SunCast

Nico Johnson

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. HÁ 4 DIAS

    From DOE to IREC: Maria Robinson’s Mission to Modernize Energy Access

    When Maria Robinson took the helm at the Grid Deployment Office within the US Department of Energy (US DOE), she stepped into one of the most pivotal (and difficult) roles in the clean energy transition. Now that she’s no longer a government employee, Maria reveals what really happens inside DOE decision-making rooms, why the grid is far more fragile than most realize, and how her new role as CEO of IREC is helping shift the power back to the people. From wildfire response to data center load growth and interconnection bottlenecks, Maria clearly understands what is driving (or stifling) our energy transition —you don’t want to miss this conversation. 🔌 Why our grid is more outdated than you think 🔥 The inside story of DOE’s wildfire response efforts 📊 What solar pros need to know about FERC (and why they’re not paying attention) 🧩 How IREC is taking on the hard problems utilities don’t want to face Tune-in, and after you’ve had a listen, consider sharing this with someone to help us spread the word! 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

    22min
  2. HÁ 6 DIAS

    Is C&I The Solar Market Savior In 2025? With John Carroll Of Solaredge

    Residential solar may still be a long way from recovery —but the commercial and industrial (C&I) solar market is heating up. In this power-packed episode recorded live at RE+ Northeast, Nico sits down with John Carroll of SolarEdge to explore why the commercial market could be the biggest growth driver in clean energy this year. From training installers to navigating the evolving incentive quagmire, John unpacks the forces reshaping the C&I landscape in 2025.. 📜 The IRA’s surprising ripple effects on project development and jobs ⚙️ Top challenges facing new C&I installers—and how to overcome them 🔌 How module-level power electronics are changing the economics of scale 🏭🇺🇸 Why SolarEdge is doubling down on U.S. manufacturing and domestic content 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

    27min
  3. 4 DE ABR.

    12,000x Faster: Why Xendee is the new Microgrid standard, with CEO Adib Nasle

    Microgrids are essential to the clean energy future—but they’re still too complex, slow, and unbankable. That’s the problem Adib Naslé set out to solve. With Xendee, he’s built a platform that makes distributed energy systems faster to plan, easier to finance, and smarter to operate. Nico digs into how Adib and his team turned 20 years of national lab research into a commercial product now used by governments, fleet operators, developers and data centers. If you want to understand where AI, microgrids, and electrification converge—this is the episode for you. 🔹 The 3 biggest choke points in microgrid adoption 🔹 Why software, not hardware, is the key to energy independence 🔹 How Xendee is supporting Neom, Fiji, and Travel Centers of America 🔹 The power of dynamic forecasting and rolling 72-hour optimization 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

    1h18min
  4. 1 DE ABR.

    This $389M Deal Proves Clean Energy Isn't Waiting on Washington|Encore Renewable Energy’s Chad Farrell

    At a time when uncertainty looms for many clean energy companies, Encore Renewable Energy just secured a $389 million financing deal that proves the big money’s still looking for good bets to be made. Chad Farrell walks us through their recent landmark deal with Brookfield and what it signals for the broader renewables industry. From raising capital the slow, scrappy way to winning major infrastructure funding, this episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating the shift from developer to independent power producer. And it also is a strong signal from the capital markets that distributed generation has solid support. 🔹 The novel financing structure that lets Encore Renewable Energy move at industry-scale speed 🔹 How solar’s economic case is winning over skeptics—across party lines 🔹 What Encore Renewable Energy’s growth path says about capital market trends 🔹 Why community engagement is key to unlocking project velocity 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

    31min
  5. 27 DE MAR.

    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

    1h19min
  6. 25 DE MAR.

    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

    40min
  7. 20 DE MAR.

    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

    1h22min
  8. 18 DE MAR.

    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

    21min
4,9
de 5
171 avaliações

Sobre

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

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