Heat pumps are the EVs of HVAC—so why aren’t we all using them?

Stephen Lake, a highly successful engineer turned climate-tech entrepreneur, is here to explain why heating and cooling is the most overlooked piece of the decarbonization puzzle.

After selling his last company to Google, Stephen founded Jetson to tackle one of the biggest—and slowest-moving—sectors of home energy: HVAC. From cold-weather performance to noise, he busts the myths about heat pumps and outlines why they haven’t hit mass adoption in North America.

Spoiler: it’s not the tech. It’s everything else—price, friction, contractors, complexity.

Expect a crash course in sector disruption, including Jetson’s decision to build everything in-house and cut install costs by half through full-stack operations. If Tesla built HVAC, it’d look like this.

🔹 What makes heat pumps 300% efficient (and why it’s not magic)

🔹 The hidden friction points that stall heat pump adoption

🔹 Why cold-climate performance is no longer a dealbreaker

🔹 Lessons from scaling a vertically integrated climate tech startup

If you’ve ever wondered why heat pumps haven’t gone mainstream—or whether it should be part of your electrification journey—this is a conversation you can’t miss.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

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

A new wave of power demand is here. Is the grid ready? And can States keep up?

Doug Scott, now in his second term as Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission, joins Nico to share how Illinois is navigating the accelerating pace of the energy transition. From integrating energy storage to regulating gigawatt-scale data centers, the ICC isn’t moving at glacial speed anymore—it’s sprinting.

Does Illinois provide a glimpse into the agency that individual States have in managing their way through this energy transition? Doug reveals the behind-the-scenes challenges of regulating clean energy deployment while keeping costs in check and reliability rock-solid. In this conversation, we unpack how Illinois plans to balance electrification, equity, and economic growth—all while trying to avoid ratepayer whiplash. Plus, we dig into the legislation that almost passed and what’s still on the table for 2025.

Expect to learn:

🔹 The ripple effects of data centers on local and regional grid planning

🔹 What the “beneficial electrification” agenda really means for consumers

🔹 Why energy storage and VPPs are at the center of Illinois’ grid playbook

🔹 How the ICC is adapting to a faster, more decentralized energy landscape

Get the full picture of Illinois’ clean energy momentum and what it means for the rest of the country. If you’ve been waiting for policy to catch up to innovation—this is the episode for you.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

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

So what’s the secret to building influence in a Trillion-dollar industry?

Perhaps it’s “start when it’s only a Billion-dollar industry!”

But in today’s episode a few more “secrets” are discussed.

In this rare role-reversal, Nico Johnson—the voice behind SunCast—is interviewed by solar industry legend (and fellow podcaster), Barry Cinnamon. It’s a full-circle moment packed with lessons on storytelling, scaling influence, and building a media brand that moves the clean energy industry forward.

Nico shares how podcasting became his outlet for deeper industry insight—and how a single conversation with a GreenTech Media analyst changed his life. He reveals how he turned curiosity and connection into a flywheel for audience growth, impact, and eventually revenue.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build influence, tell better stories, or scale a niche media company in a fast-changing industry—this one’s for you.

We also discuss:

🔹 Why the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing

🔹 The “3-legged” stool of any media company

🔹 How SunCast attracted early sponsors even with a relatively small audience

🔹 Why great storytelling is still the ultimate clean energy recruiting tool

Ready to turn insight into action? Listen now (or watch on SunCast Media), share it with one person who’ll benefit, and tap follow/leave a quick review so we can keep bringing you the playbooks that move our industry forward.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

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 warranties aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.

In a solar market defined by price pressure and disappearing installers, consumers are more skeptical than ever—and they’re asking smarter questions. Who’s responsible when something breaks? Will anyone answer the phone in 10 years? 5 years?

In this live session, Nico Johnson sits down with Dean Chiaravallotti of Solar Insure at NABCEP 2025 to unpack how modern solar companies are rethinking service, liability, and the real value of a system warranty. Dean outlines the pitfalls of relying solely on manufacturer coverage—and why smart contractors are shifting to a proactive, financially backed model that keeps them competitive and customer-centric.

This isn’t just about insurance. It’s about building trust at scale—and protecting your business in the long haul.

🔹 The warranty models installers are using (and where each one fails)

🔹 How to turn your service department from cost center to profit driver

🔹 The real impact of workmanship warranties when companies go under

🔹 What criteria sets top-performing partners apart?

Warranties aren’t just fine print—they’re your reputation on the line. Whether you’re scaling your solar company or just trying to avoid costly callbacks, this episode gives you the insights and tools to build a smarter service model. Dean brings years of experience and hard-won lessons to the mic—and you’ll walk away with ideas you can implement immediately.

Hit play and learn how to turn warranties into a winning advantage.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

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

Why is residential solar still so hard in the US? Andrew McGuigan will wager an answer.

After 13 years in the solar trenches—from knocking doors at Sungevity to leading OpenSolar’s global expansion—Andrew has seen every twist of the solar coaster. Now at OpenSolar, he’s got a front row seat to helping 25,000+ installers worldwide streamline their businesses and survive the industry’s many curveballs.

In this live conversation from the NABCEP 2025 stage, Andrew unpacks the economic and operational bottlenecks plaguing U.S. residential solar—and how he’s helping contractors fight back. From permitting nightmares to bloated sales commissions, the U.S. market still carries some of the highest soft costs on Earth.

But there’s a shift underway—one driven by smart workflows, instant permitting, embedded finance, and a deep understanding of the homeowner journey.

💥 Expect to learn

🔹 Why US solar costs 2-3x more than global markets—and how to fix it

🔹 The hidden costs of permitting and how SolarAPP is changing the game

🔹 How OpenSolar’s “cash flow” feature is replacing QuickBooks for installers

🔹 Why consultative sales and storage are reshaping the residential pitch

Whether you’re a new installer or an industry veteran, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s working—and what’s broken—in residential solar right now. Andrew’s practical insights and global perspective make this a must-listen for anyone navigating today’s market.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

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

Are Coal and clean energy still at odds??

It might sound like a contradiction, but today’s guest is proving that innovation often comes from the most unexpected places - in this case, Coal Mines.

Listen in as Nico sits down with Mark LaVerghetta, co-founder of ReElement Technologies, a company turning the coal industry on its head by extracting critical minerals from coal’s waste stream — and doing it cleaner and cheaper than China. Born from a contrarian bet on distressed coal assets, ReElement is now on the frontlines of the U.S. effort to onshore mineral refining and reduce our dependence on geopolitically fragile supply chains.

We were all skeptical about this episode. “Should we bring on a coal industry executive? Is this really a clean energy technology, or just greenwashing?” Nico was very intentional about learning as much as possible to guide the discussion, and as a result our Producer said “This Is The Most Interesting Episode of the Year!”

Mark reveals how his team transformed environmental liabilities into valuable resources, using patented tech to separate rare earth metals with unprecedented efficiency—and far less environmental harm.

Expect to learn:

🔹 Why metallurgical coal still matters in the clean energy economy

🔹 How ReElement is beating China at its own game—without toxic waste

🔹 What makes critical minerals “critical” (and how the U.S. can produce them)

🔹 How entrepreneurial risk-taking turned coal waste into national security assets

This one’s dense—but powerful. If you’re a visual thinker, head to our YouTube version with added visuals to better understand the process.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

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 if the tools you use to sell solar are setting you up to fail?

That’s the uncomfortable truth Jason Steinberg, CEO of Scanifly, is tackling head-on.

In this episode recorded live at NABCEP 2025, Jason and Nico dig into the disconnect between sales and operations in solar—where remote designs sell the dream, but outdated imagery and manual measurements leave teams scrambling on install day.

Jason shares how his team is transforming the design process by putting drones and data at the center of solar workflows. The result? Fewer change orders, faster permitting, and a safer, smarter job site.

Expect to learn:

🔹 How Scanifly slashed permitting timelines from 3 weeks to just 3 days

🔹 The business case for getting your crew off the roof (hint: it's not just about safety)

🔹 Why AI-generated designs can actually worsen accuracy—unless you do this

🔹 Why faster design = faster payment in a milestone-based finance world

🔹 The surprising ROI of drone tech—via lower insurance premiums

If you want to future-proof your workflow, boost close rates, and build trust with homeowners, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

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

In a market flooded with cheap imports and geopolitical risk, one company is standing its ground.

Did you know there’s only one North American battery management system (BMS) provider at utility scale—despite growing pressure from subsidized Chinese competitors offering systems at zero cost?

Michael Worry, CEO of Nuvation Energy, joins Nico to share how his company became that lone provider.

But the core of this episode brings a critical warning: what happens when over 80% of the U.S. battery infrastructure is owned or influenced by foreign governments? And how should engineers and lawmakers respond?

Michael takes us on a wild entrepreneurial ride: from building EVs before Tesla was cool to deploying robot kegerators at Burning Man. Nuvation’s “garage projects” aren’t just PR stunts—they’re real-world user acceptance test platforms that prove product reliability under extreme conditions.

Expect to learn:

🔹 Why Nuvation rejected deals to white-label Chinese BMS tech

🔹 The loopholes foreign firms use to bypass U.S. battery bans

🔹 How garage innovation became a proving ground for serious tech

🔹 What’s at stake if supply chain security isn’t taken seriously

This episode is a wake-up call, a founder story, and a blueprint for building mission-critical tech without venture capital. Don’t miss it.

Are we sleeping on supply chain security?

Hit play and find out.

If you want to connect with today's guest, you’ll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.

You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.

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