Winter is coming
If you're a solar or battery developer, especially in utility-scale or C&I, you're likely feeling it already: capital has tightened, exits have dried up, and project timelines are stretching longer than ever. Sound familiar?
Rob Sternthal, co-founder of XIP and a two-decade veteran of clean energy finance, joins Nico to deliver a tactical wake-up call. This isn’t just another “market update”—it’s a field guide for navigating what could be the most turbulent season the industry has faced in most of your careers. Rob breaks down the myths developers are clinging to, the real risks of mid-stage assets, and how to avoid ceding your entire platform to creditors.
You’ll hear why Rob believes the “build and flip” model is on life support, what capital providers are really thinking, and how XIP is helping developers get scrappy, strategic, and solvent in a capital-constrained world.
🧭 Expect to Learn:
🔹 Why the capital markets have gone from firehose to faucet
🔹 The red flags of a distressed developer (and how to know if it’s you)
🔹 Strategies to stay liquid and avoid a fire sale
🔹 What kind of investors to seek (and which ones to run from)
If you’re feeling the pressure to sell early, raise expensive credit, or just keep your team afloat, this episode could be a lifeline.
And if you’re looking for the Linkedin Article that prompted this episode, it’s here: https://bit.ly/RobSternthal-LI-Post
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.
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You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:
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