Solar Energy Show

Net metering is history (for now) in California and Hawaii. So almost every homeowner needs batteries with their solar system. But businesses need solar too, and therefore batteries. In fact, because of demand charges on most commercial electric bills, businesses benefit from batteries even more than homes. But there are almost no reliable, standardized, ready-for-prime-time commercial battery systems that provide the trifecta of energy savings, backup power and demand charge reduction. There is a gaping hole in the battery market between huge customized utility scale battery systems and small “off the shelf” home battery systems. Go figure! Note that I said “almost.” Fortress Power has a suite of commercial battery storage systems that are ideal for small and medium commercial customers. These systems can time shift energy use, provide solar-connected backup power and reduce peak demand charges. This week, CEO Jing Yu and Sales Director Alex Lepore join us to discuss how they’re filling in the Energy Stor

Think it can’t happen to you? Imagine icicles forming in the shower or condensate water seeping through your ceiling—all thanks to an HVAC system that’s begging for attention. This week, the “House Whisperer” Nate Adams joins us to expose the hidden perils of skipping HVAC maintenance and how a few proactive tweaks can prevent a winter nightmare (and save your bank account from disaster). • Your Furnace: A Ticking Time Bomb? Why ignoring maintenance is like setting yourself up for a frigid breakdown—just when you need heat the most. • Heat Pumps Are Taking Over: Nate and Barry dive into why these super-efficient systems are transforming homes, especially for solar-powered setups. • DIY Maintenance You Can’t Afford to Miss: Learn the easy steps to dodge condensation leaks, clogged filters, and cold-air surprises that make winter miserable. Want to save on HVAC repairs and avoid a frozen shower? Don’t miss this week’s Energy Show at www.energyshow.biz. About The Energy Show Every week Barry hosts The En

The first challenge with a home electrification project is determining the actual costs, savings and incentives for each step in the project. Once that’s done, the second challenge is navigating the maze of different electrification contractors (solar, batteries, EV chargers, HVAC, HPWH, insulation, etc.) Due to the magnitude of potential energy savings, solar and battery contractors are often the first in the door when homeowners consider an electrification project. Balto Energy is delivering a suite of software that will help solar contractors model and prioritize a range of electrification measures. To learn more about Balto Energy and their quest to decarbonize homes across America, please listen up to this week’s Energy Show at www.energyshow.biz as we speak with James Quazi, Founder & CEO of Balto Energy.

Ever wonder how early investors turned a hippy solar energy industry into a $100+ billion worldwide industry? On this week's episode we sit down with Gerard Reid, co-founder of Alexa Capital. Way back in 2005 he was researching PV technologies in Berlin - that’s when he realized that combining the right financing with rapid cost reductions in the solar industry could be the foundation for some terrific investments. And he was right. Fast forward to 2024 and we are seeing even greater worldwide potential for the combination of solar and storage. Now it is pretty obvious that solar and storage will deliver dirt cheap electricity. The challenge now is to seek out the opportunities that are not constrained by incumbent industries or hostile public policies. Please tune into this week's Energy Show at www. energyshow.biz to get Gerard’s insights into the actions that early solar and finance companies took to set them up for such a global success story.

Will the future of energy be driven by massive utility solar farms or millions of local rooftop systems? John Farrell from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance shares his insights on how utility monopolies are strangling local solar efforts -- especially in California -- where monopoly utilities are locking customers into sky-high rates. The conversation delves into the growing trend of “grid defection” as consumers use their own solar and battery systems to reduce their dependence on utility power. With an appropriately sized solar and battery system -- with a little help from a friendly EV -- it is indeed possible to cut the cord with the utility completely. Locations with lots of sunlight and high electric rates will be the first places where people can cost effectively ditch their local utility. With all due respect to Alice’s Restaurant…could this be the start of a nationwide movement? Please tune into this week’s Energy Show episode at www.energyshow.biz.

Nuclear power will make electricity too cheap to meter,” a prediction made in a 1954 statement from the head of the Atomic Energy Commission. 70 years later I’m predicting that electricity will be almost free, but powered from that fusion generator 93 million miles away. Sounds crazy, but rooftop solar is already generating power for $0.06/kwh — compared to our average rates here in California of $0.45/kwh. As rooftop solar costs continue to decline and grid electricity costs continue to increase, we need to prepare for three traumatic energy industry changes: 1. Gasoline demand will plummet as EVs dominate road transportation. 2. Natural gas demand will decline steadily as heat pumps dominate space heating and solar dominates power generation. 3. The utility business model will collapse as technological changes (solar and batteries) turn the electric grid upside down. Please tune into this week’s Energy Show as we dive into the capital costs, operating costs, ownership arrangements and timing for the four

In the second part of this week’s episode, we dive deeper with Vince Battaglia, CEO of Renova Energy, as he unpacks the aftermath of SunPower’s shocking collapse. First, a quick recap of Part 1: Vince shared the inspiring 18-year evolution of Renova Energy. From thriving in the heat of Coachella Valley to expanding into Arizona, he explained Renova’s smart choices in solar and battery tech and their consistent maintenance approach. Most notably, Renova’s steady, conservative business practices have been key to their sustained success. Now, we pivot to the gripping story of SunPower’s downfall and its ripple effects. Vince details how Renova was impacted and the strategic, customer-first decisions that guided their recovery. His firsthand account sheds light on how they survived the upheaval—reinforcing customer trust, making swift adjustments, and doubling down on reliable business practices. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion about navigating industry crises and what this means for the future of solar

This podcast episode, Segment 2 of our Enphase interview, delves into Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE) and the rise of advanced battery technology, with Enphase at the forefront since 2008. Segment 1, released a few weeks ago, is a good listen — especially for homeowners. Raghu Belur, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Enphase, shares insider details on their success, market position, and IRA incentives. We'll also debate open vs. closed home energy ecosystems and discuss how rapid advances in battery and EV charging tech are outpacing regulations. Explore UL 3741, a new code enhancing solar safety and efficiency, and learn about effective Whole Home Backup system designs. Discover how Enphase is shaping U.S. and California energy policies and what changes are needed to slash costs and boost safety. Catch Segment 2 of our Enphase episode at www.energyshow.biz for the latest from Enphase’s perspective on the future of solar, storage and home energy management.

This podcast episode, Segment 2 of our SolarEdge interview, is for my fellow solar installers who crave the inside scoop on industry TLAs such as IRA, VPP, V2G, PCS and NBT. This is the geeky deeper dive on the latest technologies and policy perspectives from SolarEdge. Segment 1, released a few weeks ago, is a great listen for more of a customer perspective. Today’s podcast, the second SolarEdge segment, is focused on interests and needs for contractors -- both residential and commercial. Issues related to fire safety, maximizing energy harvest, commercial cost reduction and UL 3741 are among the topics we are discussing. And if you work in California, techniques to increase system size for existing NEM2 customers will also be covered. Joining us on these two SolarEdge podcast segments are Bertrand Vandeweile, SolarEdge’s new GM for North America, and John Ahlman, their Chief Marketing Officer. Please tune into this second of two Energy Show podcasts with SolarEdge at www.energyshow.biz.

What happens when your largest solar equipment supplier suddenly files for bankruptcy? And worse, they stop paying you for your ongoing projects? This is the nightmare scenario for solar installers everywhere. As the solar industry faces shifting policies, rising interest rates, and market turbulence, some companies are managing to thrive despite the challenges. One such standout is Renova Energy. In this week’s episode, Vince Battaglia, CEO of Renova Energy, shares the secrets behind the company’s 18-year journey to becoming a leading force in the Coachella Valley and beyond. In this first segment, Vince highlights Renova’s growth and expansion into Arizona, their smart approach to solar and battery installations, and how they’ve tailored their offerings to the unique needs of the desert region. With a focus on extreme heat conditions and local roofing demands, Renova’s conservative business practices and top-tier maintenance services have helped them build a reputation for excellence. Want to know how to

Anyone who pays an electric bill in California knows we’re in the midst of an energy crisis. The stark reality is that this crisis is enabled by politicians who lack the will to do something about it. But unlike many politicians, Sam Liccardo took action to lower electric bills when he was the Mayor of San Jose. Now, as candidate for U.S. Congress, Sam plans to tackle this these energy affordability problems on both a state level and national scale. Please join me on this week’s Energy Show as U.S. Congress candidate Sam Liccardo talks about his work on safer bike lanes, how a heat pump keeps his house cool, and of course affordable energy. Perhaps most important — how his "across the aisle" political philosophy will help him get things done in Washington, DC. Looking for real-world solutions to sky-high energy costs? Then tune into this week’s Energy Show at www.energyshow.biz.

FINALLY, someone who actually understands our crazy-complicated electric bills! His name is Dr. Ahmad Faruqui. I’m delighted to have Ahmad join me on this week’s Energy Show to talk about energy policy -- with a particular focus on why the heck our electric bills keep going up when it’s so inexpensive to generate power with solar and wind. It helps to have a PhD in economics, as Ahmad has from UC Davis. He started his energy policy career at the California Energy Commission, and then went over to the Dark Side at EPRI, the Electric Power Research Institute, after which he worked at the Brattle Group on energy consumer policies. So he understands the economic theories as well as the realities of the electric utility industry. New energy technologies, such as rooftop solar and batteries, have disrupted the 120-year old utility industry. Please tune into this week's energy show at www.energyshow.biz for an expert’s view on how these technologies should best be deployed to provide affordable and reliable elect

Unfortunately, there are a few "quick buck" solar companies that take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. These ten tips will help you avoid these scam artists -- and get the best solar and battery installation for your home or business. 1. Beware of the word “Free” 2. Beware of TGTBT pricing and financing 3. Don’t sign up on the spot 4. Do not trust quotes generated completely online 5. Beware of “free maintenance and cleaning” commitments 6. Beware of optimistic system savings 7. Research the company that manufacturers the solar panels you will install 8. Research the company that manufactures battery SYSTEM you will install 9. Understand your backup power strategy 10. Do your own research on applicable incentives, credits and financing options Don’t let a bad deal or poor installation quality ruin your solar investment. Tune into this week's podcast at www.energyshow.biz

California’s clean energy future is on a collision course with profit-oriented monopoly utilities. From the Governor’s office to the California Public Utilities Commission to the Legislature, policies are being implemented that are leading to skyrocketing electric rates and record utility profits — while at the same time crushing California's rooftop solar and storage industry and knocking the state off track in meeting its own clean energy goals. It’s a classic David vs. Goliath story. Only, instead of “David” being one person standing up to the powerful utilities, given the unique power of solar energy, here, it is every ratepayer, every solar worker, every solar business fighting to protect the right for consumers to generate energy from the sun. And Bernadette Del Chiaro, as the Executive Director of the California Solar and Storage Association (CALSSA), is leading the fight for affordable, safe and reliable power for homes and businesses.

I bet you didn’t know that the “WH” in FranklinWH stands for "Whole Home." The Jersey Boys from Franklin designed their battery system from the ground up to help people back up their whole home without adding extra batteries or expensive load shedding subpanels. This capability has made Franklin one of the best selling battery systems on the market. Founder Gary Lam and Product Manager Doug Amarhanow — both Rutgers graduates — are my guests on this week’s Energy Show. In addition to integrated load shedding, the FranlinWH system also allows homeowners to expand their rooftop solar systems without triggering the Net Billing Tariff (or NEM3). On the near-term horizon is a capability that will allow EVs with a 240 volt generator output (such as the Ford Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck) to power a home independent of the grid. To learn more about these unique Whole Home backup features from FranklinWH, please tune into this week's energy show at www.energyshow.biz.

“SunPower” and “bankruptcy” are two words I never thought I’d see in the same sentence. But we should temper our schadenfreude. The solar industry owes SunPower and their employees tremendous gratitude. Without a doubt, our industry would be much smaller without SunPower’s early and determined leadership. So rather than dance on their potential grave, this week’s Energy Show will focus on SunPower’s accomplishments that I’ve witnessed first-hand over the past 20 years. Think about back contact cells; best dealer network; utility-scale installations on five continents; horsepower behind CALSSA and SEIA; Million Solar Roofs; uncapped ITC; Swanson, Werner, Shugar, Wenger, Blunden, Starrs; NexTracker and Renova. The list goes on. There’s plenty of news about SunPower’s demise. For the other side of the story, please tune into this week’s Energy Show at www.energyshow.biz.

Who would have thunk that you could put a 240 volt split phase inverter on the back of every solar panel? The gurus at Enphase and Akeena did, and I've been a fan ever since their first prototypes in 2008. In fact, I still have Enphase M-190 microinverters on my San Francisco home. Time for an upgrade? Probably! Our special guest is Raghu Belur, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Enphase. We've discussed microinverters for 16 years, witnessing Enphase's rise in the solar industry. Raghu shares insights on their product lineup, market segments, manufacturing hubs, and how they're leveraging IRA incentives. We explore open vs. closed home energy ecosystems, and the integration of battery, inverter, software, and EV charging technologies. We also cover whole home backup designs, industry challenges, and Enphase's influence on energy policies. Don't miss Part 1 of this insightful interview with Raghu on home electricity costs and reliability. Dial your browser to www.energyshow.biz for the inside scoop on

You don’t have to be a Boomer to remember the days of simple DC wire connections to string inverters. For the most part, these times are long gone. Since 2010, module-level power electronics (MLPE) have taken over — and now, with batteries and advanced load control, solar systems have evolved into the energy focal point for homes. This Energy Show podcast highlights new capabilities from SolarEdge, broken up into two segments. Today’s podcast, the first SolarEdge segment, is focused on interests and needs for homeowners. We saved the geekier deep dive for installers in the second segment, which will be released in a few weeks. Joining us on these two SolarEdge podcast segments are Bertrand Vandeweile, SolarEdge’s new GM for North America, and John Ahlman, their Chief Marketing Officer. We dive into the benefits of optimized string inverters, batteries, and load control of multiple home devices. Discover why homeowners should care about lifetime system “energy harvest,” as well as the tradeoffs between open

Yes, definitely. Heat pumps are literally and figuratively cool. And without a doubt, the best time to consider installing a heat pump is when your AC (or furnace) dies. Heat pumps do double duty, providing both heating and cooling. They offer significant savings and improved comfort -- which I confirmed first hand after my old outdoor air conditioner compressor died. Replacing both my old AC and gas furnace with a heat pump was one of the best home improvements I’ve ever made. The system operates almost silently, has better temperature control throughout my house, and my heating and cooling bills are down significantly. New heat pump models use inverter-based variable speed compressors with efficiencies in excess of 350%. These high system efficiencies mean that your total heating and cooling costs will almost always be lower with a heat pump than an ordinary AC and gas furnace. And from a comfort standpoint, with mini-split models you can even heat/cool individual rooms in your house! Sure, a basic AC re

Consider the poor photons! If your panels are dirty you are causing trillions of premature photonic deaths when they collide with dirt molecules. Please give those photons the chance to knock an electron loose from an eager semi-conductor. Instead of being converted to heat and banished to quantum hell. Save The Photons. Clean Your Solar Panels After just a week, your panels might look slightly dusty. But a light coating of dust doesn’t significantly block sunlight. However, severe grime, especially on low-tilt panels, can slash your output by over 25%! You can’t save all the photons all the time, but by watching your solar monitoring system you can tell mathematically — as well as visually — when your panels should be cleaned. If you have a larger system in an area with high electric rates and a dry climate, the economics of cleaning become more favorable. When it comes to cleaning solar panels there’s lots of bad advice on the internet…and even from manufacturers. On this week’s podcast we address WHEN