SunCast

As we close out another transformative year for cleantech, it seems the pace of the energy transition still falls short of what will be needed to meet our global climate goals. That's the consensus from our panel of experts in our annual end-of-year Cleantech Podcasters Roundtable discussion.

This semi-annual review recognizes both the triumphs and the hurdles within the global renewable energy sector in the past year. From the IRA to our favorite tech company interviews, the challenges of grid infrastructure and everything between, this roundtable takes on the bold task of critically assessing 2023 and the direction we're heading. Various topics are discussed like emerging market trends, rising interest rates, critical global events like COP28, and the complex relationship between authoritarianism and climate action. 

Listen as fellow podcasters Mike Casey, Marie Burgquist, Bill Nussey, Dana Perkins, David Roberts, and Chris Caldwell join Nico on the stage each to add their regional and market-focused perspectives. They discuss their favorite companies and topics they’ve come across this year, such as thermal and gravity energy storage solutions, advancements in emissions accounting, and the potential of off-grid renewables, to name a few. Our podcasters have covered topics this year as varied as grid architecture, degrowth frameworks, and risk assessments in the insurance industry. The panel serves up a helpful dish of insights gleaned from their hundreds of collective conversations so settle in with a hot toddy and enjoy the banter!

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 can solar developers and landowners at the community solar level free up capital, lower lease costs and improve the overall economics of these longterm deals? SolaREIT has positioned itself as a strategic financial provider to the community solar market by addressing this very question. Laura Pagliarulo, the Founder & President of SolaREIT, leverages her extensive finance & renewable energy experience to execute on an innovative land acquisition strategy that gives solar developers more flexibility without giving away the farm (pun intended). 

SolaREIT has created a structure that specifically values (and compensates in a novel manner) the land underneath solar projects. SolaREIT also introduced the option for lump-sum payments to landowners. In this way, they are able to offer instant financial liquidity for landowners while bundling the value of multiple portfolios in a way that traditional developers are unable to manage on their own. Laura explains how they offer an alternative to traditional equity or debt financing that provides developers the ability to improve their profits in later stages of the projects, a win-win scenario.

Laura’s work at leading solar companies like Clean Choice Energy and SunEdison helped hone her understanding of the opportunities and complexity of energy markets. Today, that expertise gives solar project developers an edge and a capital advantage in a tight market.

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

Have YOU had trouble procuring modules lately?

I know I’ve heard from dozens of folks that they are hurting in this specific area.

If that’s you, I want to hear from you…shoot me an email “HELP ME GET MODULES NICO!” in the Subject line and we’ll get right on it. (Nico at mysuncast dot com)

How are solar modular manufactures vetted? Where do buyers turn when the much sought-after Bloomberg “Tier 1” suppliers are sold out of modules, making it harder for developments under 20 MW in scale to find vetted suppliers? The demand for solar panels in the US has opened up new markets abroad for suppliers. India has emerged as a leading supplier with its strong trade relationship with the US, and Emmvee, an Indian company, is heretofore little known solar panel manufacturer in the country that is making its entry to the United States. I wanted to learn  more about how buyers should think of these new market entrants, and what considerations are key (and what perhaps are not-so-important as they once were).

Justin Redd, Head of Sales and Marketing for Emmvee North America, is a veteran in the solar industry. Justin has seen first-hand how the process of manufacturing has transitioned from a highly labor intensive process to one that has a high degree of automation. Justin and Nico discuss how he was recruited back into the solar industry and manufacturing by Emmvee. He details the challenges of vetting new suppliers, addressing common issues like microcracks, and building a US factory- all with quality assurance at heart. 

Listen closely, as Justin outlines ten crucial steps for procurement managers, emphasizing critical certifications, third-party factory audits, vetting partnerships, trade relationships, and the PVEL PV module reliability score. 

Also, for those who make it to the end of the show, there’s an invitation both to a more detailed resource downloadable as well as an opportunity to learn about Indian module procurement in a much more personal first-hand manner.

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.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 850 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

How do you fund a solar project?  

What about the business operations costs necessary to get the project going to begin with?

What structures can you consider, and HOW do you choose the one that’s right for you?

We’re pulling back the veil so you don’t have to wander in the darkness here. 

The business of developing solar power projects is complex, time-consuming, and capital intensive. And for the last decade, hundreds of entrepreneurs have endeavored to apply their creative efforts and work ethic towards solving both the development of the solar projects (not dissimilar to other land-based development deals tbh) and the financing of them.  The latter has proven the more arduous to accomplish as the solar industry had to earn its keep in the world of high finance and prove that the product and its cashflow was durable and risk-mitigated. Unsurprisingly, those who have fared the best are those professionals who were already working in finance in some way, and were able to turn their focus and skills to solving the dual issue facing solar developers - how to get an individual project financed, and how to raise enough working capital to pay the team developing those projects until they could get to cashflow. 

Today, you’ll hear hown one such company, Encore Renewable Energy, transformed from a traditional solar project developer into a vertically-integrated Independent Power Producer (IPP), ie a project Owner & OPerator, and along the way made the choice to become a Certified B Corporation. Their impact-focused business strategy, exemplifies the transformative power of renewable energy towards the triple bottom line - People, Planet, and Profits. The company strategically channels its efforts into solar development, storage solutions, agrivoltaics, and brownfield redevelopment, showcasing a multifaceted commitment to sustainable practices. Moreover, they have successfully secured a remarkable $150 million in equity funding.  Today, you’ll learn a whole lot more about what that means, and how you might be able to do similarly in your own venture.

Blake Sturcke, the co-CEO of Encore, delves into his journey of discovering a passion for solar, drawing on his background in investment banking and entrepreneurship.

Blake discusses how Encore melds their sustainable mission with practical management strategies, the different investment structures available, insightful capital raising options, and a deeply rooted work culture that celebrates diversity and psychological safety.

 On this final point, Blake goes deeper still, opening up about his personal experiences dealing with mental health challenges. This vulnerable exchange is particularly near to Blake’s own mission, and he hopes to normalize the topic of mental health awareness and create a safe space for employees to voice their struggles. This conversation isn't only vital for those in the renewable energy field, but also illuminates the possibility of merging success with mental wellbeing in any high-pressure corporate setting.

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

Domestic manufacturing is vital in helping to mitigate supply chain risks that arise from tariffs or other supply chain disruptions. Trina Solar, one of the largest solar module manufacturers globally and the leading provider of solar panels to the US this year, has at long last made a significant investment towards advancing the U.S. renewable energy market. 

Steven Zhu, President of Trina Solar divulges the timeline and magnitude of their new state-of-the-art (5 GW) solar module manufacturing facility in Wilmer, Texas. They will not only produce “green” products, but use green power to produce those products, showing their commitment to sustainability and ESG goals. Beyond fortifying the supply chain, this facility brings significant socio-economic benefits. With the creation of around 1600 jobs, it serves as a catalyst for local economic growth. Moreover, the plant helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with overseas importation and provides long-term sustainable domestic production from the largest provider to the US Market.

Steven shares insider details from their journey in choosing the perfect site in Wilmer, Texas, planning for production next year, and their broader vision for expansion in the US.  This project underscores the importance of domestic manufacturing in the solar industry, positioning the country more strongly to meet its clean energy goals. Many may ask, “If Trina is the leader, why did they lag behind peers in bringing domestic manufacturing to bear?”  Good question…listen in!

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.

You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 850 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

You can learn more about partnering with SunCast here: https://mysuncast.com/sponsors

You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:

Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Subscribe to Valence, our weekly Linkedin Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/

COP28 is the 28th annual Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention (UNFCC) on Climate Change which will be held in Dubai (UAE) and runs from November 30-December 12.

If that's more than you already knew, you're in luck because today we learn from folks who have participated in multiple COP events and learned the ins and outs from the inside. 

This year's COP marks the pivotal halfway point between when the Paris Agreement was established at COP21, and its 2030 targets. COP28 UAE also marks the conclusion of the inaugural five-yearly global stocktake, providing a pivotal moment for the world to evaluate advancements toward the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. This presents a unique opportunity for global stakeholders to come together, align their efforts, and strategize on bridging existing gaps in climate action. Participants and leaders from all corners of the world tackle the urgent agenda of climate change and enact sound strategies towards combating it.

Our guests today offer a wealth of COP experience. Myles Fish, VP of Business Development at Perch Energy, will share insights from his enriching tenure with John Kerry's advance team at COP 21 in Paris. Next to speak is the CEO of Island Innovation, James Ellsmoor, who helps represent and provide perspective of small island developing states and territories at COP. Additionally, Julia Pyper, VP of Public Affairs at GoodLeap, revisits her experience at COP 26 in Glasgow and discusses what she expects to see from COP28.

This year's summit will be integral in tracking progress from a global commitment to fighting climate change. Currently, we are falling short of the target to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius set by COP 21, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action and necessary adjustments.  There are enormous learning opportunities from these high-stakes climate change negotiations and it will be interesting to see what COP28 brings about.

Listen in to this first-ever Suncast coverage of the global climate conference, and I'm sure you'll come away with insight as to how this matters not just for you personally, but our industry and the world.

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

Each year we highlight one non-profit making a big impact in the world, and we ask you to join us in supporting their mission on Giving Tuesday.

Nonprofits play a crucial role in international development, often solving equity gaps and civic/infrastructure gaps that for-profit, corporate and even governmental organizations are incapable of addressing. They envision a better world and strive to make it reality, particularly for the underserved and marginalized. This year’s nonprofit for our annual Giving Tuesday episode is Green Empowerment, who are bringing clean water and renewable energy to rural communities across the world. More than 2 billion humans lack clean water access and another 1 billion are devoid of reliable electricity.  Organizations like Green Empowerment are an instrumental development partner charged with helping these billions achieve a better quality of life through deploying global charity into communities of need around the world.

Andrea Johnson, the Executive Director of Green Empowerment, discusses their innovative micro utility model. Their community ownership model helps ensure communities can make sustainable strides toward independence and self-sufficiency by providing access to distributed renewable energy and clean water.

The commitment of Green Empowerment to uplift marginalized communities is resolute. Their track record, with 97% of systems still fully operational years after their installation, showcases the effectiveness of their work. This Giving Tuesday, join us in supporting Green Empowerment and be part of a movement that empowers lives in some of the most deprived corners of the world.

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

Hey there, SunCast listeners! As those of us here in the United States of America gather around the table on this Thanksgiving Day, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for tuning into the SunCast podcast over the years. Your support has meant the world to me, and it's because of you that this podcast has thrived for eight incredible years.

When I started SunCast, I had a vision of creating a platform that would elevate the voices and stories of leaders in the clean energy industry. And thanks to your unwavering support, we have over 650 examples of HOW the Clean Energy Revolution is taking form. Together, we have explored the latest advancements in solar, energy storage, business models, and more. We have connected with entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers who are driving the clean energy transition forward.

Through the SunCast podcast, we have created a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about shaping a sustainable future. It is because of you that this podcast has become a platform for discussion, learning, and inspiration. So, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for being a part of this journey.

Here are a few other episodes to catch up on, curated by our all-star team!

• Jeremy’s Pick: Episode 616: Agrivoltaics, Brownfields To Brightfields And The Future Of Solar Farming With Dan French, Solar Farm Summit
• Chris’s Pick: Episode 648: Scaling Carbon Capture, Innovation & Entrepreneurial Spirit, With Damian Beauchamp Of 8 Rivers
• German’s Pick: Episode 642: Rethinking Energy Storage: A Conversation With Energy Vault CEO, Robert Piconi

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

In this bonus episode, we’ll introduce you to the Earthlings 2.0 podcast with Lisa Ann Pinkerton, which is now a part of REsource Labs, our Creator Network!  In today’s episode, hear an innovative approach to improving the modern EV battery with guest, Virginia Klausmeier President & CEO of Sylvatex!

As electric vehicles become more common worldwide, battery production must rapidly scale to meet the rising demand. The burgeoning electric vehicle market, however, faces limitations imposed by battery costs and material availability. Cathodes, constituting 60% of an EV battery's expense and carbon life cycle, are predominantly produced through energy-intensive and costly processes that also demand a significant amount of water. In light of the automotive industry's widespread commitment to emission reduction and net-zero goals by 2050, the existing challenges posed by current cathode manufacturing techniques emerge as a formidable obstacle for the industry.

Virginia Klausmeier and her company Sylvatex are developing a solution. Her startup's single-step dry cathode production process uses less energy and no water compared to traditional techniques. It also has more flexibility in materials used. Klausmeier explains how Sylvatex’s innovation could help battery makers lower costs while meeting ESG mandates, supporting widespread EV adoption. Listeners will gain insight into how innovative new companies are future-proofing batteries and accelerating the global transition to reducing transportation carbon emissions.

The Earthling spotlighted is Oscar Olivares, an artist from Venezuela. Olivares completed one of the world’s largest ecological murals. Crafted entirely from bottle caps, this monumental artwork not only captivates the senses but serves as a testament to human creativity and environmental stewardship, providing a much-needed restoration of faith in humanity.

Are you or someone YOU know creating a podcast, Youtube channel or newsletter that deserves a larger audience? Perhaps joining REsource Labs is in order?  Let us know your recommendation - [email protected]

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

Tax equity has long presented barriers for distributed energy projects to access financing. However, a new provision in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) now enables tax credits to be transferred, opening up liquidity for project developers and BILLIONS of dollars in opportunity.

Billy Lee, Co-founder & President of Reunion Infrastructure has over 15 years of experience in renewable energy project finance, having worked on some of the earliest solar tax equity deals while at SunEdison. After observing barriers that distributed energy projects faced in accessing tax equity, Billy co-founded Reunion to create efficiency and scale in this new market for tax credit transfers enabled by the IRA. With a substantial pool of clean energy tax credits exceeding $2 billion, the company operates as a dynamic marketplace that facilitates connections between sellers and buyers, enabling streamlined transactions of these tax credits. 

Today, Reunion stands as an innovator doing due diligence and risk management to create a leading marketplace for transferable clean energy tax credits.

In this conversation, discover how Billy recognized the opportunity arise from a key policy improvement, found partners to address the gap and ran with it. The insights he provides, from the value of relationships to the expansive potential of the tax credit transfers market, are invaluable for any solar project developer.

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