

SunCast
Nico Johnson
Nico Johnson takes you into conversations with those at the forefront of Renewable Energy.
SunCast gives an inside look into what is happening in renewable energy. From conversations with the biggest Solar Panel manufacturers in the world to the small startups creating the future of renewable energy, such as carbon capture and battery technology breakthroughs.
SunCast is dedicated to providing the knowledge, research, tools and expert guidance you need to understand, grow and be ahead of the curve in the fastest-growing markets in the world.
Featuring over 800 conversations, Nico has interviewed people from Tesla, SolarCity, Trina Solar, Meyer Burger, Conergy, SunEdison, Energy Vault and even the US Government... to name a few. Covering topics such as Solar Power, Wind Energy, Batteries, Electric Vehicles, Carbon Capture, Finance, Hydrogen, and more.
You can watch SunCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SunCastMedia
...or view the full archive of SunCast episodes here: https://www.suncast.media/media/podcast
SunCast gives an inside look into what is happening in renewable energy. From conversations with the biggest Solar Panel manufacturers in the world to the small startups creating the future of renewable energy, such as carbon capture and battery technology breakthroughs.
SunCast is dedicated to providing the knowledge, research, tools and expert guidance you need to understand, grow and be ahead of the curve in the fastest-growing markets in the world.
Featuring over 800 conversations, Nico has interviewed people from Tesla, SolarCity, Trina Solar, Meyer Burger, Conergy, SunEdison, Energy Vault and even the US Government... to name a few. Covering topics such as Solar Power, Wind Energy, Batteries, Electric Vehicles, Carbon Capture, Finance, Hydrogen, and more.
You can watch SunCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SunCastMedia
...or view the full archive of SunCast episodes here: https://www.suncast.media/media/podcast
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 6, 2020 • 51min
301 - SunCast 5-year Anniversary with Adam James, Part 2
If you didn’t have a chance to listen to part 1 of this episode, I invite you to check it out clicking here. During that episode, Impact Energy Solution’s Adam James and I walked down memory lane and reminisced some interesting facts about the clean energy industry back in 2015 when SunCast began.This is Part 2, where we get really deep into Adam’s daily routine, how he manages his calendar, and how he manages his schedule. Adam kind of gives all about how he balances a family of three and being the effectively right hand of the CEO of this major venture fund. It's a wide-ranging but very fun conversation. I hope that you'll stick around and enjoy it.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

Oct 1, 2020 • 50min
300 - SunCast 300th episode with Adam James, Part 1
The story that you're going to hear today takes us back to the very beginning. Mr. Adam James was the first interview guest here on SunCast, and he’s back to celebrate this important milestone with us.It is a distinct honor to bring him back now for his third appearance here on SunCast. In that time, Adam has risen to the position of Chief of Staff at Energy Impact Partners, which is a nearly $700MM dollar strategic venture investment fund focused on sustainable energy.Adam is going deep down the rabbit hole of how he helps to run this very impactful fund in our industry, as well as a little baby of his called the Clean Energy Leadership Institute, upon which he sits as a board chair and as Co-Founder of that nonprofit, which empowers young professionals in clean energy.This is Part 1 of a 2-part episode.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

Sep 29, 2020 • 38min
299 - SunCast Weekly Roundup Live at SPI 2020, Week 2
We're so excited to be back with you for SPI, ESI & NORTH AMERICA SMART ENERGY WEEK 2020 in its new virtual format. Alongside my friend Glenda Johnson, we're stoked to have been invited back by the SPI team to bring you an exciting new segment - the SunCast Weekly Roundup. This is a recap of week 2, where interesting sessions like “Financing Renewables in the Face of COVID 19” or “Variations on Community Solar Program Design” took place.In today’s episode, you’ll be able to hear insights from clean-energy thought leaders like Cassandra John, Utopia Hill, Jessie Robbins, and Caileen Gamache as they share with us their insights on week 2 sessions, as well as their experience of participating in this fully-virtual format of North America’s most popular cleantech tradeshow.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

Sep 24, 2020 • 54min
298 - How to find your ideal role, with Ebony Seymour of GQR Global Markets
Today's entrepreneur is a new friend of mine, introduced by our friend Tara Doyle and Amanda Bybee.Ebony Seymour is the Associate Vice President at GQR Global Markets, and if you're not familiar with either GQR or Ebony, you're in for a treat.We're gonna go deep into how Ebony rose from Associate to Associate Vice President in the recruiting world, and how she's adding value to private equity, investment banking in the renewable sector and infrastructure, and the many ways she has self-educated herself and helped educate others about how the renewable energy world works.She is adding value for companies that trust her to bring talent to the table, so if you are looking for talent or if you see yourself as a talented professional trying to find your way through the quagmire of information of how to break into the clean energy business, today's interview is for you.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

Sep 22, 2020 • 26min
297 - SunCast Weekly Roundup Live at SPI 2020, Week 1
Welcome to another Tactical Tuesday, a short-form conversation with subject-matter experts designed to give you practical tools, tips and advice for building your solar business or career.We're so excited to be back with you for SPI, ESI & NORTH AMERICA SMART ENERGY WEEK 2020 in its new virtual format. Alongside my friend Glenda Johnson, we're stoked to have been invited back by the SPI team to bring you an exciting new segment - the SunCast Weekly Roundup. This is a recap of week 1, where interesting sessions like “Closing the Circuit: Outlooks for a Cleaner Electricity System” or “Get on Board: Engaging Stakeholders in Developing Grid Modernization Plans” took place.In today’s episode, you’ll be able to hear insights from clean-energy thought leaders like Anne Hoskins, Virinder Singh, and Fatima Ahmad, as they share with us their insights on week 1 sessions, as well as their experience of participating in this fully-virtual format of North America’s most popular cleantech tradeshow.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

Sep 17, 2020 • 1h 5min
296 - What are the 16 Core Infrastructure Sectors of Modern Economy? with Hanna Grene of PXiSE
Today’s guest is taking us into what is like to work in a fast-moving intrapreneurial role at a mega-corporation inside Energy Industry.Hanna Grene is the Head of Commercial Development for PXiSE Energy Solutions, a growing company that builds technology to manage an increasingly complex, renewable, and distributed energy grid. In this role, Hanna oversees market development, sales, marketing, external relations, and global partnerships.She goes down the rabbit hole of positioning yourself not only as a young leader but also working through the dynamic as a female leader in a largely male-dominated industry. After having Hanna’s boss and Co-Founder of PXiSE, Patrick Lee, for episode 266, we invited her to come back today.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

Sep 15, 2020 • 25min
295 - How do medium to large scale solar projects get done? with Jesse Grossman of Soltage
Today we have a repeating guest, Jesse Grossman, Co-Founder & CEO of Soltage. We already had Jesse on the show in episode 283, where we dropped the replay of the webinar we had back in June: Solar Project Finance & Acquisitions in the Post-COVID Era.The webinar included valuable insights around not only how Soltage has grown to be one of the leaders in developing solar assets in the United States, but also advice and insight from Jesse’s 10+ years since the last recession.Today, we’re going to drill down on one of the topics that came up during our last episode: how to support and empower developers through the development cycle into the disposition of the asset-selling process, and how to do it not only to build their business but YOUR business as well, in case you are a company bringing asset finance and deep market knowledge.Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links and more than 290 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereYou can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or emailThanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!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

Sep 11, 2020 • 57min
294 - A golden opportunity in the Sunshine State, with Daren Goldin
I’m honored you’re joining me for another fantastic foray into the world of solar energy. Today’s guest, Daren Goldin, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Goldin Solar, one of Florida's leading solar energy contractors with over 1,000 active installations throughout the state.Daren founded Goldin Solar in 2014 to bring the best solar technology available to Floridians to help them save money and protect the planet.Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links and more than 290 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereYou can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or emailThanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!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

Sep 8, 2020 • 24min
293 - Selling residential solar with real data, Brian Lynch of LG Solar USA
If you have been building a residential solar installation business, then today’s episode is for you. Are you on the front lines trying to convince homeowners for value over price, and trying to help them understand how this investment is going to improve their overall well-being and life?Grab a seat and listen to this conversation with LG Electronic’s Brian Lynch, the Director of Solar and Storage. Working closely with industry contacts and partners, Brian has been involved in hundreds of megawatts of solar projects that are generating clean energy around the world.We went deep on some recent consumer research information that’s going to help you better sell solar.Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links and more than 290 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereYou can connect with the me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or emailThanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!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

Sep 3, 2020 • 1h 13min
292 - The QB Sneak: The Journey from Pro Football to Renewable Energy
What do the Chicago Bears, United Airlines, and the solar industry have in common? Well, the particularly quick mind, feet, and contributions of today’s guest. Eric Peterman, the CEO of GRNE Solar has such a transformative and interesting story.Eric and I knew each other preparing for a Midwest Solar Expo panel that you’ve probably already heard. If you haven’t, I invite you to go back and listen to that one about O&M.Eric impressed me and I had to get to know more about his story, and is such a classic and interesting grassroots story about grid, determination, overcoming odds, and sticking to it.Remember you can always find the resources and learn more about today’s guest, recommendations, book links and more than 290 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereYou can connect with the me, Nico Johnson, on Twitter, LinkedIn or emailThanks a ton to our podcast sponsors for continuing to help make this content FREE to You! Please check them out and let me know what you think!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


