

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

Apr 30, 2020 • 1h 8min
251 - Can Batteries win in pay-for-performance? Marek Kubik, Fluence
Today’s guest, Marek Kubik, is the Market Director at Fluence in the U.K. and Ireland, and he oversees a group working on origination, development, and commercial negotiation of energy storage. He is such an inspirational personality, hence being voted as Forbes 30 Under 30, and he is on a mission to bring storage and renewables penetration to the world.Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereCheck out the first SunCast Clean Energy SummitAre 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

Apr 28, 2020 • 41min
250 - How to make price irrelevant? The Relationship Economy with John DiJulius III
John DiJulius III is a best-selling author and authority on world-class customer-experience. Organizations across America use his philosophies and systems for creating world-class service. He has worked with companies such as The Ritz-Carlton, Lexus, Starbucks, Nordstrom, and many more, to help them continue to raise the bar and set the standard in service that consistently exceeds customer expectations.John spoke about the main foundations of his book, the Relationship Economy, and the opportunity for companies’ time to take their customer experience to a completely different level in these challenging times.Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereCheck out the first SunCast Clean Energy SummitAre 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

Apr 23, 2020 • 1h 1min
249 - How to sell without selling, Scott Ringlein of The Energy Alliance Group of N.A.
I'm honored that you're joining me and pouring into this fantastic world of clean energy. Today's entrepreneur, Scott Ringlein, is the Founder and Principal of the Energy Alliance Group of North America (EAG).Scott is also a Technical Advisor to the U.S. Department of Energy and conducts technical reviews of applications for technology innovation & commercialization.We go really deep into how Scott thinks about servicing his customers. Besides that, we will discuss some of the lessons learned on his journey of the power of networking, having a mentor, accepting what you can not change and accepting that you can't do everything.Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereCheck out the first SunCast Clean Energy SummitAre 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

Apr 21, 2020 • 15min
248 - Earth Day 2020 + SunCast Clean Energy Summit
Welcome back, Solar Warrior!We are getting geared up for a fantastic 50th Anniversary of Earth Day.So today’s Tactical Tuesday is all about Earth Day: its history and what we are working on together. It goes without saying that tomorrow we will kick off our first SunCast Clean Energy Summit to celebrate #EarthDayTogether!More information: www.suncastsummit.comGain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereAre 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

Apr 16, 2020 • 1h 1min
247 - This SEO guru can get You on 1st page of Google, Too!
Matt Bertram is the Co-Host of a decade-long podcast specifically focused on the Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing (BestSEOPodcast.com), with over 3.6 million downloads to their credit. He is also an Amazon best-selling author and the CEO at eWebResults (EWR), a digital marketing agency. Matt does a masterful job of unpacking what SEO really is. And he also dispels myths around the different verticals that affect the performance of your website (the things that are in your control vs what you can't control). It's so difficult to briefly explain here all of the relevant aspects of SEO he and I talked about, so the best piece of advice I can give you is to listen through the whole interview, as I'm sure you'll find significant value in Matt's words.Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereAre 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

Apr 14, 2020 • 25min
246 - Esdec is eating the solar racking world! [SPI 2019]
Today’s guest is Stijn Vos, CEO of ESDEC Solar Group, a company that has supplied universal mounting systems for roof-mounted PV installations on flat and pitched roofs since 2004. With over 15 years of experience and over 7GW of solar panels installed, the ESDEC folks have developed themselves from a brand new company in the U.S., into the largest residential racking manufacturer.Stijn shared his thoughts on bringing two of the most popular roofing companies, Iron Ridge and Quick Mount PV, underneath the ESDEC roof, and the back-end benefits for the ESDEC group in terms of product development. He also talked about the importance of fostering a proper feedback ecosystem amongst installers and engineers as they understand what’s happening on the roof, how stricter legislation within the U.S. impacts upon installing costs, and more!Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereAre 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

Apr 10, 2020 • 59min
245 - Can software replace batteries to boost C&I solar growth? John Powers, Extensible Energy
Today's guest is John Powers, CEO and Founder of Extensible Energy. He is an energy consultant, energy an economist and a serial entrepreneur with more than three decades of experience in technology development for energy markets. He's worked across a slew of different aspects of this industry, and has an incredible story and a stellar team. And I can't wait to unpack it here on SunCast.We're going to talk about what are all of the inputs that you want to consider as you help your customers deliver the maximum energy efficiency and transition away from their current way of thinking about using energy.Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereAre 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

Apr 8, 2020 • 27min
244 - Solar Matchmaker, Vikram Aggarwal of Energy Sage [SPI 2019]
Today we enjoy a conversation with Vikram Aggarwal, the CEO and Founder of EnergySage, the leading online marketplace for solar energy systems in the U.S., sometimes referred to as “the Expedia of solar".Vikram founded EnergySage after more than fifteen years with a major global financial services leader, specializing in private equity investing and strategy consulting.Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereAre 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

Apr 2, 2020 • 47min
243 - Will Google Ads work for me? with Pamela Wagner, Ajala Digital
I’ve asked my friend Pamela Wagner to join me to guide us through a discussion about the often mystical world of paid advertising, in particular, Google Ads.Pamela worked on the Google Ads team before branching out on her own to form Ajala Digital, a creative agency based in Europe that helps companies around the world with their digital marketing strategy and implementation.Pamela has been honored as a Forbes 30 under 30, and is one of my go-to experts when it comes to digital marketing and remote work strategies. I know you’re going to get a ton out of this episode, so make sure you have somewhere to take notes!Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereAre 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

Mar 31, 2020 • 30min
242 - How to advance solar for low-income communities? w/ Alexandra Wyatt, GRID Alternatives
Solar energy has often been billed as a luxury item for the rich, yet as a technology it has the power to lift people out of poverty offering energy access and security to the poorest and most isolated communities. But how do we actually achieve this shift in paradigm?Today I am joined by Alexandra Wyatt, who is the policy and regulatory manager at GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit with a vision for a successful transition to clean, renewable energy that includes everyone. As we’ve highlighted in previous episodes, GRID Alternatives has done significant work for the renewable energy industry, empowering low-income communities and investing in access to solar for all.This conversation took place in the Podcast Lounge back at SPI 2019, and was led by PV Magazine contributor, Erica Johnson.Key ideas explored:The California energy crisis Low-income solar incentive programs (Solar-For-All Program) How is policy crucial for low income solar to succeed? The importance of tangible immediate energy-burden reductions Energy policy: State vs National scale *EV and storage for low-income families Diversity and inclusion for the industry Gain access to all the show notes & resources from this episode hereAre 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


