Straight-Talk Solar Cast

In this week's episode, we revisit our old frenemy, the Solar Lease.  We review a horrendous home sale where the buyer discounted the price by the amount of the remainder on the solar lease, but the seller was not aware, and chaos ensued... If you know anyone in the real estate business, please share this podcast with them to help save their commissions and their reputation. About Jamie Duran...

In this week's podcast we discuss the recent moves by the 3 largest residential solar installers - Sunrun, Vivint and Tesla, and what it will mean for the solar industry and customers.  We also discuss how cool it is when a new client 'discovers' how going solar, even in non-PG&E territories, makes tremendous financial sense. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar...

In this week's podcast, we discuss the one major impediment to everyone in PG&E going solar, and that is financing.  PG&E currently can finance energy efficiency improvements, but only for businesses, and not including solar or storage.  But what if that program can be expanded, or if a Community Choice Aggregation plan could offer financing for every customer in their territory?...

In this week's podcast, we have special guests Woody Hastings and David Harper from The Climate Center, and they are working on a new community choice aggregation program for the Stockton, CA area.  Listeners can also attend the upcoming webinar Community Choice Energy in Stockton by following this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2427627000820176/ !  Learn more about The Climate Ce...

In this week's podcast, we review the recent bankruptcy of PetersenDean, the 8th largest solar installer in the US.  We discuss the impacts for their clients, solar clients in general, and their suppliers. 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...

In this week's podcast, we have another special guest, Bernie Taylor from PVPeople.net, with some great insights into finding a career in the solar industry.  Bernie gives us some very helpful advice in finding alternative ways to find the best jobs at the largest solar companies.  No better time as 40 million people are unemployed to get Bernie's valuable advice. About Jamie Duran &...

In this week's podcast, we discuss the changes in jobs in the solar industry in the wake of Shelter in Place, COVID, PG&E, and more factors affecting the solar industry.  As always, the solar industry is changing, adapting and evolving, and it is great to have this podcast to document the evolution. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern Cali...

In this week's podcast, we discuss what to do if your solar panel system needs service and your solar installer is not around or not responsive.  There are several steps to take including giving the installer a chance to remedy the problem and maintain the warranty.  Sometimes that isn't possible, and further steps must be taken to correct the issue. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmoni...

In this week's podcast, we have a very special guest from down under, Dr. Nick Engerer from SolCast.  Dr. Nick (hi everybody!) discusses some of the amazing aspects of the solar market in AUS, upcoming trends, and how his company, SolCast is helping solar clients forecast their solar production. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California ,...

In this week's podcast we discuss how not only have interest rates have dropped to all-time lows for refinances and new purchases, but we also discuss the rates for HELOC's (home equity lines of credit).  In addition, it appears even people with lower credit than usual are qualifying for amazing loan rates.  Lastly, we review some listener questions about solar DIY. About Jamie Duran &am...

In this week's podcast we discuss how solar is marketed and sold in the big box stores, how the solar companies are chosen and how they are monitored.  We take a deep dive into the sales practices and why it always makes sense to do your research even if you decide to get a proposal from one of these companies. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in North...

In this week's podcast we discuss the announcement by the State of California that construction will be allowed to start up again starting on May 1st.  Solar installations are included in this order, and we could not be more excited to be getting back to work.  At the same time, both city and county building departments have been slow to re-open, mainly because they have and will have a...

In this week's podcast, we discuss the solar industry's transition to online meetings, online proposals, and online online online.  Some companies are meeting this challenge with frustration and difficulty while others have been online the whole time.  The bottom line is less sales pressure on the client so they can make the best decision on their solar projects. About Jamie Duran &...

In this week's podcast, we discuss the new Self - Generation Incentive Program ( SGIP ) through the State of California is preparing to fund all or part of new battery storage systems if the home or business is located in a fire area.  There are a ton of other hoops to jump through, but if eligible, more and more homes that were affected by the PG&E Power Shutdowns will be eligible. About...

Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! In this week's podcast, we have a special guest, Ben Bauer, MacroEconomist, and we discuss a few of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our economic future.  There are so many issues that will need to be discussed and planned for, but Ben is able to shed some light and predictions of what we can expect in the solar industry....

Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! ln today's podcast, we discuss how it's starting to get warmer, and as it gets warmer, people are starting to want to use their swimming pools.  Most pool owners believe their pools are expensive to operate, but with a variable speed pool pump, electric heat pump and PV solar, swimming pools can be a net-zero system.  Stay Safe and S...

Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! ln this week's podcast we discuss a story that seems to have flown under the radar due to the shelter in place news, and that is PG & E Pleads Guilty to 84 Counts of Manslaughter for the Camp Fire in 2018.  The magnitude of this story is overwhelming, especially when above ground powerlines are everywhere, and there are countless exam...

Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! In this week's episode we discuss the new Shelter in Place requirement.  Many people are now required to work from home, and thankfully this is not happening during the hot summers.  What would happen if the Shelter in Place happened when everyone needed their air conditioning to work from home?  More than likely, rolling blacko...

Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! In today's podcast, we get to talk about how in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak, solar power provides a sense of independence and self-reliance when many people feel out of control.  PG & E Planned Shutdowns, weather outages, and now COVID-19, many people take control with solar power to help them feel in control of their energy pro...

Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! In this week's podcast, we answer the question of what to do with your solar panel system when you are moving to a new home.  As with most things solar, there are things to make sure to do, and things to avoid.  Many considerations in the new home as well!  If you know anyone in the real estate business, or if they are planning...

Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! In this week's podcast, we discuss the impacts of a solar panel system on a homeowner's insurance bill.  Steve Doden from Goosehead Insurance joins us to briefly discuss what a new or existing solar panel system owner can expect, and what to do if their insurance premiums increase a result of the new system.  We also touch on fire sa...

Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast we respond to a listener question about sorting out the various solar quotes he received, and what to look for in a solar company before going forward.  It's not so much about the equipment as it is about the financing and installer reputation. About Jamie Duran &a...

Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast, we discuss the solar trade show in San Diego last week.  Specifically, we discuss some innovations in energy storage, and how some larger companies are entering the industry. Panasonic's EverVolt Storage and Generac's Inverter + Battery are very impressive! About...

Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this weeks' podcast we interview the CEO of Scarlet Solar, Alain Poivret, and learn how Scarlet Solar is taking the solar parking structure to a new level with a tilting roof deck for 40% more output. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern Cal...

Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast, we talk to our guest, Pete Maki with Avitus Payroll.  We discuss the impacts of AB5 not only on the solar industry unforeseen but other unforseen impacts of the new AB5 contractor to employee rule. Most importantly, we discuss how AB5 is being enforced by the stat...