SunCast

Serial entrepreneur Alex Stuart is the president of Carbon Block, which he co-founded in 2018, and Standard Carbon, which he launched three years later. An expert in greenhouse gas assurance, small-scale renewable energy and the carbon markets, his companies synergistically support his beliefs in transparent, accurate climate data. They're the latest projects for the busy Canadian, who founded two renewable energy companies and installed wind turbines for the U.S. government earlier in his career. Carbon Block is an environmental technology firm aiming to tackle climate change through carbon offsets. It uses proprietary hardware backed by blockchain to verify greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and convert them into carbon offsets. Standard Carbon offers GHG-related consulting services to clients in renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation sectors.Alex thinks climate data directly affects a company's financial position — and not managing your risk exposure to rising carbon prices will cost it. As he explains, understanding your carbon debt from all operations and your supply chain is imperative for clients, shareholders, and investors and enables companies to avoid greenwashing and misspending.In today's podcast, he discusses his companies, career and the latest offering from Standard Carbon, SCOP3 software. Alex says it's "the one climate tool for every financial need" because it helps companies of all sizes manage every part of their environmental data. Join us to learn more. Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast? Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.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

Cary Hayes is a solar industry veteran with nearly two decades of sales and business development experience. But his journey was anything but typical. From Ski Bum to Investment Banker, to Tree Climber and finally to Solar with REC Solar. He exudes fun and confidence while remaining among the most fiercely competitive people I know — and has excellent practical advice to share in today's Tactical Tuesday.  This is an excerpt from one of our most-downloaded episodes of 2022, and one of the episodes that got the most comments on Linkedin.Cary's spent the past six years leading REC Americas, the California-based North American division of REC Group, a leading European brand for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. He was part of the team that first brought Norway-based REC Group to the US market in 2008, helping to fuel its global growth. In 2014, he left REC Solar (now owned by Duke Energy) to work as a vice president at Pristine Sun and Clean Focus before accepting a top role at REC Americas. He's also a former board member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a national trade association.  I've known Cary since 2012, when I worked at Trina Solar. He's a strong leader and a really nice guy — a former Colorado ski bum who kicked off his career when he decided he needed to "get a real job."Today I'm resharing a snippet of an interview with Cary from 2022. It highlights the importance of navigating your own route, even when it veers through an off-the-beaten-path ski town. His story is emblematic of so many in solar, but know that I share it here to inspire you: carve your own path, tell your own story. You'll hear how Cary overcame a less-than-linear resume to land a consulting job at Smith Barney (now Morgan Stanley Wealth Management) and why he walked away from it to help green the planet. As I say in the interview, his story, my story, they are not your story, but your story is worth telling so go do something worth talking about!Remember, every decision you make — wherever you've been —  prepares you for what comes next. Decide today to listen to this podcast. It's not long and full of memorable thoughts.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast? Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.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

  Bill Jordan capitalized on decades of experience in renewable energy, building materials and sustainable agriculture markets to create the Troy, New York-based solar development company that bears his name. Since he founded Jordan Energy in 2009, it's grown into a leader in solar photovoltaics (PV) system design, installation, and operations, in particular for the agriculture and dairy industries. Also known as Jordan Energy and Food Enterprises, the company supports many client partners from the farm community, including Dairy Farmers of America. It's a natural fit for a man with deep agricultural roots — his mother's family ran a produce shop in Philadelphia, and several of her brothers later expanded to farming in the Imperial Valley of Southern California. Jordan Energy demonstrates its belief in sustainable energy by sharing 10% of its profits with the Let's Share the Sun Foundation, which provides solar power to underdeveloped communities worldwide. In today's podcast, Bill tells us how he married his passions for solar, agribusiness and giving back to build his company and its nonprofit and empower progress through sustainable energy.

We might be 1 month into the year, but it’s not too late to tighten up your pla. Today’s Tactical Tuesday brings you Two industry experts — Gustavo Gomes Monteiro and Michelle Davis — who share insights on the state of the global and domestic distributed generation markets and forecast what we can expect throughout 2023. Gustavo is the CEO of the distributed generation business at EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA DG), a part of EDP Renewables, the world's fourth-largest renewable energy producer. He offers in-depth market knowledge, technical and transactional experience, and a global perspective. His insights include how multinational corporations integrate renewables, including solar and storage, and critical trends in distributed generation. Michelle is a principal analyst for US Distributed Solar at Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables and lead author of its US Solar Market Insight Q4 2022. The quarterly report is created in collaboration with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Bringing an insider's understanding of signficant challenges and opportunities, Michelle unpacks what the US market can expect in the coming quarters and highlights emerging issues. Join us today to learn more about where the US solar market stands now — and where it might end up tomorrow.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast? Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 850 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsorsYou can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalusSubscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

Kevin Conroy wants to make investing in sustainable assets as simple as buying stock in Robinhood. In 2019, he established Finite to give individuals access to sustainable institutional quality investment opportunities. The minimum initial investment is a mere $500. He describes Finite as the first platform to mobilize investor capital seamlessly into sustainable assets through publicly listed funds, adding that it "transparently invests in tangible assets delivering quantifiable impact and access to all investors." In today's podcast, Kevin explains how his interest in sustainable finance led him to create a company that allows everyday folks to invest in genuinely impactful projects. His perspective is informed by his roles as president and a co-portfolio manager for Finite's public fund, SOLRX.It's a meaningful conversation as we speed towards decarbonizing our economy and grid. It sheds light on the deployment of capital to sustainable assets and the significance of giving a broader swath of humanity access to these opportunities.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast? Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.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

Gregg Patterson is a former Hewlett Packard executive who ran multiple global businesses before jumping into renewables in 2006 — partly, he says, to help "save the world."In today's podcast, he explains how he parlayed a background in engineering, research and development and executive management into a solar career.After successfully leading two solar and energy startups to successful exits, Gregg accepted an offer to join Origami Solar, which intends to reverse the solar industry's reliance on aluminum through innovative, domestically-made steel module frames.Origami Solar gained attention in September by earning a grand prize in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) American-Made Solar Prize competition. The $500,000 award aims to advance the company's patent-pending steel frame for solar modules to lower costs, reduce carbon emissions, and improve performance and value.Today Gregg gives us a closer look at the company from the lens of his role as CEO.He says steel frames are less expensive, reduce production-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and facilitate domestic ramp-up of module production. As he sees it, those factors are crucial in making solar as green as possible.Join us to learn more about Gregg's career, the lessons he's learned along the way and the role he expects Origami Solar to play over the coming years.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast? Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.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

Today we look back at some of the best moments from our 2022 podcasts. It was a year full of learning and notable contributions from rocket scientists, industry icons, and some of our favorite content partnerships.If these nuggets inspire you, I hope you'll queue up the full episodes featuring:Sergio Blanco, renewable project finance director at Partner Engineering & Science, Inc., an engineering, environmental and energy consulting and design firm; Michael Burz, CEO, president and co-founder of Enzinc, a green energy startup developing a battery based on zinc; Jeff Cramer, CEO, president and co-founder of the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA); David Kenny, CEO and co-founder of Omnidian, which provides comprehensive protection plans for commercial, industrial and residential solar energy investments; and Mary Powell, CEO and a board member at Sunrun, the nation's leading residential solar, storage, and energy services company. They are among our most downloaded and talked about conversations of the year.   Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast? Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.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

Marquis Matthews understands the challenges of dramatic career transitions. He shares his experiences in today's excellent podcast. In 2014, the U.S. Navy veteran and diver refocused from the sea to the sun. After years in the offshore oil and gas industry, he pivoted to solar. Marquis indulged an entrepreneurial itch in 2017, then reinvented himself three years later to work as an employee for Energy Support Services.Annapolis, Maryland-based Energy Support Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Energy Equity, handles operations and maintenance (O&M)  and asset management for commercial and industrial (C&I) projects across the U.S. Founded in 2014,  ESS currently has more than 170 megawatts under contract for 30 entities in 15 states.Marquis credits his experience in the military and fossil fuel production for igniting his interest in renewables — and ultimately leveraging his aquanaut skills to address the energy crisis. It's an exciting journey for a man who had childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut, and you'll hear all about it today. Please join us.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast? Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.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

Each quarter, Tigercomm & SunCast Media convene the brightest stars in cleantech podcasting to discuss what they have been observing vis-a-vis their podcast and industry research. This is the 7th such gathering, and it proved an eventful hour of insights, differing opinions and more than a few laughs. Join hosts Mike Casey & Nico Johnson, along with a lineup of all-star podcasters from across the cleantech spectrum for the Year-end Holiday Special!Our expert panel of cleantech podcasters shared thoughts on what to expect in the clean energy industry in 2023, and what they've been learning from their own guest interviews and research. Whether you're a professional in the field or just passionate about sustainability, this is our quarterly recap that we know you won’t want to miss (even though, technically, you did miss it!).From obstacles constraining the potential of the Inflation Reduction Act, to how investments should be directed to meet pollution reduction targets, and even how to counter anti-renewables propaganda, we cover the gamut in this Final Year-End Roundup. We were thankful to even be joined by recent SunCast Podcast guest, industry CEO, and yes, a podcast host himself, John Belizaire for his debut on the Cleantech Podcasters roundtable!Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast? Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.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

Hugh McDermott is the senior vice president for business development and sales for ESS Inc., a provider of long-duration energy storage (LDES) solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I), utility, microgrid, and off-grid applications. In today's podcast, he explains the critical issue of energy storage, which he warns could impede our quest for a clean, green future."We can build and have all kinds of generating technologies that can be carbon-free, but we can't go through the night without energy storage," he said.He suggests LDES — defined by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a system that can store energy for more than 10 hours —is the lynchpin for solving intermittency issues with renewable energy production. ESS, founded in 2011, aims to accelerate global decarbonization by providing safe, sustainable LDES that can power clean, renewable energy anytime and anywhere it's needed. LDES supports reliable and resilient electric grids even when the sun goes down and the wind grows still, he said.Hugh has a long history in the energy industry and shares many deep insights today. Before joining ESS, he was a VP for Silver Spring Networks, where he led the company's market-building presence and partnership development for Smart Grid and Smart City business across the Asia-Pacific region. Before that, he was global head of business development at Better Place, leveraging networked electric vehicle charging infrastructure to provide dynamic load management and energy storage services to utilities, grid operators and energy traders. He’s been on the forefront of the energy transition for more than 20 years, and has helped pioneer some of the technologies that have changed the way we work & live. And today, we get an inside view of exactly how he navigated the twists and turns of his career to get there.Join us to learn how ESS Inc is revolutionizing LDES and creating a firm foundation for the growth of renewable energy.Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast? Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.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