Rob Sternthal joins Nico Johnson on suncast podcast

First aired May 27, 2025

Consider this a must-watch for anyone raising capital in the clean energy space. It’s a reminder to think long-term and structure financing in a way that aligns with your growth and mission. Expect to learn:

• How to tell if your platform is in distress
• Why selling early can be more expensive than you think
• How to navigate investor dynamics in a shaky market
• The five capital strategies XIP is advising now

In today’s renewable energy market, access to capital isn’t just about getting funded—it’s about staying in control. That’s why understanding the differences between credit and equity is more important than ever for developers and clean energy entrepreneurs.

As XIP Managing Partner Robert Sternthal explains, equity offers flexibility that credit often can’t. Without restrictive covenants or cumbersome reporting requirements, equity capital can empower companies to scale faster and avoid pitfalls that might otherwise stall growth—or worse, lead to a loss of ownership.

After a decade of easy money, the capital tide is turning—and many aren’t ready. Solar and battery developers are now facing:

• Interconnection costs in the millions
• Credit capital with double-digit returns
• Fewer buyers and slower exits
• The painful reality of platform dilution

Thank you to Nico Johnson and the team at SunCast Media.