SunCast

Nico Johnson
  • 4.9 (171)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Nico Johnson takes you into conversations with those at the forefront of Renewable Energy. SunCast gives an inside look into what is happening in renewable energy. From conversations with the biggest Solar Panel manufacturers in the world to the small startups creating the future of renewable energy, such as carbon capture and battery technology breakthroughs. SunCast is dedicated to providing the knowledge, research, tools and expert guidance you need to understand, grow and be ahead of the curve in the fastest-growing markets in the world. Featuring over 600 conversations, Nico has interviewed people from Tesla, SolarCity, Trina Solar, Meyer Burger, Conergy, SunEdison, Energy Vault and even the US Government... to name a few. Covering topics such as Solar Power, Wind Energy, Batteries, Electric Vehicles, Carbon Capture, Finance, Hydrogen, and more. You can watch SunCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SunCastMedia ...or view the full archive of SunCast episodes here: https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    What 800 Episodes Taught Me About Clean Energy & Leadership, with guest Host: Lisa Ann Pinkerton

    800 episodes. 1 unforgettable conversation. For the first time in years, Nico Johnson becomes the guest on his own show, interviewed by friend and fellow podcaster, Lisa Ann Pinkerton. What follows is a raw and powerful exploration of the highs, lows, and turning points behind SunCast’s success. Whether you’re building a brand, running a business, or just love clean energy—this episode has something for you. 🔹 How vulnerability built SunCast’s loyal following 🔹 Why podcasting is a secret weapon for industry influence 🔹 Failures that almost killed the show 🔹 What clean energy needs most in the next 5 years Hope you like this one. It’s 9+ Years in the making! 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 Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/ You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on: Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

    1h 19m

  2. 6D AGO

    State of the Solar Industry 2025: Inside Intersolar with 3 Industry Experts (and podcasters) | Joe Ordia, Chris Crowell, Sean White

    Live from the Hub Stage at Intersolar 2025, Nico gathers a powerhouse podcaster panel to dig into what’s really going on in the solar & battery sectors. Sean White (Solar Sean), Chris Crowell (Solar Builder), and Joe Ordia (Solar Surge) don’t hold back as they swap stories and product insights live from the show floor, and discuss the tough realities facing the solar sector presently. It’s equal parts geek-out, gut check, and group therapy. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes take from media voices walking the solar beat daily. 🔹 Candid takes on layoffs, slow budgets & where growth is hiding 🔹 The comeback of module-level battery storage with a twist 🔹 Why solar permitting (still) might be our biggest bottleneck 🔹 How repowering could be the next big business opportunity 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 Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/ You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on: Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

    40 min

  3. MAR 20

    The Hidden Goldmine in Commercial Solar—And How to Tap Into It; with Claire Broido Johnson

    There are billions of square feet of commercial rooftops in the U.S. that should have solar—but don’t. Why? Because financing these projects has been nearly impossible… until now. For years, the thousands of unrated businesses, nonprofits, and local institutions that want to go solar are stymied by one primary roadblock - financing. One developer is finally unlocking commercial solar for the long tail of the market, and we’re here to share exactly how. Claire Broido Johnson (Sunrock DG) and Josh Goldberg (Sunstone Credit) have “cracked the code on commercial solar”, giving small businesses and nonprofits access to solar PPAs and loans through an empowered network of hundreds of local solar businesses. Today we explore: 🔹 Why most commercial solar deals fail—and how to fix it 🔹 How Sunstone Credit built a financing model banks actually trust 🔹 Why permitting & local regulations are still the biggest hurdles 🔹 How solar EPCs can unlock more deals with the right financial tools The future of C&I solar is here—and it’s not just for Walmart & Target anymore. 🚀 If you’re an installer, developer, or solar entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss. 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 Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/ You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on: Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

    1h 22m

  4. MAR 18

    How Solar Can Revitalize America's Rural Heartland

    Smithville, Texas, a town known for its giant gingerbread man and Hollywood cameos, is making headlines for something even bigger—its solar future. With a 1.4MW solar power plant now generating clean energy for over 100 homes, this small town is proving that the energy transition isn’t just for big cities. In this episode, we go behind the scenes of Smithville’s solar transformation, from the unique financing mechanism that made it possible to the community benefits already taking shape. Hear from the local government and developers as they share the challenges, solutions, and surprising impacts of bringing solar to rural America.  🔹 The financing strategy that covered 50% of the project cost 🔹 How a 25-year power purchase agreement is saving the city $40K per year 🔹 The unexpected way Smithville is maintaining the land (hint: 🐑) 🔹 Why this project could be a model for small towns across the U.S. Join us for a look at how America’s small towns can take big steps toward a clean energy future. 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 Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/ You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on: Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

    21 min

  5. MAR 13

    The $1 Per Watt Energy Shift That Could Upend Utilities

    Solar and battery prices have dropped so low that energy independence is truly NOW within reach—no permits, no utility red tape, just DIY power that any homeowner can harness. Kerim Baran, CEO of SolarAcademy, breaks down why this shift is happening now and how it could reshape the way we think about electricity as homeowners. From “balcony solar” to microgrids, Nico & Kerim explore why these utility-disrupting models are at a tipping point and how innovators around the world are capitalizing on this moment.  🔹 The concept of balcony solar and why it’s booming in Europe 🔹 How DIY solar & battery setups can deliver a 1-2 year payback 🔹 Why utilities may soon lose their monopoly over energy 🔹 The hidden economics of personal energy generation 🔹 What happens when solar & storage hit God Parity 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 Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/ You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on: Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

    56 min

  6. MAR 11

    The Truth About Community Solar & How It’s Changing the Game | Aviv Shalgi

    Community solar promises to lower energy costs while expanding access to clean power—but does it deliver? Aviv Shalgi, CEO of Solar Simplified, joins Nico to expose the hidden challenges and big opportunities in this growing market. From financing hurdles to state-by-state policy shifts, we dig into what’s really happening behind the scenes. If you want the inside scoop on the future of community solar, this episode is a must-listen! Here are five key topics from the interview: 1️⃣ What is Community Solar? – The surprising way renters and homeowners can benefit without installing panels. 2️⃣ The Business Model Uncovered – How companies profit while offering guaranteed energy bill savings. 3️⃣ Hidden Risks for Developers – Why some projects fail and what most don’t see coming. 4️⃣ 2025 Market Shakeup – What’s driving potential industry consolidation and who will survive. 5️⃣ The Future of Energy Savings – Why community solar is gaining bipartisan support and expanding nationwide. Curious? Check out the full episode! 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 Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/ You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on: Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

    31 min

  7. MAR 6

    Solar Will Be 50% of Global Primary Energy by 2035 – Here’s How According to Birchy

    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 supporting Birchy’s bold claim that Solar will be More than 50% of our primary global energy in just 10 years’ time? Expect to learn: Why the S-curve shows solar reaching 50% of global primary energy by 2035How the U.S. solar market compares to the rest of the worldHow SolarApp and permitting reform could unlock residential solarWhy tariffs and subsidies are distorting the solar marketHow OpenSolar is making solar design software free for installers worldwide 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 Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/ You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on: Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus Mentioned in this episode: CPS July 2024 V2

    38 min

  8. MAR 4

    Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) Explained... Free Water?

    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 alternative with wide-ranging applications. As water scarcity grows, AWG is emerging as a scalable solution for industries, communities, and facilities that need reliable access to clean water in an increasingly water stressed world. Tune-in to hear how it really works and just how close we are to pulling water right out of the air! 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 Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/ You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on: Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeo LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus Mentioned in this episode: CPS July 2024 V2

    15 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
171 Ratings

About

Nico Johnson takes you into conversations with those at the forefront of Renewable Energy. SunCast gives an inside look into what is happening in renewable energy. From conversations with the biggest Solar Panel manufacturers in the world to the small startups creating the future of renewable energy, such as carbon capture and battery technology breakthroughs. SunCast is dedicated to providing the knowledge, research, tools and expert guidance you need to understand, grow and be ahead of the curve in the fastest-growing markets in the world. Featuring over 600 conversations, Nico has interviewed people from Tesla, SolarCity, Trina Solar, Meyer Burger, Conergy, SunEdison, Energy Vault and even the US Government... to name a few. Covering topics such as Solar Power, Wind Energy, Batteries, Electric Vehicles, Carbon Capture, Finance, Hydrogen, and more. You can watch SunCast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SunCastMedia ...or view the full archive of SunCast episodes here: https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes

Information

  • Creator
    Nico Johnson
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    809
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © SunCast Media
  • Show Website
    SunCast

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