The Solar Coaster Podcast

What does solar look like before slick software, AI proposals, and easy financing—and what lessons from that era still matter now? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Ellsworth Corum III, a true solar veteran whose journey began in 2008—when solar was $12–$13 per watt, carports were a luxury, and proposals were sketched on graph paper with roof rollers and Solar Pathfinder camera...

What if the end of residential tax credits isn't killing solar—but forcing it to evolve into something better? In this forward-looking episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Blake Gailey of Ecotrybe, who shares his 13-year journey through the solar industry—from early Sunrun pilot programs to building dealer channels at SunEdison and SunPower, and now launching Eco Tribe after the industry...

Before The Solar Coaster book, before the podcast took off, there were foundational conversations with industry veterans that shaped everything. Welcome to Solar Coaster Origins—a special series showcasing the interviews that started it all. In this Origins episode, I sit down with James Meringer, owner of EVX Solar, who reveals the stark reality of solar's "race to the bottom" in residential mark...

What if the future of renewable energy isn't just rooftop solar—but floating power microgrids in harbors, cargo boxes that charge while you commute, and highway medians transformed into utilities? In this visionary episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Anthony Baro—founder of E2Sol and inventor behind the award-winning Power Docks system—who left a senior position at a defense contractor 1...

What if the secret to generating a seven-figure income in solar sales came from the same philosophy that helped someone overcome addiction and avoid jail? In this inspiring episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Michael O'Donnell—co-founder and VP of Sales at Sun Solar Solutions and author of the award-winning book "No Matter What (Even If Your Ass Falls Off)." Broadcasting live from my bat...

What if the biggest threat to solar isn't policy changes or technology—but "software fatigue" that paralyzes homeowners with too many options? In this incredibly detailed episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Brian Kelly, founder of Sea Bright Solar—one of America's largest solar companies with locations in New Jersey, New York, and California. Brian reveals how he went from attending sola...

What if the future of clean energy depends on unlikely partnerships between oil and gas companies and climate advocates? In this thought-provoking episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Reverend Kevin Taylor—a faith leader who's navigated the intersection of ministry, clean energy innovation, and controversial industry partnerships. Reverend Taylor reveals how his solar journey began when a...

What if the biggest challenge facing solar isn't technology or policy, but the way the industry has marketed itself for 25 years? In this unfiltered episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Paul Sullivan—a solar industry veteran who's seen more uphill climbs than downhill coasts and isn't afraid to tell it like it is. Paul reveals how he helps get renewables on the grid faster and cheaper tha...

What if the secret to explosive client retention in solar wasn't another sales tactic—but a living, breathing gift? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Lawrence Hanley, Founder & CEO of Desk Plants, who's revolutionizing how solar companies show appreciation to their clients. Discover why a batch of cookies gets forgotten but a plant creates lasting connection, how high-perceived...

What if the key to keeping massive solar installations running isn't buying new equipment, but finding the exact replacement parts from systems built 15-20 years ago? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Steve Feinberg of Blue Water Battery—a company that started recycling batteries and evolved into sourcing hard-to-find solar panels and equipment for aging commercial and utility-...

What if clean energy and clean water aren't separate problems, but two sides of the same solution? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Jeff Szur—founder of Altitude Water—who's pioneering atmospheric water generation technology that literally creates water from air using solar power. Jeff reveals how 20% of California's electricity is used just to move water around the state, why...

What if the future of luxury isn't just about performance, but about power—clean, renewable, solar-powered power? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Ray Wolmers—Real Estate Broker at eXp Realty and Luxury Automotive Consultant at Velocity Honolulu—who sits at the fascinating intersection of high-performance luxury cars meeting the EV and hybrid market. Ray reveals how the luxury...

What if the ITC tax credit disappearing isn't the end, but the beginning of solar's evolution? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Alex Herrera—founder of Sun Energy Today and true entrepreneur in the clean energy space—who shares his unfiltered journey from residential solar sales to building multiple businesses including finance platforms and commercial solar projects. Alex rev...

What if the future of solar isn't about tax credits, but about technology convergence and smart energy storage? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Steve Shaer of Atlantic CRM and Cloud Solutions—a software expert who's spent eight years building systems for solar companies and has a unique perspective on where the industry is headed. Steve reveals why he believes solar is about...

What if the secret to solar sales success isn't just about the product, but about mastering marketing strategy and professional reputation? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Jack Burleigh—VP of Sales at US Marketing Group—to explore proven strategies that are working right now in the solar industry. From leveraging direct mail in saturated markets like Arizona to understanding...

What if you could learn from a solar pioneer who's witnessed the entire evolution of the renewable energy industry? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Eric Wedell—CEO of Energy Plus Solar, a company that's been in the trenches since 1994. From the earliest commercial PV installations in the early nineties through market fluctuations, the COVID-19 pandemic, and today's innovation...

LIVE from RE+ Las Vegas! The Solar Coaster Episode 4 features an electrifying conversation with Todd Morgan, Vice President of Sales at Spitzer Energy Co., recorded live at the biggest renewable energy event of the year! Todd's track record is absolutely mind-blowing - he started a well-known distribution company from a BLANK SHEET OF PAPER and built it into a powerhouse. We're talking about build...

🎰 LIVE from RE+ Las Vegas! The Solar Coaster Episode 3 brings you an incredible conversation with Vladimir Marchenko, CEO & Co-Founder of Wolf River Electric, straight from the biggest renewable energy conference in North America! Vladimir's story is the ultimate entrepreneurial dream - starting from a basement in Minnesota and building Wolf River Electric into a 100% employee-owned powerhouse se...

🌞 The Solar Coaster Episode 2 is here! This week, host Anna Covert sits down with Ryan Park, a true titan of the solar industry with over 20 years of renewable energy expertise. Ryan serves as Director of Business Development for Moss Construction's Hawaii Division - the largest solar EPC in Hawaii and the entire U.S. by annual gigawatts installed. With thousands of affordable housing units compl...

🌞 Welcome to The Solar Coaster - Episode 1! Join host Anna Covert as she takes you on the wild ride through the solar industry with real stories from the people who live it every day. In this premiere episode, we're joined by Gina Gennette, a powerhouse from Best Payment Solutions, who shares her incredible journey into solar and how payment solutions are revolutionizing the renewable energy spac...