Straight-Talk Solar Cast

In this week's episode we review the pro's and con's of electric heat pumps.  Specifically we discuss the electric heat pump by https://www.facebook.com/MRCOOLcomfort and how they tested their universal heat pump in -24 degree weather in South Dakota.  Inside, with the heat pump, the house was 70 degrees.  Plus, since heat pumps use electricity solar + heat pumps are a no brainer. &...

In this week's podcast we discuss the recent historic events, including the pricing of @Bitcoin topping $40,000 per coin.  We discuss how to get paid in Bitcoin mining, how solar plays a role in Bitcoin and mining, and the long term reasons to buy, hold and mine Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite their customers to “Own The...

In this week's podcast, we say goodbye to a crazy 2020 and welcome new year 2021, which should be the biggest year in the history of solar power.  We discuss all of the upcoming contributors and what the near future for solar power will bring to new and existing solar clients.  Happy New Year everyone! Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite their customers t...

In this week's podcast, we add to our solar wishlist for 2020. We need to add financing for commercial solar projects. Currently there are no great solutions for small commercial solar projects and we review those solutions and then recommend a great solution that should be available for all utility customers. #onbillfinancing Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite th...

In this week's episode we discuss the next items on our solar wishlist for 2021. We discuss the long-standing recommendation of getting multiple bids for construction projects. We also talk about the current warranty requirements on a solar installation and the unintended consequences of a 10-year warranty requirement. Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite their cust...

In this week's episode we get to talk with our guest, Tim Brown from Hook Agency to discuss the next evolution in how solar companies attract new clients. Traditional lead gen companies will brute force solar on prospective clients who show the slightest interest in going solar. Hook Agency helps its clients engage through their own websites. Building the client's brand builds the best long term c...

In this week's podcast we discuss my 'wish' list for solar power in the next year.  This is a long list so we will break this topic up into 2 or 3 podcasts over the next few weeks.  One of these wishes has already been granted! Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite their customers to “Own Their Energy” by purchasing a solar panel system for their home, busi...

In  this week's podcast we discuss the Solar Industry Association's agenda as sent to the Biden - Harris team including extending the Investment  Tax Credit (ITC) for solar projects & battery storage, solar on federal lands and reduction of import tariffs. All of these requests are quite modest, and in next week's show we will address our own solar wish list. Brought to you by Solar...

In this week's episode, we discuss the potential impacts of the impending Biden presidency on the solar industry. New incentives, cost increases, improving technology and rolling back tariffs all set up the solar industry for continued success and growth. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California ,  who invite their customers to “Own Thei...

In this week's podcast we are joined by Norman 'Finn' Findley, the CEO of Quest Renewables, and they are in the business of solar carports.  We get to discuss how Quest got started, what sets them apart from other solar carport companies, and where the future of solar covered parking is headed. Find out more here: https://questrenewables.com . About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought t...

In this week's episode, we discuss the options in keeping pigeons out of solar panel arrays, when they are needed, why they are needed, and how to keep these pests from ruining your solar investment. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California ,  who invite their customers to “Own Their Energy” by purchasing a solar panel system or their ho...

In this week's podcast we have Timna Zemel from SimpliPhi Power to discuss battery sizing, improvements in 2021 and how battery storage helps reduce the pain of planned power outages. Here is the link for the SimpliPhi battery calculator mentioned in the podcast: https://simpliphipower.com/support/system-based-phi-battery-calculator/ About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar...

In this week's podcast we discuss the new California Executive order that requires all new cars sold to be electric by 2035.  The good news is that most car manufacturers are coming out with new EV's that are amazing.  Anyone considering buying a new car in 2021 should listen to this podcast before buying an electric vehicle. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Sola...

In this week's episode we discuss how Solar Harmonics  President, Jamie Duran, got his start in the solar industry, what motivated him to start Solar Harmonics, the philosophy behind the company and what keeps him motivated each day to help his clients go solar. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California ,  who invite their customers...

In this week's episode we discuss how does one start selling solar panel systems.  In California selling solar is essential for many customers,  but the compensation has dropped dramatically due to AB5, and the turnover is very high.  Further adding to the difficulty are the restrictions due to COVID-19 making most sales no longer in the home face-to-face but over the phone or onlin...

In this week's podcast, we discuss the upcoming election and what each candidate has planned for the solar industry in the next 3 - 5 years. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California ,  who invite their customers to “Own Their Energy” by purchasing a solar panel system or their home, business, or farm.  You can check out the website...

In this week's podcast, we are joined by Timna and Catherine from SimpliPhi Storage, and we get a quick overview of SimpliPhi batteries, racks, enclosures and what makes SimpliPhi a great option for battery storage in renewable energy. Check out their site here: https://simpliphipower.com/ About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California ,  who...

In today's podcast we discuss the fires in California, and the associated smoke and ash. This leads to our discussion of maintaining, cleaning, and caring for the solar investment. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California ,  who invite their customers to “Own Their Energy” by purchasing a solar panel system or their home, business, or fa...

In this week's podcast we discuss solar storage - best options for people who do not have solar yet, and storage for existing solar panel systems.  Storage systems are growing in number, but the costs do not seem to be dropping.  However, the differences in storage are vast and we touch on the high points. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in North...

In today's podcast, we discuss why roofing and solar are so harmonious, and why it makes so much sense to add solar when a new roof is installed.  We also discuss the reasons people do not get solar when they get a new roof, and how we can help solar adoption 1 roof at a time. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California ,  who invite t...

In this week's episode, we discuss the recent fires, smoke, thunder, lightning, hail, oppressive heat, and now the bubonic plague is having on the solar industry, and PG&E rolling blackouts for good measure!  Turns out solar is the best hedge against all of these disasters... About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California ,  who invit...

In this week's, podcast, we talk about Do It Yourself Solar installation. Spoiler alert - we don't recommend it. Solar can be dangerous, expensive and difficult. We briefly discuss the pros and cons of installing solar yourself vs. hiring a licensed installer. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California ,  who invite their customers to “Own...

In this week's podcast, we discuss how every day our clients are waiting for their solar to be installed, they are losing money.  We discuss the reasons for the recent delays in the permit process and how the permit process has improved as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.  Even better, we discuss the reasons why people wait to go solar, and once they have solar, they say, "I wish I hadn'...

In this week's podcast, we discuss the popular reason why some people decide to not go solar - Shouldn't I wait 5 years to go solar to see how technology changes?  There is a hard cost to waiting to go solar, and every day is lost potential.  We discuss the reasons why going solar now makes much more sense than waiting. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harm...

In this week's podcast, we discuss some of the biggest news items in the last week in the solar industry, most notably Apple Computer announcing they are making the commitment to make their entire company carbon neutral by 2030, running on 100% renewable energy. We discuss the impacts of this decision and how it will affect the solar landscape in the near term. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmon...