Suncast

Nico Johnson, Lisa Ann Pinkerton and Josh Beck round out RE+ 2024 with Abby Hopper, Stephanie Bosh and Colin Silver of SEIA.Mentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2

Start each day the full replay of the Daily Round Up with Nico Johnson and Josh Beck as we bring you the trends and conversations unfolding in Anaheim at the RE+ 2024 conference.If you are in Anaheim, visit us at the PowerUp Media Zone booth E100, Lobby of Hall D.You can also watch the show stream live at suncast.live.Mentioned in this episode:CPS July 2024 V2

Start each day with highlights from the Morning Show with Nico Johnson and Lisa Ann Pinkerton and then the full replay of the Daily Round Up with Nico Johnson and Josh Beck as we bring you the trends and conversations unfolding in Anaheim at the RE+ 2024 conference.If you are in Anaheim, visit us at the PowerUp Media Zone booth E100, Lobby of Hall D.You can also watch the show stream live at www.suncast.live.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

Oh, Florida! You’re the Sunshine State…why has it taken you so long to establish a real solar market?  Well, the good news is it’s now heating up.  But, that means so is the competition!  So, how do you build a profitable solar business in one of the most competitive markets in the U.S.?Mike Vergona, the founder of Urban Solar, has been a key player in Florida’s solar industry for over a decade, and has become one of the most respected and referred solar installers in the state. Mike’s journey from his father’s electrical company to founding one of Florida’s top solar companies is packed with lessons for anyone in the renewable energy space.We talked about the tough decisions, the wins, and the lessons learned that have defined his business and leadership style. Plus, we discussed how grid parity is making solar energy more affordable and accessible and why this shift matters for solar businesses everywhere, not just Florida.Expect to learn:The realities of competing in Florida’s fas

One of the most common critical path bottlenecks of any infrastructure project, energy or otherwise, is the transformer and substation. The interconnection of the power plant to the electrical grid requires this hardware - and it’s famously hard to come by these days, with lead times often in excess of 18 months.  If you’re involved in renewable energy, in particular EPC services, you know the pressure to deliver projects faster than ever. Dan Girard, CEO of Alternative Power Generation (APG), shares how his team consistently outpaces peers and large competitor, often building substations in under six months—compared to the typical 18-24 months. Girard also reveals APG's focus on the underserved 1-50 MW solar market and their extensive experience with microgrids, offering valuable insights into how APG meets the complex demands of data centers, utilities, and more. Expect to learn:How APG builds substations in less than six months, cutting lead times in half.The keys to thriving in the 1-50

Knowing when and why to invest in patents can be a game-changer for your startup. But what’s the right strategy to ensure your intellectual property is truly protected? And how do you know WHEN is the right time to take this crucial step?Patent attorney Russ Krajec brings more than two decades of experience to bear in this insider's perspective on navigating the treacherous world of Intellectual Property Rights. Russ, an attorney by trade, is also an author and angel investor who has dedicated his career to transforming the traditional patent approach. He specializes in helping startups safeguard their innovations while unlocking maximum market potential. In this Flashback Friday, we revisit a timeless discussion about:The common mistakes founders make with patents The importance of timing in the patent process How to align your intellectual property (IP) strategy with your business goals The insurance policies that can help startups enforce their hard-won IP rightsThere are HUN

How does an idea go from concept to lab, from lab to field, and finally attract massive capital investment? What can a decade of business building behind the iron curtain in post-cold-war Eastern Europe teach you?Ty Jagerson has spent his over 25 years executive career launching and growing businesses at Xerox (PARC), SolFocus, Google X, and most recently General Motors. His work at Google X, on Tapestry-the Moonshot Factory project, focused on overcoming the data bottlenecks that hinder the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar and electric vehicles into the grid. Long before he spun novel technology out of PARC (you might have heard of SolFocus?) he was learning the ropes in Ukraine and Russia exporting space tech, in the 90s!  Throughout his career Jagerson’s work reflects a relentless pursuit of integrating renewable energy into the grid, all while navigating the high-stakes, competitive landscape that he likens to the "Hunger Games" of the energy industry.You’ll di

RE+ is only TWO Weeks Away! Back by popular demand, we’ve curated our annual "Know Before You Go" episode to help you make the most of this not-to-miss event. It’s the 20th anniversary, and with over 50,000 attendees expected—it’s set to be the biggest show yet!Tune in as industry leaders share their secrets to navigating the expanded show floor, optimizing your schedule, exploring educational sessions, and maximizing your networking opportunities for an exceptional experience at RE+ 2024.You’ll hear from:Tim Morris, Director of Marketing at RE+ EventsErik Holvik, Associate Director of Business Development at EnergySageEmily Teitsworth, Executive Director of the Honnold FoundationMike Munsell, VP of Brand Partnerships at Heatmap NewsLisa Ann Pinkerton, Founder & CEO at Technica Communications & Host of Earthlings 2.0In our "Know Before You Go" episode, we cover:How to navigate the expanded RE+ campus and the all-new RE+ Connect app (Pro-tip - This year’s App is actually very useful - I

Despite more capital coming into the solar industry than ever before, healthy unit economics, rising utility rates, and even declining equipment costs, equity and debt instruments are trading at distressed levels, with working capital increasingly scarce. What's causing this disconnect, and how can the industry recover?John Berger, Founder and CEO of Sunnova, is a veteran in the energy market with over two decades of experience. His company is one of the largest solar installation companies in the world, so it’s safe to say he has a privileged view from inside the industry. In today’s conversation, Berger discusses the pressures facing the solar industry, including regulatory hurdles, rising interest rates, and the perpetual whipsaw of the capital markets. He sheds light on how Sunnova is navigating these headwinds, as well as his thoughts on the path forward for the solar revolution.John spoke with Nico about:Why, despite strong solar economics, capital markets are still lagging.Sunnova’s response

I have been looking [and waiting] for this book for years.  And if you’re in Utility-scale battery storage, I’m going to boldly suggest that you have too.The wait is over, as the most comprehensive compendium on utility-scale battery energy storage is finally on shelves (or it was, it’s about to sell out!) Looking to expand your knowledge of utility-scale batteries and the evolution of solar+storage and standalone battery projects? Whether you're a developer integrating batteries into your solar projects, an engineer trying to wrap your head around which technology to spec, or a layperson trying to stay ahead of industry trends, The BESS Book: A Cell to Grid Guide to Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems is the book for you.Hear from the book's authors, Swetha Sundaram and Drew Lebowitz, as they draw from their extensive experience in energy storage engineering to provide what I believe is likely the most complete attempt to map the battery energy storage landscape A-to-Z. Wit

With an anticipated  40% increase in energy consumption by 2035, the grid faces immense pressure.How do we service the rising demand driven by AI, data centers, and home electrification?The solution, distributed energy resources (DERs) allows homes to generate, store, and smartly consume their own energy. This shift from a centralized to a decentralized energy system aims to address the growing demand and enhance the efficiency of energy distribution.Raghu Belur, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Enphase Energy has led Enphase in pioneering microinverters and comprehensive home energy management systems. Raghu shares his insights on how the industry is evolving, from the shift from solar consultants to energy consultants, to the inevitable rise of energy markets and the homeowner as an energy trader. His work ensures that millions of homes can seamlessly integrate solar energy, batteries, and EV chargers. Raghu spoke with Nico about:How DERs solve current and future grid capacity ch

Deciding where and which customers to focus on can make or break a business. How do you go about choosing one market over another? Furthermore, how do you build a business in an otherwise overlooked market that makes the nation’s largest solar company, Sunrun, take notice?Hunter Trenary, co-owner of Sun Collectors, recently shared his journey of establishing a solar company in Peoria, Illinois. Starting from scratch in a market with untapped potential, Trenary and his partner navigated the complexities of local regulations, brand building, and sustainable growth while being self-funded. By doing things the “hard way”, Hunter and his team have managed to not only educate the community about the benefits of solar but also establish a reputation for delivering premium installations in house earning them rave reviews from their customers. No surprise, Peoria is now the home to Sunrun’s 2nd IL office (I wonder what took them so long!?) In this episode, you’ll discover:How Sun Collectors navigated t

From thermonuclear weapons that helped stop the Cold War, to a Le Mans 24 Hour Eco Car, and now pioneering a revolutionary battery, today’s guest has a truly remarkable career path.We're revisiting one of our top episodes from 2022 featuring a real, actual rocket scientist - Michael Burz, the CEO and Co-Founder of Enzinc.  His startup is is commercializing a truly innovative zinc-based battery that promises the power density and re-chargeability of lithium at lead-acid prices. Michael's journey from designing cruise missiles to creating eco-cars at Nissan's Design Studio showcases his exceptional ability to innovate across industries.In this Flashback Friday clip, you’ll discover:How Burz's upbringing and his mother’s aviation background influenced his career.Michael’s work designing Cruise Missiles at General Dynamics and engineering thermonuclear weapons during the Cold War. Michael's leadership in designing and building an all-carbon composite race car for Le Mans in record time and un

Have you ever considered the environmental impact of the non-solar components we deploy in the solar industry? It’s good that we generate clean energy, and even better that we quantify the embodied energy of things like the solar panels we use.  But, it takes a relatively “dirty” and old-fashioned industry to actually deliver those solar modules - logistics.  And, one of the lowest-common-denominator, least-thought-about products in the logistics toolkit is a century-old ‘technology’ made of wood…the pallet. While essential for transporting solar panels (among millions of other products), these pallets contribute to significant waste (over 6,000 pounds of wood waste per megawatt); they also emit on average about 8kg of CO2 per unit! Millions of wooden pallets end up in landfills each year.  Worse still, the breakage of solar panels during transport costs the industry billions. This overlooked issue impacts both profitability and sustainability, reducing the overall positive impa

You might think of community solar as a “Groupon for your energy bill” - you get discounted access to clean energy without needing to install solar panels, and leverage the buying power of a group purchase!Aviv Shalgi, CEO and co-founder of Solar Simplified, is dedicated to expanding the reach of community solar. Solar Simplified acts as an aggregator, linking subscribers with solar project developers. And as the industry grows, the role of aggregator plays an ever-increasing part in helping folks who ordinarily can’t go solar (shade issues, don’t own your home, or a myriad of other reasons) plug into the sun…virtually. How is Aviv helping change how solar is built, bought and bartered?In this episode, you’ll discover:• The vital role of clear communication and building trust in advancing community solar• The need for better risk-sharing models and industry standards• How aggregators ensure the success and growth of community solar• How aggregators manage billing protocols with utilities and ensure

What is the unsung hero of solar installations?Racking…  It's a "set it and forget it" component for contractors, as its reliability is essential to avoid costly service calls, making that critical product choice a “near-religious experience” for most installers. Kai Stephan, the founder and CEO of Pegasus Solar, has developed one of the fastest growing solar mounting software and hardware solution providers here in the United States on the vision of simplifying the product and giving homeowners and installers more peace of mind.His entrepreneurial journey was not all smooth sailing. After leaving a kush Utility job at SoCal Edison to found Pegasus, Kai encountered more than a few challenges.  What do you do when your launch-customer files for bankruptcy? Pivot.  What do you do when regulations change the rules of engagement? Reinvent yourself. Pegasus is not exactly the business Kai thought he’d leave his corporate nest to create, but it’s proved a worthy competitor in a very c

“Unclear expectations are a downpayment for future resentment.” Maria Kingery is the Founder & Principal of 360Impact and Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer of Southern Energy Management. With over two decades of experience, Maria has honed her coaching practice to shepherd leaders through the gauntlet of business growth. Previously working within the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework, Kingery now offers a “delightfully independent” coaching style that helps business leaders unlock their potential and build a culture that empowers others. Her approach is rooted in practical, actionable advice tailored to each unique business, incorporating frameworks like the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership. There is wisdom gleaned from her 20+ years of entrepreneurship, and it’s an honor to share some of her business philosophy with you here.You’ll discover:The importance of clear core values in guiding business behaviorHow coaching frameworks can streamline business operations

two years before the end of the Cold War to broker a licensing agreement for what would become the best-selling video game of all time: Tetris.Either of those feats would be remarkable; to accomplish both is a whole other level of entrepreneurial achievement.  While some of you may not be familiar with today’s guest, you’ll definitely be familiar with his work, and you may have even watched a movie about him!Henk Rogers is known as the father of role-playing games in Japan and for introducing Tetris to the world. Leveraging his software development and licensing expertise, Henk is now tackling what he considers the greatest problem of our time: climate change. And, yes, he was even played by Taron Edgerton in the 2023 Apple TV+ movie ‘Tetris’!A mid-life health scare helped Henk realize that he needed to trade pixels for a higher purpose. Through founding the Blue Planet Foundation, he is helping to do just that, starting in his home state of Hawaii where he was instrumental in driving their go

What does it take to build a 100-year business? How does one expand beyond integration of off-the-shelf products to branding power plants as a unique identifiable product? What does it take to secure an entire City’s rooftops…like Atlanta? Michael Chanin, the CEO and founder of Cherry Street Energy, is bringing this ambitious vision to fruition. Chanin's team is embracing the power of renewables for transforming our infrastructure, and my meeting with him left me inspired. Chanin is not your typical investment-banker-turned-renewable-energy-entrepreneur.  How this Macon, GA native found his way to banking is in itself an unlikely turn in his career. So, when he decided to leave Wall Street for Main Street, it was in many ways a return to his roots as a social anthropologist and activist at heart.Chanin found his calling in the clean energy sector through his banking work with early financial pioneers like Vivint who were leveraging public markets to bring solar to neighborhoods around the

Every growth story has roots in finding scalable and duplicatable processes. From a Big Mac to the Macintosh, the capacity to create products people want and galvanize a team around delivering them is what sets true market leaders apart from their peers.  However, in the more than 700 interviews we’ve done at SunCast, we know that the path to the top is not linear nor is it free from failure. So, when I see someone succeeding for multiple years in a leadership position, I want to know what made it work.  Such is the case with CPS Americas.  Are you curious what frameworks & models contributed to their becoming the #1 Three-Phase String Inverter Supplier in the US? What visionary leaders’ stories or tried-and-true methods did their leadership ‘borrow’ for application to the power electronics industry?Bryan Wagner, GM and President of Chint Power Systems Americas (CPS), shares the strategies and insights that helped CPS reclaim their top position in the US Market. Through effi