Suncast

Houston, often touted as the Energy Capital of the world, is rapidly transforming into the clean energy capital of the United States, spearheading the renewable revolution. In this special Tactical Tuesday, Nico engages in insightful conversations with industry leaders who shed light on the city's transformative initiatives. Jeff Tolnar, President & interim CEO of Shoals Technologies Group, shares his unique perspective on the energy transition, gained from attending the oil and gas-centric conference, CERAWeek, as well as his past experience from previous industries such as telecom and the similarities he sees within Renewables today. They highlight the increasing representation of renewables and the importance of ecosystem thinking in optimizing efficiency across the energy value chain.  In the second segment, Nico speaks with Jane Stricker, Senior Vice President, Energy Transition at Greater Houston Partnership & Executive Director, Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HE

Nico Johnson, the visionary entrepreneur behind SunCast Media, discusses the insights & lessons learned through achieving the milestone of 600 episodes. Guest host, Sean Tanabe, pulls threads that he feels longtime listeners and newbies to SunCast alike would seek to know about Nico, his Mission, and what 600 episodes may have revealed.  Many themes emerge as the conversation unfolds, ranging from dedication, consistency, and mentorship to the challenges of growth, accessibility, and the Power of saying “No”.Nico, founder and host of the SunCast podcast, shares his perspective on podcasting as a medium for knowledge sharing, emphasizing consistency as a vital factor in producing engaging content. Nico disclosed that he worked on at least half the published episodes in the hours after midnight, underscoring his unwavering commitment to a passion project that eventually became his main focus.Success has not always been guaranteed for SunCast, but with more than 750,000 listens over the past

Live from Midwest Solar Expo ‘23, listen in as I speak with two established industry experts about how we can work more effectively with corporate investors, policymakers, and utilities to grow solar and storage. Dr. Priscilla Lu serves as Managing Director at Deutsche Bank DWS Asset Management Sustainable Investments Group where she helps the world's largest corporations lower their carbon footprint and understand and manage their ESG metrics. Zaid Ashai has been CEO of Nexamp, one of the country's largest solar and storage developers, for a decade. In that time, he has overseen the development of the largest portfolio of owner-operated community solar projects in the Nation and has helped develop most of the thriving markets.  His perspectives on what is needed to continue to grow this critical 4th vertical of solar is insightful for those who wish to bolster their portfolio with this highly valuable asset.In our interview, Priscilla talks about how industry leaders and advocates c

Welcome to today's podcast, where SunCast Host Nico Johnson interviews entrepreneur and clean energy advocate Katherine Hamilton. As chair and co-founder of 38 North Solutions, a public affairs firm specializing in clean energy and innovation, Katherine has a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Her influential voice has earned her a trusted position within the industry, solidified by more than eight years as co-host of the highly acclaimed "Energy Gang" podcast.Katherine actively contributes to various industry journals and organizations and mentors aspiring energy leaders to foster talent and drive positive change. She holds a position on the esteemed #Solar100 board by kWh Analytics and earned a Cleanie Award as Entrepreneur of the Year.Join us on this episode as Katherine discusses how she works to shape the clean energy landscape, leveraging her extensive experience, international policy expertise, and unwavering dedication to a greener future.If you want to connect with today's guest, you’

If you’ve been following what we refer to here on the pod as “the 4th vertical of solar”, namely, Community Solar, then you know it’s been quite a year for this category. So, for this Tactical Tuesday episode, I got a chance to speak Live from the Midwest Solar Expo stage in Chicago with passionate proponent of clean energy proliferation, Kiran Bhatraju, about best practices for engaging lawmakers, utilities, and customers. Kiran founded Arcadia almost ten years ago to offer consumers greater access to the clean energy needed to combat our nation’s climate crisis. Originally from Eastern Kentucky coal country, his mission is to build the nation’s first digital utility and bring renewable and efficient energy to residents and businesses in all 50 states.In our discussion, Kiran and I cover business and communication strategies we can all use to activate the people who can make change in our industry. Kiran describes the need for businesses to devote a healthy portion of their time and funding t

SunCast Host Nico Johnson and Bodhi CEO Scott Nguyen host three expert panelists for a wide-ranging discussion on tackling climate change through investments and technology. Our panelists — Mark Tomasovic, Principal at Energize Ventures and two Google executives, Caroline Golin, Global Head of Energy Market Development and Policy and Sonal Somaiya, Sustainability Investments and Corporate Development — offer practical ways individuals can support clean energy initiatives, emphasizing collective action, informed decision-making, and increased awareness. They also encourage individuals to live the change they want to see, engage in conversations with others, and stay updated with climate-focused technological advancements.This is a replay of our special Earth Day live broadcast on the energy transition with Bodhi and Google. Bodhi is a software platform that helps growing residential solar companies remove operational headaches and sell more to more people. Join us to learn about actio

In this Tactical Tuesday episode, we speak with three Department of Energy officials on strategies for building lasting, equitable institutions that effectively forward the adoption of clean energy in our communities. From the newly created Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) come Chief of Staff Chris Castro and Director Dr. Henry McKoy. SCEP’s mission is to work closely with state and local governments, tribal nations, and community members to deploy decarbonizing technologies. Chris was formerly Director of Sustainability for the City of Orlando and President of the environmental nonprofit IDEAS for Us. Henry was the Director of Entrepreneurship at NC Central University, held positions at Duke University and Harvard University, and served in the North Carolina Department of Commerce. We also hear from Anna Siefken, Senior Advisor for the Office of Technology Transition (OTT). After serving as Executive Director of The Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at C

Sollega founder and CEO Elie Rothschild talks with Suncast host Nico Johnson about the innovation and founding story behind the company’s category-defining approach to ballasted rooftop solar racking.The San Francisco-based commercial flat-roof PV solar racking manufacturer is a unique company that solves universal issues in a solar niche known for low margins and intense competition. Elie launched it in 2008 to find an easier way to install solar panels on notoriously frustrating commercial flat roofs, and his approach has garnered serious fans and accolades for form & function.Their roof mounting system is designed to minimize on-roof assembly, install quickly, and maximize available roof space, reducing both mounting and installation costs associated with commercial rooftop solar arrays. And their flexible design can handle undulations in roofs, work around obstacles, and is compatible with the most common solar panels today…All while using almost no metal (certainly by comparison with

Solar and storage expert Tim Montague’s tagline is “to help speed the energy transition”.  He’s helped hundreds if not thousands of people through his work as a Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Solar Developer, a green business consultant, and as the host of the podcast, Clean Power Hour, producing over 300 episodes! Tim’s been a featured speaker on our Quarterly cleantech podcasters roundtable, in our RE+ Media Zone and on numerous stages, but this is his first time on SunCast (so how bout a round of applause!) ;-)In this interview, we tease out the initial spark that led Tim to make a career shift into the solar industry. From an energy fair in New Mexico as a boy, to his deep involvement in the clean energy transition in Illinois, Tim’s passion for sustainability and solar are more than skin deep. Tim shares some excellent advice on how he has been able to accelerate his knowledge in the solar industry, especially within the challenging C&I sector. Over the course of his journ

Today we talk with Arshad Mansoor, President and CEO of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), about the crucial link between resiliency and decarbonization.Reducing our carbon footprint and transitioning to a low-carbon economy is essential for combating climate change. However, before we can achieve these goals, we need to ensure that our systems are resilient enough to cope with the impacts of climate change.Arshad Mansoor defines resiliency as "the tip of the spear to get to decarbonization."EPRI is an independent, nonprofit energy research and development organization that has been shaping the future of clean energy for 50 years. But as Arshad noted, the role is growing increasingly complex and essential with climate change.During a keynote address at the University of North Carolina Clean Tech Summit 2023 and a subsequent conversation with SunCast Host Nico Johnson, Arshad made a case for resilient and affordable decarbonization. He stressed we need to retool and develop a new gri

I’m so incredibly excited today to announce the officially official launch of our newest podcast, Climate Avengers! Many of you have heard & shared the trailer episode that we revealed a couple of weeks ago (thank you). Now, here is Episode 1 of the show, featuring the show host, Elena Foukes, and yours truly answering one of the questions that’s on the tip of the tongue for many folks investing in the renewable and “cleantech” sector over the last couple of years… “just what IS Climate Tech???” Elena is the host of Climate Avengers, which explores the exciting world of climate tech startups and investments. In this episode, Nico and Elena speak on what the term climate tech actually covers. Join Elena weekly as she investigates what it takes to build & invest in the next generation of climate tech innovation, proving you can indeed save the world and make money at the same time.But you’ll need the link to the Climate Avengers podcast if you want the whole story…this will just whe

Dominion Energy Chair, President, and CEO Robert "Bob" Blue explains how his company plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and become the most sustainable energy company in the country on today’s podcast.Bob shares his vision of a cleaner, greener future with SunCast Host Nico Johnson, while explaining how the realities of reliability, affordability, and reasonable regulation play into Dominion’s plans.Dominion is one of the largest regulated electric utilities in the United States, servicing more than 7 million customers in 16 states. The company has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40% since 2005 and is on track to meet its interim targets for reducing emissions by 2030.Nico interviewed Bob during the recent University of North Carolina Clean Tech Summit, where Bob also opened the conference with a keynote address on "Roadblocks to the Clean Energy Transition." In today's podcast, we bring you the best of Bob's keynote and his conversation with Nico for a well-rounded look

Navigating the complexities of land acquisition and project development in renewables is no easy task. From securing the right land, doing site control, perfecting sites, and looking at financing there are so many details that give leeway to possible mistakes that could end up costing a lot of money. In today’s Tactical Tuesday, we get to learn from Kimberlee Centera, CEO of TerraPro Solutions, and how she became a land and title expert. Listen as explains how she helps to ensure that renewable energy developers are successful with their projects. In her words, Kimberlee's ability to synthesize complex information in an accessible way is what keeps clients coming back. She leaves us with her belief that the success of her business really comes from the ability to curate a working environment that nurtures people, and shares with us ways you can do the same.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.co

Elena Foukes is an investor, advisor and climate entrepreneur who upgraded her career from a low-level analyst at a public utility to co-founder and CEO of a climate-tech startup. Now she develops programs to help others build purpose-filled climate careers, stressing, "You can make money and save the world at the same time." Elena was reared in a Midwest family steeped in automotive tradition, has been in climate work her entire career, and even had a stint paying homage to the family heritage when she joined Tesla.In today's podcast, Nico Johnson, the creator and host of SunCast, talks to Elena about her latest role — host of SunCast’s new Climate Avengers Podcast. Launching Tuesday, May 2nd, the podcast will demystify climate tech venture capital. Elena and Nico are both venture partners with Climate Avengers, an investment fund started by friend and fellow #SolarWarrior, Kyle Cherrick.Listen as Nico guides us through Elena's own startup stories and give listeners a glimpse o

For this bonus episode, we’re introducing a new podcast! The Climate Avengers podcast explores the stories of entrepreneurs and investors tackling the challenge of climate change through technology. With over $200 billion invested in the climate tech sector and trillions more needed, the podcast aims to demystify the capital raising process for founders and help investors understand how to source and invest in climate-focused startups. Host Elena Foukes guides listeners through interviews with founders and investors who are making a difference in the fight against climate change while also making a profit. The podcast highlights the importance of courage and imagination in building a sustainable and equitable future for all.Here is the link to subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aASLNK0TLb4neAiMoVt5b?si=d9e27cec99b44ad7You'll find more resources and learn about SunCast's guest(s), recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysunc

Bonus episode!Today, we're dropping in an episode from our friends over at the Factor This! podcast that we know you'll enjoy.Host John Engel has a wide-ranging conversation with Tim Hade, COO of Scale Microgrids, covering the role of distributed energy for the grid of the future, the perils of scaling a climate tech hardware company, and what's holding back the Inflation Reduction Act.Hade shared how his time in the military mobilized him to fight climate change, why he's so optimistic that DERs will one day breakthrough, and his five tips for anyone starting a clean energy company. Spoiler alert: get smart on tax equity. Or find someone who is.The biggest question facing the distributed energy market is -  how fast is this going to happen? Join them in this special bonus episode that highlights these critical topics within the industry: Policy & regulations running to catch up with technology Promises of bottom-up strategiesHow to scale projects from small to largeIdentify

Raise Green is a platform that allows people with as little as $100 to invest in projects that promote clean energy and climate solutions in their local communities. It relies on crowdfunding, so you don't have to be a solar finance guru or a billionaire to join those building a better tomorrow — and gain an opportunity to earn a healthy return.In the words of CEO and Co-Founder Franz Hochstrasser, "Invest today and make an impact you can see."In today's podcast, Host Nico Johnson talks with Franz and Raise Green Co-Founder Jackie Logan, the company’s Chief Investment Officer (CIO), about their support for the innovators and entrepreneurs on the frontline of climate solutions. Raise Green builds upon Franz's background in policy, climate change, environmental, and social issues and advances Jackie's more than 20 years of capital markets experience.Join us for an introduction to the powerful concept of Regulation Crowdfunding, a relatively new financing method that pools small individual invest

How does one write a book on the history of renewables and make it a fruitful and engaging experience for all types of readers? Tom Weirich, author of the award-winning book “We Took the Risk” did exactly that in 2022, and he shares How and Why with Nico. Tom Weirich has had the privilege of watching (and helping) titans in the Renewables industry from the front lines build the core skeleton of what we now call a thriving and scalable Trillion-dollar sector. His proximity to the early leaders in the sector forms the foundation of his recent best-selling book, but Nico highlights some of the underlying personal benefits that come with putting his name on the cover. In this episode, Nico and Tom delve into his tips on the value of personal branding and marketing in the renewable industry and how to approach it successfully. Tom shares how his book serves as a platform to differentiate himself and stay relevant in a busy market while at the same time shedding light on the stories of some of the g

Interested in investing in the Clean Energy and Climate Tech Boom!?! Buckle up, bc it can be a bumpy ride. Few have the direct operational experience that today’s guest does, and he’s placing some very specific bets through his latest venture, Energy Transition Ventures. We recently had one of his portfolio company founders, Karin Calvinho, on the show, and I legitimately think it was one of our best episodes in a long while…now you can learn more about the guy and the Fund that believes she’ll change the world.In today's podcast, host Nico Johnson interviews energy expert Craig Lawrence to discuss how his venture capital fund is accelerating the shift to cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable energy. With more than 25 years of experience in venture capital, engineering, product, and executive roles, Craig has been at the forefront of the cleantech industry since its early days. Now he’s honing in on promising startups as a partner and co-founder at Energy Transition Ventures (ETV). Houst

In today's Tactical Tuesday, Nico Johson shares a trove of practical, tactical information through an interview with Linette Casey, Head of Americas Sales, Electrification, Automation & Digitalization (EAD) at Siemens Energy. Linette shares her fascinating career journey, from initially pursuing ocean science and social studies to serendipitously finding success in the energy industry.She discusses how her education and experience in logistics led her to work for the U.S. Navy SEALs — the U.S. Navy's primary special operations force and a Naval Special Warfare Command component — and eventually to Siemens Energy, where she's worked her way up to managing procurement, inventory, and sales. Linette emphasizes the importance of adaptability and problem-solving skills as navigational tools in an evolving industry. She also shares how personal choices have influenced her career path, notably leaving one position to move closer to family. Linette is a mother of three, including a daughter w