December Monthly Recap
With over 750 episodes, we are excited to continue sharing conversations with leaders on the frontlines of the energy transition.
This special episode to close out 2024 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
- Jon Bonanno (he/him/his), Managing Partner, Factor
- Ryan Wartena, CEO and Founder, Dragon Wings Solar Generators
- Julia Pyper, Vice President of Public Affairs, GoodLeap
- Bryan Wagner, President & GM, Chint Power Systems Americas
- Amy Heart, Senior Vice President of Policy, Sunrun
- Jigar Shah, Director, Loan Programs Office | U.S. Department of Energy
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In this episode, we spotlight three nonprofits transforming lives through solar energy. Joining us are:
- Daniel Dus , the force behind Solar Fight Night, which has raised over $2 million to support impactful solar initiatives.
- Bill Jordan of Let's Share The Sun Foundation , bringing solar to underserved communities in Haiti, Honduras, and Puerto Rico.
- Kirk Anne Taylor, MPA and Laurie Smith (she/her/hers) from Climate Action Pathways for Schools (CAPS) , helping California schools lower emissions and inspire clean energy careers.
- Emily Teitsworth of Honnold Foundation , enhancing global energy resilience with off-grid solar solutions.
Support their work:
“Clean energy is on the rise; the clean energy transition is happening. It is, in fact, as I said to someone very recently unstoppable. As we enter into a new era politically, we have to be reminded that we are all in the good fight, and it is unstoppable. It is inevitable that clean energy wins.” - Nico Johnson
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While global climate movements highlight the urgency of the crisis, many are left wondering how to take meaningful, personal action.
Will Wiseman , Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and CEO of Climatize , is making clean energy investments accessible to everyone. Climatize, an SEC-registered platform, enables individuals over 18 to invest as little as $10 in renewable energy projects and earn up to a 10% return. By bridging critical funding gaps, Climatize empowers communities and everyday investors to drive the energy transition. With millions invested and years of solar expertise, Will shares how his team is scaling globally, fostering a fun, growth-focused culture, and tackling real-world challenges with innovation.
Expect to learn:
- How Climatize is democratizing retail renewable energy investing
- Greta Thunberg’s surprising role in validating Climatize’s early development
- How Climatize bridges the "missing middle" for C&I and community solar funding
- The innovative strategies Climatize uses to build trust and engage first-time investors
- How crowdfunding regulations and FinTech advancements drive Climatize’s success
“Green is the new gold. It’s one of those things where you know, when we look at what truly addressing climate change represents, it’s re-architecting the global economy.” - Will Wiseman
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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 Nguyễn , Co-founder and CEO of Bodhi® , Sean Garren DeKrey , Chief Program Officer at Vote Solar , and Corey Ramsden , VP of Go Solar Programs at Solar United Neighbors , share their insights on the nuances of these programs, the challenges facing low-income communities, and the innovative financing models that are emerging to make solar more accessible than ever before.
Expect to learn:
- The expanded benefits of the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant and how it can reduce project costs by up to 50%.
- How the $7 billion Solar for All program is being rolled out across the country.
- Strategies for installers and developers to navigate the complexities of grant applications.
- Why compliance with federal guidelines, such as Davis-Bacon and Build America Buy America Act, can be a competitive advantage.
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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.
In the immediate aftermath, organizations like the NC Sustainable Energy Association and Footprint Project took decisive action—mobilizing solar microgrids, portable solar generators, and atmospheric water generators to provide relief to those hardest hit.
Matt Abele , Executive Director of NCSEA, and Will Heegaard , Operations Director of Footprint Project, detail their coordinated response.
Hear how clean energy transformed disaster relief in North Carolina and learn how you can support efforts to build resilient communities prepared for future crises.
Our continued thoughts and prayers to those still recovering from this storm.
“The renewables industry can see the long game of climate disaster response and recognize that there might be a market entry opportunity for the rebuild and recovery space. We can change the face of disaster recovery in a really positive way that isn’t predatory, that supports the local communities where they are, and sets up the renewables industry for a really positive outlook as we think about how we’re going to rebuild communities in the face of climate change.” — Will Heegaard
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The commercial and industrial (C&I) solar market, often called the "messy middle," is finally gaining traction. With vast rooftop potential, transferable tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act, and rising electricity costs, now is the ideal time for commercial rooftop solar in America.
Versiris Energy , a wholly owned subsidiary of New Energy Equity , is capturing this opportunity. Led by Nick Kerwin and Rocky Shoemaker , who bring 30 years of combined solar expertise, Versiris blends startup agility with the backing of its parent company to overcome the unique challenges of C&I solar, turning untapped potential into meaningful clean energy solutions.
Expect to learn:
- The strategic decision-making process behind spinning out Versiris from New Energy Equity
- Why rising electricity rates are opening new C&I markets in regions like Alabama and Indiana
- How transferable tax credits from the IRA unlock opportunities for commercial property owners.
- How advancements like the UL 3741 standard are reducing costs and simplifying C&I solar installations.
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Can solar projects do more than generate clean energy?
How about enhance the health and diversity of local ecosystems?
Lightsource bp ’s “Responsible Solar” initiative restores habitats, integrates agriculture, and supports rural livelihoods. With over 2 GW of projects contracted with farming families, the company combines solar development with ecosystem stewardship to advance the energy transition sustainably.
Alyssa Edwards , Senior VP of Environmental & External Affairs, and Virginia Brown , Director of Ecosystem Services, share how Lightsource bp is leading this effort. NICO JOHNSON 🎙️ and Kerim Baran (Solar Academy) to explore the impact of this holistic approach to utility-scale solar development.
Expect to learn:
- How solar projects can enhance biodiversity and habitat through intentional land management over time.
- How the specific strategies Lightsource is deploying on projects today are both cost saving and good for all stakeholders.
- What is included in Lightsource bp's agrivoltaics approach like integrating sheep grazing, pollinator habitats, and other agricultural practices
“We believe in the energy transition, and we’re a renewable energy company, but the fact that we can add on these additional environmental and social benefits, and look at the land that we’re using because the name of the game is we’re land stewards, and if you have a large portfolio that you develop, own, and operate, you’re really large land stewards.” — Alyssa Edwards
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In 2025, SunCast celebrates 10 years of fostering conversations about the clean energy transition.
Here’s to a great 2025 and many more meaningful conversations!
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Thank you for tuning into this month’s recap! Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform and share your thoughts with us. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations next month #solarwarriors!"