerations and effective strategy for managing brand perceptions. Her unique approach to managing marketing agencies as integrated parts of her team provides valuable lessons for marketers. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to marketing with tips, strategies, and personal experiences from one of the industry's leading professionals.

The built environment accounts for 40% of global emissions.. Decarbonizing this significant contributor to greenhouse gasses entails a strategic blend of clean energy adoption, electrifying heating and cooling systems, and enhancing buildings' grid interactivity. It is within this complex, but critical, challenge that McGee Young, founder of WattCarbon, has found his mission.Harnessing his vast entrepreneurial experience from his time with startups MeterHero and H2OScore, and as a former CTO at Recurve, Young has developed WattCarbon. This “Demand-driven Decarbonization Platform” empowers organizations with net-zero commitments to more efficiently access 24/7 carbon-free energy and procure substantial carbon offsets.WattCarbon serves as a marketplace for suppliers delivering carbon-free energy, thereby stimulating the implementation of clean energy resources. Young's belief in open source principles is woven into the platform's technology, fostering problem-solving, innovation, and transparency - all crucial for driving impactful decarbonization efforts. And his entrepreneurial experience and foresight have culminated in the development of this timely platform, one which he admittedly already tried, and failed, to launch a decade too early! Challenging assumptions about the public's understanding of clean energy and decarbonization has been a critical learning for Young. It has emphasized the need for making these concepts accessible and comprehensible, thus encouraging wider participation.Fueled by a deep-rooted commitment to environmentalism passed down from his mother, Young inspires his team to take pride in their contributions, creating an environment that values all stakeholders. This dedication, alongside his capacity to translate complex academic knowledge into tangible real-world applications, is what makes WattCarbon a pioneering force in the fight against climate change.Get your Solar Fight Night tickets before they're gone: https://tinyurl.com/522wf8v3Also check out Renewables UnWind Las Vegas: https://tinyurl.com/2ea2c6k3And don't forget about the pickleball games: https://tinyurl.com/p9h5nv42If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, we delve into the mindset of entrepreneur and solar project developer, Nobel Chang of Palladium Energy. Chang shares insights from his accomplished solar journey stretching all the way to Mexico and beyond. Having transitioned from real estate to renewables, Chang imparts wisdom on when to halt a failing project, and how to secure team buy-in.Explore the concept of "failing forward" as a tool to learn from mistakes, and grasp the nuances of flexibility, not only for individual growth but also for leading a team through strategic shifts. Listen to Chang's perspective on viewing projects as a people business, and his tips on forging the right connections in global markets like Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and Japan.Chang takes us through the three pillars of solar development, an integral part of his business model. Furthermore, he shares the spark that propelled him to start his entrepreneurial journey in the clean energy sector. Listen to his riveting account of how he overcame challenges, and his strategies for breaking through barriers when it feels like you've hit a wall. This episode promises a wealth of practical advice for those looking to grow and excel in the dynamic clean energy industry.If you missed Nobel’s full Executive Profile, you can scroll back and listen to it in episode #530 published Oct 13, 2022Get 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

Dan Leary is one of the OG’s of the solar industry, and is the founder of multiple successful companies that you’ve probably heard of if you’re in the industry, including Nexamp, PanelClaw, and now Denowatts. Denowatts aims to revolutionize solar performance management, an area that has seen little innovation in the past decade. Using advanced benchmarking technology, Digital Twin processing, AI, and IoT interoperability, the company delivers predictive data for the solar industry through their IoT product, the Deno sensor. By providing solutions that capture irradiance and measure sunlight, Denowatts supports solar asset managers with valuable business intelligence.In the interview, Dan shares invaluable insights into harnessing each team member's unique superpower, the necessity of shared values in successful teams, and the power of predictive foresight in entrepreneurial leadership. Themes of service, sustainability, and the importance of data in decision-making punctuate the conversation. This exploration of Dan's career is both an educational resource for those in the energy sector and an inspiring tale for all entrepreneurs.From growing up on a farm in Boston and deploying to Kuwait as an Army officer, to becoming a leading figure in the clean energy industry, Dan humbly reveals key insights from his experiences. By persistently questioning and digging deeper to identify root causes, always seeking third-party validation for technology, and cultivating a strong team culture, Dan’s companies have always managed to become segment & industry leaders. Leary believes in embracing change, encouraging leaders to find and utilize their unique "superpower", and seeing capital as a tool, rather than a customer or client.His vision for the future is one where data and business intelligence drive the solar industry. This is a deep dive with someone that I truly respect as an entrepreneur, as a thoughtful human being who wants to give back to our community, and who really believes that the work we do is bettering our planet and saving human lives.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