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 s...
Jan 07, 2025•20 min•Season 15Ep. 777
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. ...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 15Ep. 776
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 Bonan...
Dec 31, 2024•42 min•Season 15Ep. 775
A little gratitude for the holiday season. 🙏
Dec 24, 2024•4 min•Season 15Ep. 774
Can solar projects do more than generate clean energy? How about enhance the health and diversity of local ecosystems? Sometimes viewed critically for their land use, solar farms can actually offer a unique opportunity to restore habitats and integrate agricultural practices. Lightsource bp, one of the world’s largest utility-scale solar developers, is a pioneer in what they refer to as “responsible solar”; with over 2 GW of projects contracted with farming families, Lightsource is helping to su...
Dec 19, 2024•34 min•Season 15Ep. 773
The commercial and industrial (C&I) solar market, often called the "messy middle," has lagged behind the rapid growth of residential and utility-scale projects. Yet, with vast rooftop spaces on commercial buildings offering significant untapped potential, the opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint and optimize energy costs is more compelling than ever. But the economics of C&I solar are finally, at long last, shifting for the better. With transferable tax credits from the Inflation R...
Dec 17, 2024•57 min•Season 15Ep. 772
When Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville and western North Carolina, it left communities with widespread power outages, overwhelmed hospitals, and destroyed critical infrastructure. Months later, many are still navigating the long road to recovery after one of the most severe natural disasters to hit the region. For Nico Johnson, who calls North Carolina home, the storm was an urgent reminder of the escalating intensity and unpredictability of extreme weather. In the immediate aftermath, organ...
Dec 12, 2024•42 min•Season 15Ep. 771
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has unlocked unprecedented federal funding for solar energy, promising billions of dollars to transform the industry. But where is this money going, and how can residential solar installers capitalize on the opportunity? Industry experts reveal the strategies and programs that are poised to help drive solar adoption in rural and low-income communities across the country. Scott Nguyen, Co-founder and CEO of Bodhi, Sean Garren, Chief Program Officer at Vote Solar,...
Dec 10, 2024•31 min•Season 15Ep. 770
While global climate movements highlight the urgency of the crisis, many are left wondering how to take meaningful, personal action. Climatize is changing that. With as little as $10, you can get started today investing in clean energy and get up to a 10% return on an investment that benefits more than your retirement account! (and we’ve got a special code to get you even more benefit - see below) Renewable energy projects often face significant funding barriers—particularly at the community lev...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 15Ep. 769
Each year, we give you an opportunity to join us in supporting a non-profit on Giving Tuesday. This Giving Tuesday, we are shining a light on not one but three nonprofits using solar to address critical challenges, from disaster recovery to education and global energy access. These organizations are making an extraordinary difference by leveraging renewable energy to drive change where it’s needed most. If you attended Solar Fight Night this year at RE+, you’ve already helped contribute toward t...
Dec 03, 2024•43 min•Season 15Ep. 768
Expanding the clean energy workforce means focusing on more than just filling jobs; it calls for a commitment to equity, diversity, and creating tangible opportunities that drive lasting community benefits.With federal initiatives like Justice 40 driving investments into underserved communities, the challenge lies in creating pathways for high-quality, local jobs that support the clean energy transition. For industry professionals, understanding how to align workforce development with community ...
Nov 27, 2024•27 min•Season 15Ep. 767
Apprenticeships are the bridge between the clean energy industry's rapid growth and its critical need for a skilled, reliable workforce. With the Inflation Reduction Act setting ambitious compliance standards, innovative solutions like those pioneered by Adaptive Construction Solutions (ACS) are essential for driving project success and empowering the workforce. These programs are designed for more than just filling positions; they build meaningful, long-term careers for veterans, underserved co...
Nov 26, 2024•36 min•Season 15Ep. 766
In the home services industry, many contractors deliver high-quality work but struggle to leverage satisfied customers for growth. Yet, we know that more than 50% of leads come from referrals. The challenge lies in post-sale engagement, as gathering referrals and building a strong reputation often falls to busy sales reps or technicians who quickly move on to the next job. Without a systematic approach to harnessing word-of-mouth marketing, businesses miss the opportunity to turn happy customers...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 15Ep. 765
Can someone without a traditional background still make an impact in clean energy? Aaron Nichols, the Marketing & Advocacy Specialist at Exact Solar, answers that question with a resounding ‘yes’. His journey into the solar industry was anything but traditional (we don’t want to spoil it, but it began with circus performers in Ecuador). Aaron has written and consulted for some of the biggest names in the solar industry (including Nico himself) and been featured in Business Insider. He divide...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 15Ep. 764
With exponential growth year over year, there has never been a more pivotal moment than this for battery energy storage in the renewables market. This momentum is driven by cost declines, supportive policy, and the ability for energy storage to stabilize and optimize renewable energy across the grid. Finally, with batteries, we can eliminate the one thing holding renewables back - intermittency! In this discussion, three industry leaders share their expertise around how storage is reshaping ener...
Nov 14, 2024•57 min•Season 15Ep. 763
Resource Labs Network founding member, Lisa Ann Pinkerton of Earthlings 2.0 podcast, hosts a discussion with the DOE’s Becca Jones-Albertus, Director of the DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office during the annual RE+ tradeshow to introduce the latest round of winners to our audience! Thank you, Lisa Ann, for leading this discussion on our live stage! Every year at RE+ (since 2019!) we have been honored to receive the newly-crowned winners of the Solar Prize, so Lisa Ann and Becca helped commemora...
Nov 13, 2024•22 min•Season 15Ep. 762
An experienced EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) partner is the backbone for the successful execution of solar projects, turning ambitious plans into reliable, high-performing projects. Burns & McDonnell, a top 5 EPC for solar & storage , brings over a century of engineering experience and a hands-on approach to large-scale solar and storage projects, balancing self-perform capabilities with trusted subcontractor partnerships. Community engagement and thoughtful project pl...
Nov 12, 2024•21 min•Season 15Ep. 761
"The new Silicon Valley is going to be about energy." This shift is evident as solar and battery storage combine, pushing renewable energy to achieve firm reliable power. Primergy Solar’s “Gemini” solar-plus-storage project sets the stage for a new era of 24x7 utility-scale solar power delivery. With nearly 700MW of solar capacity and 1400 MWh of battery storage, Gemini can supply up to 30% of Nevada’s power needs at peak, making solar a reliable, on-demand energy source that competes with tradi...
Nov 07, 2024•49 min•Season 15Ep. 760
The growing demand for energy storage has transformed the renewable energy sector, but what are the key steps to successfully executing battery storage projects? TruGrid (formerly SunGrid) specializes in the seamless integration of battery systems into solar projects as an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) provider. Their proactive approach to integration and planning minimizes risks and streamlines commissioning. Chris Finley, Chief Commercial Officer of TruGrid, discusses how EP...
Nov 05, 2024•25 min•Season 15Ep. 759
About a third of global carbon emissions come from transportation, with most generated by private vehicles. Cities face a critical challenge: the “last mile” problem—how to efficiently connect people from transit hubs, like bus and train stations, to their homes or workplaces. When public transit falls short, commuters often turn to cars, increasing traffic, pollution, and emissions. Lime, a leader in micro-mobility, tackles this gap with e-bikes and e-scooters, offering a sustainable alternativ...
Oct 31, 2024•48 min•Season 15Ep. 758
Do you envision that the IRA could be rolled back with a new administration? This question seems to permeate the conversation(s) heard around the industry in the last 6 months. Chris Sass, host of Insider’s Guide to Energy , sits down with Mona Dajani, Global Co-Chair of Energy, Infrastructure, and Hydrogen at Baker Botts, to explore the intersection of policy and energy markets. Drawing on decades of experience in clean energy transactions, Mona offers a true insider’s perspective on the electi...
Oct 30, 2024•29 min•Season 15Ep. 757
Curious what were the top product insights from RE+ 2024? Our industry experts scoured the show floor to uncover key solar technology and market trends. Hear firsthand reports from the show floor in this special compilation episode where we are aggregating three different conversations into a compilation episode. Industry experts pick their favorites, make predictions and highlight their favorite energy storage and other home energy solutions. Here’s our roster of experts & influencers: Joe ...
Oct 29, 2024•29 min•Season 15Ep. 756
Building an efficient energy ecosystem requires collaboration, knowledge-sharing, strategic design, and workforce development. It also requires cooperation and community. Professionals across the energy sector are streamlining grid management, advancing EV adoption, and developing demand flexibility programs to enhance efficiency. Achieving this requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to humanize energy solutions. Jen Szaro, President & CEO of the Association of Energy Ser...
Oct 24, 2024•49 min•Season 15Ep. 755
One of the major bottlenecks in the renewable energy sector is tied to one of the oldest components of the energy grid and is an essential piece tying FAR More of our energy infrastructure together than most realize - the humble transformer. As more renewable energy projects are deployed, transformer shortages delay projects and create significant challenges for grid expansion. Ben Macias, Chief Revenue Officer at MGM Transformers, brings over a decade of experience in the energy sector. Previou...
Oct 22, 2024•16 min•Season 15Ep. 754
To have record-setting growth and earn the number one spot in your market, it takes more than a good product. How do you build a team mindset and strategy around turning a relatively unknown company into a market leader? What frameworks and strategies can growth-focused companies use to stay ahead of the competition? When Bryan Wagner took the leadership role at CPS America, a top manufacturer of solar Inverters, the company had less than 10 customers in the US Market. With more than 1000 custom...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 15Ep. 753
ABC Supply is the nation’s largest building products distributor, responsible for 1 in 3 American roofs, and now they are setting their sights on what goes on top of our roof: solar panels. ABC Supply is positioned as “the necessary handshake across the aisle between the roofing and solar industry.” This conversation delves into the solar market from a roofer's perspective, exploring how the building supply industry is about to seize the many growing opportunities in solar energy. James Mason, V...
Oct 15, 2024•32 min•Season 15Ep. 752
Hydro-Québec (HQ), North America’s largest renewable energy producer, is expanding its footprint into battery storage through its subsidiary, EVLO Energy Storage. Born from decades of expertise in grid management as one of Canada’s largest utilities, EVLO is the result of much research & development by HQ into utlizing batteries for grid stabilization. EVLO specializes in battery energy storage solutions (BESS) to solve the grid challenges faced by the energy transition. Their solutions emph...
Oct 11, 2024•21 min•Season 15Ep. 751
“Environmental justice is definitely an area that I’m passionate about because it’s deeply entwined with racial justice. Communities of color have been disproportionately victimized by environmental hazards, discriminatory environmental policy, and are far more likely to live in areas with heavy pollution. At Volt, we are trying to reverse these injustices by building clean non-polluting solar plants in our communities.” - Gilbert Campbell Pioneering innovative solutions like the Environmental J...
Oct 10, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 15Ep. 750
The battery storage sector is [finally] stabilizing with 90% of the IRA tax credit rules now in place, providing developers more clarity and perhaps more certainty. However, domestic production, financing, and evolving tax credit policies still pose challenges, particularly to product development. As developers, you must contend with government policies, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and safety concerns, all of which can delay projects and affect their long-term viability. And...
Oct 08, 2024•27 min•Season 14Ep. 749
The energy storage market is truly moving faster than ever, and with it, the complexity of building and managing these projects and products that serve our need for 24/7 renewable power. It does, however, raise a number of interesting, if not troubling questions: How does this rapid change impact the Total Cost of Ownership for battery energy storage projects? Are there hidden costs to this pace of growth? As we watch the industry scale, it has started to feel a bit like companies are rushing pr...
Oct 04, 2024•24 min•Season 14Ep. 748
