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About the Episode:

Kerim Baran, founder of Solar Academy and a prominent figure in the solar tech industry, was interviewed about his entrepreneurial journey and insights. He's known for co-founding Civic Solar and his involvement in Yonja, one of Europe's first social networks. This 2-part interview covers major themes like the paradox of solar costs, the vision for "god parity" where solar electricity becomes highly economical, the importance of knowledge equity, and his innovative investment philosophy. Kerim delves into his commitment to empowering individuals, his efforts in education through platforms like Enki Solar, and his ideas on decentralizing knowledge in the industry, which are now incorporated into his latest startup, SolarAcademy.com.

Helpful RESOURCES:

Connect with Kerim Baran on LinkedIn and Twitter

Follow SolarAcademy on its website.

Links Mentioned:

What is a Solar Conversation?

The State of Solar

My 3rd Rodeo – stream of thoughts

Enki and Enlil: The Two Most Important Mesopotamian Gods

Cosmic Buildings: The Next Generation Housing Company

Charlie Chaplin - Factory Scene - Modern Times (1936)

Tony Seba’s GOD PARITY (vs Grid Parity)

Key Takeaways:

1. Importance of Decentralizing Knowledge: Kerim's focus on platforms like Enki Solar and Solar Academy emphasizes the need to make knowledge accessible and not confined to elite institutions. This highlights the importance of sharing information and expertise to foster innovation and growth.
2. Empowering the Long Tail: Kerim's focus on empowering individuals, referred to as the "long tail," through his entrepreneurial and investment activities, shows the value of democratizing power and access. It points to a broader social responsibility in business and technology that can contribute to overall societal development.
3. Investing Beyond Financial Returns: Kerim’s investment philosophy prioritizes joy, support, and creating a more equitable reality over mere financial gains. This offers a nuanced perspective on investment that can lead to more fulfilling and socially impactful results.

BOOKS MENTIONED AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

Rule #1
by Phil Town

The Little Book That Builds Wealth
by Pat Dorsey

How to Love
by Thich Nhat Hanh

How to Fight
by Thich Nhat Hanh

The Surrender Experiment
by Michael Singer

Thanks again to this week's sponsor, helping keep the podcast FREE to you!

SUNGROW focuses on integrated energy storage system solutions, including PCS, lithium-ion batteries and energy management system. Please visit https://www.mysuncast.com/sungrow

ABOUT THE HOST OF SUNCAST:

Nico Johnson is the creator and host of SunCast, consistently rated a top solar podcast in the clean energy sector. The content of the show is geared towards listeners looking for insights on where the markets are headed, how to position themselves or their companies, and what today's market leaders do to stay ahead of the pack.

Nico is an Investor, Executive Coach, and 16-year veteran of the solar industry, having led development in the US and Latin America for global companies like Trina Solar and Conergy.

You can connect with Nico Johnson on Twitter, LinkedIn or email.

If you’ve been second-guessing your work decisions or maybe trying to reconsider how you "fit" in the renewable energy industry -> grab 20 minutes on Nico's calendar and discuss whether having him as Your personal coach might be the right next step.