Watts Up Renewables

In this inspiring new episode, we sit down with Jennifer Quas of CPS America to dive into the power of community, culture, and solar innovation. ☀️🎙️ Jennifer shares the mission behind the Solar Sisters, a growing movement of women in the renewable energy industry who uplift, mentor, and support one another as they break barriers and build the future of solar. We explore how this group is redefini...

This week, we welcome back one of our favorite engineers and problem-solvers — Joe Chacon from Padge LLC! Joe brings his signature mix of sharp technical insight and approachable teaching style as we dive into everything from developing the next generation of technicians to tackling the infamous paralysis of analysis. We also talk about Joe’s growing commitment to mentorship as he brings interns i...

🎙️ Thanksgiving Special: A Conversation Behind the Mic This week, we're switching things up for a special Thanksgiving episode. Our media manager, Jacob Smith, steps out from behind the camera and takes over the interviewer’s seat to sit down with our host, Adam — giving you a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the voice of the show. Together, they explore the origin story of the podcast, how it all...

This week on Watt’s Up Renewables, we’re joined by Stephen San Juan from Rise Renewable Energy — a sharp mind, a natural teacher, and someone who refuses to let the industry get comfortable. ⚡🌱 In this episode, we dig into some BIG topics, including: 🧠 How over-memorization can actually hurt you in the field ❓ Why you should never stop asking questions — no matter how long you’ve been in the i...

In this episode, we sit down with Steven Errickson and Mark Hickey from Eriksun Energy for a dynamic and insightful conversation that bridges the gap between technical expertise and real-world application. Together, we explore: 🔌 The distinctions between Low Voltage, Medium Voltage, and High Voltage systems — and how each plays a vital role in modern infrastructure ⚡️ The growing demand from dat...

In this episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we welcome Wendy Jorgensen — a dedicated professional who transitioned from operations specialist to a passionate career services advocate. 🌟 This conversation strikes the perfect balance between insight and heart — with moments that are both fun and deeply meaningful. To add some lighthearted competition, Wendy and our host take part in a challenge where...

In this episode, we welcome back a familiar voice: Colton Tiefenthaler, the son of our host and an emerging professional in the renewable energy field. ⚡ Colton shares firsthand insights on: 🧰 The critical importance of carrying a rescue kit and being prepared for unexpected situations on the job 📘 How openly sharing safety experiences contributes to a stronger and more supportive industry cult...

From alligators to voodoo — Anna Aguirre, a technical trainer with Rise Renewable Energy, has seen it all while training technicians across Florida and beyond! 🐊✨ In this episode, we dive into her incredible journey from being an introvert to becoming a confident public speaker and technical trainer in the renewable energy industry. 🎤 Anna opens up about breaking female stereotypes in the field...

In this episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we’re joined by Steven Errickson with Eriksun Energy and Wyatt Park — two talented technicians whose paths crossed through this very podcast. 🤝 What started as a shared passion for renewables has grown into real networking, real collaboration, and a growing community that’s reshaping how we connect in the field. 🌎⚙️ Wyatt opens up about becoming a new fat...

This week, we’re joined by Tyler Lantz, a technical trainer for Rise Renewable Energy — a driven professional bringing sharp insight and real-world experience to the renewable energy industry. 🌞 In this episode, we dive deep into the habits that define success in the industry — and the ones that hold people back. 💪 Tyler shares his perspective on: 🔹 Good habits vs. bad habits on the job site an...

🎙️ On this episode of Watts Up Renewables, we’re joined by Nikki Cummings from Here To Serve Renewables for a powerful conversation about leadership, accountability, and authenticity. 🌍⚡ Nikki shares why embracing who you are—and holding yourself accountable—matters more than ever in today’s renewable energy space. We dive into the idea that you can train the skill, but not the will 💡, and how...

⚡ RE+ is the biggest stage for renewable energy—and we were there to capture it all! In this special showcase episode, we take you straight to the heart of the conference floor. From solar to storage, wind machines to AI-driven O&M, we highlight the cutting-edge technologies that caught our eye and the innovators pushing the industry forward. 🚀☀️🔋 But it’s not just about the tech—it’s about...

🌍✨ RE+ 2025 did not disappoint! Steven Errickson and Nick Park join Watt’s Up Renewables for a high-energy recap of everything that made this year’s conference one to remember. From cutting-edge technologies on the expo floor to fresh strategies for navigating sessions and networking like a pro, we’re diving into the insights that matter most. 💡⚡ Expect surprising discoveries, bold ideas shapi...

What does it take to lead with empathy in today’s workplace? Adam Tiefenthaler sits down with leadership expert Erika Migliaccio, creator of Upstream HR Strategies, to explore the power of the Platinum Rule—treating others the way they want to be treated. 💡 From reshaping traditional leadership norms to creating environments where people truly thrive, Erika shares lessons from her career that eve...

What does it take to transition from serving in the military to leading in renewable energy? 🪖⚡ In this episode, we talk with William Taylor of Altair Energy Services to discuss: ✅ How military training can translate into leadership in renewables ✅ Why industry-wide safety standards matter more than ever ✅ The power of sharing stories and lessons learned to protect workers & boost efficie...

🔒⚡ Safety isn’t optional — it’s your responsibility. In this episode, we sit down with Dwayne Kitchen, an industry safety expert, to unpack what safety really means in today’s renewable energy landscape. From the jobsite to the control room, safety practices don’t just protect people — they strengthen reliability across the entire grid. 🌍 Key topics we explore: ✅ How a safer, more reliable gri...

For the first time ever, we’re going remote! In this episode, I sit down with Ross Bohmann from Altair Energy Services to talk about the evolving world of renewable energy from a fresh perspective. We cover: ⚡ What it’s like to operate in the field vs. behind the desk 🌬️ How Altair is tackling challenges in wind, solar, and battery projects 🛠️ The value of adaptability, leadership, and hands-on e...

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Boles of ETI Energy Tools, to talk about much more than just gear. We dive into: 🔹 The power of stepping back from the day-to-day grind — and why rest is crucial for long-term performance 🔹 How current tariffs and policy shifts are shaping the renewables market 🔹 The vision behind ETI’s all-in-one toolkits for wind, solar, and battery tech — and how they’...

In this episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we’re joined by Braden Kimball of Altair Energy Services, a leader passionate about developing the next generation of renewable energy technicians. From the importance of proper tool kit preparation 🧰 to the realities of a traveling technician lifestyle ✈️, Braden offers practical insights and firsthand experience that every aspiring or current tech should...

Join our host & his son, Colton, Nick Park & his son, Wyatt, as they reflect on growing up with fathers who paved the way in the renewable energy industry — and now walking their own paths as technicians in the field. ⚡👷‍♂️ From early career challenges to the realities of safety culture, this episode dives into what it’s like to carry a legacy, build your own reputation, and navigate a r...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Williams, a veteran who has found much success in renewable energy! Mike shares his personal journey — from serving in the military to becoming a mentor and educator for those following a similar path. We dive deep into: 🔹 The challenges of military-to-civilian transition 🔹 Mental health and how you can help 🔹 The importance of support, structure, and purp...

🎙️ In Part Two of our Renewable Wives & Wine special, we're diving deeper into the stories of the incredible women driving the renewable energy industry forward. 🌬️☀️🔋 From managing chaos behind the scenes to mentoring techs in the field, these women are the quiet (and sometimes not-so-quiet 💁‍♀️) force shaping the industry. We talk: ✨ Supporting the technicians in the field 🛠️ Refining wor...

In this special two-part episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we’re handing the mic to the women behind the workers — the wives and partners of those in the renewable energy industry. ⚡💬 Part 1 dives into the personal side of the profession — the love stories that started on the job, the impact of renewable careers on relationships, and what it really takes to build a family around a demanding and o...

🔥 What sets apart the people who just can’t seem to fail? In this energizing episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we sit down with Steven Errickson of Eriksun Energy — a leader who’s built a career on resilience, bold decisions, and lifting others along the way. Together, we break down what it really takes to stand out and succeed in renewables, leadership, and beyond. 🎙️ We dive deep into: ✅ The mi...

From boots on the ground to boots on the tower 👷‍♂️⚡ This week on Watt’s Up Renewables, we’re joined by two incredible guests — proud graduates of Airstreams Renewables, the school helping veterans launch powerful new careers in clean energy. 🇺🇸🔋 We dive into their journey from military life to civilian life, the challenges of transitioning out of uniform, and what it’s really like stepping int...