The Solar PVcast

We’re live at the Atlantic Canada Solar Summit, connecting with industry leaders and change makers. One standout conversation features Kallyn DeGrace , Regional Energy Coach with Clean Foundation , who helps non-profits access support for building energy-efficient homes and facilities. Stay tuned for more episodes from this major solar event driving change on the East Coast! See omnystudio.c...

In this Solar Bite, we break down the difference between DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current) and their roles in solar energy. Learn how solar panels generate DC power, how inverters convert it to AC for household use, and why understanding this is key to going solar effectively! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with Johan Hernström , Head of Off-Site Solar Sweden at Alight . We dive into Alight's mission to develop, own, and maintain solar farms, as well as their Power Purchase Agreements with major brands across Europe. Johan shares insights on the impressive growth of solar energy in Sweden, future projects, and how Sweden is positioning itself as a leader in renewables. We...

In this episode, I sit down with Darren Chu , Managing Director of Solar Club , to explore this innovative loyalty program making waves in Alberta’s deregulated energy market. We break down how Solar Club operates, why it’s a win-win for both members and industry partners, and the unique aspects that set it apart. Darren shares insights into why Solar Club leads by example, showcasing the benefits...

In this episode, we catch up with Jeff Shields, a Parksville resident who shares his solar journey three years in. Jeff dives into the financial impact of his solar installation and reveals how he was able to reach a positive cash flow from day one. He offers insights on the practical decisions he made that turned his solar setup into a money-saving machine and discusses what he’s learned along th...

In this episode, we sit down with Wally Martin , a pioneer in solar energy since the 1950s and the proud owner of a net-zero home in Langley, BC. Wally shares his unique perspective on solar energy, reflecting on how designers, not engineers, have shaped the way our homes are built. We dive into the workings of his own solar system, his decades-long passion for renewable energy and more. Tune in t...

In this episode of Solar Bites , we chat with Steve Unger , Lead Microgrid Developer at Shift , about Aurora, the solar software transforming how solar is modeled for homes and buildings across Canada. Steve walks us through Aurora’s rise to industry standard, explaining how it streamlines design and simulation. We also explore the software’s exciting future as AI technology takes solar modeling t...

In this episode of Solar Bites , we chat with Steve Unger , Lead Microgrid Developer at Shift. Steve shares his expertise and offers a critical warning for those looking to cut costs by ordering solar PV materials online. He explains the potential pitfalls of buying from online solar stores, including product quality, warranties, and system compatibility issues. Tune in to learn why working with a...

In this episode of Solar Bites , Steve Unger joins us to explain the concept of azimuth and why it’s crucial for optimizing solar energy production. In under 5 minutes, Steve breaks down how the direction your solar panels face impacts efficiency and how azimuth angles are calculated for maximum sunlight exposure. Whether you're a solar novice or just curious, this episode will give you the quick...

In this episode, we sit down with Emilie O'Leary , CEO & Owner of Green Clean Solar , a woman-owned recycling and wind waste management company leading the way in solar panel recycling. Emilie shares the innovative solutions Green Clean Solar is bringing to an industry facing the growing challenge of recycling aging solar infrastructure. We dive into her journey as a female leader in the male-...

In this episode of The Solar PVcast , we sit down with Steve Unger, Lead of Microgrid Development at Shift, to discuss the future of net-metering as it transitions to net-billing under the new self-generation policies being adopted by utility companies. Steve breaks down the reasons behind this shift and what it means for solar users. We explore the pros and cons of the new net-billing model, help...

In this episode of The Solar PVcast, we sit down with Daniel Giam, Founder of GETS Energy , to discuss the exciting new solar rebates from BC Hydro. We'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these rebates and explore how they integrate with the current Greener Homes Loan Program in Canada. Join us as we delve into solar incentives, their future in Canada and BC, and how you ca...

In this episode, we sit down with Dan Balaban , CEO of Greengate Power , to explore his insights on solar energy in Canada. We touch on the recent moratorium on solar projects in Alberta, discuss the importance of healing the energy divide across the country, and take an in-depth look at Canada's largest solar farm, the Travers Solar Project. Join us for a comprehensive conversation on the excitin...

In this episode we dive into the world of solar innovation with a groundbreaking approach: the Hybrid Power Tree. Joining us is John Coffman, a leading figure from Commercial Solar , to unravel the mysteries and potentials of this revolutionary technology. John provides insights into the unique features of the Hybrid Power Tree , illustrating how it seamlessly integrates solar panels with other re...

In this episode of Solar PVcast, join us for a fascinating conversation with Phil Audet, the visionary owner of Arbru Canada's first completely off-grid solar-powered brewery located in Mallorytown, Ontario. Phil shares his journey, intertwining his background in solar energy with his passion for craft beer. We delve into the challenges and triumphs of running an off-grid brewery, where every day...

In this episode we sit down with Lee Walston, landscape ecologist and environmental scientist from the Argonne National Laboratory, and discuss the transformative effects of solar energy facilities on local ecosystems. Lee shares insights from a groundbreaking 5-year field study examining vegetation establishment and insect community responses in newly established solar farm habitats. Throughout t...

Join us for an engaging conversation as we explore the groundbreaking initiatives of the Village of Stirling, Alberta, the first net zero village in Canada. In this episode, we sit down with Chief Administrative officer, Scott Donselaar to delve into how Stirling utilizes multiple solar arrays to power its municipal buildings, street lights, and more. Explore the pioneering approaches adopted by t...

In this episode of The Solar PVcast, Chris sits down with Ed Rottmann , CEO of the Chroma Energy Group , for an insightful discussion on the solar industry from a Tennessee perspective. The conversation delves into Rottmann's journey to renewables, how solar plays a vital role in the Tennessee energy landscape, and the company's focus on utility-scale solar projects. Government support is also tou...

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Stephen Thomas , the Clean Energy Manager at the David Suzuki Foundation , to delve into his passion for sustainability and renewable energy. Stephen gives us an insider's perspective on the foundation's mission, sharing its core values and commitment to transitioning Canada to 100% zero-emissions electricity by 2035. We explore the pivotal role solar ene...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Perovskite technology, a groundbreaking advancement in solar energy. Joining us is the esteemed Dr. Sahar Sam, Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Solaires , a pioneering company at the forefront of this innovative field. Dr. Sahar Sam sheds light on how this technology is reshaping the solar landscape, offering insights into its adaptability,...

In this episode of The Solar PVcast, we delve into the imminent conclusion of the Canadian Federal Government's Greener Homes Rebate, set to expire in March 2024. Our guest, Daniel Giam, Owner and Energy Advisor at GETS Energy , provides invaluable insights into the intricacies of this pivotal development, the need-to-know information and the critical details of the timeline. Daniel also shares hi...

We sit down with Karen Jawl, the visionary Director of Jawl Properties , a leading developer on Vancouver Island. Discover how Karen and her team are taking on the sustainable revolution in commercial building practices and embracing the future of construction with a focus on solar power.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this informative episode of the Solar PVcast, we delve into the essential topic of preparing your solar panels, solar system, and energy storage for the challenging Canadian winter. Our guest, Steve Unger, a seasoned Senior Project Engineer at Shift, provides valuable insights and expert advice on the do's and don'ts of winterizing your renewable energy system as well as gives tips on how to ma...

In this episode, we dive into the world of off-grid adventure tourism with Kyle Girgan, the Sustainability and Development Coordinator for Horne Lake Caves (Hidden Realm Adventures Inc.). Kyle shares their remarkable journey of harnessing the power of solar energy and energy storage to revolutionize their operations. Their solar array and energy storage system have not only propelled them toward f...

In this episode, we sit down with Dale and Sara Elford, two remarkable individuals who have turned their dream of achieving complete self-sustainability off-grid into a reality. They share their inspiring journey, highlighting how solar energy has been the key to unlocking a "normal" life off the grid on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Join us as we delve into the challenges they've faced, the surpr...