The Solar Podcast

Today, Dave is speaking with Susan Stone, CEO of Ubiquitous Energy, and Veeral Harev, VP of Corporate Strategy at Ubiquitous Energy. Join us as they discuss transparent solar technology, partnerships to bring solar windows to market, and the future of solar glass.

What will it take to decarbonize America's energy grid? Dave Anderson poses this question to veteran energy expert Peter Kelly-Detweiler. With over 30 years in the industry, Peter offers a unique big picture perspective. They explore the economic, political and technical obstacles to reaching net zero emissions. Peter also shares fascinating stories and analysis from his prolific career working to advance renewables. This episode provides an insightful look at the complex energy transition unfolding today.

Today, Dave is speaking with clean energy policy pioneer Katherine Hamilton, Co-Founder of 38 North Solutions, about her surprising career journey and vision for driving innovation through smart policy. Dave traces how Katherine Hamilton went from aspiring children's book author to clean energy policy trailblazer who now helms 38 North Solutions advising innovators and lawmakers on smart policy solutions.

On today's episode of the Solar Podcast, Dave is speaking with Joel Gamoran, Vice President & General Manager of Energy Services at Arcadia, a community solar company. Join us as they break down exactly how community solar works, the economic benefits, and how it's expanding renewable energy access beyond just rooftop panels.

In today's episode, Alex Deng of kWh analytics joins Dave to lift the veil on solar project finance and insurance, explaining the key but unseen role insurance plays in getting renewable energy projects built. Drawing on his experience as a project developer and now insurance underwriter, Alex breaks down the different sources of capital, ever-evolving technology risks, and surprising solar performance data that are shaping how solar projects get financed and insured today. He shares his unique perspective on provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act that will catalyze the next wave of solar growth.

When disaster strikes, lives depend on access to power. Andrew McCalla of Direct Relief joins Dave this week to discuss solar energy's critical role in disaster relief and response. Drawing on over a decade of experience responding to catastrophes globally, Andrew describes the devastating impact of power loss on vulnerable communities and how deploying solar microgrids at health facilities can be truly lifesaving. Tune in to hear how solar providers can partner more closely with nonprofits, how to get portable power where it's needed most, and what emerging technologies may transform disaster response in the future.

Today, Dave is speaking with Tim Montague, the founder and host of The Clean Power Hour podcast. Join us as they discuss Tim's journey from environmental activist to solar industry veteran, the keys to starting a successful energy podcast, and how to speed up the clean energy transition. You'll also hear some expert predictions for the renewable energy future.

Today Dave is speaking with Mark Jacobson, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University. Join us as they discuss the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to 100% renewable energy from wind, water and solar sources, debunking myths about renewable energy, and the straightforward policies and actions needed to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

Today, Dave is speaking with Sean Kidney, CEO of the Climate Bonds Initiative. Join us as Sean discusses the explosive growth of the green bonds market, how capital markets can finance climate solutions, and the urgent need to mobilize investment to avoid climate catastrophe.

Today, Dave is joined by legendary video game pioneer Henk Rogers. Best known for bringing Tetris to the world, Henk shares his inspiring journey from gaming icon to renewable energy crusader. Join us as Henk shares how he's pursuing this goal through bold ventures like Blue Planet Energy and advocating for sustainability initiatives across the globe. Henk also provides visionary perspectives on tackling climate change, the future of renewable energy, and how we can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. 

Today, Dave is joined by Alex Wright-Gladstein, founder and CEO of Sphere. Join us as Alex discusses the importance of climate-friendly investing, shares insights on the fossil fuel industry's resistance to sustainable 401k's, and explains how individuals can take action to align their values with their investments. 

Today, Dave is joined by Ravi Manghani, Director of Strategy and Market Analytics at LS Energy Solutions. Join us as Ravi shares insights on the evolution of battery technology, discusses the myths surrounding batteries, and gives us some bold predictions for new storage technologies on the horizon.

Today, Dave is joined by John Perlin, solar historian, author, and physicist at UC Santa Barbara. Join us for a fascinating conversation on the 6000 year history of solar energy, its unlimited potential, and its importance in creating a sustainable future.

Today Dave is joined by Loren McDonald, the founder of EV Adoption. Join us as they discuss the shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, smart charging, the obstacles surrounding solar power and the exciting potential of bidirectional charging. 

Today Dave is joined by renewable energy executive Adam Happel, who was most recently the General Manager of Rivian's EV charging business. Join us as they discuss Adam's professional journey at companies like Telsa and SolarCity, as well as the common questions and concerns surrounding electric vehicles. They also explore the exciting possibilities for collaboration between EV and solar companies.

Today Dave is talking with Nico Johnson, accomplished producer, podcaster, and founder of SunCast Media. Join us as they discuss the world of solar entrepreneurship, explore the Inflation Reduction Act's impact, and talk about how Nico's journey of growing SunCast Media into a platform with over 600 episodes and 750,000 downloads.

Today Dave is talking with Michelle Spina, Sales Education Manager at SolarEdge. Join us for a timely discussion about changes to California's net metering program (NEM 3.0), the future of battery solutions, and how SolarEdge's rate-saver program is making battery installation more cost-effective. 

Today Dave is talking with Cory Vanderpool, Founder of Spark. Join us as they discuss the post-installation challenges facing consumers and how his company, Spark, is creating tools that help homeowners recapture the value of their solar systems when it's time to sell. 

Today Dave is talking with Bryan Wehler, President and CEO of ARM Group. Join us as they discuss some of the ARM Group's most exciting projects to date including the 18 MW Annapolis Landfill Solar Project. They also discuss cutting through the red tape of permitting and zoning as well as the future of community solar. 

Today Dave is talking with Tim Mohin, Partner and Director at BCG. Join us as they discuss Tim's impressive career as a sustainability officer at companies like Apple, AMD, and Intel. They also discuss Tim's role as Chief Executive at the Global Reporting Initiative and the landscape of laws and regulations affecting sustainability today.

Today Dave is talking with Scott Nguyen, CEO at Bodhi. Join us as Scott discusses his journey from Vietnamese refugee to Harvard-trained Ph.D. and how his company, Bodhi, is helping solar companies deliver the digital experience that today's consumers expect. 

Today Dave is talking with Jim Spano, Managing Partner at Spano Partners Holdings. Join us as Jim discusses his background in finance and real estate, a unique financing product his company offers, and how he rode the "solar coaster" from riches to rags and back to riches again. 

Today Dave is talking with Jan Rosenow, Director of European Programmes at Regulatory Assistance Project. Join us as they discuss current policies in renewable energy, the energy crisis in Europe, and how Jan's work at the Regulatory Assistance Project is helping the world transition to a clean energy future. 

Today Dave is talking with Tor Valenza, founder and CMO at Unthink Solar. Join us as they discuss Tor's journey from Hollywood screenwriter to solar industry thought leader, how solar is portrayed in pop culture, and how Tor's new podcast, Probably True Solar Stories, is using fiction to educate consumers about solar technology. 

Today Dave is talking with Anthony Halkyer, business development manager at ABC Supply Co. Listen in as they talk about Anthony's journey into the solar industry, the future of peer-to-peer energy solutions, and how Anthony is working to turn roofers into solar installers. 

Listen in as Dave talks with Franz Hochstrasser, Co-Founder of Raise Green, about Franz's years in the Obama state department, his role in coordinating the Paris Agreement, and his newest venture, Raise Green, which is making investing in clean energy projects available to investors of all sizes. 

Listen in as Dave talks with Matt Smith, Co-Founder and President of Project Solar, about how his company just raised $23 million dollars in funding, the future of the solar industry, and how Project Solar is changing the renewable energy sector.

Renewable energy can only go as far as it's funded, and lately it's been funded very well! Firms specifically funding projects that are focused on environmental impact have been helping achieve new levels of success in the renewable energy industry. Listen in as Dave speaks with about Geoff Eisenberg, partner at Ecosystem Integrity Fund (EIF) about the mission of impact investing and how it works, how solar power democratizes electricity, and how to navigate investing in such a highly regulated industry. 

If you follow this podcast, you have probably heard a little bit about the new "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" being introduced. When the future of solar depending on accessibility to everyone, it's important to know how this bill affects yourself and solar companies, the tax breaks for consumers, and financing options available to give everyone the chance save on their energy. Listen in as Dave talks with Nathan Jovanelly, head of Business Development at Enerflo and renewable energy veteran, as they discuss the impacts of this new bill, the pros and cons of financing in solar, how solar sales will change and adapt, and how solar can become more affordable for everyone who needs it. You can check out Enerflo here, and follow their socials to stay up with industry trends.

The grid that powers our modern world is outdated, and today's guest, Bill Nussey, thinks that soon we are going to completely change how we generate our power. Listen in as Dave talks to Bill Nussey about how small scale systems will totally disrupt our modern large grid systems, how solar will be totally integrated in our lives in 10 years, and how getting solar panels is the best thing you can do to fight climate change. You can find Bills book "Freeing Energy" here, and listen to his podcast of the same name here.

It's no secret that renewable energy and specifically solar can be seen as controversial to many, but when overly politicized the home owners and jobs created by the industry are the ones who suffer. Sometimes we the people of solar are the ones who must stand up even in the “Most Free State” of Florida.  Listen as we sit down with board member and CEO of Sun Harvest Energy Ben Millar and Florida government expert and campaign manager Beth Matuga, two integral parts of the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FLASEIA) and learn about the political climate around solar, the industry in Florida, how to fight Goliaths in the fight for solar freedom and even how to win.  To learn more about FLASEIA, you can visit https://www.flaseia.org/ to stay informed and get involved

Welcome to another episode of The Solar Podcast. Today David is talking to Brian Lynch, a veteran in the solar industry who is currently Sr VP of Sales at ADT Solar. Brian gives us insight into what it is like going from the manufacturing side of things to residential, the recent supply chain difficulties, and what the future of residential solar looks like.

In this episode of The Solar Podcast, we sit down with Abby Buchmiller, former CEO of Empire Solar. We talk about what it is like being a female executive in the renewable space, what happened to Empire Solar, and much more.

Welcome to the first episode of The Solar Podcast. In this episode, we sit down and talk with Kerim Baran. He's a multiple time investor in the renewable space. He most recently sold his company, CivicSolar, to CED Greentech, the largest distributor in the country. In this inaugural episode, we are going to dive into why is it that solar costs so much less in other markets like in Australia, and much more.