10 Questions with Sunnova CEO John Berger

To help celebrate Sunnova’s 10-year anniversary, we sat down with founder and CEO John Berger. With a decade of lessons learned, monumental milestones, and achievements under his belt, we asked John 10 questions for 10 years in business. Learn about forging new paths, navigating uncertainty, and key insights from the one who started it all. What’s the secret to Sunnova’s success over the last decade? Read more to find out.

Q1: In Sunnova’s first decade of service, what are you most proud of?

A: I’m most proud of our longevity. When we started Sunnova 10 years ago in a downtown Houston apartment, our goal was to help change the way people source and power their lives by providing a better energy service at a better price. Looking at where we are today, I’d say we’ve stayed true to that goal. The fact that we’re still here after 10 years—when so many other companies aren’t—delivering power service to 40 U.S. states and territories and a quarter of a million customers is a testament to our team, our vision, and our customers’ continued belief in us.

Q2: What do you attribute Sunnova’s longevity to?

A: As Calvin Coolidge says: “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence,” and I believe that to be true. It is due to Team Sunnova’s persistence, dedication, and focus that has allowed us to be so successful over the years. The vision for Sunnova has always been to be an Energy as a Service provider (EaaS)—harnessing technology and innovation to help ensure the power always flows to the customer. Increasingly, our customers look to us as their primary power provider and our team looks forward to being there for them over the long term.

Q3: What are some lessons that you've learned over the years?

A: There are many lessons that I’ve learned along the way—both the hard way and the easy way. I much rather prefer the easy way than the hard, but both are going to happen in life.

• The first thing you’ve got to do is just try. Never be afraid of failure.?
• Advice can be tricky. You must learn when to accept advice and when to leave it, no matter who it’s coming from.?
• Do your homework. Looking back, one thing that’s been very helpful for me is learning lessons from others’ mistakes and failures.

Q4: What or who inspired you to create Sunnova?

A: Sitting on a power trading desk when I was in my 20s, I saw that the energy industry was on the cusp of monumental change, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of that change. A few years later, I was on a train going through Thailand and Malaysia with my wife on our honeymoon and we saw the extreme levels of energy poverty firsthand. When we returned home, I knew that an energy transformation was needed. Ultimately, I founded Sunnova based on my prior experiences, and to be able to provide consumers with a better energy service at a better price.?

Q5: What influences drove you to become an entrepreneur?

A: My dad was an entrepreneur—it’s in my DNA.

Q6: What's the best piece of advice you've received about being an entrepreneur?

A: You have to change and adapt. For a company to grow and survive, you need to always keep the next stage of the company in mind, think about what is needed, and be willing to adapt to change at all times.

Q7: Is there anything you wish we would have done differently over the past 10 years?

A: No. What we’ve been through as a company has led us to where we are today. Part of Sunnova’s success has been us being at the right place, at the right time, with the right people, and with a worthy mission.

Q8: What do you envision Sunnova looking like 10 years from now?

A: I see Sunnova as a global company that transforms the energy business to be cleaner, more reliable, and less connected to wires. I have a vision of the world being transformed versus just greening up what we have.

Q9: Do you have any favorite firsts here at Sunnova?

A: The first time I visited Puerto Rico, and Guam soon after. Those experiences really opened my eyes to the great possibilities and impact that? Sunnova could have on the people that live on islands with unpredictable and unreliable power grids.

Q10: What is a fun, memorable moment that you've had at Sunnova?

A: Our annual holiday parties. This is one of those special times during the year where we’re all able to be together as a team. I love meeting new employees, spending time with everyone, and meeting their significant others. Those are some of the happiest moments.

Bonus Question: What makes Team Sunnova so strong??

A: I think our people are more motivated to change the world, not to just do a day-to-day job. There’s something virtuous about doing something not because you’re getting paid to do it, but because it’s what you want to do. As we continue to move faster towards fulfilling our vision of becoming the best EaaS provider in the world, I know the team is dedicated to make a difference where it counts. I want to change the world, and I believe our team wants to do the same.