Yoooo Sun!!!

Hosts Micah and Jared are joined this week by special guest Brian Regli, the Governor's Executive Director of Critical Investments. We dive deep into the challenges and opportunities in Pennsylvania's energy sector; From the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act to the vital role of solar energy and the push for onshoring solar manufacturing, this conversation covers it all. Learn about the innovative Solar for Schools initiative, the dynamics of energy markets, and the significant policy efforts driving the state's transition to renewable energy.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Amicus, a national solar cooperative. We are joined by Amicus' very own Director of Vendor Engagement and Procurement Ruby Quintana. Discover how Amicus connects solar manufacturers with innovative companies and harnesses the collective buying power of its 80 member companies.

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Maria Kingery from Southern Energy Management and 360 Impact. With over two decades of experience, Maria shares her journey from a passion-driven accidental start in the solar industry to becoming a leader in sustainability and energy efficiency. We discuss the evolution of solar technology, the impact of policy changes, and the increasing integration of solar and storage solutions.

From the importance of vendor relationships to the intricacies of solar supply chains, Jeff shares valuable insights gained from years of experience. He sheds some light on the evolution of Greentech Renewables and its mission to provide top-tier service and products to solar installers nationwide. Micah reminisces about a pivotal moment early in his career when a distributor saved the day, highlighting the critical role vendors play in successful solar projects.

This week on Yoooo Sun we explore the transformative journey of HopeWorks, an organization dedicated to empowering young adults through tech training and employment pathways. Hosts Micah and Jared are joined by special guests Onna and Dan from HopeWorks, as they dive deep into the innovative approach of providing young professionals with access to living wage employment. From rolling admissions to real-world internships and job placements, Onna and Dan share insights into how HopeWorks is revolutionizing job training and support services. Join the conversation and discover how HopeWorks is recoding the future for young adults in Camden and beyond.

Come with us as we explore the latest innovations in renewable technology with Sierra Fan, co-founder of Illu. From smartphone accessibility to workforce development, we delve into how tech is reshaping the industry. Sierra helps to illuminate the path towards a brighter, more sustainable future of democratized access to knowledge and opportunities in the field.

Today we have a special guest – Terry Tomei, the visionary founder and CEO of Positiv Energy. Terry shares his journey from his roots in Western Pennsylvania to his ventures in the renewable energy sector. Born and raised in the steel town of Aliquippa, Terry's immigrant heritage instilled in him a resilient, can-do spirit, which he later channeled into the world of renewable energy. Micah and Jared delve into Terry's motivations and experiences, exploring the intersection of entrepreneurship, community empowerment, and environmental activism.  

This week we demystify the world of virtual net metering, featuring the insightful Joy Baxter. Listen to hosts Micah and Jared as they delve into the intricacies of solar billing, focusing specifically on Joy's experience with virtual net metering success.   

Join the hosts as they delve into Christina Simeone's personal solar journey. After years of influencing energy policies and strategies, Christina finally takes the plunge with solar panels on her own home, along with an electric car and a battery backup. Hear firsthand about her motivations, challenges, and excitement of finally making the switch to a more sustainable lifestyle.  

Get ready for a charged-up episode of "Yooo Sun!!!" Micah and Jared sit down with a long-time friend and green energy guru, Andrew Adelman, Technical Trainer at Enphase. In this episode, Andrew recounts a hilarious tale from the field – a job that took an unexpected turn in a basement, leading him to declare, "If this guy's going solar, everyone's going solar".  

Buckle up for the Solarcoaster Ride: In this episode, Micah and Jared are joined by Erik Holvik and Spencer Fields of EnergySage, the country's largest online marketplace for clean energy comparison shopping. Erik and Spencer take you on a journey through the ups and downs of the solar market, commonly referred to by those in the industry as the "solarcoaster." We'll take you on an exploration of the ever-changing landscape of Solar, discussing the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the renewable energy marketplace.

Micah and Jared go deep with industry veteran Chris Roscoe, a former Solar State OG now working at SolarEdge. Chris, an engineer, shares his journey from starting his own solar company to his current role as a Technical Account Manager at SolarEdge. Discussed: the evolution of solar technology, the shift in industry dynamics from a small-scale, DIY approach to a streamlined, large-scale operation, the significant reduction in solar installation costs over the years, the integration of solar energy with other aspects of home and business ecosystems (highlighting the role of batteries and energy management in modern installations), and the emergence of new technologies like bidirectional EV chargers.

Jared and Micah address the top solar industry myths in 2023. Are you a solar myth? Then you're about to be.....BUSTED! 

We install a Lumin smart panel with 80% of our Tesla Powerwalls. Wow! Why?! What's a smart panel, anyway? Phil and Stephen from Lumin, "the market leader for responsive load control",  joined Micah and Jared to talk system SMARTS, and what the future might hold to take your home's IQ even HIGHER!  Learn more about Lumin at https://www.luminsmart.com/

"I don't know if a smile can be captured on a podcast, but I'm beaming from ear to ear." - Ameen Akbar in episode 38. Ameen is an old friend. He joined us to talk his journey from YouthBuild PHL to becoming the Chief Mission Officer at Philly Youth Basketball. YouthBuild PHL is one of our solar education partners. Learn more about YouthBuildPHL: https://www.youthbuildphilly.org/ Philly Youth Basketball: https://www.phillyyouthbasketball.org/ Ameen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameen-akbar-419449195/  

Solar States' Isaiah "Zay" Smith (born and raised in Philly) shares his journey from Philly public schools, to the Energy Coordinating Agency's training program, to Solar States, where he started in Operations & Maintenence and evolved into a master solar designer. Jay-Z and a Philly Brazilian steakhouse are also mentioned...

Micah and Jared sit down with Solar States' own operations manager, Ryan Kerr. Ryan talks about his longstanding relationship with energy stemming back to his childhood, chopping wood for his stove, to now being at the forefront of renewable energy here in Philadelphia. Ryan reflects on his time working in the oil and gas industry and the challenges that came along with it and compares it to the work he does now.

This week Jared and Micah sit down with Laurie Mazer and discuss her work in solar advocacy and utility scale solar development. Laurie talks about her start in renewable energy and some of the amazing projects she has worked on. Laurie dives into concepts like virtual power purchase agreements and  many more bits of insider solar knowledge.

Micah and Jared talk to David Bellamy, a Solar States customer, about his experience with solar and volunteer work with The Philadelphia Project. David talks about his process of going solar and how by utilizing his system and battery wall he has been able save money and have net zero emissions.

Micah and Jared sit down to speak with Solar States customer and sustainable builder Ralph Loielo. Ralph tells about some of his current green construction projects and his background in architecture and sustainable design. Ralph explains the processes of making “passive houses,” which aim to be air tight and utilize solar and batteries to minimize their energy consumption.

Micah and Jared are joined by State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler. The three discuss Rep. Fiedler's work on the Solar for Schools bill, which would incentivize solar education throughout schools in Philadelphia. Other topics discussed are bi-partisan support around the bill, the process moving forward, and advocacy work citizens can get involved with.

Micah Gold-Markel and special co-host Jackson Kusiak talk with Daniel Hunter, a Solar States customer and Associate Director of Global Trainings at 350.org. Daniel installed a 27 panel, 25 Kw ground mounted system on his property. They talk climate change, clean energy, 350.org and oh, so much more.

Micah and Jared interview environmental advocate, Joy Baxter. Joy talks about her path into environmentalism. Joy, as a homeowner, has had a solar array for over 10 years and is able to live with little to no energy bills. In recent times, Joy has gotten involved with solar financing, specifically through the clean energy co-op. The clean energy co-op helps communities invest in solar and then use that funding to help community businesses go solar. Joy also explains her background in chemical engineering and the experience and road blocks of being a woman in the field. Joy and her husband got into solar by accident when her husband discovered a new type of solar cell in college. Micah and Joy get into the weeds on the nature of solars sustainability and the benefits of offsetting even part of a home's energy.

Micah Gold-Markel and special co-host Jackson Kusiak interview Larry Moyer, a Solar States customer, who speaks about his experience navigating the legal system with regard to Virtual Net Metering. Since Pennsylvania does't have what's known as community solar, solar advocates like Larry have to jump through hoops in order to reap the financial benefits of solar. Larry explains the PUC's regulation on non generational load, the challenges this regulation brought, and the process its repeal. Larry represented himself in court, wrote his own briefs, and is still fighting for his right to virtual net metering. Larry also discusses his involvement working with Family Promise to get a solar array installed on Second Baptist Church of Germantown and utilize virtual net metering policies.

Jared and Micah look back on 2022's most important developments. 

Bob Byrne joined us to discuss the work of Family Promise and Second Baptist Church's experience going solar with Solar States. The Inquirer recently published an article featuring Second Baptist and their decision to go solar.  Free quotes at solar-states.com/start

Finn McCrohan, 2019 graduate of Philadelphia OIC's "SETT" program and Solar States' Operations Specialist, joins the show to discuss the OIC education program experience, diversity in solar, and what the Solar Tecnichican and Operations Specialist role entails. 

Ipsun Solar is a solar installer based in Washington D.C. They're also Amicus Co-op members and have been close friends of Solar States since their founding in 2016.  They joined us to discuss their approach to creating a sustainable business and their new technology product for solar installers, Ipsun Tech: https://ipsuntech.com/ Herve and Joe met while working at the Department of Energy and are two of the brightest, most innovative solar entrepreneurs we know. Enjoy! Learn more about Ipsun: https://www.ipsunsolar.com/

Rishika Ghosh of Philadelphia Green Capital Corp. (https://phillygreencapital.org/) joins Micah and special guest host Marc Shackelford-Rowell. Topics:    Tax Equity, Partnership Flips, CPACE, explained PGCC's Share the Sun donation program (donate your SRECs) - https://solarizephilly.org/share-the-sun/ Rishika's background and experience coming from UPenn's Masters program.  

Ipsun Solar is a solar installer based in Washington D.C. They're also Amicus Co-op members and have been close friends of Solar States since their founding in 2016.  They joined us to discuss their approach to creating a sustainable business and their new technology product for solar installers, Ipsun Tech: https://ipsuntech.com/ Herve and Joe met while working at the Department of Energy and are two of the brightest, most innovative solar entrepreneurs we know. Enjoy! Learn more about Ipsun: https://www.ipsunsolar.com/

This episode was recorded in 2021 (but the insights are timeless).  This week on YOOOOO Sun! we're joined by Amanda Bybee, the CEO of Amicus O&M Cooperative, one of the most important bodies in the solar industry.  https://www.amicusom.com/ O&M stands for Operations & Maintenance, and its members (Solar States is one) promise to fulfill their solar promise for decades after their projects are installed. Amanda takes us on her path to Amicus O&M and discusses women in solar, diversity in solar, the vetting process used by O&M to recruit new installers and how they hold them accountable over time, her new website solarrecycle.org, and more. 

This week it's THE GODFATHER! That's right the Godfather of Solar himself joins us - Ron Celentano. Ron's advice saved Solar States years ago and today might save YOU. We talk PA solar policy achievements, the future of Net Metering, challenges to solar growth from here, community solar, solar for farmers and SO. MUCH. MORE.  It's....YOOOOOOOOO Sun!!! episode 23!

Episode 22 is all about the solar market in our great state of Pennsylvania. Laura Rigell was Director of the Philadelphia Energy Authority at the time of this recording and has since moved on to new and exciting things. She was joined by C. Baird Brown, principal at eco(n)law and legal counsel for the PEA.  Baird shares his perspective on the state of solar here in PA, including an overview of AEPS, net metering, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and roadblocks / issues we need to address in order for solar to blossom here. Emily discusses the discrepancy they (the PEA) discovered in the way Net Metering was being implemented in PA, and what her team and Baird have done to right the issue.   

Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear boots and drive a Prius, and Thomas Glenn is one of those. Thomas came to us through our free solar education programs five years ago, and has advanced to become a Philadelphia Master Electrician. He is leaving this summer for a big move to Colorado with his fiancè.  Thomas shares his full story from dropping out of High School to finding our free training programs, graduating them, accepting his job with Solar States, and evolving at our company over the years.

Brian Barr is Manager of PECO's Green Power Connect team, a group committed to creating more opportunities for solar energy in Greater Philadelphia.  On this episode we get DEEP into the nitty gritty of how a utility is involved in the process of going solar. Brian's team manages relationships with all solar developers in the area, including Solar States. Their job is to make sure everything is run smoothly and make improvements wherever possible, which they have by dramatically reducing the time it takes your permit to be processed and by adding online payments (!), among other things. The process can get complicated. Brian, Jared, and Micah boil it down.  And for today's Rapid Shutdown, shutdown unnecessary bureaucracy! 

Marc Shackelford-Rowell was born and raised in North Philadelphia and met Solar States Founder Micah Gold-Markel at Solar States' Solar Training Lab during his time in the Philadelphia OIC program. “OIC is probably one of the best things to ever happen to me that I never planned for. A great combination of hands-on training as well as technical knowledge."  After OIC and an internship with the Philadelphia Energy Authority, Marc joined Solar States and has since become a master of all trades for us. In this episode, he speaks to Micah and Jared about his first installation as an installer, his experience with Solar States including his massive achievement shortening the time-to-permit for all solar installs in Philadelphia, and his path to becoming a solar homeowner. As Micah says, he's "the greenest dude of anyone I know." 

Judy Wicks is an entrepreneur, author, speaker and mentor working to build a more compassionate, just, regenerative and locally-based economy. She joined us to discuss her approach to a carbon-free life both at home and in business, and discussed her non-profits and how they're building more sustainable economies in PA and across the nation.  Learn more at circleofauntsanduncles.com, judywicks.com, proudpennsylvania.org.   

Today we talked with members of the Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum and learned we can all agree on a whole awful lot. We talk about the future and importance of renewables in Pennsylvania, the challenges and nuance of reaching across the aisle to find middle ground and progress, and the potential benefits of community solar on PA's agricultural center. A refreshing and feel-good conversation in search of middle ground and practical next steps.  Thank you to PCEF's Chad Forcey, John Storey, and Justin Mason for joining us! More about PCEF at https://penncef.org/.

Today on the show - the one and only Jackson Kusiak. Jackson's background in community organizing and climate relief initiatives led him to Solar States, where he started as an installer and soon transitioned to the sales team. Jackson joined Jared & Micah to discuss his vision for solar, and his work that led to the 2021 groundbreaking solar pilot program for low and moderate income households in Philadelphia. 

Today's episode is a masterclass on building efficient homes. We're joined by Alex Seldin, a Solar States client who hired us during renovations to his Philadelphia home, and Brian Osborne of Osborne Construction, who was hired by Alex to design the home using Brian's "whole-house organism" approach.  Alex shares his initial vision for the home, including his motivations for going solar, and Brian details on his plans and execution. Brian is what Jared calls "Picasso with a 2x4". He has spent his career thinking deeply about building efficiencies and developing a practical, long-term approach to building green homes. Nobody likes to crack open the walls to their own home for energy improvements. Brian outlines his "200-year solution" for clients so that they don't have to worry about upgrades to indoor air quality, air tightness, or other concerns ever again.  You'll hear the full story from financial and design considerations to execution to life after solar install / renovations.  More about Osborne Construction: http://www.osborne-construction.com/     

Cleo Anukam was born and raised in Philadelphia and came to Solar States through the PowerCorps and Bright Solar Future Programs. This episode is for anybody considering a career in solar or clean energy, regardless of your background. Cleo is an African American and was told in early trade education programs that, because of his color, a job in the trades would be difficult. He perceived jobs in solar as "white-dominated, something I couldn't really achieve." But through the PowerCorps and Bright Solar Future programs, Cleo learned that he could thrive in solar, and found a home at Solar States. He ends with a few tips for anybody considering a similar path. 

Anna Shipp is the Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia. She has dedicated her career to social and economic equality and climate resilience.  Anna joined Micah and Jared to discuss B Corporations and SBN'S work helping transition Philadelphia to a more sustainable economy. We're talking jobs, jobs, jobs:  "Before COVID, renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors were outpacing job growth in Pennsylvania by 5x and employed more than twice the number of workers as the states entire fossil fuels industry. 2 out of every 3 employees that were in that industry were employed by businesses with fewer than 20 employees and 80% of those jobs were in the trades." “SBN wants to make sure that this balance of business voice is there. We’re here to say ‘climate resilience and thriving economy are not mutually exclusive as the narrative would you want you to believe, they are part and parcel and wildly interdependent.”

Justin Trezza, Director of Garden Programs, and Adam Hill, City Harvest Manager, join us from PHS to discuss solar’s role in our community gardens.  Learn all about PHS at phsonline.org/.

Generation180 is a non-profit working to inspire and equip people to take action on clean energy. We're joined by two of their team members - Wendy Philleo and Tish Tablan - to discuss the potential benefit of solar for schools across our region and America. "We estimate if all schools were 100% solar, we could reduce CO2 equal to closing 18 coal fired power plants." 

Matt is CEO and Agent at Philadelphia-based Aragona & Associates. He discusses going solar with Solar States himself and why he partnered with us to bring solar to his clients in the future. "I've sold hundreds of homes in the city, all flat rooftops - why can't these houses all have solar energy on them? That is the thing we can do, that is my commitment moving forward with all of my clients - to help educate them, and if they're capable of going, solar to help them go solar."

Leslie Gaines and Liz Robinson join Micah & Jared to talk about their experience going solar in Philadelphia, and what they have for anyone considering it. This is part of a series of episodes highlighting Philadelphia Solar Week 2020. To learn more about solar week, see solarizephilly.org/events. 

Councilmember Derek Green joins Micah & Jared to discuss the growth in Philadelphia's green collar economy.

Emily & Laura join Micah & Jared to discuss the Philadelphia Energy Authority's solar initiatives, like Solarize Philadelphia and Solar Week 2020. 

Micah & Jared are joined by guest Thea Gudonis to discuss solar from an investor's perspective.  Thea installed solar on her own Texas property a few years back. She talks about what the installation meant for her home's value and tenants, and how new financing options have made solar more attractive to "practical investors".  "Solar's not a luxurious expense for the greenies; it's for the practical investor. Instead of just paying a monthly expense without any return, or any end in sight, you're switching that and diverting it to a monthly fixed investment that has an end, adds value to your property, invests in your local community and clean energy - it's one of the few examples in this world that's a Win-Win-Win for everyone and makes environmental, social, and economic success."  

Today's guest is a man of information - Todd Baylson. Todd is Head of Partnerships, Policy, and Commercial Sales at Solar States. Todd is that guy in the office constantly sharing links to news stories and leaving short comments beside them like "timely" and "interested to see how this shakes out". If an acronym exists, Todd is aware of it. With host Jared, Todd shares his path from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to Solar States and outlines the current cost and procurement challenges in solar, and one popular solution to these challenges: community Solarize campaigns.  In the last act, the Final Shutdown, Todd discusses The Moving Forward Act, a potential bright spot in the future of solar. 

Today, in solar..... Pennsylvania! PA is a notoriously complex place as it relates to energy. Jared and Micah talk through the short history and basic policies in Pennsylvania, and review available incentive programs like Solarize programs and the Philadelphia Solar Rebate.  In this episode:  Short history of Pennsylvania solar policy  Overview of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) SRECs and their relationship to the AEPS Solarize Philadelphia  Philadelphia Solar Rebate Deregulated Electric Markets