Show notes
In solar, having the right people in your corner can help you get a project built and keep you going when the market gets tough. Solar Fight Night gives that community a place to connect, celebrate, and give back.Editor’s note: This conversation was recorded before the 2026 midterm elections. References to pre-election fundraising reflect the timing of the recording.Daniel Dus, co-founder of Solar Fight Night, joins Nico Johnson to share the story behind the annual gathering some attendees call the “Met Gala of Solar.”Nearly two decades ago, a small group of solar professionals came together to help each other survive and grow. Daniel recalls one early gathering of roughly 18 people where the room included a panel supplier, a construction partner, and someone who could help tell the story of his next project. Now, the event expects to attract 3,000 industry leaders in Las Vegas.Together, they explore why companies bring their teams and clients back, why celebrating progress matters, and how the event helps fund organizations working on clean energy’s behalf. Daniel also explains the work underway to counter the anti-solar movement and how you can still support worthwhile nonprofits even if you don’t attend the best & biggest industry event of the year.Expect to learn:🔹 How connections made at Fight Night can help move real projects forward🔹 Why supporters return with their teams and prospective clients🔹 How the event supports clean energy advocacy and fact-checking🔹 Ways to participate and contribute, whether or not you’re headed to VegasSolar Fight Night takes place November 17, 2026, at Zouk Nightclub in Las Vegas, during RE+.Find out more and get your tickets at SolarFightNight.org.Listen for the story behind the gathering, then bring your team and come find Nico in the crowd.Episode 982: Thursday, November 5,2026 - {{Daniel Dus}} (982)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 - [email protected] with your feedback & recommendations.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!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 950 other founder stories and startup advice at www.suncast.media.We'd love if you'd leave us a 5 ⭐ rating & review and it's never been easier: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/suncastSubscribe 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/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus(00:00) The Origins of Solar Fight Night(01:42) Embracing the Clean Energy Struggle(02:20) Debunking the Fight Night Myth(03:45) Closing Multimillion-Dollar Deals in the Room(04:57) Celebrating Industry Wins and Repeat Sponsors(06:56) Funding National and Grassroots Policy Advocacy(07:51) VIP Cabanas and Industry Procurement Reach(09:48) Combating Misinformation with Clean Tech Fact Check(11:08) Deploying Rapid Response Against Anti-Solar Trolls(12:20) Connecting Capital to Renewable Nonprofits(13:18) Building Political Power for Clean Energy(13:34) Event Logistics: Zouk Nightclub at RE+