The Energy Show

Barry dives into what real “action” means. Using the En-Roads global climate simulator, he breaks down which solutions actually move the needle on global warming and which are just feel-good distractions. Episode Highlights: • How the En-Roads climate simulator models global warming and why we’re still on track for 3.3°C by 2100 • Why expensive “solutions” like fusion, trillion trees, and carbon c...

The OBBB is now law in the U.S. It eliminates the 30% residential solar credit and adds restrictions for commercial systems—including many residential leases/PPAs. That means cash/loan projects effectively get ~30% pricier, while leases/PPAs face domestic content, safe harbor, and FEOC rules that affect equipment and pricing. This week, Barry sits down with Mark (CEO at a top solar + storage perfo...

The 30% residential solar credit ends on Jan 1, 2026 but performance still wins. Barry talks with Brian Ghiglia about how REC’s Alpha Pure-RX (HJT, G12, half-cut) squeezes more energy from tight roofs, why hair-thin wiring (no hot-spot solder points) improves longevity, and how installers/homeowners can navigate 2026 with smarter financing and ops. Episode Highlights • REC tech explained: HJT + G1...

The 30% residential tax credit is ending in 2026—and the rules around commercial credits, domestic content, and safe harbor are tightening. What now? Aurora Solar’s CEO & Co-founder Chris Hopper joins Barry to lay out a practical plan for installers and homeowners: cut soft costs with software, speed up project cycles, and choose financing that fits the new reality.  What you’ll learn Why lea...

RE+ (formerly Solar Power International) brought together over 40,000 energy enthusiasts in Las Vegas this year. From cutting-edge home batteries to balcony and plug-in solar systems, the industry is buzzing with products that are practical, reliable, and ready for homeowners now. On this week’s Energy Show, Barry Cinnamon shares his Top Product Picks from RE+ 2025 — technologies that check all th...

Dan Javan Explains the Mad Scramble for Solar Financing in 2026. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) killed the 30% tax credit for residential solar. With no more residential tax credits as of 1/1/2026, the demand for solar financing will be higher than ever. But the supply of easy financing is constrained by safe harbor headaches, higher interest rates and questions about domestic content. What d...

In this episode of The Energy Show with Barry Cinnamon, Barry speaks with Tom McCalmont, CEO of McCalmont Engineering and co-founder of Paired Power, an innovative microgrid and EV charging company. Together, they break down how the elimination of the 30% residential solar tax credit and restrictions on commercial projects will reshape solar — and why smart companies must adapt now to survive in 2...

In this episode of The Energy Show with Barry Cinnamon, Barry reconnects with Jeff Wolfe, clean-tech veteran, founder of GroSolar, longtime SEIA board member, and now managing partner at Wolf Yates & Co. Together, they unpack what contractors and homeowners need to know as the 30% residential solar tax credit disappears in 2026. Here’s what you’ll learn: • OBBB 101 – Why cash and loan solar pr...

In this week’s episode of The Energy Show with Barry Cinnamon, we break down how the elimination of the 30% residential solar tax credit and new commercial restrictions are shaking up the entire solar industry. Joining Barry is Tom Werner, former CEO & Chairman of SunPower, one of the most respected leaders in solar. Together they cover: What the OBBB really means for homeowners and contractor...

Enphase co-founder Raghu Belur joins Barry Cinnamon to break down the future of solar + storage in this eye-opening episode of The Energy Show. As tax credits fade and utility rates surge, inverters and batteries are becoming the heart of the home energy system — and Enphase is leading the charge. This episode reveals how Gen 4 and Gen 5 batteries, smarter microinverters, and bidirectional EV char...

In this episode of The Energy Show, host Barry Cinnamon welcomes Dan Fadden, co-founder of Greentech Renewables (CED). Dan and Barry discuss the jaw-dropping new reality facing every solar installer and homeowner in America. With the 30% residential tax credit ending 12/31/25 and new commercial financing restrictions kicking in, the entire industry is racing toward a deadline. Only the smartest co...

Welcome to the next episode in our continuing series examining the devastating impact on the solar industry embedded in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” or OBBB as described in polite terms. We’re interviewing experts in the solar and battery industry throughout the entire value chain. If you’re a homeowner looking for solar, a contractor installing solar and battery systems, or a manufacturer/servic...

Welcome to the next episode in our continuing series examining the devastating impact on the solar industry embedded in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” or OBBB as described in polite terms. We’re interviewing experts in the solar and battery industry throughout the entire value chain. If you’re a homeowner looking for solar, a contractor installing solar and battery systems, or a manufacturer/servic...

You Are Getting Ripped Off. That’s right. If you’re a California homeowner, your utility is jacking up your electric bills to maximize their profits — and the government is approving these rate increases. PG&E’s profits have gone up three years in a row. Their profits hit a record of $2.5 billion in 2024. All because of steadily increasing electric rates and continued over-investment in expens...

Warning: The clean energy forecast for 2026 looks stormy—are you ready to weather it? In part two of our conversation with SunCast host Nico Johnson, we go deep into the chaotic, fast-changing landscape that solar companies are bracing for. You’ve probably heard the rumors: tax credits vanishing, new tariffs incoming, battery costs skyrocketing, and a federal crackdown via FEOC regulations. But th...

What do the Peace Corps, Trina Solar, and 800+ podcasts have in common? One man: Nico Johnson. This week on The Energy Show, we're bringing you a rare behind-the-scenes conversation with the voice of the solar industry—Nico Johnson, founder of SunCast. If you’ve ever listened to a solar podcast or worked in clean energy, you’ve felt his impact. From climbing rooftops in the early days of residenti...

Octopus Energy is shaking up the utility industry—one smart tentacle at a time. Nick Chaset, CEO of Octopus Energy U.S., joins us on this week’s Energy Show episode. Octopus Energy is redefining how customers interact with electricity. From solar and batteries to smart controls and EV chargers, Octopus isn’t just selling power—it’s empowering people to take control of it. Think of them as the ener...

Do you want to pay 30% more for your solar and battery system next year? Since the 30% tax credit is likely to end on 12/31/25, that’s exactly what’s going to happen. On this week's Energy Show we dive into the clean energy details in the proposed Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) that is currently being negotiated in Congress. For a change, Elon Musk and I are on the same page: killing the solar and batte...

The biggest home solar tax credit is about to be axed by Congress. If you are thinking about solar, or just want to expand your system or even add a battery — this 30% tax credit will save you a lot of money. You will lose out on a tax credit savings of $9,000 on a typical $30k solar system. That’s a lot of dough! Under the current reconciliation bill proposed by Congress, the 30% residential sola...

Ever wonder how you're supposed to navigate electrified homes, green building, sustainability, and energy efficiency when even the words "climate change" feel like a political landmine? Yeah, same here. Turns out, even poor Kermit the Frog isn't safe anymore. On this week’s Energy Show we’re diving headfirst into the complicated world of green buildings. The rules from Title 24 and building codes...

Are dirty solar panels secretly robbing you blind? If you’ve ever looked up at your rooftop solar panels and wondered, “Do I really need to clean those?” — this episode is your wake-up call. Whether your system is a year old or just a few months in, there’s a high chance those precious photons aren’t making it through the grime. And yes, that dirt is costing you money. We’re diving headfirst into...

You’d think it’s the cost of panels and batteries—but that’s only half the story. The other half? A tangled web of permits, inspections, engineering headaches, insurance, and paperwork that’s bleeding solar companies dry and keeping prices sky high. We’re joined by the man who’s on a mission to change that: Andrew “Birchy” Birch. You’ll hear why U.S. solar costs are double those in Germany and Aus...

Thinking about going solar, upgrading to a heat pump, or adding a home battery system? You could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table if you don’t take advantage of the latest tax credits! We’re breaking down everything you need to know to maximize your tax credits for 2024 – and even 2025! Despite all the chaos in DC, these electrification incentives are still alive and well. But the cloc...

AI is getting smarter—answering complex questions in seconds, from heat pump efficiency to system sizing. But can it really outthink a seasoned HVAC expert? We put AI head-to-head with heat pump design consultant Daniel Reres to find out who gives the best advice when replacing an old gas furnace and air conditioner with a state-of-the-art heat pump. Does AI have a clue about your heating load? Do...