SunCast

Rebekah Hren, co-founder of Solar Tech Collective and a seasoned expert with over 20 years in solar industry compliance, shares intriguing insights into electrical codes. She discusses the significant impact of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the challenges of rapid shutdown rules that nearly affected the industry. Rebekah emphasizes the need for robust training rather than just better technology for sustainable solar practices. Listeners gain valuable knowledge on UL certifications and the nuances of electrical code writing, advocating for greater industry engagement.

In this engaging discussion, Josh Goldberg from Sunstone Credit shares his expertise on navigating the commercial solar landscape amid economic challenges. He reveals how interest rates and tariffs are reshaping the industry, and why commercial solar remains resilient. Josh explains innovative financing solutions for clean energy upgrades, the significance of EV chargers, and how to craft compelling proposals. He emphasizes the potential of solar in boosting net operating income and addresses the need for better tools in the market, making Sunstone a leader in this transformative space.

“AI is the greatest threat to your business ever.” That’s how Sheldon Kimber opens this episode—and it only gets bolder from there.Live from the Kiterocket Lounge during ACP CleanPower 2025, Sheldon returns to SunCast to unpack the real story behind energy-hungry data centers, the rise of hybrid power solutions, and why clean energy is no longer about purity—it’s about pragmatism.As CEO of Intersect Power, Sheldon’s built one of the most forward-thinking development firms in the sector. He shares how Intersect is co-locating massive renewables with gas, batteries, and even grid backup—forming what might just be the future of baseload power. This is a must-listen for anyone monitoring how clean energy collides with digitalization, electrification, and AI.Expect to learn:🔹 Why the U.S. grid is fundamentally broken—and who’s really to blame🔹 The hybrid power recipe Intersect is using to power Google-scale data centers🔹 How political oscillation—not gas—is the real threat to climate progress🔹 Why Intersect is building its own control software instead of relying on VC-backed startupsGet 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

Ryan Abbott, President of Clayco Design and Engineering, dives into the transformative world of data centers designed for the AI era. He explains how the focus has shifted from land to power supply, highlighting the challenges of providing sustainable and reliable energy. Abbott discusses the importance of innovative cooling systems and the role of renewable energy integration. He also reveals why Arizona may emerge as a key hub for AI compute, showcasing the exciting future of data centers and their collaboration with electric grids.

Aaron Nichols, a marketing & advocacy specialist at Exact Solar, reveals how storytelling can be the game-changer in the solar industry. He shares captivating success stories that not only drive leads but also garner national media attention. Discover why relatable narratives trump data in engaging communities and how a thoughtful LinkedIn strategy can elevate your message. With anecdotes ranging from community projects to personal connections, Aaron shows how to make solar compelling and accessible.

Martin Hermann, Founder and CEO of BrightNight, is a pioneer in utility-scale solar with over two decades of experience. He discusses how hybridization—combining wind, solar, and batteries—can transform renewables into reliable baseload power. Hermann emphasizes the role of AI in optimizing grid stability and designing innovative energy systems. He also shares insights on overcoming industry challenges, moving beyond traditional real estate approaches, and the importance of mental well-being in the fast-evolving energy sector.

Trevor Noah, comedian and former host of The Daily Show, challenges listeners to rethink the fragility of democracy through humor and insight. He argues that clean energy needs better storytelling, emphasizing the importance of aligning incentives with people's needs. With a philosophical touch, he discusses how conflict can lead to deeper connections and explores the nuances between truth and perception. Noah masterfully blends comedy with serious topics, advocating for innovative approaches to foster dialogue around America's energy challenges.

Josh Goldberg, CEO of Sunstone Credit and a seasoned solar industry entrepreneur, dives into the untapped potential of small-to-mid-sized commercial solar. He reveals the reasons why this sector lagged behind residential solar, discussing his mission to provide innovative financing solutions. Goldberg shares insights on the billion-dollar bottleneck he's addressing, how Sunstone built robust underwriting for an 'unbanked' market, and why the timing for commercial solar is now ripe for growth. Expect revelations about market changes and financing intricacies!

Winter is comingIf you're a solar or battery developer, especially in utility-scale or C&I, you're likely feeling it already: capital has tightened, exits have dried up, and project timelines are stretching longer than ever. Sound familiar?Rob Sternthal, co-founder of XIP and a two-decade veteran of clean energy finance, joins Nico to deliver a tactical wake-up call. This isn’t just another “market update”—it’s a field guide for navigating what could be the most turbulent season the industry has faced in most of your careers. Rob breaks down the myths developers are clinging to, the real risks of mid-stage assets, and how to avoid ceding your entire platform to creditors.You’ll hear why Rob believes the “build and flip” model is on life support, what capital providers are really thinking, and how XIP is helping developers get scrappy, strategic, and solvent in a capital-constrained world.🧭 Expect to Learn:🔹 Why the capital markets have gone from firehose to faucet🔹 The red flags of a distressed developer (and how to know if it’s you)🔹 Strategies to stay liquid and avoid a fire sale🔹 What kind of investors to seek (and which ones to run from)If you’re feeling the pressure to sell early, raise expensive credit, or just keep your team afloat, this episode could be a lifeline. And if you’re looking for the Linkedin Article that prompted this episode, it’s here: https://bit.ly/RobSternthal-LI-PostGet 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

What if your rooftop solar could do more than just power your fridge?Karl Andersen believes it can—and should—power the future of AI.Karl unpacks the grid’s biggest vulnerabilities, why data centers lack critical power infrastructure, and how we can turn solar-powered homes into the building blocks of a decentralized compute network. Lektra’s tech fuses distributed energy with cloud computing—think “Raspberry Pi meets Tesla Powerwall meets AI.” The result? A game-changing business model where solar homeowners become micro data centers—and start earning like one.From national security concerns to GPU monetization, Karl walks us through why our energy and data systems are broken—and how his patented solution bridges both.Expect to learn:🔹 How Lektra turns excess solar energy into compute power🔹 Why grid fragility is now a national security issue🔹 What it takes to patent an entirely new category of energy-tech🔹 How homeowners could earn 1000x more than selling to the gridThis isn’t really even about solar. It’s about rethinking energy, ownership, and what the next version of the internet could look like.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