Best Solarenergy Podcasts (2024)

1
693: Off-Grid Solar Products As A Form Of Wealth Delivery And Value Creation, with Amped Innovation’s Andi Kleissner & Kurt Kuhlmann 1:17:19

20h ago1:17:19

1:17:19

We often take access to electricity, refrigeration, and running water for granted. In many parts of the world, these are luxuries. In today’s episode, Andi Kleissner and Kurt Kuhlmann, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Amped Innovation, discuss how they’re changing lives by installing high-performance off-grid solar systems and appliances across Asia and …

1
Navigating the new and old: what lies ahead on India’s energy transition map? 36:01

1d ago36:01

36:01

India's energy transition strategy encompasses greater adoption of a wide range of renewable fuels to go with baseload coal for decades to come, with new policies on CCUS, carbon markets and power reforms set to play a role in the decarbonization of the third largest greenhouse gas emitter of the world. In this Platts Future Energy podcast, Consult…

1
692: Hydrogen's Role in New York's Green Future with Haiyan Sun of NYSERDA 10:44

2d ago10:44

10:44

New York set an ambitious goal for a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040. What will it take to get there? Turns out, hydrogen may be a key component to New York's climate strategy, especially for difficult-to-electrify sectors. Haiyan Sun is the program manager and team leader for hydrogen and clean fuels at the New York State Energy Research …

1
691: Adding Storage to Solar is Harder Than We Thought! Leigh Zanone managed 8Minute/Avantus’s Portfolio & Shares His Insights 48:25

7d ago48:25

48:25

Is solar plus storage magically going to fix our grid? If you listen to many of the conversations I’ve heard the last 2+ years, you’d easily assume “we got this, just throw some batteries out there and we’re well on our way to 100% RE!” Turns out it’s not that simple. Building hybrid power (solar+storage) projects requires a deep understanding of t…

1
690: Can We Squeeze More Power Through The Existing Wires? AES says Yes; Alexina Jackson, VP of Strategic Development 17:33

9d ago17:33

17:33

How do we solve yesterday’s interconnection problems with today’s technology? Alexina Jackson, Vice President of Strategic Development at The AES Corporation, pulls back the curtain to show us how AES is using cutting-edge technology to integrate MORE renewable energy into the grid. Because we need to add new energy fast and our current grid isn’t …

1
689: O&M: How to Keep Existing Solar Projects Producing for Decades to Come with Renewable Energy Veteran & Founder, Josh Fraughton (FSLR, NOVA, R7/RNWBL) 1:13:13

14d ago1:13:13

1:13:13

As our Secretary of Energy says, deploy deploy deploy! It’s incredible to see how hard we’re pushing to modernize the grid, but, we also must maintain and ensure solar projects are delivering on every kilowatt hour that we promised. Today’s guest has been delivering on those promises for nearly two decades. Josh Fraughton, a renewable energy vetera…

1
688: Debunking Myths About Solar's Resilience in Extreme Weather; Lightsource BP’s Kevin Christy and Dave Martin 57:55

16d ago57:55

57:55

Increasing extreme weather events year over year are forcing all energy assets to reconsider asset protection and resilience. The solar industry has been wrongly accused of grid reliability issues in the face of these extreme events, but what does the data say from operating assets that have “weathered” the storms? Lightsource BP’s Kevin Christy is…

1
687: Are Diversity and Efficiency being downplayed in the Clean Energy Revolution? Paula Glover of The Alliance to Save Energy gives advice from the front lines 1:19:02

21d ago1:19:02

1:19:02

Our guest today points out that energy efficiency is actually employing MILLIONS MORE than Renewable Energy as a sector! Paula Glover, President of the Alliance to Save Energy, is fighting on the front lines to reduce energy waste. She uses her platform to champion energy efficiency as a cost-saving measure and a fundamental principle for achieving…

1
686: Fixing Solar’s Waste Problem | Kelly Weger, Qcells’ Dir. of Sustainability 15:37

24d ago15:37

15:37

By 2050, around 80 million metric tons of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules will reach the end of their life globally (according to NREL). 10 million metric tons will be in the United States. But this is not an issue for a far-off future. As we transition to renewable energy, we create a massive volume of waste just from manufacturing and transportin…

1
685: How this Zillow-like Software Simplifies the Land Permitting Process for Large-Scale Solar; Robin Laine, CEO of Transect 1:11:26

28d ago1:11:26

1:11:26

Permitting. The word is enough to send shivers down the spines of most PV professionals. Obtaining permits for solar projects, no matter the scale, is a major roadblock in the transition to renewable energy, and often causes project delays that last weeks or even months. Robin Laine, CEO & Co-founder of Transect,is working to simplify the land perm…

1
Deconstructing the European carbon market's price slump 24:39

1M ago24:39

24:39

The price of emissions in the world’s largest compliance carbon market –the EU’s Emissions Trading System– has fallen sharply so far in 2024, driven by economic uncertainty, weaker industrial activity and lower gas prices. S&P Global Commodity Insights' experts Eklavya Gupte, Coralie Laurencin, Michael Testa and Scott Chen discuss the reasons behin…

1
684: Why Can't We Immediately Decommission Natural Gas? National Grid’s Caroline Hon explains 18:48

1M ago18:48

18:48

Is switching from natural gas to electricity as straightforward as flipping a switch, or are we overlooking hidden complexities? Many homeowners want to switch from gas to electricity but underestimate the challenges of making the transition. Some stop short when they learn they’ll need to completely retrofit their homes to accommodate new, clean e…

1
683: Will Maryland Fail To Meet Their RPS Targets? What Other States Can Learn, with Stephanie Johnson, President of Maryland Renewable Energy Alliance 45:28

1M ago45:28

45:28

Wondering how your state can set and exceed lofty renewable energy targets? Today’s episode is for you. In 2019, Maryland doubled their renewable energy target: aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045. So, how are they doing? Stephanie Johnson, President and Founder of the Maryland Renewable Energy Alliance (MD-REA), …

1
{Bonus} How a NABCEP Certification Gives System Designers an Edge: Jada Alcindor (NABCEP) and John Novak (Scanifly) 7:38

1M ago7:38

7:38

What's the value of a NABCEP certification? Since most solar companies don't require one, is it worth the time and money? At RE+ Northeast a few weeks back, Jada Alcindor from NABCEP asked around to answer one of the industry’s key questions: “How much does a NABCEP certification help installers when it comes to designing systems accurately?” When …

1
682: When Will These Domestic Battery Factories Actually Be Online? Joan White of SEIA 18:40

1M ago18:40

18:40

Can we build an 80% clean energy future without reliable, wide-scale energy storage? It's unlikely. So, what needs to happen? Joan White, Director of Storage and Interconnection Policy at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), has been fighting to answer that question for years. Now that The Inflation Reduction Act has made it cheaper and …

1
681: Nextracker’s secret marketing strategy is hard to copy, Kristan Kirsh 1:14:58

1M ago1:14:58

1:14:58

How did Nextracker become the leading solar tracker manufacturer in the world in 10 years, and what was the secret sauce of one of the most successful IPO’s of 2023? We finally have Nextracker’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Kristan Kirsh, on the show sharing her journey of helping elevate Nextracker from 400 Megawatts to 90 Gigawatts in ship…

1
680: Best practices for Community engagement from Solstice Co-founder, Sandhya Murali 16:05

1M ago16:05

16:05

Community solar has proven a viable pathway to more affordable and equitable clean energy, but how do developers overcome one of the main hurdles to the project’s success - community engagement? Founded with a commitment to making solar energy accessible to all, Solstice has become a key player in community solar, especially in the US Northeast, em…

1
679: Business Lessons from 23 Years in Solar | Bob & Maria Kingery of Southern Energy Management 1:46:59

2M ago1:46:59

1:46:59

Can a company thrive for over two decades in the clean energy sector by steadfastly adhering to its core values, all while refusing outside investment and navigating the highs and lows of the renewable energy market? Bob and Maria Kingery, co-founders of Southern Energy Management (SEM) in North Carolina, have demonstrated that it's not only possib…

1
678: How We Build A Diverse & Equitable Workforce, with Barry Reaves of NECEC 20:25

2M ago20:25

20:25

Barry Reaves, serving as the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice (DEI/J), and Workforce Development at the North East Clean Energy Council (NECEC), is tackling head-on the clean energy sector's need for a more diverse workforce. This challenge expands beyond ethnic boundaries, touching on gender, sexuality, and income status, h…

1
677: The “Carfax” of Solar, How Software is (finally) Transforming Fieldwork Management, With James Nagel & David Penalva of HelioVolta 1:34:48

2M ago1:34:48

1:34:48

Can the solar industry utilize advanced data analytics and software to address the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, maintaining project quality, and ensuring long-term asset value? Where are there still gaps to address? As the industry matures, project developers, asset owners and grid operators are increasingly foc…

1
676: Understanding Energy Demand in the Face of Extreme Weather with Sean Kelly of Amperon 34:35

2M ago34:35

34:35

As more frequent extreme weather events become the new normal, grid operators and project developers alike seek improved data sources and market signals to help balance their daily load forecasts. The surge in electricity demand during such crises not only escalates power costs but also exposes the vulnerabilities of our energy grid, underscoring t…

1
675: Can America Be THE Battery Manufacturing Leader? | John Zahurancik of Fluence Energy 1:09:25

2M ago1:09:25

1:09:25

The United States stands at a pivotal juncture in its clean energy transition, with domestic energy storage manufacturing emerging as the cornerstone of its sustainable future. John Zahurancik, President Americas at Fluence, joins Nico Johnson to discuss the future of domestic battery manufacturing in the United States at Intersolar NA. Also, this …

1
674: Where to get the best electricity grid carbon data in seconds, with Wenbo Shi of Singularity Energy 25:29

2M ago25:29

25:29

Occasionally on the anniversary of an episode that really impacted us, we like to run a vignette of something we learned from such an episode to give new listeners (or those of you who just missed it originally) insight from the excellent content in our back catalog, much of which we believe is worth revisiting. As GHG emissions continue to rise, t…

1
673: The Grid We Need to Decarbonize America: A Playbook by Jesse Jenkins, Princeton University 43:43

2M ago43:43

43:43

Amid America's energy shift, initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure bills are making clean energy more accessible and affordable, driving a 42% investment increase to $225 billion in a year. Yet, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, an acceleration is essential. Jesse Jenkins of Princeton University, speaking a…

1
672: Giving Old Solar Panels a Second Life with Cesar Barbosa of Nulife Power Services 17:02

2M ago17:02

17:02

What happens to solar panels when they reach the end of their financed life, but not necessarily their useful life? With the solar industry's growth, the issue of decommissioned panels has become a burgeoning service (and business) opportunity. These “old” panels, though no longer new, are often still under warranty, and definitely still retain a s…

1
671: We Can Secure Drinking Water From The Air! Renewable Energy Pioneer Takes on Renewable Water, with Alex von Welczeck of SkyH2O 49:46

3M ago49:46

49:46

We often talk here about renewable energy. But how often have you thought about renewable water? Is it even a thing? And, what if we could manufacture clean water, from the air? Did you know, the EPA reports that 45% of U.S. tap water is toxic!?! And, while an estimated 3 billion people globally currently face water stress, that number is projected…

1
670: From Gigawatts to Terawatts: The Technologies & Software Driving Unprecedented Scale in Solar with Matt Campbell CEO of Terabase 25:07

3M ago25:07

25:07

With the need to increase solar deployment and prepare for the terawatt era, Terabase Energy Inc. has positioned itself as a leader in transforming utility-scale solar power. This conversation, recorded live at Intersolar North America 2024, dives deep into the innovative strategies and technologies that Terabase is deploying to amplify solar energ…

1
669: Navigating the New Normal in Renewable Finance: How Changes in Equity Markets Are Impacting Project Development with Robert Sternthal 1:15:25

3M ago1:15:25

1:15:25

How has the IRA affected financing renewables, in particular solar projects? Renewable energy projects are contending with the harsh realities of rising capital costs and shrinking profit margins. Understanding the financial underpinnings of renewable energy ventures is increasingly crucial, particularly for mid-sized and smaller project developers…

1
668: How to leverage Storytelling as a business driver, with Andrew Reagan of Clean Energy for America 42:02

3M ago42:02

42:02

Storytelling is not just entertainment. It's a fundamental part of being human. A story’s most important function is to remind us we are not alone in the world. And as we champion the clean energy transition, our stories help remind hundreds of thousands that there is a career opportunity they can choose that also can leave a legacy. Yet, the gap b…

1
667: The Intrapreneur journey and engineering a company pivot, with Sohan Das of EVS Inc. 1:29:24

3M ago1:29:24

1:29:24

The demand for skilled engineering labor in renewables is skyrocketing. As the world's energy grids transition towards terawatts of renewable energy, there is an incredible need for owners and developers to outsource key components of electrical, civil, structural, geotechnical, and land survey engineering. This gap in specialized skills presents a…

1
666: Bold Predictions, a Best-of 2023 recap 26:05

3M ago26:05

26:05

Today’s episode features bold predictions from a compilation of 2023’s best episodes. I asked leaders from diverse fields within the renewable energy sector to answer, looking as if from the future: What did we get right to meet our decarbonization and clean energy goals now that it’s 2050? This compilation features the insights of Laura Pagliarulo…

1
What lies ahead for climate policy after COP28 25:16

3M ago25:16

25:16

As the dust settles after COP28, with world leaders finally agreeing to shift energy systems away from fossil fuels, scrutiny of the climate impact of energy policy is set to intensify in 2024. The thorny issue of finance is likely to dominate the climate debate this year, and with economic and geopolitical uncertainty still dominating the headline…

1
665: Intersolar N. America ‘24 - Know Before You Go 38:36

3M ago38:36

38:36

It’s that time of year again - everybody’s favorite warm-winter-weather solar tradeshow - Intersolar North America and Energy Storage North America - is just a few days away. I’ll be trading the winter chill for sunny San Diego along with 10,000 of my fellow #SolarWarriors. Today's episode is geared to get you ready to go (and pumped) for Intersola…

1
664: Inside Trina Solar's Strategy for Global Expansion, with President Steven Zhu 2:22:07

4M ago2:22:07

2:22:07

In 2003 the cost of solar panels was a staggering $10 per watt, one of the largest impediments to widespread adoption. However, today Photovoltaic (PV) modules have been reported to be as low as 10 cents per Watt in some SE Asian markets! It’s not just a reflection of technological advancement, but also the result of relentless pursuit, strategic i…

1
663: Launch of Valence & the Influencer List 20:44

4M ago20:44

20:44

Happy New Year!!! If you’ve been following along on Linkedin, then you’re now doubt aware that last week I launched “Valence” - a LinkedIn newsletter specifically geared toward connecting the dots between the stories we tell and the people who tell them in this pivotal clean energy transition. As a natural connector, I find resonance in the idea of…

1
662: Turning Communities Into Renewable Properties, with Aaron Halimi 1:09:51

4M ago1:09:51

1:09:51

Community solar democratizes access to clean energy for those unable to install rooftop solar. National Renewable Energy Laboratory analysis shows nearly 50% of households and businesses face limitations for rooftop solar systems. This model expands renewable energy on the grid, offering widespread access to clean energy benefits and giving distrib…

1
661: What is Boxing Day? Plus 12 Days of Christmas 2024 Edition 7:39

4M ago7:39

7:39

I hope you've all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. As we welcome December 26, we find ourselves in the middle of “Boxing Day” — a tradition steeped in history and goodwill. It occurred to me recently that I actually don’t know why the heck the lesser-known (at least here in the US) holiday of Boxing Day exists. If you’ve ever asked…

1
Bonus: Invitation - Join me in Hawaii?! (Mastermind) 24:52

4M ago24:52

24:52

Imagine starting your new year in the tropical paradise of Honolulu, Hawaii. Not just for a vacation, but to join industry leaders Nico Johnson and Joshua Porter at a 4-day mastermind event designed to supercharge your leadership skills and network. This isn't just about escaping the winter blues; it's about setting the stage for a successful year …

1
660: Why care about COP28? A Recap with Nathan Jovanelly, Brad Stutzman, Elizabeth Andrews, Tito Jankowski, Steve Anglin 1:06:14

4M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

The recent wrap-up of COP28 in Dubai has catalyzed a renewed sense of urgency and reflection on the global efforts to address climate change. A key takeaway emerged from the event: the world is finally willing to say outloud “we need to chart a definitive course to wean ourselves off fossil fuels!” Moving beyond the main headlines and chatter, the …

1
659: The question is not WHO is Meyer Burger, but WHY have you not heard of them, yet?! With Ardes Johnson, President of Meyer Burger Americas 1:30:44

4M ago1:30:44

1:30:44

There’s a name in Solar that everybody who’s ever been involved in module manufacturing surely knows, but many, many of you who have only interacted on the commercial side may have missed up to now - Meyer Burger. The 70 yr old Swiss company is, in many ways, the ‘brand behind the brand’, the veritable “intel inside” of the solar industry. It’s the…

1
It's blue-sky thinking for sustainable aviation fuel markets 28:17

4M ago28:17

28:17

There's just over a year to go until the EU introduces its sustainable aviation fuel mandate. S&P Global Commodity Insights' Seb Lewis, associate director for biofeedstocks and biofuels consulting, speaks with Stephen Li, associate director for biofuels research and analysis, and Simone Burgin, associate editor for biofuels pricing. The team discus…

1
658: Top Trends cleantech podcasters predict for 2024? End of Year Cleantech Podcasters Roundtable with David Roberts, Dana Perkins, Bill Nussey, Marie Burgquist, & Chris Caldwell, hosted by Nico Johnson ... 1:05:49

4M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

As we close out another transformative year for cleantech, it seems the pace of the energy transition still falls short of what will be needed to meet our global climate goals. That's the consensus from our panel of experts in our annual end-of-year Cleantech Podcasters Roundtable discussion. This semi-annual review recognizes both the triumphs and…

1
657: Financing Flexibility: Innovative Capital for Solar Developers with Laura Pagliarulo of SolaREIT 1:21:07

4M ago1:21:07

1:21:07

How can solar developers and landowners at the community solar level free up capital, lower lease costs and improve the overall economics of these longterm deals? SolaREIT has positioned itself as a strategic financial provider to the community solar market by addressing this very question. Laura Pagliarulo, the Founder & President of SolaREIT, lev…

1
656: Mythbusting solar panel procurement, & Why India is on the rise, with Justin Redd of Emmvee 36:28

4M ago36:28

36:28

Have YOU had trouble procuring modules lately? I know I’ve heard from dozens of folks that they are hurting in this specific area. If that’s you, I want to hear from you…shoot me an email “HELP ME GET MODULES NICO!” in the Subject line and we’ll get right on it. (Nico at mysuncast dot com) How are solar modular manufactures vetted? Where do buyers …

1
655: How do you Finance Solar Project Development? Insight from Encore Renewable Energy’s Blake Sturcke 2:06:09

4M ago2:06:09

2:06:09

How do you fund a solar project? What about the business operations costs necessary to get the project going to begin with? What structures can you consider, and HOW do you choose the one that’s right for you? We’re pulling back the veil so you don’t have to wander in the darkness here. The business of developing solar power projects is complex, ti…

1
654: Why did Trina Solar wait SO Long to Manufacture in the US? Exclusive interview with Steven Zhu, Trina’s US President 44:59

5M ago44:59

44:59

Domestic manufacturing is vital in helping to mitigate supply chain risks that arise from tariffs or other supply chain disruptions. Trina Solar, one of the largest solar module manufacturers globally and the leading provider of solar panels to the US this year, has at long last made a significant investment towards advancing the U.S. renewable ene…

1
653: COP28, A Primer: Global Progress Checkpoint for the Paris Agreement with Julia Pyper, Myles Fish, and James Ellsmoor 1:07:44

5M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

COP28 is the 28th annual Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention (UNFCC) on Climate Change which will be held in Dubai (UAE) and runs from November 30-December 12. If that's more than you already knew, you're in luck because today we learn from folks who have participated in multiple COP events and learned the ins and o…

1
Trash to Treasure: The role of UCO and POME in energy transition 25:50

5M ago25:50

25:50

Waste feedstocks in the form of Used Cooking Oil and Palm Oil Mill Effluent have been hitting headlines in the biofuels sphere – touted as the next generation of energy feedstocks. Feedstock flexibility appears to be a dominant trend over the next few years, and legislations across many countries look set to propel demand of waste-based feedstocks.…

1
652: How to improve the lives of 2 Billion people, Green Empowerment with Andrea Johnson (Giving Tuesday) 48:27

5M ago48:27

48:27

Each year we highlight one non-profit making a big impact in the world, and we ask you to join us in supporting their mission on Giving Tuesday. Nonprofits play a crucial role in international development, often solving equity gaps and civic/infrastructure gaps that for-profit, corporate and even governmental organizations are incapable of addressi…

1
651: Giving Thanks and the secret key to success: Gratitude 9:21

5M ago9:21

9:21

Hey there, SunCast listeners! As those of us here in the United States of America gather around the table on this Thanksgiving Day, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for tuning into the SunCast podcast over the years. Your support has meant the world to me, and it's because of you that this pod…

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