The biggest threat to scaling community solar isn’t cost. It’s 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: it’s not because the technology isn’t ready—it’s because the system isn’t.

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100-project backlog that would take 50 years to process?!), Samantha breaks down how sluggish utility review processes, outdated cost models, and data black holes are bringing progress to a crawl.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 policies—and partnerships—can turn gridlock into greenlight.

Expect to learn:

🔹 The policy loopholes causing multi-million-dollar grid upgrade surprises

🔹 What “zombie projects” are and why they’re choking the interconnection pipeline

🔹 The one map every solar developer needs before applying

🔹 Why community solar is essential for the 70% of Americans who can’t go solar on-site

Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the roadblocks to energy equity—and what it’ll take to clear the way.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll 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 today’s 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