SunCast Podcast

What does it look like to dedicate an entire lab for the sake of innovating on your products? Innovation thrives where challenges are analyzed, solutions are tested, and customer needs shape every decision. At CPS Labs, the team delves into why components fail, tests improvements, and explores new approaches—whether it’s rethinking wire boxes or replacing underperforming parts. Bryan Wagner, President & GM of Chint Power Systems Americas, explains how their Innovation Center—and specifically CPS Labs—uses field experience to refine solutions and improve product reliability and performance. As Bryan explains, “We do it because of quality, reliability, and future product development.” By closing the loop between field data and R&D, CPS Labs ensures every failure becomes an opportunity for smarter solutions that set a new standard for reliability in the ever-evolving #cleanenergy market. Watch the full in-person discussion with Bryan Wagner here: https://lnkd.in/erUVbRGi How does your organization stay innovative? #SolarEnergy #Leadership #Innovation

With billions of dollars in federal funding like Justice 40, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create local, high-quality careers that support underserved communities. But how do we ensure this funding translates into real benefits? Jennifer Szaro, CEO of the AESP, and Paul Douglas, President of The JPI Group, share their strategies for scaling a clean energy workforce while addressing equity challenges. They explore practical ways to create measurable impact and retain top talent in the industry. Tune in to learn: ? The importance of tracking real outcomes to measure program success. ? How mentorship fosters retention and knowledge-sharing within the clean energy sector. ? Strategies for building diversity and equity in workforce programs. ? How to ensure Justice 40 funding creates measurable community benefits. Listen to the episode here ?? https://lnkd.in/eRxg9YxM #CleanEnergy #WorkforceDevelopment #RenewableEnergy #DEI

Apprenticeships are reshaping the #cleanenergy workforce, providing opportunities for veterans, underserved communities, and aspiring leaders to build meaningful careers. At RE+, industry experts took the stage to share how these programs are driving workforce development for some of the largest EPCs in America. You’ll hear from: Nicholas Morgan, Adaptive Construction Solutions (ACS) John Leapheart, ACS Eric Butticaz, SOLV Energy Eric Grant, Blue Ridge Power Michael Mulheron, Aerotek Tune in to discover: ?Why ACS invested $10 million in their Apprenticeship Innovation Center, a hub for collaboration, training, and global knowledge-sharing ?Strategies for successful apprenticeship implementation, including recruitment, training, and evaluation ?How apprenticeships create clear career pathways through structured on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Learn how apprenticeships are creating career opportunities, empowering communities, and building the skilled workforce needed to power the clean energy revolution. And you can access the full episode via the link in the comments below ?? #WorkforceDevelopment #Apprenticeships #RenewableEnergy

Many home service companies excel at delivering high-quality work but often struggle to turn satisfied customers into a steady source of referrals. Typically, referrals and reputation-building fall to busy sales reps or technicians who are focused on the next job. Without a structured approach, these companies miss out on the potential of word-of-mouth growth and rely instead on costly acquisition channels. Landon Taylor, Founder & CEO of Snoball, shares how Snoball’s platform automates referrals, reviews, and reputation-building, transforming one-time customers into loyal advocates. Snoball empowers businesses to grow organically without adding extra work for their teams. Expect to learn: ?Why most companies struggle to generate steady referrals ?How automation keeps brands top-of-mind for customers ?The key difference between reputation management and reputation marketing ?How Snoball fills the gap left by service reps ?Steps to build a sustainable, word-of-mouth growth strategy Watch the episode here: https://lnkd.in/gBDjhDNJ #Marketing #WordOfMouthMarketing #Referrals #LeadGeneration

Solar installations face increasing threats from extreme weather ???, especially hail, prompting manufacturers to create resilient solutions that protect investments and safeguard the bottom line. Trinasolar’s Vertex N 620W modules combine high efficiency, advanced bifacial technology, and hail resistance, delivering durability and significant savings in logistics and installation. We look forward to Trinasolar's ongoing commitment to R&D and innovation in strengthening #solarenergy's future. #RenewableEnergy #Innovation #CleanEnergy

Are you using LinkedIn to its full potential? Aaron Nichols, Marketing & Advocacy Specialist at Exact Solar, reveals how solar companies can harness LinkedIn to connect with clients, build trust, and grow their business. From creating impactful LinkedIn strategies to optimizing websites for better conversions, Aaron is helping reshape how solar companies market and scale effectively. In this episode, Aaron shares: ? The ‘secret key’ that launched his clean energy career ? Why the solar industry is missing out on top talent—and how LinkedIn can help ? How he went from door-to-door sales to building a better solar industry ? Strategies to rebuild public trust in solar companies ? Why traditional “save the planet” marketing isn’t enough—and what works instead If you’re ready to transform your marketing game or want to break into clean energy, this is a must-watch. Check out the full video here: https://lnkd.in/eiizrVZR #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #SolarPower #Marketing

????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! As #energystorage continues to redefine grid resilience, accessibility, and reliability, three industry leaders took the stage at RE+ to share their insights: Jacob Weinberg (SEIA) moderates the conversation with: ??Anne Hoskins, Generac Power Systems, SVP Policy Markets & Integration ??Kavita Ravi, BlueWave Solar, Head of Grid Integration ??Joan White, Solar Energy Industries Association Dir. of Storage Tune in to discover: ? Which states are leading in storage innovation and what’s next for deployment ? The latest on interconnection, value-stacking, and overcoming regulatory barriers ? How storage is delivering reliable, resilient energy to underserved communities ? The importance of training in the latest safety codes, including NFPA 855 ? How virtual power plants (VPPs) can aggregate resources to strengthen the grid As Joan White explains, "There's no such thing as a silver bullet for climate change—only silver buckshot. We need every solution on the table, working together." ???? Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eidCYAkA #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #RenewableEnergy

The WINNERS of the American-Made Solar Prize are… At RE+ 2024, Earthlings 2.0, The Podcast host and Technica Communications Founder, Lisa Ann Pinkerton joined Becca Jones-Albertus, Director of DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office, to reveal this year’s American-Made Solar Prize winners. Congratulations to ?????? ?? Fram Energy: Solving the “split incentive” issue, Fram’s platform lets landlords install solar on rental properties and sell energy directly to tenants, unlocking solar access for renters. ?? Gritt Robotics: Pioneering robotics for solar construction, Grit Robotics automates heavy-lifting tasks, boosting efficiency and allowing human teams to focus on complex work. The American-Made Solar Prize and the American-Made Network provide essential support, resources, and connections to help these startups turn big ideas into industry-changing solutions. Competitions like the American-Made Solar Prize are essential for the solar industry, helping innovative startups enter the market faster by providing vital resources, expert connections, and support through the American-Made Network. Link to episode in the comments below ?? #innovation #cleanenergy #solar #robotics

With roots in engineering that stretch back over a century, Burns & McDonnell a top 5 EPC has evolved from its legacy foundations to become a leader in renewable energy, tackling the most complex challenges in solar and storage with hands-on expertise and innovative approaches tailored to each project. Adam Bernardi, Director of Renewable Sales & Strategy, and Grant Reasor, Senior Electrical Engineer, share the strategies that have helped their team optimize solar projects in an ever-evolving market. From mastering domestic content requirements to balancing complex site conditions, they break down what it takes to drive solar projects forward. Expect to learn: ? The techno-economic strategies employed to optimize module selection and meet IRA domestic content requirements, and why it’s not always straightforward. ? The importance of understanding the owner's project goals and pro forma to drive the best technical solutions. ? The significance of comprehensive due diligence and upfront identification of site-specific risks to drive project value. ? How to handle seasonal challenges of performance testing on the frozen tundra of the Upper Midwest Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eFtpWBbX #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #EPC #EnergyStorage #CleanEnergy

Happy #VeteransDay to all the brave men and women who have served our country. ?? We especially honor those who are powering our #CleanEnergy future. #ThankYou ??