SunCast

Houston, often touted as the Energy Capital of the world, is rapidly transforming into the clean energy capital of the United States, spearheading the renewable revolution. In this special Tactical Tuesday, Nico engages in insightful conversations with industry leaders who shed light on the city's transformative initiatives. Jeff Tolnar, President & interim CEO of Shoals Technologies Group, shares his unique perspective on the energy transition, gained from attending the oil and gas-centric conference, CERAWeek, as well as his past experience from previous industries such as telecom and the similarities he sees within Renewables today. They highlight the increasing representation of renewables and the importance of ecosystem thinking in optimizing efficiency across the energy value chain.  In the second segment, Nico speaks with Jane Stricker, Senior Vice President, Energy Transition at Greater Houston Partnership & Executive Director, Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI), as they unveil the collaborative efforts driving Houston's clean energy transformation. She shares insights into the thriving clean tech startup scene and the city's impressive growth in attracting manufacturing, resources and talent. This Tactical Tuesday explores Houston's rise as the capital of the clean energy transition, showcasing its importance in hosting CERAWeek by S&P Global and the transformative work of HETI. Tune in to discover how Houston is leading the way in the clean energy revolution, why it should be pinned on your map, and how it serves as a blueprint for how other cities can follow suit.To our podcast listeners, I HIGHLY encourage you to watch this episode on YouTube, so that you can walk the CERAWeek show floors with me and see the energy brewing at the conference.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

Nico Johnson, the visionary entrepreneur behind SunCast Media, discusses the insights & lessons learned through achieving the milestone of 600 episodes. Guest host, Sean Tanabe, pulls threads that he feels longtime listeners and newbies to SunCast alike would seek to know about Nico, his Mission, and what 600 episodes may have revealed.  Many themes emerge as the conversation unfolds, ranging from dedication, consistency, and mentorship to the challenges of growth, accessibility, and the Power of saying “No”.Nico, founder and host of the SunCast podcast, shares his perspective on podcasting as a medium for knowledge sharing, emphasizing consistency as a vital factor in producing engaging content. Nico disclosed that he worked on at least half the published episodes in the hours after midnight, underscoring his unwavering commitment to a passion project that eventually became his main focus.Success has not always been guaranteed for SunCast, but with more than 750,000 listens over the past 7+ years, Nico and his guests have clearly found a faithful and attentive audience. Join us to hear how Nico first envisioned this quintessential resource for his tribe of “Solar Warriors”, how he navigated the inevitable challenges, and what you can learn from his experience.Nico wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to all those who have continued to follow and share along the way as SunCast grows. The show truly is nothing without listeners like you.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

Live from Midwest Solar Expo ‘23, listen in as I speak with two established industry experts about how we can work more effectively with corporate investors, policymakers, and utilities to grow solar and storage. Dr. Priscilla Lu serves as Managing Director at Deutsche Bank DWS Asset Management Sustainable Investments Group where she helps the world's largest corporations lower their carbon footprint and understand and manage their ESG metrics. Zaid Ashai has been CEO of Nexamp, one of the country's largest solar and storage developers, for a decade. In that time, he has overseen the development of the largest portfolio of owner-operated community solar projects in the Nation and has helped develop most of the thriving markets.  His perspectives on what is needed to continue to grow this critical 4th vertical of solar is insightful for those who wish to bolster their portfolio with this highly valuable asset.In our interview, Priscilla talks about how industry leaders and advocates can make it easier for corporates to invest in US solar and storage. We can push our government to take a more proactive role in helping developers, bankers, and leasing companies report the valid and verifiable data needed to determine the investment viability of large-scale renewables projects. And she brings perspective from Europe and Asia that can inform how we consider our operations and client engagements here in the USA.Zaid describes how we can build “a groundswell of support for solar” by altering public and government perceptions of this critical infrastructure via stronger civic engagement about how we are delivering long-term value. He also explains what companies can do to reshape the narratives with utilities and local government. Zaid’s view is one I share, that we are not doing enough as an industry at all levels to engage with our local officials and stakeholders to counter the lobby being presented against renewable energy by the incumbents from fossil fuels. We can and must do more. Zaid and I discuss how, and where, to put your time, money and effort.Listen to my entire interview with Priscilla and Zaid to learn more about what we can do to effectively clear the way for renewables investment and deployment. 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 today's podcast, where SunCast Host Nico Johnson interviews entrepreneur and clean energy advocate Katherine Hamilton. As chair and co-founder of 38 North Solutions, a public affairs firm specializing in clean energy and innovation, Katherine has a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Her influential voice has earned her a trusted position within the industry, solidified by more than eight years as co-host of the highly acclaimed "Energy Gang" podcast.Katherine actively contributes to various industry journals and organizations and mentors aspiring energy leaders to foster talent and drive positive change. She holds a position on the esteemed #Solar100 board by kWh Analytics and earned a Cleanie Award as Entrepreneur of the Year.Join us on this episode as Katherine discusses how she works to shape the clean energy landscape, leveraging her extensive experience, international policy expertise, and unwavering dedication to a greener future.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

If you’ve been following what we refer to here on the pod as “the 4th vertical of solar”, namely, Community Solar, then you know it’s been quite a year for this category. So, for this Tactical Tuesday episode, I got a chance to speak Live from the Midwest Solar Expo stage in Chicago with passionate proponent of clean energy proliferation, Kiran Bhatraju, about best practices for engaging lawmakers, utilities, and customers. Kiran founded Arcadia almost ten years ago to offer consumers greater access to the clean energy needed to combat our nation’s climate crisis. Originally from Eastern Kentucky coal country, his mission is to build the nation’s first digital utility and bring renewable and efficient energy to residents and businesses in all 50 states.In our discussion, Kiran and I cover business and communication strategies we can all use to activate the people who can make change in our industry. Kiran describes the need for businesses to devote a healthy portion of their time and funding to pushing policies that support expedited and equitable clean energy growth. He details key conversations we can have with truculent utilities, local legislators, and existing and prospective solar customers. Additionally, Kiran stresses the role of technology in getting our messages out in a simple, engaging manner.Kiran Bhatraju wants us as business leaders and energy consumers to get past any obstacle in order to grow solar. Check out the podcast to hear how.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

SunCast Host Nico Johnson and Bodhi CEO Scott Nguyen host three expert panelists for a wide-ranging discussion on tackling climate change through investments and technology. Our panelists — Mark Tomasovic, Principal at Energize Ventures and two Google executives, Caroline Golin, Global Head of Energy Market Development and Policy and Sonal Somaiya, Sustainability Investments and Corporate Development — offer practical ways individuals can support clean energy initiatives, emphasizing collective action, informed decision-making, and increased awareness. They also encourage individuals to live the change they want to see, engage in conversations with others, and stay updated with climate-focused technological advancements.This is a replay of our special Earth Day live broadcast on the energy transition with Bodhi and Google. Bodhi is a software platform that helps growing residential solar companies remove operational headaches and sell more to more people. Join us to learn about actionable strategies and participate in an engaging pop quiz on climate threats and the impact of rising CO2 emissions on global temperatures.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 speak with three Department of Energy officials on strategies for building lasting, equitable institutions that effectively forward the adoption of clean energy in our communities. From the newly created Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) come Chief of Staff Chris Castro and Director Dr. Henry McKoy. SCEP’s mission is to work closely with state and local governments, tribal nations, and community members to deploy decarbonizing technologies. Chris was formerly Director of Sustainability for the City of Orlando and President of the environmental nonprofit IDEAS for Us. Henry was the Director of Entrepreneurship at NC Central University, held positions at Duke University and Harvard University, and served in the North Carolina Department of Commerce. We also hear from Anna Siefken, Senior Advisor for the Office of Technology Transition (OTT). After serving as Executive Director of The Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon, Anna joined the OTT to focus on moving energy and climate tech innovations from the research lab to market.Our guests offer specific insights about how to introduce clean energy solutions so that communities can really absorb them. They dig into staffing in a way that reflects the communities and building systems that lower barriers to entry for funding and programming. Chris and Anna talk about questions to ask when engaging organizations that don’t always know how to proceed while Henry defines how to reach those communities that need decarbonizing tech the most.The goal for these three visionaries? “Transform this country,” as Chris puts it. Catch the full episode to learn how.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

Sollega founder and CEO Elie Rothschild talks with Suncast host Nico Johnson about the innovation and founding story behind the company’s category-defining approach to ballasted rooftop solar racking.The San Francisco-based commercial flat-roof PV solar racking manufacturer is a unique company that solves universal issues in a solar niche known for low margins and intense competition. Elie launched it in 2008 to find an easier way to install solar panels on notoriously frustrating commercial flat roofs, and his approach has garnered serious fans and accolades for form & function.Their roof mounting system is designed to minimize on-roof assembly, install quickly, and maximize available roof space, reducing both mounting and installation costs associated with commercial rooftop solar arrays. And their flexible design can handle undulations in roofs, work around obstacles, and is compatible with the most common solar panels today…All while using almost no metal (certainly by comparison with their peers)!Elie emphasizes the importance of innovation and partnerships, citing Sollega's successful collaboration with other solar manufacturers. "We have to keep innovating, and we have to keep finding ways to provide value to our clients and excellent service," he said.If you're interested in learning how Sollega has survived more than a decade in a largely consolidated solar racking industry dominated by metal fabricators, you’ll want to queue this episode up asap.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

Solar and storage expert Tim Montague’s tagline is “to help speed the energy transition”.  He’s helped hundreds if not thousands of people through his work as a Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Solar Developer, a green business consultant, and as the host of the podcast, Clean Power Hour, producing over 300 episodes! Tim’s been a featured speaker on our Quarterly cleantech podcasters roundtable, in our RE+ Media Zone and on numerous stages, but this is his first time on SunCast (so how bout a round of applause!) ;-)In this interview, we tease out the initial spark that led Tim to make a career shift into the solar industry. From an energy fair in New Mexico as a boy, to his deep involvement in the clean energy transition in Illinois, Tim’s passion for sustainability and solar are more than skin deep. Tim shares some excellent advice on how he has been able to accelerate his knowledge in the solar industry, especially within the challenging C&I sector. Over the course of his journey, he’s become a go-to expert for C&I development. In fact, as we touch on in this conversation, he was asked by the folks at Heatspring to curate two courses of his own to help those solar professionals who want to venture into the relatively untapped market of commercial & industrial sales.Tim Montague’s wealth of knowledge stems from his insatiable curiosity and the fact that he is still active as a Solar Project Developer for the global power company EDPR.  But as we have discussed in recent episodes (ironically with another EDPR employee!) Tim also gets the importance of personal branding and sharing knowledge with your peers which is why he has dedicated so much time outside his day job to creating his own podcast.  Tim is intentional about leaving a legacy that will help others, and this episode is one that I hope adds to the cannon.Enjoy!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

Today we talk with Arshad Mansoor, President and CEO of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), about the crucial link between resiliency and decarbonization.Reducing our carbon footprint and transitioning to a low-carbon economy is essential for combating climate change. However, before we can achieve these goals, we need to ensure that our systems are resilient enough to cope with the impacts of climate change.Arshad Mansoor defines resiliency as "the tip of the spear to get to decarbonization."EPRI is an independent, nonprofit energy research and development organization that has been shaping the future of clean energy for 50 years. But as Arshad noted, the role is growing increasingly complex and essential with climate change.During a keynote address at the University of North Carolina Clean Tech Summit 2023 and a subsequent conversation with SunCast Host Nico Johnson, Arshad made a case for resilient and affordable decarbonization. He stressed we need to retool and develop a new grid for tomorrow's weather, citing EPRI's Climate READi: Power initiative. It aims to unite global thought leaders and industry stakeholders to develop a common framework to enhance resiliency and adaptation.Join us today as we explore this critical topic and learn more about the vital work EPRI is doing to ensure a sustainable and resilient future.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