Suncast

Solar’s growth isn’t just steady—it’s compounding. If current trends hold, half of the world’s energy could come from solar by 2035. That’s the prediction Andrew “Birchy” Birch has modeled using real-world data and the S-curve of technology adoption. He explains why mainstream forecasts underestimate solar, how exponential growth works in energy markets, and what policies must change to support a fully electrified economy.Birchy is the CEO and co-founder of Open Solar, a free solar design and project management platform used by installers worldwide. A longtime solar industry pioneer, he previously co-founded Sungevity, one of the first online solar sales platforms, and has spent decades advocating for policies that expand solar access (like pushing forward the SolarAPP in the US). Now, he’s working with the Global Solar Council to push for an industry “Bill of Rights” that ensures fair energy market rules and a standardized approach to integrating solar into the grid. Want to hear and see the data

With 45 percent of U.S. water sources containing toxic contaminants, according to the EPA, access to clean drinking water is becoming increasingly uncertain. Worse still, according to a UN study, over 40% of the world's water bodies are considered severely polluted, meaning a significant portion of Earth's water is contaminated; this translates to around 1 in 3 people not having access to safe drinking water. Traditional water treatment methods rely on filtering or distilling existing sources like lakes, rivers, or oceans. But a new approach is gaining traction—one that pulls water directly from the air.Alexander Von Welczeck, Founder and CEO of SkyH2O, explains how Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) is reshaping water access. By capturing humidity and converting it into purified water, AWG provides a decentralized supply of water that reduces dependence on our failing infrastructure. As concerns grow over PFAS (forever chemicals) and other pollutants in municipal systems, AWG offers a safer altern

The distributed generation market is shifting rapidly as capital tightens, power prices rise, and smaller developers bump up against capital and market constraints. Independent power producers (IPPs) like Aspen Power are stepping in to bridge the gap—partnering with developers, securing financing, and scaling solar assets in key markets. But what does it take to succeed in today’s distributed energy sector? And what does distributed energy mean in today’s evolving market?Jorge Vargas, co-founder and CEO of Aspen Power, has spent over two decades in structured finance and solar project development, with past roles at Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, and Lennar Homes. Aspen Power emerged from his work at Energy Impact Partners, where he identified the need for a full-scale IPPs focused on distributed generation. Backed by private equity firm Carlyle, Aspen Power has grown rapidly, now managing over 250MW of assets. Jorge breaks down how they are reshaping distributed generation through innovative fin

Industrial facilities depend heavily on natural gas for steam production; in California, food processing, which is one of the largest users of steam, consumes an incredible amount of energy as a result. Because the price of steam is directly tied to the price of natural gas, industries face volatile costs that can directly impact competitiveness. And there are precious few alternatives for producing the volume of steam required to keep our food industry productive.  Yet, by producing hydrogen on-site via solar power, along with high-efficiency hydrogen boilers, that paradigm can shift significantly.  As a result, companies can stabilize costs and rethink how industrial steam is supplied and used.Jim Tyler, CEO of Erthos, explains why industrial steam is the key to making hydrogen cost-competitive, how compressed gas storage compares to batteries, and how a closed-loop system can improve efficiency.  Erthos has developed a hydrogen boiler that operates at 98% efficiency, outperforming

Jigar Shah spent the last few years shaping the future of clean energy finance as the Director of the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office. He approved billions in investments that helped scale solar, storage, nuclear, and emerging technologies. With that position coming to a close with the change in administration,what’s next for him? And what lessons can he share from funding some of the industry’s biggest breakthroughs?Before leading the DOE’s loan office, Jigar built and financed some of the most transformative clean energy companies. He co-founded SunEdison, pioneered the solar-as-a-service model, and helped scale renewable infrastructure at Generate Capital. Now, he’s focused on helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of financing, deployment, and market adoption to accelerate clean energy growth. He’s also launched a new podcast, Open Circuit, getting the former “Energy Gang” together again with Katherine Hamilton and Stephen Lacey.  It’s certain to attract a large audience

InterSolar North America is always the first ‘big’ clean energy industry conference that kicks off the year! And who doesn’t want to kick off the year with a trip to sunny San Diego?!To ensure you are up-to-speed on this year’s event, we’ve curated a "Know Before You Go" episode that will help maximize your experience at InterSolar and Energy Storage North America 2025 next week!With thousands of clean energy professionals gathering at the San Diego Convention Center, this year’s event is packed with new features, insightful keynotes, and exclusive networking opportunities. AND, we’re proud to announce that we’re an official media partner producing the popular HUB stage live on the show floor! Whether you’re attending for the first time or are a trade show veteran, this episode will give you everything you need to know before you go.Tune in as we navigate the expo floor, highlight can’t-miss sessions and pinpoint the must-attend after-hours events.You’ll hear from:Beckie Kier – Events Director at

What if the key to solving our rising materials costs and hurdles to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries lies in a radical shift in thinking—laying solar panels directly on the ground and using the cheap electrons they produce to make hydrogen?When I first heard of Erthos, I thought, like many of you  I’m sure, “What a radical idea! Will that even work?  Lay the panels directly on the ground???”  Yet, the more I learned about the company, it’s leadership, and their approach to creating the cheapest cost of solar energy, I decided I needed to suspend my reservations and go see it for myself.  And, to my surprise, Jim Tyler and his all-star leadership team didn’t even want to talk to me about the “earth-mounted solar” innovation, and instead, focused much of the attention and time on their next big move - Hydrogen!Jim Tyler, CEO of Erthos, has been on a mission to reduce the cost of solar for a long time. He’s been part of some of the most iconic and important innovations in the

Solar projects depend on strong design engineering to move from concept to construction. Design engineers assess site feasibility, optimize layouts, navigate permitting challenges, and ensure projects are financially viable. Without their expertise, developments can stall. This role is also a key entry point into the solar industry, offering a path to more senior positions in project development and engineering.Phil Hofmeyer, Design Engineering Manager at New Leaf Energy, a pure-play renewable energy developer, brings over a decade of experience in solar project design and engineering. With a background in both technical execution and team leadership, he has helped scale engineering teams and streamline development processes for utility-scale and distributed energy projects. Phil shares what makes design engineering such a crucial part of the development process, how design decisions impact project bankability, and why permitting and interconnection remain major hurdles for solar projects.If you’d

The global energy storage market is skyrocketing, with battery capacity more than doubling year over year. With over 60 gigawatts of storage installed worldwide, the sector is poised for even more rapid expansion. In this special roundup episode, we look back at some of the top episodes on SunCast discussing key trends, policies, and technologies shaping the future of energy storage. We break down the domestic manufacturing boom, how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is driving investment, and the hurdles of scaling storage safely and efficiently. Plus, we discuss cell-to-grid strategies and a revolutionary non-battery approach to energy storage.Our experts for this Energy Storage deep dive are: Joan White (SEIA) , Andy Tang (Wärtsilä), Adam Knudsen (Dynapower), Drew Lebowitz & Swetha Sundaram (The BESS Book), and Robert Piconi (Energy Vault)Expect to learn:How the U.S. is ramping up battery manufacturing—new factories, policy incentives, and projected supply timelines.Key challenges

What is the real economic impact of a utility-scale solar farm on rural America?That’s one of the questions I had in mind when I visited one of the largest solar projects recently inaugurated right in my own home state of North Carolina.  As one of the largest renewable energy companies in the world, EDP Renewables has expanded its footprint into North Carolina with the 74-megawatt Misenheimer Solar Park, a project big enough to power 12,000 homes while generating more than $30 million in long-term benefits to the local community. Built on rolling terrain the site required innovative problem-solving and strong local partnerships, and years of consensus building before the first pile was driven into the ground. Navigating remote collaboration, regulatory hurdles, and evolving construction challenges, EDP successfully brought its first solar facility in the state online, and I got a first-hand look at what utility-scale solar could mean for rural America.In this episode, I ask three individuals

What if it were actually possible to power your EV from the sun collected on it’s surface?  Or what if you were not constrained by only one battery chemistry type but could mix chemistries?   Want to charge 400 volts with a 3V unit?  For 150 years, electrical engineers have relied on magnetic induction for power conversion, using coils and magnetic structures to transfer energy.  These constraints result in energy waste, size restrictions, and chemistry challenges, preventing seamless transfer between low and high voltages. But what if you could control, manipulate, and augment the near-field reactive space by shaping it to do whatever you need?  If you wrapped that kind of power up in a single element, it could deliver a potent “omni-converter” that could do things literally impossible by other technologies.Udi Daon, CEO of Daanaa Resolution Inc., is on a mission to eliminate power conversion inefficiencies, and redefining what’s possible in energy efficiency. This se

How do we unlock the final frontier of lowest-cost solar and deploying it at scale? The U.S.-India nexus is emerging as one of the most pivotal relationships in the fight against climate change. As the solar industry faces steep challenges, from navigating the cyclical nature of renewables to integrating advanced technologies and addressing workforce shortages, what can we learn from others who’ve successfully evaluated, engineered and deployed gigawatts of solar and hydrogen? Removing the industry’s infrastructure obstacles is critical to accelerating deployment and driving the global energy transition.Daniel Dus, CEO and founder of Cleantech Industry Resources (CIR), brings nearly two decades of experience in engineering, construction, and finance to bear in a practical discussion on what can be learned from over 3000 projects reviewed. Daniel has helped reduce costs in global markets and led efforts to integrate advanced software tools into solar development at giga-watt scale. His expertise pro

How do you successfully scale & exit a startup enterprise? The art of entrepreneurship is part science, part stick-to-it-iveness, part grind and part good luck. So what does it take to sell your companies to major players like SolarCity(now Tesla), Nextracker, and even attempt to change how the EV market works with one of Tesla’s co-founders?That’s what I’ve been dying to ask the only person I know who’s had such achievements - Mike Miskovsky.Success in business often requires navigating a maze of opportunities, setbacks, and market shifts. In fast-evolving sectors like renewable energy and electric vehicles, understanding how to adapt to market shifts, policy “updates” and financial industry fluctuations is essential. Today’s conversation unpacks a career defined by innovation, resilience, and lessons learned in the face of both successes and failures, and how to “earn the right to proceed” in order to close those big deals.Mike Miskovsky’s professional journey spans decades and industrie

It is estimated that by 2027 nearly half of all new solar installations will have energy storage attached, and today’s guest, Adam Knudsen of Dynapower, asserts that almost half of those will have DC coupled storage. The choice between AC or DC coupled systems has become a critical consideration for developers, utilities, and energy planners. While AC coupled systems have long dominated the market due to their established infrastructure and reliability, DC coupled technology is quickly gaining momentum. DC coupling reduces energy losses, simplifies system design, and requires less electrical infrastructure, so why has AC-coupled been so prevalent?Adam Knudsen, CEO of Dynapower, breaks down how DC coupling is transforming modern energy storage systems. For over 60 years, Dynapower has led advancements in power electronics that address scalability and reliability issues. These innovations have enabled new applications, such as fast-charging for electric vehicles, supporting localized grids through mi

Join us for an in-depth discussion with three different perspectives on the future of energy. We'll explore the potential impacts of Trump's policies on renewable energy, fossil fuels, and the environment. With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) driving historic clean energy investments, we're at a critical juncture as Trump begins his second term. Tune in as we navigate the complex landscape of the energy industry's future.The solar industry has proven its resilience time and again. During Trump’s first term, solar capacity in the U.S. surged by 128%, exceeding 100 GW despite a federal focus on fossil fuels, according to SEIA. That same spirit of adaptation is palpable today, as the clean energy sector braces for a second term marked by deregulation, energy “trade-offs,” and a growing corporate appetite for renewables. David Roberts, respected journalist and progenitor of Volts.wtf, explores the unpredictability of the Trump’s energy policies and how coalitions have become a vital counterbalan

Increasingly, it seems that corporate philanthropy (and even personal giving) are reactive rather than proactive.  Today’s episode challenges that notion with an insightful look into the relationship REC Solar’s Cary Hayes has formed with Alex Honnold and his Honnold Foundation, which REC has supported for years with both cash and in-kind donations.  Why does Cary believe this is a meaningful part of their annual marketing budget? Hear Cary, Alex & Nico discuss why this is an overlooked marketing line item for most companies, and consider for yourself if supporting non-profits should be more prevalent in yours or anyone’s annual budget.Alex Honnold is best known for his daring free solo climbs, but his true passion lies in bringing clean energy to the world's most underserved communities. In a compelling conversation with Cary Hayes, President-America's at REC, Honnold shares the origin and evolution of the Honnold Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to solar power.

Alex Honnold, the world-famous rock climber and philanthropist, has pushed the physical boundaries of human potential with his climbing pursuits, but in his travels to some of the world’s most remote and beautiful locations he’s come face-to-face with one of the world’s most urgent challenges: energy access.Alex has never been one to stand by and let others do the hard work. Before his rise to fame with his harrowing, albeit Oscar-winning performance on Yosemite’s most famous of all big walls, El Capitan, Honnold has had a soft spot for those without energy access. He points out that at its most fundamental level energy brings opportunity.  That’s why he created his eponymous foundation to help expand solar energy access and empower underserved communities while promoting conservation in some of the most remote and vulnerable regions on the planet. And he’s been donating a third of his income to every year to help underserved communities acquire solar energy since long before achieving interna

No matter how you think about marketing your product or service in clean energy in 2025, your marketing plan is incomplete until you have nailed down your events schedule! Attending the right event(s) sets the stage for networking, collaboration,  innovation, and ultimately business growth. That’s why nailing your events strategy (and budget) is critical. Most of you have already gotten your head around the MAIN events (RE+, ACP, Intersolar), but are you clear on what else is happening that you should have considered? In this episode, Nico Johnson unveils the top [mostly clean] energy events every company should have on their radar this year. If you’re a marketer managing budget, this is especially for you as we’ve included our team’s comprehensive guide to ALL THE EVENTS we are tracking in N. America (and more than a handful around the world too!)Nico also shares actionable tips to maximize your presence at these events, from leveraging live podcast stages to showcasing your team’s

Despite decades of progress, the commercial solar market remains bogged down by slow development cycles and complex approvals, leaving millions of buildings and temporary power needs underserved. This challenge extends even to large-scale events like the Super Bowl & Burning Man, where fossil fuel generators dominate, contributing to significant carbon emissions. With the right innovation, this “messy middle” could unlock a massive opportunity for faster, more sustainable energy deployment.Dr. Ryan Wartena, founder and CEO of Southern Beams Builds has developed Dragon Wings.  This novel modular solar generator unfolds from a shipping container to reveal 60 solar panels, roughly 30kW of power. Drawing on his background in electrochemical engineering and experience founding Geli, an energy storage operating system acquired by Qcells, Ryan has created a solution designed for applications as diverse as temporary power, EV charging, and commercial solar.  Dragon Wings have been deployed to

This special episode compiles insights from some of the most influential voices in the solar and clean energy sector. Introducing a fun new “5 in 5” segment to SunCast, Nico asks industry leaders to answer five key questions (in 5 minutes) reflecting on the year that has gone and the future ahead.Each offers fresh perspectives on the industry’s most pressing challenges and bold predictions for 2025.Hear from:Abby Hopper, President and CEO, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)Jon Bonanno, Managing Partner, FactorRyan Wartena, CEO and Founder, Southern Beams BuildsJulia Pyper, Vice President of Public Affairs, GoodLeapBryan Wagner, President & GM, Chint Power Systems AmericasAmy Heart, Senior Vice President of Policy, SunrunJigar Shah, Director, Loan Programs Office, U.S. Department of EnergyIf 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 C