Simplicity and Skilled Labor Constraints

Most energy projects look solid on paper. Fewer stay on track in the field.

Brandon Moss sees the difference every day.

Energy demand is rising. Load growth is real. Timelines are tightening.

So what actually keeps large energy projects on track?

In this conversation, Brandon Moss, CEO of Shoals, shares what he sees from the center of utility-scale deployment. Shoals touches a significant portion of U.S. solar projects, giving Brandon a rare vantage point into how projects are planned, where they slip, and what separates strong operators from the rest.

We discuss:

1. What the biggest EPCs are prioritizing right now
2. Where early decisions create downstream risk
3. Why partnership is replacing transactional procurement
4. How labor constraints are shaping engineering and design
5. What “bankable” and “buildable” really mean in today’s market
6. How AI and load growth are changing the urgency around delivery

Brandon also reflects on the shift from private to public leadership, the responsibility that comes with scaling a business, and why simplicity and execution still win.

If you’re building projects, financing them, or planning infrastructure in a volatile policy and trade environment, this episode offers practical insight from someone who sits at the center of it.

Hit play and learn from a leader who sees where projects succeed and where they break.

Are there other technologies you’ve scouted on the frontlines of the Clean Energy Revolution that you think we should be covering here on SunCast?

Hit us up - team@suncast.me with your feedback & recommendations.

Check out OpenSolar OS 3.0 at: https://suncast.media/opensolar

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

Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!

SunCast is also sponsored by Nextpower!

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

Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today’s guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 875 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.

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