Afleveringen
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What if a renewable energy power plant could achieve capacity factors above 70%? Wouldnât that make it, finally, FIRM baseload power, dispatchable and âreliableâ for the grid?
Can ai help? What else is required?
The simple answer is hybridization, but a long-time industry pioneer is here to tell us more.
Martin Hermann has spent the last 2 decades pioneering the future of utility-scale solar. From founding 8minutenergy, one of the first to bring Utility-scale solar parks to the US, to launching BrightNight, focused now on making solar dispatchable, Martinâs mission has stayed consistent: make renewables not just cleanâbut reliable.
In the latest episode of SunCast, youâll hear how BrightNight is rethinking the way we build power plants, why Martin deliberately didnât hire solar industry veterans, and how AI is changing the way utilities plan for grid stability.
This isnât about adding more megawattsâitâs about turning renewables into baseload power, with capacity factors north of 70%.
Martin shares how heâs using hybridization (wind + solar + batteries + market integration) to unlock grid value, and what it takes to design dispatchable renewables from the ground up.
Expect to learn:
đč Why utility-scale solar must escape the âreal estate developerâ mindset
đč How BrightNightâs software optimizes entire systemsânot just individual tech stacks
đč The future of long-duration storage and why multi-day batteries are on the verge
đč Why AI could become the most important tool in designing next-gen power plants
Ready to rethink solar's role in the power stack? Hit play.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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âEven the most unsinkable ship can sink.â
Thatâs Trevor Noah reflecting on the fragility of democracy, and heâs not just here to make you laughâheâs here to challenge how you think. At CLEANPOWER 2025, Trevor delivers a brilliant, unscripted dialogue with Jason Grumet, the Chief Executive Officer of American Clean Power, unpacking how stories shape our national psycheâand what that means for the clean energy movement.
This episode is full of surprises. From philosophical riffs on the social power of red lights to how a âthank youâ at the front door can restore social cohesion, Trevor delivers a masterful discussion on systems thinking, imagination, and empathy.
Most importantly? He lays out a quietly radical idea: stop selling people what you wantâsell them what they need.
Clean energy has a messaging problem, and itâs time we stop preaching morals and start aligning incentives.
You wonât hear a more thought-provoking or entertaining take on American politics, trust, and the future of our energy system all year.
(We recorded this Live Keynote with permission at the American Clean Power âCleanPower 2025â conference - it was delivered the very morning of the Houses passing vote on the Big Beautiful Bill)
đ In this episode:
đč The difference between truth, facts, and perception
đč Why clean energy needs better storytelling, not better tech
đč How conflict (done right) leads to discovery and love
đč The power of human connection in a disconnected world
If you're serious about leading the energy transition, start hereâwith the questions only a comedian dares to ask.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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What if the biggest opportunity in solar has been hiding in plain sight?
Josh Goldberg is no stranger to solar. Heâs a multi-exit founder who helped shape residential solar financeâand now heâs back to tackle the âmessy middleâ of commercial solar. After stepping away from the industry, Josh returned with a mission: to unlock the underfinanced, overlooked world of small-to-mid-sized commercial solar.
In this episode, Josh shares how Sunstone Credit is solving a billion-dollar bottleneckâby giving installers and non-rated businesses the financing tools theyâve always needed. He opens up about whatâs changed in the market (and what hasnât), the whiteboard moment that sparked his latest venture, and why the time for this market is finally now.
Expect to learn:
đč Why the C&I market still hasnât scaled like residential or utility
đč How Sunstone built bank-grade underwriting for an âunbankedâ sector
đč The real reason pricing in commercial solar hasnât improved in 15 years
đč What it took to convince banks to bet on a âbrand newâ asset class
If youâve been wondering when large-scale commercial rooftops will finally go solar (or why it hasnt happened yetâŠ), this oneâs for you.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Winter is coming
If 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 isnât just another âmarket updateââitâs 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.
Youâll hear why Rob believes the âbuild and flipâ 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.
đ§ Expect to Learn:
đč Why the capital markets have gone from firehose to faucet
đč The red flags of a distressed developer (and how to know if itâs you)
đč Strategies to stay liquid and avoid a fire sale
đč What kind of investors to seek (and which ones to run from)
If youâre feeling the pressure to sell early, raise expensive credit, or just keep your team afloat, this episode could be a lifeline.
And if youâre looking for the Linkedin Article that prompted this episode, itâs here: https://bit.ly/RobSternthal-LI-Post
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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What if your rooftop solar could do more than just power your fridge?
Karl Andersen believes it canâand shouldâpower the future of AI.
Karl unpacks the gridâs 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. Lektraâs tech fuses distributed energy with cloud computingâthink âRaspberry Pi meets Tesla Powerwall meets AI.â The result? A game-changing business model where solar homeowners become micro data centersâand start earning like one.
From national security concerns to GPU monetization, Karl walks us through why our energy and data systems are brokenâand how his patented solution bridges both.
Expect to learn:
đč How Lektra turns excess solar energy into compute power
đč Why grid fragility is now a national security issue
đč What it takes to patent an entirely new category of energy-tech
đč How homeowners could earn 1000x more than selling to the grid
This isnât really even about solar. Itâs about rethinking energy, ownership, and what the next version of the internet could look like.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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If you think batteries are just for backup, think again. The post-NEM 3.0 world has flipped residential solar economicsâand companies like TeraHive are leading a storage revolution thatâs all about ROI, not just resilience.
Ram Bhat, Head of Product at TeraHive, explores how software-first thinking and DC-coupled architecture are transforming whatâs possible in home energy systems. Ram brings deep expertise from Enphase, fuel cells, and flywheels into a conversation thatâs equal parts technical and strategic.
Youâll hear why the next big winners in storage will nail low cost, modularity, and software intelligenceâand how software approaches to battery management could be the key to unlocking this much-needed grid-edge solution.
Expect to learn:
đč How NEM 3.0 is reshaping battery attachment economics
đč Why autonomous, AI-driven systems are critical to homeowner adoption
đč The power of DC-coupled architecture for cost and efficiency
đč What it takes to serve the âmiddle-incomeâ solar-plus-storage market
If you're trying to future-proof your product offeringsâor your business modelâyouâll want to hear this.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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What if your truck could power your houseâand save you hundreds a month on electricity?
Could your EV be a secret energy arbitrage opportunity?
Barry Cinnamon, a true solar pioneer, shows that itâs possible right now with Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) systems. Listen in as Barry breaks down why V2H is finally ready for prime timeâand why the utility-centric V2X model is failing to deliver real value for homeowners.
Barry's message is clear: customers want control, not complexity. And with a 240V inverter in your EV (at least, in his Ford Lightning) plus the right home inverter/battery setup (ht to FranklinWH here), you can skip the expensive hardware and take back some control of your utility costs!
This isnât just a backup power story. Itâs about a seismic shift toward energy independence.
Expect to learn:
đč How Barry hacked his Ford F-150 Lightning to power his home
đč Why utilities are resisting customer-centric energy models
đč The real cost difference between home solar + EV vs. staying on the grid
đč What grid defection looks likeâand why itâs accelerating in California
Whether you're an installer, a homeowner, or just EV-curious, this is your primer on the future of decentralized energy. Itâs practical, passionate, and packed with real-world insight.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Why havenât more homeowners installed batteriesâdespite growing outages and rising rates? I tend to agree with Vinnie Campo, co-founder and CEO of Haven Energy, who believes the answer lies in who owns the asset.
But beyond who owns the asset (and assuming, then, that it should not be the homeowner?), is there a way to deliver a truly zero-cost, fully managed battery system that benefits both homeowners and the grid?
In this episode, Vinnie shares how Haven is flipping the script on residential energy storage. Backed by strategic investors (and co-founded by former Casper Mattress execs), Haven is creating a seamless path for utilities and CCAs to deploy batteries at scaleâwithout burdening customers with financing complexity or upfront costs.
We explore Havenâs creative partnership with one of those CCAs, Clean Power Alliance, helping deliver batteries to their base of 3 Million homeowners. We also learn just how they make it possible to deploy âzero costâ batteries, and why Vinnieâs background in energy trading helped bring this vision to reality.
đ This isnât just about batteries. Itâs about solving the grid's most urgent problemsâand unlocking energy resilience for everyone.
Expect to learn:
đč How Haven offers batteries at no cost ever to income-qualified homeowners
đč Why utilities and homeowners value batteries for very different reasons
đč The secret to aligning grid capacity with backup power needs
đč What makes VPP deployment finally scalable and financeable
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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The biggest threat to scaling community solar isnât cost. Itâs interconnection.
Live from the PowerUp Stage at RE+ Northeast, Samantha Weaver of the Coalition for Community Solar Access dives into why so many promising clean energy projects never make it past the planning phase. Spoiler: itâs not because the technology isnât readyâitâs because the system isnât.
With jaw-dropping examples (a 100-project backlog that would take 50 years to process?!), Samantha breaks down how sluggish utility review processes, outdated cost models, and data black holes are bringing progress to a crawl.
This is an eye-opening conversation that shows how the right policiesâand partnershipsâcan turn gridlock into greenlight.
Expect to learn:
đč The policy loopholes causing multi-million-dollar grid upgrade surprises
đč What âzombie projectsâ are and why theyâre choking the interconnection pipeline
đč The one map every solar developer needs before applying
đč Why community solar is essential for the 70% of Americans who canât go solar on-site
Donât miss this behind-the-scenes look at the roadblocks to energy equityâand what itâll take to clear the way.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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You can buy solar panels in many places around the world for around 10 cents-a-wattâ so why are Americans still paying an average of about $3.70 for every watt installed?
In this candid and fiery live episode, Nico Johnson sits down with long-time clean energy champions Andrew Birch and Kerim Baran to unpack whatâs really slowing down solar deployment in the U.S. The verdict? Bureaucracy, bad trade policy, and a lack of open-market access are dragging us down.
From SolarApp to tariffs to balcony solar, this conversation delivers a clear-eyed exploration of clean energy economics and the tension between innovation and regulation. Birchy argues for smarter global trade to lower prices and create more jobsânot fewer. And Kerim asks the tough questions about sovereignty, security, and system-wide inefficiencies. Weâve got further reading down in the resources section, but first youâll want to tune into this discussion to learn:
đč How smarter permitting could unlock a solar job boom in the U.S.
đč Why Australia achieves $1/Watt installsâand whatâs holding the U.S. back
đč Why tariffs donât protect jobsâthey stall innovation
đč What Elon Musk could do to fix residential solar (no, seriously)
This is the solar debate we should be having. Buckle up, SolarWarriors, weâre in for yet another stomach-churning ride on the solarcoaster.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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What if the utility bill you barely understand holds the key to stabilizing the grid, accelerating electrification, and saving you money?
Rachel Bryant has spent nearly 20 years navigating the complex world of energy regulationâas both an engineer and a lawyer. Now at GridX, sheâs helping utilities across the country translate convoluted tariff structures into clear, actionable decisions for customers. The result? Better engagement, smarter energy use, and a grid that can flex with our electrifying future.
Recorded live at RE+ Northeast, this conversation unpacks why traditional cost-of-service rate structures are crumbling under the pressure of EVs, solar, and home electrificationâand how time-variable pricing might just be the answer. From peak load reduction to EV charging patterns, Rachel breaks down how data, software, and savvy communication can bring utilities and customers into alignment.
Expect to learn:
đč Why most people still donât know they can choose their electricity rate
đč How GridX lets customers simulate bill impacts down to the penny
đč Why EVs are the gateway drug to grid participation
đč Whatâs holding some utilities back from embracing time-of-use pricing
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Texas: where oil and gas once reigned supremeâand now, renewables are rewriting the rules.
In this special live episode recorded at Intersolar & Energy Storage North America 2025, Doug Lewin and Nico Johnson flip the script. Doug takes the mic to interview Nico about his biggest takeaways from the show, and the two dive deep into whatâs fueling Texas' meteoric rise in solar, storage, and energy expansion.
Expect a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about why Texas has become the unexpected juggernaut of clean energyâand what risks could upend that growth if policymakers aren't careful.
Expect to learn:
đč How Texas' merchant energy market supercharged solar and storage
đč Why oil and gas giants are quietly backing clean energy
đč The looming policy threats that could slow Texasâ renewable momentum
đč How massive new data center loads are reshaping ERCOT
Get ready for bold insights, insider perspectives, and a fresh view of how Texas is setting the pace for America's energy future.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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âDonât pitch slap me.â
Thatâs the line Spenser Meeks uses to describe the all-too-common trap most any professional falls into when presenting information (Usually via presentation decks) â jumping straight into specs and data before earning your audienceâs attention. In a lively convo, Spenser and Nico break down why 60% of all conference speaking sessions (yes, your conference panels) are rated âmehâ⊠and how better storytelling could fix that.
If youâre tired of your message falling flat or sales calls that go nowhere, learn to help people care before they calculate. Spenser, whoâs trained the moderators and presenters for RE+ and other top trade shows, shares the emotional and psychological blueprint that can transform technical pitches into conversations that land.
đ Why storytelling creates instant emotional engagement
đ§ How to structure sales conversations for maximum buy-in
đŹ The âone-linerâ framework that makes your value unforgettable
đš How to ditch boring slides and make your presentations pop
Whether youâre prepping for your next pitch or just want your message to stick, this episode will help you stand outâwithout shouting specs.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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The FinTech Reboot Solar Has Been Waiting For
What happens when local banks finally start playing ball in solar lending? Ravi Mikkelsen is here to tell us.
In this âWhere Are They Nowâ episode, we reconnect with Ravi Mikkelsen, the co-founder and CEO of Atmos Financial, who first joined SunCast in 2021. Since then, the solar financing world has been flipped on its headârising interest rates, shifting policies, and a return to leases have left installers and homeowners alike with questions and headaches. Ravi has been quietly building an answer in the form of a fintech platform that bridges the gap between traditional banking and solar projects.
If youâve ever wondered why solar loans still feel so complicatedâor what it would take to truly democratize clean energy financeâthis is your episode.
đč Why solar loans are getting more expensiveâeven as hardware costs fall
đč How dealer fees can wipe out the homeownerâs tax credit benefit
đč The return of leasesâand what that says about market conditions
đč Why Atmos is moving out of deposits and doubling down on lending
Tune in to hear how Atmos is powering the next wave of solar finance by making it easier, cheaper, and more transparentâfor everyone involved.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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âVirtual power plantâ might be trendingâbut Eversourceâs Tilak Subrahmanian says it misses the mark.
In this RE+ Northeast PowerUp Live stage interview, Nico sits down with Tilak for a refreshingly candid utility perspective on how distributed energy resources (DERs) are being integrated, managed, and monetized at scale. Spoiler: it's not just about demand response anymore.
From managing EV charging loads to influencing ISO capacity calculations, Tilak breaks down how Eversource is designing a distributed grid built for policy, performance, and people. If youâve ever wondered how utilities actually think about DERs, this is the episode for you.
What youâll learn:
đč How 70,000 residential and 400+ commercial customers help Eversource manage load
đč What âedge DOMsâ and âgrid DOMsâ areâand why they matter
đč How Eversource partners with OEMs like Renew Home and EV manufacturers
đč Why toaster ovens are the secret weapon in small business energy efficiency
This is utility thinking, unfiltered. Tap play and gain a deeper understanding of the real opportunitiesâand challengesâbehind the energy transition.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Whatâs blocking our climate tech breakthroughs?
Itâs not the tech. Itâs the process.
Ben Downing has seen the system from both sidesâfirst as a Massachusetts state senator, then as VP at Nexamp scaling solar across the country. Now, as Chief Growth Officer at The Engine, MITâs accelerator for âtough tech,â heâs helping commercialize game-changing innovations that can decarbonize the toughest sectorsâsteel, cement, transmission, and beyond.
But itâs not just about the science. Itâs about fixing the systemsâpermitting, infrastructure, policyâthat stall progress. In this episode, Ben shares why real-world deployment is the biggest hurdle⊠and how The Engine is building what he calls a âSolutions Factoryâ to overcome it.
Expect to learn:
⥠Why product-market fit is the #1 blind spot for climate tech founders
⥠How startups like Sublime and Commonwealth Fusion are scaling real impact
⥠Why Massachusetts might be the best place to pilot manufacturing
⥠How to rebuild broken processes that stall startup success
Benâs optimism is infectiousâand itâs backed by hard-won insight from the frontlines of policy and innovation. If youâve ever wondered why brilliant climate ideas stall out and how to course-correct, press play and take notes.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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The U.S. grid is facing its biggest stress test since WWII. The answer? Batteries.
Joan White, Director of Storage & Interconnection Policy at SEIA, joins Nico on the PowerUp Live stage at RE+ Northeast to unpack the audacious 700 GWh storage deployment target laid out in SEIAâs latest white paper. Thatâs a 50% increase over the âbusiness as usualâ trajectoryâand Joan believes itâs not just possible, but necessary.
As AI data centers, EV adoption, and manufacturing supercharge national energy demand, the grid must evolve. Energy storage isnât a luxury anymoreâitâs a requirement. Joan walks us through the policy levers, market dynamics, and cost curves shaping this once-in-a-generation energy transformation.
đč Why SEIA is pushing for 700 GWh of storage (and how we get there)
đč The invisible hand of tariffs and trade cases reshaping the battery market
đč The threat of repealing the ITCâand how states are stepping up
đč How storage can finally retire fossil peaker plants and replace standby fees
Joan doesnât just know the policyâsheâs writing the playbook. Whether youâre a policymaker, developer, or just curious about whatâs next for the grid, this oneâs a must-listen.
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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When Maria Robinson took the helm at the Grid Deployment Office within the US Department of Energy (US DOE), she stepped into one of the most pivotal (and difficult) roles in the clean energy transition.
Now that sheâs no longer a government employee, Maria reveals what really happens inside DOE decision-making rooms, why the grid is far more fragile than most realize, and how her new role as CEO of IREC is helping shift the power back to the people.
From wildfire response to data center load growth and interconnection bottlenecks, Maria clearly understands what is driving (or stifling) our energy transition âyou donât want to miss this conversation.
đ Why our grid is more outdated than you think
đ„ The inside story of DOEâs wildfire response efforts
đ What solar pros need to know about FERC (and why theyâre not paying attention)
𧩠How IREC is taking on the hard problems utilities donât want to face
Tune-in, and after youâve had a listen, consider sharing this with someone to help us spread the word!
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Residential solar may still be a long way from recovery âbut the commercial and industrial (C&I) solar market is heating up. In this power-packed episode recorded live at RE+ Northeast, Nico sits down with John Carroll of SolarEdge to explore why the commercial market could be the biggest growth driver in clean energy this year.
From training installers to navigating the evolving incentive quagmire, John unpacks the forces reshaping the C&I landscape in 2025..
đ The IRAâs surprising ripple effects on project development and jobs
âïž Top challenges facing new C&I installersâand how to overcome them
đ How module-level power electronics are changing the economics of scale
đđșđž Why SolarEdge is doubling down on U.S. manufacturing and domestic content
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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Microgrids are essential to the clean energy futureâbut theyâre still too complex, slow, and unbankable. Thatâs the problem Adib NaslĂ© set out to solve. With Xendee, heâs built a platform that makes distributed energy systems faster to plan, easier to finance, and smarter to operate.
Nico digs into how Adib and his team turned 20 years of national lab research into a commercial product now used by governments, fleet operators, developers and data centers. If you want to understand where AI, microgrids, and electrification convergeâthis is the episode for you.
đč The 3 biggest choke points in microgrid adoption
đč Why software, not hardware, is the key to energy independence
đč How Xendee is supporting Neom, Fiji, and Travel Centers of America
đč The power of dynamic forecasting and rolling 72-hour optimization
If you want to connect with today's guest, youâll 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 todayâs 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/nicomeo
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
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