Solar’s growth isn’t just steady—it’s compounding. If current trends hold, half of the world’s energy could come from solar by 2035. That’s the prediction Andrew “Birchy” Birch has modeled using real-world data and the S-curve of technology adoption. He explains why mainstream forecasts underestimate solar, how exponential growth works in energy markets, and what policies must change to support a fully electrified economy.

Birchy is the CEO and co-founder of Open Solar, a free solar design and project management platform used by installers worldwide. A longtime solar industry pioneer, he previously co-founded Sungevity, one of the first online solar sales platforms, and has spent decades advocating for policies that expand solar access (like pushing forward the SolarAPP in the US). Now, he’s working with the Global Solar Council to push for an industry “Bill of Rights” that ensures fair energy market rules and a standardized approach to integrating solar into the grid. Want to hear and see the data supporting Birchy’s bold claim that Solar will be More than 50% of our primary global energy in just 10 years’ time?

Expect to learn:

• Why the S-curve shows solar reaching 50% of global primary energy by 2035
• How the U.S. solar market compares to the rest of the world
• How SolarApp and permitting reform could unlock residential solar
• Why tariffs and subsidies are distorting the solar market
• How OpenSolar is making solar design software free for installers worldwide

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

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

With 45 percent of U.S. water sources containing toxic contaminants, according to the EPA, access to clean drinking water is becoming increasingly uncertain. Worse still, according to a UN study, over 40% of the world's water bodies are considered severely polluted, meaning a significant portion of Earth's water is contaminated; this translates to around 1 in 3 people not having access to safe drinking water. Traditional water treatment methods rely on filtering or distilling existing sources like lakes, rivers, or oceans. But a new approach is gaining traction—one that pulls water directly from the air.

Alexander Von Welczeck, Founder and CEO of SkyH2O, explains how Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) is reshaping water access. By capturing humidity and converting it into purified water, AWG provides a decentralized supply of water that reduces dependence on our failing infrastructure. As concerns grow over PFAS (forever chemicals) and other pollutants in municipal systems, AWG offers a safer alternative with wide-ranging applications.

As water scarcity grows, AWG is emerging as a scalable solution for industries, communities, and facilities that need reliable access to clean water in an increasingly water stressed world. Tune-in to hear how it really works and just how close we are to pulling water right out of the air!

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

Mentioned in this episode:

CPS July 2024 V2

The distributed generation market is shifting rapidly as capital tightens, power prices rise, and smaller developers bump up against capital and market constraints. Independent power producers (IPPs) like Aspen Power are stepping in to bridge the gap—partnering with developers, securing financing, and scaling solar assets in key markets. But what does it take to succeed in today’s distributed energy sector? And what does distributed energy mean in today’s evolving market?

Jorge Vargas, co-founder and CEO of Aspen Power, has spent over two decades in structured finance and solar project development, with past roles at Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, and Lennar Homes. Aspen Power emerged from his work at Energy Impact Partners, where he identified the need for a full-scale IPPs focused on distributed generation. Backed by private equity firm Carlyle, Aspen Power has grown rapidly, now managing over 250MW of assets. Jorge breaks down how they are reshaping distributed generation through innovative financing, project buybacks, repowering existing assets, and long-term investment in clean energy infrastructure.

Expect to learn:

• Why smaller developers are struggling to access capital—and how Aspen is helping
• The four market segments driving distributed generation today
• How Aspen’s buyback strategy is unlocking new value in older solar assets
• The role of Safe Harbor in securing ITC benefits amid policy uncertainty
• The biggest regulatory and financial challenges facing developers in 2025

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