SunCast

By 2050, around 80 million metric tons of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules will reach the end of their life globally (according to NREL). 10 million metric tons will be in the United States. But this is not an issue for a far-off future. As we transition to renewable energy, we create a massive volume of waste just from manufacturing and transporting batteries and solar panels. So, what can we do to improve this process now, rather than in 25 years? 

Kelly Weger, the Director of Sustainability for North America at Qcells takes us through their plan to reduce embodied carbon across the entire supply chain—from manufacturing to end-of-life recycling. 

Expect to learn:

• How Qcells is reducing embodied carbon throughout their supply chain, from material sourcing to end-of-life recycling.
• The strategy behind Qcells and SolarCycle’s circular economy superhero partnership.
• What it will take to create a true circular economy in solar, a vision Qcells is actively working towards.
• How certification standards like EPEAT validate a company’s sustainability claims. 
• How much Qcells has invested in their wafer manufacturing facility in Georgia (it’s a massive number). 

This conversation lays out the proactive steps any organization can take to mitigate environmental impacts. A circular economy is not a far-off pipe dream, but to get there, we’ll need to be far more intentional with how we build.

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 - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.

If 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 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

Permitting. The word is enough to send shivers down the spines of most PV professionals.

Obtaining permits for solar projects, no matter the scale, is a major roadblock in the transition to renewable energy, and often causes project delays that last weeks or even months. Robin Laine, CEO & Co-founder of Transect,is working to simplify the land permitting process for solar developers.

Robin, who has a background in environmental consulting, founded Transect to address the inefficiencies plaguing the solar project permitting process. Their due diligence software is designed to streamline site assessments for land developers in the renewable energy industry. Transect reduces assessment timelines from weeks to minutes by leveraging an innovative mix of public and proprietary datasets, and helps developers ensure they are focusing their efforts on the right properties and activities to get more solar through the permitting queue.

Expect to learn:

• How Robin and her co-founder collected and leveraged freely available land data to create a desperately needed tool for developers
• How Transect developed their Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
• Why Transect's early success with customers like Recurrent Energy set them apart from competitors and positioned them as a leader in the field.
• What it took for Transect to acquire significant clients and secure Series A funding.
• Transect’s plan to continuously innovate and iterate products to maintain market relevance and accelerate the energy transition.

Robin Laine's story showcases the entrepreneurial spirit needed to make the clean energy transition more efficient and accessible.

Ready to get inside the mind of a creative front-line solar warrior? Hit play!

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 - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.

If 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 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

Is switching from natural gas to electricity as straightforward as flipping a switch, or are we overlooking hidden complexities? Many homeowners want to switch from gas to electricity but underestimate the challenges of making the transition. Some stop short when they learn they’ll need to completely retrofit their homes to accommodate new, clean energy sources.  

Caroline Hon, Head of Gas Network Strategy and Planning for New England Gas at National Grid, one of the largest utilities in the Northeast, takes us through the strategies National Grid is employing to facilitate this transition among its customers, many of whom live in homes with outdated heating systems. By prioritizing education, exploring alternative heating options such as air source heat pumps and geothermal systems, and addressing the economic concerns of customers, National Grid is navigating the delicate balance between homeowner expectations and the push for decarbonization. 

Expect to learn:

• The importance of homeowner education in facilitating their transition to cleaner energy sources.
• The role of alternative heating options (air source heat pumps,geothermal systems, etc) in decarbonization.
• The economic considerations that influence customers’ energy use decisions. 
• The challenges and opportunities presented by older houses in the Northeast.
• The significance of data sharing and collaboration across utilities in strategizing for decarbonization.
• Why a cautious approach to decommissioning gas systems is necessary to ensure a smooth transition to electricity without compromising reliability.

This conversation sheds light on the intricacies of transitioning to a sustainable energy future and underscores the importance of a holistic approach that considers the diverse needs and concerns of all stakeholders.

 The energy transition is not black and white. It takes empathy and compassion to walk into the future of energy in an equitable way!

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 - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.

If 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 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

Wondering how your state can set and exceed lofty renewable energy targets? Today’s episode is for you. 

In 2019, Maryland doubled their renewable energy target: aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045. So, how are they doing? Stephanie Johnson, President and Founder of the Maryland Renewable Energy Alliance (MD-REA), shares her perspective from the front lines. 

She discusses how she transitioned from the world of corporate compliance, recruited to a career in renewable energy advocacy by Catherine Mclean and prepared for her interview with the help of our SunCast Podcast. Stephanie discusses some of Maryland's key challenges with Nico from land constraints to a lack of transmission lines. She highlights MD-REA’s community outreach and Maryland’s strategy to surmount their state-level barriers.

Expect to learn: 

• How the implementation of the Climate Solutions Now Act and the Renew Act will accelerate Maryland's transition to renewable energy.
• What it takes to build state-level community engagement and support for the development and siting of renewable energy projects. 
• How MD-REA and other organizations like the League of Conservation Voters are fostering a dialogue with key communities to foster this engagement.
• Maryland’s plan to bridge their funding shortfall of about a billion dollars annually, critical for Maryland to meet its renewable energy goals.
• How advocacy groups and alliances can build relationships between stakeholders to facilitate key policy discussions.

Stephanie Johnson is a true solar warrior in the trenches, leading the charge to turn Maryland's clean energy aspirations into tangible realities. Her work epitomizes the dedication and strategic thinking required to navigate the complexities of the clean energy transition.

Interested in how we can win the ongoing battle between renewable energy targets and state’s rights? This one’s for you. 

We hope you enjoy listening to it half as much as Nico enjoyed recording 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 - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.

If 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 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

What's the value of a NABCEP certification? Since most solar companies don't require one, is it worth the time and money? 

At RE+ Northeast a few weeks back, Jada Alcindor from NABCEP asked around to answer one of the industry’s key questions: “How much does a NABCEP certification help installers when it comes to designing systems accurately?” When she sat down with John Novak, the founder and CPO of Scanifly, she found a clear answer. And you get to ‘eavesdrop’ on this conversation between two solar junkies as they break down the benefits of certifying installers, talk up some industry-leading tech, and show you how to get free continuing NABCEP education credits. 

Scanifly is a design software that gives PV designers an edge by providing accurate, real-time roof measurements using drone footage. Scanifly's software helps PV designers eliminate guesswork from satellite imagery and make fewer design mistakes. 

Expect to learn: 

• How and why a NABCEP certification gives solar designers a clear edge
• How Scanifly's software can turn anyone into a solar project wizard
• How to use a drone to lay out where the panels in a solar system should go, down to the inch.
• A sneak peek into what Scanifly will teach at the upcoming NABCEP conference.
• Where to find a free resource to become a Scanifly certified designer and surveyor 

If you're curious about designing top-notch solar energy systems or just love learning about interesting technology, hit play! 

To learn more about Scanifly you should find their booth at the upcoming NABCEP conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, from March 18 to 21, 2024! 

See you in Raleigh

This is NOT a paid endorsement or advertisement from NABCEP nor from Scanifly.

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 - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.

If 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 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

Can we build an 80% clean energy future without reliable, wide-scale energy storage? It's unlikely. So, what needs to happen? Joan White, Director of Storage and Interconnection Policy at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), has been fighting to answer that question for years. 

Now that The Inflation Reduction Act has made it cheaper and easier to produce energy storage technologies domestically, we're seeing heavy investor interest in energy storage. But is it a sustainable market, or are we in an energy storage boom/bust cycle? 

In this week's conversation, Joan explains how we can build a sustainable energy storage market. Expect to learn: 

• Joan's predictions for the future of energy storage 
• The critical safety code all energy storage installers should be trained in )and how to access the training cheaply)
• Exactly how The Inflation Reduction Act has set up energy storage manufacturing for success. 
• Tips for making energy storage facilities more efficient
• What needs to happen before we see widespread energy storage adoption
• Essential advice for starting an energy storage business
• Why Nico's friends hate when he says energy storage is in a "boom." 

And much more. 

Are you prepared for the energy storage boom? Press play and find out! 

I was intrigued by just how smart and articulate Joan is that I can’t wait to have her back on the show. What would you like to learn about next time?

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 - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.

If 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 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

How did Nextracker become the leading solar tracker manufacturer in the world in 10 years, and what was the secret sauce of one of the most successful IPO’s of 2023?  We finally have Nextracker’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Kristan Kirsh, on the show sharing her journey of helping elevate Nextracker from 400 Megawatts to 90 Gigawatts in shipped solar trackers.

With Kirsh running marketing since 2015, Nextracker has not only navigated its landmark public offering but has also cemented its status as an industry icon. This episode delves into the strategic layers of her successful marketing prowess that has served as exemplar within the solar sector, offering listeners a chance to explore:

• The creation of a customer-centric culture that goes beyond listening to actively incorporate feedback into both product development and marketing strategies.
• The use of storytelling to make complex technological solutions relatable and captivating in a way that’s meaningful to the audience.
• The importance of diversity and inclusion in fostering a creative and robust marketing team, and how to encourage diversity and inclusion at a high level.
• Strategies for managing significant milestones, from tactically naming products to dealing with multiple stakeholders in the IPO process.
• Nextracker's philanthropy, supporting nonprofits like Green Empowerment with small-scale solar projects in Africa and Latin America.

This interview with Kristan Kirsch demonstrates the power of strategic marketing, cultural and global diversity, and truly empowering others to elevate the industry.  And we had the honor of bringing it to you live in-person from the comfort of Kristan’s Bay Area living room! (so, definitely tune in on Youtube and watch!)

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 - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.

If 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 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

Community solar has proven a viable pathway to more affordable and equitable clean energy, but how do developers overcome one of the main hurdles to the project’s success - community engagement? Founded with a commitment to making solar energy accessible to all, Solstice has become a key player in community solar, especially in the US Northeast, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and education in expanding renewable energy access. 

In this episode, Sandhya Murali, Co-founder & COO of Solstice, outlines the company’s strategic decisions and cultural values that have yielded broad success as a community solar pioneer. She delves into how Solstice:

• Cultivates community trust and broadens solar participation through education and transparent communication.
• Implements strategic marketing to nurture long-term community relationships.
• Empowers communities through sustainable energy, whether it be homeowners, renters, businesses, nonprofits, or others. 

Listeners can also expect to uncover:

• How economic incentives that circulate through communities can encourage many others to transition to renewable energy 
• Solstice’s proactive approach to engaging with communities in the early stages of solar projects
• The dedication developers must have to engage with the community they are building with to foster a long-term relationship and support for the mission 

This episode offers an in-depth look at how adhering to core values and focusing on community engagement can drive long-term success in community solar and beyond.

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 - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.

If 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 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

Can a company thrive for over two decades in the clean energy sector by steadfastly adhering to its core values, all while refusing outside investment and navigating the highs and lows of the renewable energy market? Bob and Maria Kingery, co-founders of Southern Energy Management (SEM) in North Carolina, have demonstrated that it's not only possible but can also set a new standard for success in the industry. Founded in 2001 with a mission to improve the way people make and use energy, SEM is a certified B corporation and named one of the best places to work by Inc Magazine.

In this episode, Bob and Maria share their journey, from working at Burts Bees to founding SEM. As they navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, they eventually landed on the business model that works for them and keeps their core values and mission at heart. They authentically share how they've:

• built a culture centered on empowerment and continuous learning
• formulated a strategic approach to marketing that prioritizes education and fosters long term relationships, 
• and created frameworks to ensure their business operates efficiently and grows sustainably.

Additionally, listeners can expect to learn:

• The importance of maintaining a values-driven mission in the face of industry pressures and opportunities;
• Strategies for building a resilient and adaptable business
• The impact of distributed decision-making and inclusive leadership on employee empowerment and company culture;
• Lessons from riding and surviving the solar coaster and a near-extinction event

Through their candid conversation, Bob and Maria Kingery offer insights into the power of principled management over short-term gains, showcasing how Southern Energy Management's approach to business and sustainability has not only stood the test of time but also paved the way for hundreds of team members and thousands of families to leave a generational impact on our planet.

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 - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.

If 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 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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

Barry Reaves, serving as the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice (DEI/J), and Workforce Development at the North East Clean Energy Council (NECEC), is tackling head-on the clean energy sector's need for a more diverse workforce. This challenge expands beyond ethnic boundaries, touching on gender, sexuality, and income status, highlighting the pressing need for a more inclusive approach in the industry's workforce development.

The North East Clean Energy Council (NECEC) works tirelessly with a variety of partners across the Northeast, from Maine to New York, to encourage clean energy organizations to think comprehensively about workforce solutions that embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Reaves’ role involves not just strategizing but shepherding projects with and for member companies that create equitable pathways in clean energy.

This conversation contains enlightening lessons on the importance of workforce diversity from a practitioner on the front lines. It underscores the critical role that organizational leaders play as catalysts for change, advocating for diversity and inclusion right from the top. It also delves into the challenges policies can pose to such initiatives, emphasizing the need for holistic thinking in developing programs that attract diverse talent. Reaves’ work calls for inclusion beyond ethnicity, recognizing the need to encompass individuals from rural communities, the military, and various gender and sexual orientations, among others. 

Listeners will learn about the tangible benefits of diversity for companies, the significance of establishing connections with often overlooked communities, and the strategies the NECEC employs to foster a more inclusive clean energy sector. This dialogue sheds light on the imperative for equitable workforce development, but also illustrates how inclusivity can drive innovation and progress in clean energy and beyond.

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 - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.

If 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 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncast

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