SunCast

Welcome to Episode 95 of SunCast!Kyle Cherrick has had the good fortune of working for some of the Titans in the Solar Industry straight out of school. How many of you would like to have joined First Solar 6 months after IPO, or moved on to Axio Power as an early employee long before the SunEdison acquisition? Kyle got a front-seat view this and much more. Then he copy/pasted his learning into his own startup success.Stay tuned to learn: How a college job interview at General Mills turned Kyle towards the solar industry How Kyle's clear goals and intentions earned him a spot at the table of what would become not one but two of the largest solar companies in the US in the 2000's A behind-the-scenes look at the founding of First Solar from his first-hand encounter How Kyle pivoted from Corporate success story to Startup Investor and Founder while keeping his full-time job I'll be at Intersolar N.America next week in SF, and we're hosting a networking event on Monday night - learn more at www.mysuncast.com.Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCastCheck 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

Welcome to Episode 94 of SunCast!Today's episode is all about Intersolar N. America, but the lessons here can apply to virtually any tradeshow or major industry event. We kick this episode off with a conversation with the Managing Director of Solar Promotion, the company that puts on the Intersolar and EES conferences globally, Mr. Florian Wessendorf. Stay tuned after that as we have some cameo appearances from SunCast listeners, Twitter followers and more all geared to helping YOU better understand: What to Know Before You Go. Stay tuned to learn The key reasons you should attend Intersolar, from the guy responsible for making it happen.   Trends to look for in this year's show   Tips for maximizing your time and effort at this or any tradeshow   And some really fun clips and bits curated from our friends on Twitter and LinkedInJoin the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCastCheck 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

Welcome to Episode 93 of SunCast!JW Postal has had by any measure a successful run as an entrepreneur, not just in the solar industry. As a co-founder of Main Street Power, he helped build the company to become one of the largest DG players in the US, eventually being absorbed into the global giant AES as their first foray into distributed generation.He has now turned his sights toward the impending boom of the storage business, and today we gain valuable insight into how this entrepreneur is setting himself apart from the pack. Tune in to learn:The connection between the Obama campaign, Wall Street and Main Street Power The fundamental first steps the Main Street team took to ensure they were launching with momentum The keystone decisions that have helped propel his new venture, Nikola Power to early wins (including fundraising details) Some amazing insights into JW's entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned and strategic thinkingJoin the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCastCheck 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

Welcome to Episode 92 of Suncast!Stephen Smith is an entrepreneur and solar developer from the SF Bay Area who had the good fortune of being able to walk to work back in the early 2000's when he was hired on to a then-unknown Berkeley-based solar company - Powerlight. Stephen has since managed Gigawatts of solar installations, and provides his customers and the market generally a path to predictable & effective project execution.Listen in to hear:The 2 biggest hurdles developers encounter early in a project Risks inherent in solar development and how you can mitigate them Some strong opinions around project component selection, including what module application Stephen thinks is destined to rule the utility market Stephen's advice on how to become financially successful in solar Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCastCheck 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

Welcome to Episode 91 of Suncast!Today's episode is focused on a tool that you can use to help you in your solar PV module procurement process, a free report produced by Tristan Erion-Lorico and his team at DNV GL called the PV module reliability Scorecard. The 4th generation of the Scorecard was just released, and it's a fantastic benchmark to help you understand how to avoid some of the common pitfalls experienced by developers of all sizes when buying solar PV modules. Stay tuned to learn What core elements make up a bankable and reliable Bill of Materials (BOM).What the key contributors to solar module degradation are.The one ingredient in a solar module that made a 12% difference in production results for one of the manufacturers on the report.The one thing that is essential prior to your PV module purchase.Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCastCheck 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

Welcome to Episode 90 of Suncast!Well, today on SunCast, Tristan Erion-Lorico gives us a glimpse inside the rigorous evaluations you should be considering when procuring your PV Modules.  He also gets personal about building an unconventional career in solar. Tristan, like many of you, is an infinite learner, and he attributes that as one of his keys to growth and career success.  Along the way we discuss how having a family early in his life pushed this hustling kid-entrepreneur into the corporate world, and how his curious spirit and eagerness to grow has propelled him to be Head of the Solar Module Business Unit for one of the most recognized engineering firms in the solar industry, and arguably in the world - DNV GL. Stay tuned as we discuss:Keys to evaluating your module suppliersTop contributors to solar module degradationThe missing link to BNEF's Tier 1 Module ratingsAnd Lessons from an overly ambitious corporate exit Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today! If you like what you see and hear, please SHARE it with this pre-filled tweet!Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCastCheck 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

Welcome to Episode 89 of Suncast!Today's episode is Part 2 of an interview with Josh Weiner of SepiSolar, so if you didn't listen yet to Episode 88, I would recommend you start there.We continue to dive deep with Josh Weiner the CEO/Founder of SepiSolar, a SF Bay Area engineering services company that specializes in the integration of energy storage with solar.  Tune in to Learn:How a 7/11 in New York became the pivot point for the storage industry  How a downed Boeing Dreamliner changed Josh's career trajectory A clear case for including energy storage in the Investment Tax Credit  One of the best answers to the Crystal Ball question in the history of SunCast, so be sure to stay to the very end! Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCastCheck 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

Welcome to Episode 88 of Suncast!Did you check out last weeks episode with Rob Andrews? If not, Listen to it here!Josh is the CEO/Founder of SepiSolar, a Bay Area engineering services company that has taken a long view on the integration of storage with solar. Stay tuned to learn: SepiSolar’s foundation story and what separates them from others Lessons learned from Akeena Solar's IPO and dramatic growth The not-so-strange connection between Music & the Solar Industry? The incredible impact a neighbor can have on a young mind Join the Tribe? Check out Episode 86, in which I explain how YOU can become an Energy Tribe member and support the growth and stability of SunCast moving forward! www.mysuncast.com/member to join today!Thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day. Enjoy this episode of SunCastCheck 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

Welcome to Episode 87 of Suncast!Did you check out last weeks episode with Mike Silvestrini? If not, Listen to it here!Today on SunCast, we're going to discuss with Rob Andrews how his Canadian startup, Heliolytics, is improving the way operating assets are managed and optimized for long-term yield.  Hang tight as we explore: Why solar plant inspection matters and how it's been done historically How different aerial inspection methods compare Real data on solar site failure rates What Rob sees as the next frontier for solar assetsRob is the CEO and co-founder of Heliolytics, a technology company developing advanced inspection tools for renewable energy facilities. 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

Welcome to Episode 86 of Suncast!Since I started SunCast, I've received hundreds of thank-you's, dozens of positive ratings/reviews, and more high fives and pats on the back from industry friends than I can remember. Today, I'm giving you the chance to join me in helping build Suncast even more.To find out more about becoming a member of the Suncast Tribe, visit mysuncast.com/memberAs always, thanks again for setting aside THIS time in your day.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