SunCast

What does a modern energy company actually look like?In this episode, Nick Chaset, CEO of Octopus Energy US, joins Nico Johnson to explore a question that sits at the center of Octopus’s strategy:Is it a utility with great technology—or a technology company operating inside energy?Nick’s career spans California energy policy, years running East Bay Community Energy, and now scaling Octopus in the U.S. He brings an operator’s perspective on what it really takes to build and run energy businesses inside complex regulatory systems.The conversation also digs into Kraken—the software platform Octopus built internally and later spun out into a standalone, highly successful energy tech company. Nick explains why Kraken’s separation clarified Octopus’s identity, unlocked new utility partnerships, and changed how the company thinks about scale.AI enters the conversation not as hype, but as one of several forces reshaping demand, operations, and expectations across the grid.Expect to learn:🔹Why Octopus calls itself a consumer company that sells electricity🔹How Kraken grew from an internal tool into a global energy software business🔹Why partnering with utilities can scale faster than competing with them🔹Why regulatory engagement should be a profit center for energy companies🔹What energy leaders must unlearn to build companies that lastIf you care about how energy companies are actually built—and rebuilt—this episode delivers a clear-eyed look behind the curtain.🎧 Press 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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Big things come in small packages. Could something smaller than a deck of cards be instrumental in our ability to meet the needs of the energy transition?In the ever-evolving landscape of power electronics, one material has been steadily gaining prominence due to its exceptional properties and transformative potential: Silicon Carbide (SiC). This remarkable semiconductor has revolutionized various industries, from automotive to aerospace, with its ability to operate at high temperatures, voltages and frequencies.As data centers and energy infrastructure increasingly need higher-voltage, higher-current devices to meet the demands for AI, this technology will enable the transition to a higher voltage platform while maintaining the high-efficiency requirements for continuously running, power-intensive systems.In today’s conversation, Josh Beck chats with Infineon Technologies’ Daniel Dalpiaz and Navid Riaz to explore the breakthrough hardware enabling the next generation of renewables, energy storage, EV charging, and high-power data centers. Infineon’s silicon carbide devices pack serious voltage into incredibly compact, rugged designs, and have become the “intel-inside” of the clean energy revolution.In this episode, you’ll hear how Infineon’s latest innovation could shrink your cooling system, boost reliability, and push clean energy forward at scale.Expect to learn:🔹 Why shrinking the form factor unlocks new potential for grid-connected renewables🔹 How silicon carbide and gallium nitride are changing power electronics🔹 The surprising sectors driving demand for Infineon’s new tech🔹 What 20x the power cycling capability actually means for reliabilityYou’re about to get a front-row seat to the tiny tech making a massive impact.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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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

The power grid isn’t just growing (at unprecedented rates!)It’s becoming more complex, more distributed, and harder to manage.In this episode, Marc Spieler, who leads NVIDIA’s global Energy business, explains how AI and accelerated computing already support grid operations, solar and storage forecasting, and infrastructure planning across the energy sector.Nico and Marc explore why electrification and data center growth are reshaping demand patterns, how software-defined infrastructure helps utilities avoid costly missteps, and where AI delivers practical value today. This conversation focuses on real workflows, real constraints, and what energy leaders need to understand as the grid evolves.If you work in solar, storage, utilities, or grid infrastructure, this episode will sharpen how you think about the role of software in clean energy. And regardless what sector, you’ll certainly learn more about how one of the most exciting companies on the planet is enabling a cleaner and more efficient energy future! (P.S. we discuss some FREE tools you probably didn’t know exist…)🎧 Listen now and rethink how we can us ai to shape up our aging infrastructure.Expect to LearnHow NVIDIA supports grid operations beyond hardwareWhere AI already improves solar, storage, and forecastingWhy grid challenges increasingly involve coordination, not capacityWhat software-defined infrastructure means for utilitiesHow energy companies work with NVIDIA todayYou don’t have to be a technologist to benefit from this conversation. Marc makes it clear that AI is not replacing humans in energy, it’s supercharging what’s possible. This one is for the builders who want to stay ahead of the curve.Happy Building, #solarwarriors!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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling:

The energy grid is facing a challenge unlike anything we’ve seen before.Think about this: one Virginia co-op has over 20 GW of demand in its queue. That’s more than the energy demand of New York City. As electrification and data center expansion accelerate, public power and electric co-ops are on the front lines of solving this surge.Electric cooperatives and public utilities are facing a wave of electrification, data center load, and manufacturing demand that rivals the size of major cities. That’s what major power providers are up against — but they’re not backing down.This Tactical Tuesday episode is your front-row seat to a high-stakes, high-impact conversation hosted by Sheri Givens, CEO of SEPA. She’s joined by two utility leaders tackling today’s fastest-growing energy challenges while maintaining reliability, affordability, and equity.They deliver on active solutions - from smart customer programs to creative tariff structures and innovative infrastructure partnerships.Expect to learn:🔹 How utilities are planning for multi-gigawatt load growth🔹 What it takes to avoid blackouts during grid stress events🔹 How equity-driven programs are supporting underserved communities🔹 Why customer relationships are the new frontier in grid reliabilityIf you’re in clean energy, this is the episode that explains how the game is changing - and how leaders are rising to meet the moment.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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

2025 was a year of hardship for many, yet it was also a crucible for entrepreneurs, developing grit, resilience and perspective. We were able to capture some phenomenal conversations on the SunCast Podcast, and wanted to highlight a few that stand out for their vision and which also got among the most downloads of the year. In 2025, the clean energy industry was finally thinking like Amazon, building like Ford, and investing like it’s personal. Today’s episode highlights some of the key moments in the SunCast Podcast that illustrated these points through conversations with a powerhouse lineup of leaders who have been influential in bringing attention to the sector in a year where “good news” was hard to come by.In a classic tell-all live interview, Dean Solon breaks down his revolutionary solar logistics model—equal parts fast food and supply chain genius. Jigar Shah returns with an urgent message: the energy transition will stall unless we, as an industry, stop underestimating the role of political power. And Alex Honnold (Oscar-winning extreme rock climber) offers a rare perspective on how personal ambition can align with global progress, and why he believes solar power is a great social justice tool.Expect to learn:🔹 How the Honnold Foundation fuels energy access in the Amazon🔹 The case for solar distribution hubs that run like McDonald’s kitchens🔹 Why scaling solar requires more than just tech—it takes soul🔹 Jigar Shah on what CEOs still get wrong about growth and supportFrom the factory floor to the forest canopy, you’ll hear how big bets, personal values, and systems thinking are driving the next wave of impact.Here’s to a more prosperous year ahead, hopefully with fewer hurdles & headwinds!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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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

What do a struggling mom in Georgia and a solar installer named Jim have in common? Their stories can change elections and shape public perception of clean energy.In this final episode of 2025, Aaron Nichols returns to SunCast with a mission: rescue storytelling from corporate cliché and remind us why one emotional story is worth a thousand graphs. His viral LinkedIn article Four Rules for Storytelling Corporate America Desperately Needs takes aim at how we confuse content creation with actual narrative power.Aaron and Nico dissect why storytelling in our industry so often falls flat and how to fix it.You’ll walk away with a practical, human-centered playbook for narrative that converts.Expect to learn:🔹 Why “make me care before you make your case” is rule #1 in marketing🔹 Why facts follow emotion, not the other way around🔹 How to build a story stack that scales with your business🔹 Why AI-generated content will never replace a real narrative🔹 The 4 essential story types every clean energy leader should masterThis episode will change how you think about marketing, leadership, and your next LinkedIn post.Get The Story Stack PDFHappy New Year!Let’s get it started right.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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

🎄 Pull up a chair and pour some eggnog. It’s time for the first-ever SunCast Christmas episode.This special holiday edition brings together the full SunCast leadership crew—Nico Johnson, Jeremy Pingul, and (drumroll, please) new team member Josh Beck—for a reflective and lively roundtable you won’t want to miss.What made 2025 so memorable? From Alex Honnold’s surprising passion for solar, to technical deep-dives and industry revelations, this episode is packed with powerful moments and bold predictions. The crew also shares what inspired them most—from tribal nations to Texas renewables.Catch the behind-the-scenes moments, including:🔹 Which episode took 50+ hours to produce—and why it was worth every second🔹 Why rooftop solar is finally getting its moment🔹 How AI and batteries are reshaping base load conversations🔹 The backstory of a single Zoom call that could shift the industryThis isn’t just a recap. It’s a celebration of how far we’ve come—and a toast to the future. Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to the show, this episode offers a heartfelt, hopeful, and honest look at what was a trying but ultimately tremendously fruitful year.We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas, and thank you for tuning 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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Can the city known for oil & gas become the center of clean energy?In this powerhouse episode, we meet Jane Stricker, SVP of Energy Transition at the Greater Houston Partnership and Executive Director of HETI (Houston Energy Transition Initiative). Jane shares a front-row view of Houston’s bold strategy to stay the energy capital of the world – not just in oil, but in all forms of energy.Jane breaks down how Houston is scaling clean tech faster than ever before, attracting startups and corporate giants alike, and why over $95 billion has already been invested by local companies into low-carbon technologies.You’ll hear how the city’s industrial infrastructure, diverse workforce, and “speed-to-market” culture are giving it an edge in a global race for clean energy dominance.Expect to learn:🔹 Why 9 new clean energy factories have launched in Greater Houston🔹 How “molecules + electrons” define Houston’s unique approach🔹 The talent pipeline fueling both fossil and renewable energy growth🔹 The economic case for more energy + fewer emissionsIf you think Houston’s stuck in the past, think again.Do you believe Houston can keep it’s “Energy Capital of the World” moniker as Clean Energy takes the lead?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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Solar is finally getting smarter. And faster - thanks to…robots?Recorded live at RE+ 2025, this episode takes you behind the scenes of solar’s most advanced innovations — from automation in engineering to AI-driven O&M and digital twins. Hosts Amy Norstedt and Josh Beck sit down with some of the Industry’s most forward-thinking executives to talk real-time transformation across the project lifecycle.Featured in this episode:Tyler Nelson, CEO at Revamp’s outlines how their new software suite (proven on >15% of all new solar built in the US last year!) is facilitating faster project executionMatt Campbell, CEO of Terabase, shares that on-site solar robotics is real, and finally, it’s here,Derek Chase, CEO of OnSight Technologies (Now part of Nextpower) revelas how robotic/ai site inspection is a gamechanger for asset management, and finallyHugh Scott, CTO at Flexgen covers how battery dispatch control is smoothing the grid and making assets more reliableExpect to learn:🔹 How AI is making engineers and robots more effective, not replacing them🔹 Why automation is reducing cost, risk, and delay in construction🔹 The role of predictive inspections in preventing asset failures🔹 How digital twins are reshaping site visibility and performanceIs the energy transition finally getting a digital upgrade?Tune-in, then share your thoughts with us on Linkedin!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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Most people in solar avoid the uncomfortable conversation: what happens when systems age, warranties expire, components fail, and the original installer is long gone.Cesar Barbosa — founder of NuLife Power Services — has built a business around the part of the industry nobody wants to talk about: decommissioning, system remediation, and repowering. In this episode, Cesar breaks down why aging commercial solar is becoming a massive opportunity, the common failure points he’s seeing in the field, and why he believes repowering is the next frontier for EPCs, developers, and asset owners.We also get into the “New Life Method,” the real economics behind end-of-life planning, the ethics of second-life solar in developing markets, and the leadership disciplines required to build a trades business that lasts — including how Cesar’s faith shapes the way he leads.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why repowering may outpace new installs as the next big services waveWhat most asset owners and EPCs get wrong about end-of-life planningThe real-world failure points showing up in aging systemsHow contractors can pivot into repowering and remediation workThe “3 Rs” of end-of-life PV: repurpose, refurbish, recycleIf you're in solar and not thinking about end-of-life... its time to start.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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

The rules of the game have changed. Have you figured out the OB3 playbook?From massive tax credit shifts to permitting bottlenecks and foreign entity restrictions, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” has reshaped the future of clean energy in America. At this year’s RE+ 2025, top minds from GoodLeap, Infineon, SEIA, and Wood Mackenzie broke down what OB3 really implicates across solar, storage, and grid infrastructure.Recorded live from the PowerUp Podcast Stage, this episode captures the pulse of an industry in motion. You’ll hear how residential solar is pivoting fast, why semiconductor companies are critical to the grid’s future, and what’s really driving policy conversations in DC.Expect to learn:🔹 Why the 25D tax credit expiration is shaking up residential solar🔹 How semiconductors are the unsung heroes of grid reliability🔹 What the industry is doing about permitting and foreign entity risk🔹 Why demand from data centers is putting stress on gas and renewables alikeWhether you’re a policy wonk, project developer, or just trying to keep up with the latest legislation, this episode delivers high-impact insights you won’t want to miss.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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

AI is pushing the grid to its limits — and transformers are now the critical path for both data centers and renewable projects.Today’s guest, Doug Banty, EVP at Forgent (and former CEO of MGM Transformers), sits at the intersection of these two worlds. Half of his week at RE+ was spent across the strip at the Yotta data center conference, where the only topic on everyone’s mind was power. In this episode, Doug explains how AI-driven rack density is rewriting the entire powertrain, why hyperscalers are treating speed like an existential priority, and what this means for developers trying to keep pace.He also breaks down the industrial logic behind Forgent — a merger of MGM, VanTran, States, and PowerCube — and how integrated solutions are becoming essential for execution in an era where timelines matter more than price.Expect to learn: ⚡ Why data centers are moving at crisis-level urgency ⚡ The difference between power and distribution transformers ⚡ What MGM’s 500,000 sq ft Waco factory means for lead times ⚡ How Forgent reduces execution risk through integrated packages ⚡ The single most effective way developers can avoid delaysHit play — and see what the future of the grid really looks like.🕒 TIMESTAMPS/Chapters00:00 — Welcome + AI power demand framing01:07 — MGM/VanTran history and capabilities03:38 — Why Forgent was formed (4-company merger)05:15 — Non-obvious advantages for customers (execution, risk reduction)06:19 — Are transformers still the bottleneck? (nuanced answer)07:58 — MGM’s 500,000 sq ft Waco facility ramping output09:12 — Data center vs. renewables urgency10:35 — Why AI demand is an existential challenge for hyperscalers12:05 — How powertrain design is changing14:34 — What developers need to know about speed and execution17:24 — Rack density and rapid engineering cycles18:52 — How developers can save weeks on their project timelines20:29 — Why early partnership unlocks allocation20:45 — Closing thoughtsAre 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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling:

What’s your plan when the power goes out?If you think a generator is your only option, think again.Today’s conversation, live from our RE+ PowerUp Live stage, Rachel Stotts of Jackery breaks down a new category of home energy backup: flexible, modular systems that you can easily scale and take with you. Whether you're facing tornadoes or planning a weekend tailgate, portable energy solutions cover everything from your fridge to your CPAP machine, and they’re becoming increasingly popular with prosumers who don’t want the hassles of traditional energy storage.No permits. No permanent installs. Just plug-and-play resilience. And up to 30% federal tax credit if you act before year’s end.Rachel and Josh Beck explore why this product category is resonating with both outdoor enthusiasts and homeowners fed up with power outages.You’ll hear:🔹 Why energy independence doesn’t have to mean going off-grid🔹 How modular power systems adapt to your lifestyle and grow with you🔹 The secret behind Jackery’s rise from camping gear to home backup leader🔹 Simple steps to claim your federal clean energy tax credit before Dec 31This episode will make you rethink what backup power really means. If you're looking for a simpler, smarter way to stay powered up - no matter the storm - you're in the right place. Tap in and hear how Jackery is changing the game.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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

“Speed to Power” is the new race — but can the grid keep up?Hyperscalers, AI, and industrial demand are pushing load growth from flat to vertical. Yet most projects still take five to seven years just to interconnect.That’s the bottleneck Hugo Mena is tackling as Chief Growth Officer at Electric Power Engineers (EPE).This live conversation addresses the forces shaping the grid of the future — and what it’ll actually take to deliver power at the speed innovation demands. Hugo shares how developers, utilities, and data centers can collaborate to unlock speed to power without sacrificing reliability or long-term vision.Expect to learn: 🔹 Why the “best available electron” isn’t always the cleanest 🔹 How hyperscalers are driving off-grid and hybrid microgrids 🔹 What Order 2023 (OB3) really means for developers 🔹 How software, siting, and partnerships define the next decade of grid planningThis is one of the most pragmatic and forward-looking conversations you’ll hear on how clean energy actually scales.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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

This Giving Tuesday, SunCast brings you three powerful stories of how clean energy is transforming communities, saving lives, and unlocking local climate action.Host Nico Johnson sits down with leaders working across three different fronts of the climate fight:• Robin Swanhuyser — Twende SolarElectrifying community hubs in places like rural Ghana, turning schools and clinics into resilience engines for entire villages.• Will Heegaard — Footprint ProjectDeploying portable solar microgrids after hurricanes and wildfires, from Jamaica to Western North Carolina.• Jack Hanson — Run on ClimateEmpowering local leaders to pass real climate policy—proving the most effective climate action often starts at your city council.These are tangible, hopeful, boots-on-the-ground solutions you can support today.Expect to learn: 🔹 Why “being connected to the grid” doesn’t always mean having reliable energy 🔹 How solar-powered microgrids restore communication, water, and medical services after disasters 🔹 Why local elections and city-level policies are quiet climate superpowers 🔹 How small actions—like a $50 donation or even buying a solar-themed puzzle—can create outsized impactHope this episode is more than a way to pass the time; pay it forward by donating or sharing w/your community!Listen in, get inspired, and consider giving where it matters most.Support all three organizations here:https://www.suncast.media/giving-tuesday-2025

Can getting a solar permit be as fast as ordering takeout?Permitting may be the most boring part of solar, but it's also the biggest bottleneck.That’s what Matthew McAllister is working to fix. As CEO of SolarAPP, he’s leading a quiet revolution that helps installers skip the paperwork and get to work faster with instant, automated approvals.In this episode, we dive into Matthew’s journey from the West Wing to the frontlines of the clean energy transition. With a background in government technology and big public wins like launching Colorado’s universal preschool platform, he knows what it takes to move bureaucracy at startup speed. Now he’s using that know-how to help solar installers and local governments solve one of the industry’s oldest problems.We explore how SolarAPP grew from a small NREL pilot into a platform adopted by more than 525 jurisdictions across the country. But the real innovation isn't just instant permits — it's about creating consistency, clarity, and confidence on both sides of the table.Expect to learn:🔹 Which soft costs are killing solar’s ability to scale and how SolarAPP is tackling them🔹 How standardizing permitting helps both installers and local governments🔹 What public sector trust-building looks like behind the scenes🔹 Why installers should take another look at SolarAPP’s expanded capabilitiesThis episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to streamline solar deployment and scale with confidence.And for those of you in the USA who are listening to this when it publishes, Happy Thanksgiving! 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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn -...

America’s about to make a big bet on critical minerals and rare earths. In case you missed it, the DOE just reorganized and announced a major initiative around the refining of this critical element in our energy and defense future.  Why?  Because the energy and defense sectors are dangerously dependent on China’s refining power; but, what if we could change that without opening a single new mine? We recently covered a company that’s rethinking rare earth and critical mineral supply chains from the ground up. Mark LaVerghetta, VP at ReElement Technologies, explained that their secret weapon is a closed-loop chromatography-based refining system that can extract and purify vital materials from recycled batteries, magnets, and even coal waste, all on U.S. soil. Mark shares how the leadership team pivoted from distressed coal assets to inventing a modular, small-footprint solution that could rewrite the rules of critical mineral processing and eliminate America’s reliance on toxic, capital-intensive Chinese methods and imports.  It can also liberate us from the supply constraints imposed by the ever-growing trade war between the two countries for materials that are critical path to our clean energy future.Expect to learn:🔹 How chromatography replaces hundreds of toxic chemical stages in rare earths refining🔹 What rare minerals are hidden in EV batteries, coal waste, and wind turbines🔹 Why ReElement's tech is scalable in the nation’s abandoned strip malls, not megafactories🔹 How they’re restoring U.S. supply chain independence through innovationThis is more than a conversation about minerals. It’s about resilience, security, and a cleaner future built right here at home.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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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

In 2008, Fluence installed one of the first lithium-ion battery systems ever connected to the U.S. grid. Back then, the idea of a domestic battery supply chain felt distant—almost theoretical. Today, it’s real.John Zahurancik, now President of Fluence Americas, has spent nearly two decades pushing the storage industry from “interesting pilot projects” to critical grid infrastructure. The last time he was on SunCast, he said domestic content would happen. This year, Fluence started shipping it.In this episode, John breaks down how storage has quietly become the backbone of the power system—independent of renewables—and why the next wave of deployments will be bigger, faster, and more strategically important than anything we’ve seen.We dig into: 🔹 What true U.S.-made battery content means for developers and grid operators 🔹 How AI and hyperscale data centers are reshaping grid architecture 🔹 The fire-safety testing Fluence spearheaded that is now industry standard 🔹 Why batteries are becoming the “shock absorbers” of the modern gridIf you care about project execution, energy security, or the future of grid reliability, this conversation is essential.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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Most solar projects are still built the hard way—treating structure, electrical, and software as separate scopes that have to be stitched together in the field. But the teams delivering gigawatts today know something different: solar plants work best when they’re designed as systems, not parts.In this Tactical Tuesday, Nico sits down with three of the people shaping that shift inside Nextpower: Jake Morin (Chief Product Officer), Ryan Schofield (VP of Electrical Systems), and Jyoti Jain (Head of Software Product Management).Together, they break down what actually changes when you integrate structure, eBOS, data, and software upstream—and why EPCs, developers, and owners are turning toward system-level thinking to reduce rework, prevent failures, and build faster.Expect practical insights like:🔹 Why early electrical integration eliminates jumpers and avoids 80% of DC field failures🔹 How integrated tracker + foundation design removes entire construction steps🔹 How tools like NX Pulse speed up commissioning by 50%🔹 How robotics and fleet data are reshaping hardware design🔹 Why “internalizing complexity” at the OEM level is becoming a competitive advantage for buildersIf you're trying to build smarter and reduce surprises, this episode gives you the playbook the most experienced teams are using right now.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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Batteries aren’t just supporting the grid anymore, they are defending the grid.Chris Finley, CCO of TruGrid, joins Nico on stage at PowerUp Live to explain how battery storage has shifted from a “nice-to-have” to a mission-critical asset class. Whether it’s enabling arbitrage in ERCOT or powering hyperscale data centers, battery systems are now leading the charge, literally.From the complexities of supply chains to the myths about lithium tech, Chris shares a practical, from-the-field perspective on what it takes to deliver large-scale battery projects in today’s challenging market. He also breaks down how policy shifts and interconnection delays are forcing EPCs to rethink how they plan and execute storage projects.Expect to learn:🔹 What developers get wrong about battery risk profiles🔹 How TruGrid streamlines integration from EMS to commissioning🔹 The hidden economics behind data center battery deployment🔹 Why project standardization remains elusive, and what to do about itToday’s convo is must-listen material if you’re building in the battery sector.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 - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolarIf 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 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus