SunCast

What does serious capital actually look for in the energy transition? In this episode, Nico sits down with Brendan Bell, Co-Founder of Aligned Climate Capital and a former member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, to discuss how experienced investors evaluate energy companies, infrastructure projects, and management teams. Brendan shares a practical look at: • why raising capital has become more selective • the common mistakes founders make when pitching investors • what strong management teams do differently • how infrastructure investors think about risk, scale, and long-term value For founders, developers, and operators building in the energy transition, this conversation offers a clear view into how institutional investors actually make decisions. Before co-founding Align Climate Capital, Brendan helped rebuild the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office in the aftermath of the Solyndra collapse. From financing some of the earliest utility scale solar projects to backing companies like Tesla in its early days, he has spent his career sitting at the intersection of policy, infrastructure, and capital. Now at Align, Brendan and his team invest across the clean energy ecosystem. Early stage companies developing new business models. And infrastructure portfolios that own and operate solar and storage assets. If you’re building, financing, or investing in the energy transition, this one is packed with insights. Listen in to understand how capital is shaping the next chapter of the global energy system. 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/opensolar If 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! SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower! 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

From Davos to data centers, Axios reporter explains the new rules of power. Amy Harder is one of the most widely read and respected reporters covering the intersection of energy, climate, and policy. As the national energy correspondent for Axios and author of the Harder Line newsletter, she helps industry leaders understand what’s actually happening inside the energy system. In this conversation with Nico Johnson, Amy breaks down the forces reshaping the global energy landscape. Artificial intelligence and data centers are driving electricity demand growth for the first time in decades. Tech companies are behaving more like utilities. Capital is rapidly reorganizing around energy infrastructure. And amid all of it, the politics and narratives surrounding climate and energy are shifting in real time. Among her key insights: 🔹Energy is now one of the biggest bottlenecks for AI expansion 🔹The AI boom may ultimately accelerate clean energy deployment 🔹Natural gas is riding the current demand wave — even as renewables continue to grow 🔹Hyperscale tech companies are influencing power markets without becoming utilities 🔹Climate has slipped to the background in some global conversations about energy 🔹Political cycles will keep swinging — and the industry needs a longer-term perspective Amy also discusses the role of capital in the AI-driven power buildout, why some of the most talked-about data center projects still exist only on paper, and how journalists are trying to cover one of the fastest-moving moments the energy sector has seen in decades. The result is a candid look at how technology, infrastructure, politics, and capital are colliding to redefine the rules of power. 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/opensolar If 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! SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower! 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

For nearly a decade, Abby Hopper served as President and CEO of SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association, representing the U.S. solar industry through one of its most transformative periods. From trade wars and policy battles to the rise of domestic manufacturing and record industry growth, Abby had a front-row seat as solar moved from the margins of the energy system to the center of it. In this conversation, Abby reflects on the challenges she inherited, the progress the industry made, and the work that still lies ahead — from building political influence in Washington to strengthening credibility across the market. It’s a candid look at the decade that reshaped solar, and what comes next for the industry. Expect to learn: 🔹 What reshaped solar’s domestic manufacturing strategy 🔹 Why the solar industry still lacks political influence compared to oil and gas 🔹 What Abby believes could slow the next phase of solar growth 🔹 The uncomfortable truth about why solar companies underinvest in political advocacy Listen now to hear Abby Hopper’s unfiltered perspective on the past, present, and future of solar leadership. 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/opensolar If 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! SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower! 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Every year, there is a new “crisis” in solar. And yet… the industry keeps growing. With leadership transition underway at the Solar Energy Industries Association, Darren Van’t Hof steps in as Interim President and CEO at a pivotal moment. Policy uncertainty. Permitting bottlenecks. Election year noise. And a projected $25 billion flowing into storage in 2026 alone. So where do we really stand? In this candid conversation recorded live at Intersolar & Energy Storage N.A., Darren shares why solar has already won the cost battle, why storage may be the most durable growth sector in energy, and what must happen politically for the industry to keep accelerating. There are some additional fun bits about the future of SEIA and his role in there as well. ;-) Expect to learn: 🔹 What’s the outlook from the new (Interim) CEO on the heels of SEIA’s latest board meeting 🔹 Why solar is no longer competing on cost and what that changes 🔹 How permitting and regulatory uncertainty are quietly freezing capital 🔹 Why storage could command $25 billion in 2026 alone 🔹 The political engagement strategy SEIA is building to compete dollar for dollar Darren brings two decades of finance and board leadership experience to the conversation. His message is clear. Affordability wins. Economics win. But certainty is everything. Hit play to understand what is noise, what is signal, and how to position your company for the next growth cycle. 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/opensolar If 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! SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower! 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Most energy projects look solid on paper. Fewer stay on track in the field. Brandon Moss sees the difference every day. Energy demand is rising. Load growth is real. Timelines are tightening. So what actually keeps large energy projects on track? In this conversation, Brandon Moss, CEO of Shoals, shares what he sees from the center of utility-scale deployment. Shoals touches a significant portion of U.S. solar projects, giving Brandon a rare vantage point into how projects are planned, where they slip, and what separates strong operators from the rest. We discuss: Brandon also reflects on the shift from private to public leadership, the responsibility that comes with scaling a business, and why simplicity and execution still win. If you’re building projects, financing them, or planning infrastructure in a volatile policy and trade environment, this episode offers practical insight from someone who sits at the center of it. Hit play and learn from a leader who sees where projects succeed and where they break. 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/opensolar If 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! SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower! 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:

Listen to the full 2.5 hour episode here: https://suncast.media/episodes/900 Most companies don’t fail because of strategy. They fail because standards slip. In this 13-minute vignette, T.J. Rodgers breaks down the management system he’s used across more than 25 acquisitions to build and scale billion-dollar companies — and why discipline, not charisma, determines whether a business survives. Inside: • Why 19 out of 20 decisions in your company are made without you • Why quality must be enforced, not admired • Why speed of correction matters more than avoiding mistakes • What “owner means 100% responsible” actually looks like • How written principles — enforced daily — shape culture This isn’t theory. It’s operational structure from someone who has spent decades building machines that work. If you lead people, run a company, or care about performance, this is worth 13 minutes. Press play; Listen 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/opensolar If 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! SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower! 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Battery storage is scaling fast. But scaling portfolios exposes weaknesses most owners never see coming. As projects move from single sites to gigawatt-hour fleets, many IPPs discover something uncomfortable: they have dashboards - but not decision-grade visibility. In this Tactical Tuesday, Lennart Hinrichs, EVP and General Manager of the Americas at TWAICE, explains what actually changes once batteries begin operating at scale. We discuss: This isn’t a founder story. It’s a practical conversation for asset owners, operators, and performance engineers who want fewer surprises over the life of their storage assets. If you operate or finance battery projects, this episode will sharpen how you think about KPIs, safety, and operational confidence. Listen 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/opensolar If 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! SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower! 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 LinkedIn -...

“This is not an offensive play. It’s a defensive play. It’s a must win.” That’s how Sheldon Kimber describes AI for companies like Google. If your business depends on organizing and serving information, AI isn’t optional. It’s existential. And if AI is existential, power becomes strategic. In this conversation — recorded before Google’s acquisition of Intersect Power — Sheldon lays out the durable thesis that led here: The U.S. grid isn’t collapsing. It just can’t scale. Transmission is stalled. Business models are misaligned. Permitting reform won’t arrive in time. So instead of waiting for the grid to be fixed, Intersect built around it. Gigawatt-scale co-location. Wind, solar, batteries. Flexible gas. Control systems designed to act as one asset. The result? A hybrid solution that can deliver four-nines reliability - potentially more reliable than the grid itself. This isn’t about chasing incentives. It’s about building a better product. In this episode: 🔹 Why AI is a defensive must-win moment for hyperscalers 🔹 Why the grid’s structural limits created opportunity 🔹 How hybrid plants can outperform traditional baseload 🔹 Where the real moat lives: optimization and control 🔹 What “win the win” means for clean energy Google didn’t acquire Intersect as a climate statement. It acquired it because reliable, controllable power is now strategic infrastructure. Press play and decide for yourself. 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/opensolar If 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! SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower! 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

T.J. Rodgers has built — and rebuilt — billion-dollar companies across semiconductors, energy, storage, and manufacturing. In this 2.5-hour Episode 900 deep dive, he walks through the operating principles behind that track record — in detail. This isn’t a surface-level conversation. It’s a masterclass in how durable companies are actually constructed. We unpack: 🔹 The mental models he uses to evaluate technologies and markets 🔹 The acquisition and integration process he’s deployed dozens of times 🔹 Why revenue per employee tells the truth — and what most CEOs hide behind 🔹 What “quality is free” really means in practice 🔹 How ownership, incentives, and culture get reinforced — not just talked about 🔹 Why most solar companies fail, and some survive If you’re a founder, operator, investor, or executive building in a hard industry, this episode will challenge how you think about metrics, structure, and leadership. It’s long. It’s dense. And it’s worth your time. This is not a fluffy discussion about climate optimism. It is about discipline. Incentives. Quality. And the brutal honesty of markets. Episode 900 feels like the right moment for a conversation like this. Listen 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/opensolar If 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! SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower! 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Conference season is back, and if you are heading to Intersolar and Energy Storage North America 2026, this episode is your unfair advantage. Nico Johnson sits down with the people who know the show better than anyone. Event Director Beckie Kier, Solar Games mastermind Shannon Twombly, and Conference Chair Gene Hunt. Together, they break down how to get the most value from your time in San Diego, whether this is your first Intersolar or your tenth. This is more than a show preview, it’s a snapshot of where the clean energy industry stands right now. From the rapid rise of energy storage and domestic manufacturing to the growing importance of grid flexibility, DERs, and ultra long duration batteries, Intersolar 2026 reflects an industry that is evolving fast and learning in real time. You will also hear how the show floor itself reflects the strategy. Solar Games installer competitions, virtual reality activations, mini golf networking, and the always buzzing Hub Stage are all designed to spark real conversations, not just badge scans. Expect to learn: 🔹 How the Intersolar audience is shifting toward integrated solar and storage solutions 🔹 Why energy storage has moved from side topic to center stage 🔹 What Solar Games reveals about installer quality, safety, and best practices 🔹 How state leadership, supply chains, and long duration storage shape the 2026 outlook 👉 Listen or watch now to walk into Intersolar prepared, focused, and ready to make the connections that matter. 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/opensolar If 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! SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower! 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Modern founders spend years building toward a hopeful exit or liquidity event. Almost no one talks about what comes after the acquisition. In this episode, Nico Johnson sits down with Andy Klump, founder of Clean Energy Associates (CEA), for a thoughtful conversation about leadership after transition. After fifteen years growing CEA and completing a multi-year earn-out, Andy is in a rare season of pause — stepping back from the CEO seat and reflecting on what actually mattered. Rather than revisiting the early days, Andy shares lessons from leading through change, protecting culture during uncertainty, and recalibrating his identity once the nonstop pace slowed. They discuss why communication cadence matters more than vision statements, how internal Net Promoter Score became a tool for listening, and what founders often underestimate about earn-outs and transitions. This episode is for founders and operators who are scaling fast — or quietly wondering what comes next. Press play. You don’t hear conversations like this very often. 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/opensolar If 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Want to grow a billion-dollar business? You need better systems, not just better ideas. Adam James has had a front-row view as Energy Impact Partners has scaled from a $500M fund into a multi-billion-dollar force as a clean energy VC. But, as he shares, the secret to success isn’t capital or flashy pitch decks. It’s an obsession with infrastructure, team building, and doing the messy work of aligning people and process. In this candid conversation, Adam breaks down his methodology for scaling fast-growing organizations. From audits and goal-setting to the surprisingly overlooked art of hiring with intentionality. He also shares why most business books are garbage (except one), and why being “like bamboo” might be your best leadership model. Expect to learn: 🔹 How to simplify operations in a high-growth environment 🔹 Why data transparency beats endless KPIs 🔹 What to look for in interviews beyond technical skill 🔹 How to prepare your company for its “Easter Sunday” moment Here’s a lesson in operational excellence for anyone serious about scaling in clean energy. 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/opensolar If 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

The solar industry scaled faster than almost anyone expected. But in the rush to deploy, one part of the system never fully got built. In this episode, Nico Johnson sits down with Suvi Sharma, founder of Solaria and now co-founder and CEO of SolarCycle, to talk about what happens after solar works. Suvi explains why end-of-life planning, repowering, and material recovery are no longer edge cases - they’re becoming core infrastructure challenges for the industry. This conversation goes beyond recycling. It’s about maturity. About what it means for solar to grow up as an industry, and how decisions made twenty years ago are shaping today’s constraints - from glass durability to supply chains to capital planning. Suvi shares why he came out of “retirement” to start another company, how he’s building a system designed for scale, and what developers, operators, and policymakers are still underestimating. If you work anywhere near solar deployment, ownership, or manufacturing, this episode may change how you think about the full lifecycle. You made it this far — hit 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/opensolar If 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

What goes through Alex Honnold’s mind when he’s thousands of feet off the ground without a rope? After his first-ever Taipei 101 Live Broadcast ascent of one of the world’s tallest buildings, we thought it’d be useful to revisit what we learned from Alex about mental fortitude and his singular admonition to “do the thing”. Curious how Alex channels discomfort into growth? This episode explores the surprisingly grounded mental habits that drive one of the world’s most extreme athletes and how those same frameworks apply to business, energy, and impact. You’ll hear why Alex values silence over self-talk, how he trains for precision, and the personal philosophy that powers both record climbs and energy access projects. In addition, Nico reflects on the nature of preparation for such a mind-bending feat and how it extends to the world of business and clean energy. Expect to learn: 🔹 Why muscle memory matters more than motivation at the highest level of performance 🔹 How climbing helped Alex master “working backwards” and why it matters for entrepreneurs 🔹 How free soloing shapes Alex’s views on risk, focus, and long-term legacy 🔹 Why small details matter more than big goals Whether you’re scaling a company, a building or a granite wall, this episode will sharpen how you think about goals, fear, and execution. 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/opensolar If 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

Clean energy should be easy to finance. The money exists. The technology works. The demand is real. And yet, projects stall. Deals drag. Capital gets stuck. And with the IRA crumbling under our feet, everyone is right to ask “how will these projects actually get funded?!” So what’s actually broken? In this episode of SunCast, I sit down with Alfred Johnson, CEO and co-founder of Crux, to unpack how clean-energy finance actually works once a project leaves the slide deck — how pricing gets discovered, how risk is evaluated, how trust is established between parties who’ve never worked together, and why so much of the process still depends on manual workflows and bespoke negotiation. Alfred left a senior role at the U.S. Treasury after reading the Inflation Reduction Act and realizing it didn’t just expand incentives - it forced the creation of a brand-new market. One where buyers and sellers had to find each other without reference prices, standardized terms, or a shared operating system to move capital at scale. Crux exists to solve that coordination problem. We talk about: 🔹The difference between money being available and money being usable 🔹Why trust — not tax credits — becomes the real bottleneck in new markets 🔹What breaks first when financing workflows don’t scale with market growth 🔹Why standardization matters more than speed in early market formation 🔹How Crux decided which parts of the capital stack to tackle first — and why order mattered This is an episode about much more than tax credits. It’s about why markets fail even when money is available — and how they get rebuilt. If you care about how capital actually moves, why deals slow down, or what it really takes to scale the energy transition, this one’s worth your time. 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/opensolar If 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

Data centers aren’t the problem. They’re the stress test. As AI-driven demand surges, the grid is being pushed in ways it was never designed for. But instead of asking how to slow data centers down, today’s conversation asks a better question: Is the grid fit enough to handle what’s coming next? In this Tactical Tuesday episode, recorded live with the Smart Electric Power Alliance, we explore grid fitness — a new way of thinking about flexibility, planning, and speed to power. SEPA’s Ann Collier is joined by Tyler Norris and Nelson Abramson to break down what the data actually shows, what’s already working in the field, and what has to change upstream in planning and policy. Expect to learn: 🔹 Why data centers expose grid weaknesses rather than cause them 🔹 How 0.25% flexibility could unlock 76 GW of capacity 🔹 What “planning-grade flexibility” really means 🔹 Why batteries and design matter more than demand response 🔹 How grid fitness changes interconnection strategy This episode offers a front-row seat to how utilities, regulators, and hyperscalers can move from cautious conversation to confident execution. Hit play and reimagine what data centers can do. Why are you still reading? Let’s get into it. 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/opensolar If 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

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 last If 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/opensolar If 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 LinkedIn - 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 reliability You’re about to get a front-row seat to the tiny tech making a massive impact. 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/opensolar If 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 LinkedIn...

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. 🎧 Listen now and rethink how the grid actually works. Expect to Learn Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolar If 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus

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 reliability If 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. Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolar If 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 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus