This week on The Energy Show, Barry sits down with Tom Beach, Principal Consultant at Crossborder Energy and one of California's leading experts on utility rate design, to expose what's really driving record-high electricity prices.

Spoiler: It isn't your neighbor's solar panels.

Episode Highlights:

• Why AI repeats utility talking points instead of considering independent expert analyses

• Why PG&E says rates are "going down" while your electric bills keep “going up"

• The "heads I win, tails you lose” utility business model

• Why municipal utilities charge HALF as much as investor owned utilities

• The truth about fixed charges, departing load fees, and the so-called "solar cost shift"

• How the data center buildout will likely increase your electric bill under the current regulatory framework

So…if you've ever looked at your utility bill and thought "This makes absolutely no sense," this episode is for you.

#TheEnergyShow #PGE #ElectricBills #CaliforniaEnergy #SolarEnergy #RooftopSolar #EnergyShow #BarryCinnamon #UtilityRates #Electricity #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #CPUC #HomeSolar #EnergyPolicy #DataCenters #EVCharging #HeatPumps #UtilityMonopoly #California #EnergyNews #BalconySolar

• How big should my heat pump be?

• Should I get mini-splits?

• Will a heat pump save money?

• Can AI actually design a comfortable HVAC system?

This week Barry decided to find out.

He asked AI a series of common homeowner questions about heat pumps and then brought in heat pump design expert Daniel Rares to see how the answers stacked up in the real world.

The results were surprisingly good... and occasionally completely wrong.

Turns out designing a heat pump system isn't just about software calculations and internet answers. It's about understanding how people actually live in their homes, how buildings perform, and why the "obvious" answer isn't always the right one.

Can AI replace experienced HVAC designers?

Not yet.

Watch this entertaining battle between artificial intelligence and real-world expertise.

And it's coming for your electricity.

Every ChatGPT prompt, AI image, Google search, streaming video, and cloud application runs inside massive data centers that consume enormous amounts of power.

But where will that power come from?

And who's going to pay for it?

In this episode of The Energy Show, Barry explains why utilities, data centers, and consumers are headed for a collision course over electricity.

In this episode:

• Why data centers are rated by megawatts instead of computing power

• Training AI vs inference AI: what's the difference?

• Why AI data centers create massive power spikes

• The surprising role batteries play in modern AI facilities

• Why utilities are struggling to keep up with demand

• The environmental promises Big Tech may not be able to keep

• Four possible futures for AI, utilities, and electricity prices

Bottom line:

AI needs power.

Utilities want profits.

Rooftop solar and battery storage could solve the problem faster.

#DataCenters #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #ElectricityRates #UtilityBills #SolarEnergy #BatteryStorage #RenewableEnergy #EnergyPolicy #GridInfrastructure #EnergyTransition #RooftopSolar #EnergyStorage #CleanEnergy #PowerGrid #TheEnergyShow #BarryCinnamon #CinnamonEnergySystems #AIInfrastructure #EnergyEconomics

Again.

For years solar, batteries, EVs and heat pumps were sold as clean alternatives. Now they're simply the least expensive alternatives.

In this episode, Barry Cinnamon explains why economics -- not politics — is driving the next phase of the energy transition, and why fossil fuel interests are fighting harder than ever to slow this transition down.

In this episode:

• Why electrons beat molecules every time

• The real economics of EVs vs gasoline vehicles

• Why solar and batteries keep getting cheaper

• The deployment realities of geothermal, nuclear, hydrogen and other "next big thing” technologies

• Why Direct Air Capture may be one of the most expensive ways imaginable to solve a CO2 problem

• How politics and lobbying distort energy markets

• Why homeowners should focus on thermodynamics and economics—not headlines and politician proclamations

The future of energy isn't complicated.

It's solar.

It's batteries.

It's EVs.

It's heat pumps.

And it's happening whether the fossil fuel industry likes it or not.

#SolarEnergy #BatteryStorage #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #EVs #ElectricVehicles #HeatPumps #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #Tesla #EnergyShow #BarryCinnamon #ClimateTech #HomeElectrification #EnergyIndependence #LithiumBatteries #SolarBatteries #CleanTech #DistributedEnergy #EnergyEconomics

Utility executives are spewing out their morning coffee. Who would have thought a good little solar panel could destroy our wicked trillion dollar business! ????????????

Balcony Solar — AKA Plug-In Solar — is coming and is inevitable. Europeans love Balcony Solar. Renters love Balcony Solar. Utilities…they’d rather come down with Ebola.

Because these small solar systems let people make their own electricity without paying a huge connect fee and ongoing tolls to utilities. Just to connect to OUR electric grid.

In this episode:

• How Balcony Solar works

• Real world savings from a standard Balcony Solar system

• Why utilities are flat-out lying about Balcony Solar

• Installing Balcony Solar safely and in compliance with local regulations

• California’s pending Balcony Solar law

• And watch out...Balcony Solar is a gateway drug to Rooftop Solar

Tiny solar systems. Savings for renters. BIG utility drama.

1. Your AC will die on the hottest day of the year

2. PG&E gas rates will keep going up

3. Resistance — to electrification — is futile

So… are heat pumps part of the solution, or just part of the precipitate…or problem?

This week on The Energy Show, Barry Cinnamon sits down with Dana Fischer from Mitsubishi Electric to explore the truths about modern heat pump systems — and why today’s technology is NOTHING like the loud, inefficient, polluting heating and cooling systems in most homes.

In this episode:

• Why California’s new “AC2HP” rules could impact your next HVAC replacement

• Manual J, no way José

• The hidden differences between old-school heat pumps and today’s inverter-driven systems

• The #1 sizing mistake that causes comfort problems and high bills

• How homeowners are cutting gas usage and moving toward all-electric homes

• Heat pump rebates, tax credits, and hidden savings opportunities

• Maintenance tips that can save you thousands over the life of your system

• How heat pumps can improve indoor air quality while reducing smog and pollution

If your AC system is aging — or you’re even THINKING about replacing your HVAC system — this episode could save you from making a very expensive mistake.

As Jigar, Saul and Birchy have observed, solar and battery system costs in Australia are one fourth the price of comparable systems in the U.S. But the REAL reasons for these high costs are not what you may think.

• It’s not greedy installers — although there are still too many sleaze bags.

• It’s no longer permitting — although improvements can still be made.

• It’s not because we don’t manufacturer the equipment in the U.S. — although we can and should.

It’s because we have lousy energy policies in the U.S. -- from the Federal government down to local city councils. Barry identifies four specific policy changes that will make solar much more affordable in the U.S.

So tune into this week’s Energy Show for a detailed solar and battery cost breakdown, capped off with the changes we need to make in the U.S. to reduce solar and battery costs for homes and businesses.

These Reach Codes — also known as AC2HP Requirements — are currently in effect in Los Gatos, Saratoga, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Menlo Park, Mountain View and Alameda.

Barry’s guest on this week’s Energy Show is nationally-known HVAC expert Nate Adams, “The House Whisperer.” Nate and Barry provide a no-BS breakdown of what’s changing, relative costs and savings, and how you can make the smartest decision when your AC is no longer cool.

Episode Highlights:

• Why cities are forcing AC 2 Heat Pump upgrades
• The REAL upgrade costs: it’s complicated
• Why heat pumps are now outselling traditional AC systems
• How a heat pump will make your home more comfortable, efficient and safer
• The best ways to find a contractor that knows new AC2HP requirements

Despite increasing costs for homeowners and businesses, utility companies continue to raise rates—while reporting strong profits.

So what’s really driving these high electricity bills?

This episode covers:

• Why utility rates keep increasing year after year

• The hidden structure behind utility profits

• How regulation (or lack of it) impacts your bill

• Why some public utilities charge HALF the cost of others

• The role of wildfire costs, infrastructure spending, and policy

• How distributed energy (solar + batteries) can reduce costs

• What legislation is being proposed to fix the system

Like, Subscribe and Share!

Host: Barry Cinnamon

Director: Gary Mull

Producer: Jessica Montes

#energycrisis #electricityprices #utilityrates #cleanenergy #solarenergy #energystorage #renewableenergy #energyindependence #PGandE #TheEnergyShow #BarryCinnamon #CinnamonEnergySystems

Incentives as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) help reduce the "upfront" costs of these electrification upgrades. But the only way to reduce the "operating" costs of these new electrical appliances is with more solar power on your roof.

But upgrading an old solar system is not for the faint of heart. New solar inverters and panels are unlikely to be compatible with your existing system. Your utility may restrict the number of panels you can add. And sometimes your electrical service may require an upgrade to handle the higher power output from your upgraded solar system.

Keep in mind these three recommendations. First, it is relatively easy to add a battery to an existing system. Second, seriously consider replacing the entire system if it is over 15 years old. And third, work with an experienced solar installer who’s familiar with older equipment.

For the nitty gritty details about upgrading your existing solar system, please tune into this week’s Energy Show.

Heat pumps do double duty, providing both heating and cooling. They offer significant savings and improved comfort -- which I confirmed first hand after my old outdoor air conditioner compressor died. Replacing both my old AC and gas furnace with a heat pump was one of the best home improvements I’ve ever made. The system operates almost silently, has better temperature control throughout my house, and my heating and cooling bills are down significantly.

New heat pump models use inverter-based variable speed compressors with efficiencies in excess of 350%. These high system efficiencies mean that your total heating and cooling costs will almost always be lower with a heat pump than an ordinary AC and gas furnace. And from a comfort standpoint, with mini-split models you can even heat/cool individual rooms in your house!

Sure, a basic AC replacement might seem cheaper initially. But keep in mind, federal tax credits and state rebates (part of the Inflation Reduction Act) will bring down the cost of your heat pump installation by $2k-$10k. So in most cases it makes sense to price out a heat pump when your AC fails in the summer, or your furnace fails in the winter.

Want to learn more? Tune in to the full podcast at EnergyShow.Biz and discover why heat pumps are the smart choice when your AC can longer stand the heat.

During the first two weeks in March, 2026, Iranian drones set ablaze four oil tankers with a combined total of about 750,000 barrels of petroleum products. That’s less than 1% of the world’s daily petroleum consumption. Nevertheless, the price of oil went up by 40%. Not because of a real supply shock, but because of the new uncertainty about future oil supplies and prices.

No one really knows how long Iran will be able to threaten shipping and energy production throughout the Persian Gulf. Until there is peace in that region there will be uncertainty about fossil fuel energy prices. But there are ways to reduce this uncertainty and avoid energy price spikes.

In this episode:

• Why U.S. fuel prices rise in the U.S. even when we are the biggest oil producer in the world. Hint: the solar and battery tax credits (still available) were a quid pro quo for fossil fuel exports.

• How global oil and natural gas markets determine prices — not political jawboning.

• How rising natural gas prices affect electricity and food costs.

• Why solar, batteries, and electric vehicles reduce exposure to fossil fuel volatility.

To cap it all off, we’ll explain what you can do to isolate your home and business from skyrocketing energy costs.

In this episode:

• How installers are adapting to the end of the residential tax credit with leases, PPAs, and newer financing structures

• What to ask a financing provider before you sign (risk, Fair Market Value, payment timing, working capital, Approved Vendors List)

• Why state-level policies are now the biggest lever: permitting automation, interconnection streamlining, and VPP/DPP programs

• The real promise of plug-in / balcony solar — and the UL standards challenge

• Data centers + electrification: why local solar + storage is the fastest and cheapest way to meet data center power demands

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

In this episode of The Energy Show, you’ll learn:

• The installation mistakes that can cause leaks or system failures

• Why some systems are oversized or undersized

• How shading, roof orientation, and design affect performance

• The truth about solar loans, leases, and payment escalators

• How to compare quotes using price per watt

• What to look for in a reliable solar installer

• How to avoid high-pressure sales tactics

If you want solar that delivers maximum savings and reliability for 25+ years, this episode is essential.

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

Trees absolutely help remove carbon from the atmosphere through natural carbon sequestration. But when you look at the numbers — global CO₂ emissions, land requirements, cost, and timing — the reality becomes clear: planting trees alone won’t solve the climate crisis.

• How trees absorb and store carbon (carbon sequestration explained)

• How much CO₂ a trillion trees would actually remove

• How much land and money the plan would require

• Why the timeline (decades) matters for climate action

• The unintended risks, including increased logging and land-use conflicts

• The solutions that make the biggest impact right now

The bottom line: Trees are valuable — but the fastest, most effective climate solution is reducing fossil fuel use and accelerating clean energy.

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

Save The Photons. Clean Your Solar Panels

After just a week, your panels might look slightly dusty. But a light coating of dust doesn't significantly block sunlight. However, severe grime, especially on low-tilt panels, can slash your output by over 25%!

You can’t save all the photons all the time, but by watching your solar monitoring system you can tell mathematically -- as well as visually -- when your panels should be cleaned. If you have a larger system in an area with high electric rates and a dry climate, the economics of cleaning become more favorable.

When it comes to cleaning solar panels there’s lots of bad advice on the internet…and even from manufacturers. On this week’s podcast we address WHEN you should clean your solar panels, as well as HOW.

Please tune into the full “Save The Photons” podcast at www.energyshow.biz. And keep these three things in mind: safety, the type of water, and the best cleaning agents.

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

1. Beware of the word “Free”

2. Beware of TGTBT pricing and financing

3. Don’t sign up on the spot

4. Do not trust quotes generated completely online

5. Beware of “free maintenance and cleaning” commitments

6. Beware of optimistic system savings

7. Research the company that manufacturers the solar panels you will install

8. Research the company that manufactures battery SYSTEM you will install

9. Understand your backup power strategy

10. Do your own research on applicable incentives, credits and financing options

Don’t let a bad deal or poor installation quality ruin your solar investment. Tune into this week's podcast at www.energyshow.biz

Traditional “solar-only” systems can be wonderfully simple and reliable. But when you add batteries (plus transfer switches, CTs, load management, apps, and firmware), you also add more moving parts and that means it’s helpful to know what’s normal, what’s fixable, and what’s worth upgrading.

Barry is joined by the Cinnamon Energy Systems service team Frank Teague, Lucas Cordero, Lily Cinnamon, and Yvette Res for a practical, real-world conversation on what we see in the field and what homeowners can do to stay ahead of issues.

In this episode:

• Why batteries add complexity (hardware + software + communication)

• The truth about warranties (what’s covered and what usually isn’t)

• The most common “no production” scenario: it’s often monitoring/communication

• Why we often recommend waiting 48-72 hours before assuming the worst

• Firmware updates: why they matter and why they can be tricky

• Roof leaks, critters, and prevention tips

• When older systems (15+ years) may be better replaced than “patched”

• Cleaning + shade + winter production: what “normal” looks like seasonally

• VPPs + battery calibration cycles: why batteries sometimes discharge unexpectedly

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

This week on The Energy Show, Barry Cinnamon is joined by Bernadette Del Chiaro, Senior Vice President at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and former Executive Director of CALSSA, for a powerful, no-nonsense conversation about what’s really happening—and how consumers can push back.

• Why utilities are attacking rooftop solar and net metering

• The truth behind the “cost-shift” myth

• EWG’s landmark lawsuit against the California Public Utilities Commission

• How bad utility policy drove 17,000+ solar job losses

• The rise of balcony solar / plug-in solar and why utilities fear it

• Why decentralized energy = cheaper, safer, more reliable power

• What California (and the rest of the country) must do next

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

Carl has helped guide policy from every angle — from leading the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, to expanding clean-energy markets at Bloom Energy, to bringing high-speed broadband to underserved communities at Tarana Wireless.

Barry and Carl explore:

• Why good policy takes more than great technology

• How businesses can effectively advocate without “pay-to-play” politics

• The biggest mistakes companies make when dealing with policymakers

• Why broadband is now as essential as electricity and water

• How clean energy and telecom can win in challenging political environments

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

1) Bad news - expect a record number of clean energy bankruptcies in 2026

2) AC2HP reach codes for homes will take off

3) Utilities will lie every time they say that the data center buildout will not cause electric rates to skyrocket

4) Battery storage costs will continue to decline rapidly

5) Cheap batteries + solar will threaten all other grid energy sources

6) Top tier battery system manufacturers will gain share

7) More rooftop solar MCIs, fewer MLPEs

8) Residential solar financing demand will exceed supply of compliant modules and batteries

9) Plug-in solar hype will eventually crack the utility interconnection monopoly

10) Automakers will fail with V2G but succeed with V2H

Tune into this week’s Energy Show for details on these predictions, as well as a translation of this new slew of clean energy acronyms (AC2HP, MCI, MLPE, V2G, V2H, ETC).

So where does that leave us?

In this episode of The Energy Show, Barry Cinnamon is joined by Sachu Constantine, Executive Director of Vote Solar, to break down what’s really happening behind the scenes — and why state-level solar and storage policy may be the most powerful lever left to protect affordability, reliability, and clean energy growth. Sachu breaks down:

• The growing federal backlash against solar and clean energy

• Why electricity prices are rising — and why it’s not going to stop

• How AI and data centers are pushing the grid to its breaking point

• Why solar + batteries are now the fastest, cheapest grid solution

Please tune in to this week’s Energy Show at www.energyshow.biz to understand how the fight for clean energy has moved to the states as the federal government returns to the expensive and polluting policies of the past.

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

• Heat pumps are 400% efficient, yes that's thermodynamically possible.

• Learn about the new heat pump water heaters that plug into the wall

• Home cooks love induction cooktops

• Why many contractors love electrification but hate rebate paperwork

• What happens to gas utilities, pipelines, and workers as we electrify

Policy changes, tax credits, and rebate programs that actually work

If you’ve been wondering whether now is the time to upgrade to a heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heater, or induction cooktop, this episode is a great place to start.

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

#HeatPumps #BuildingDecarbonization #ElectrifyEverything #InductionCooking #AllElectricHome #CleanEnergy #SolarAndHeatPumps #BuildingElectrification #ClimateSolutions #EnergyEfficiency #TheEnergyShow

Here’s how: instead of building giant power plants hundreds of miles away, we can install new power capacity much closer to the data centers themselves — on the rooftops of homes, businesses, warehouses, and public buildings.

Think about it:

• Thousands of rooftop and battery power plants can be deployed around every data center in 1-2 years, not the 10+ years it takes to build a utility power plant and long distance transmission lines.
• These rooftop power plants connect to the same local distribution grid that the data centers use. No need to keep old coal power plants running, re-incarnate old nuclear plants, or build new natural gas and nuclear power plants
• Data center owners are willing to pay big bucks for power, and are more than willing to get clean power quickly from local rooftops
• Homes and businesses with these new rooftop power plants will see their electricity bills decline.
• It’s a win-win for everyone, except maybe your local utility — who will fight to their last lawyer to defend their archaic monopoly.

This data center power needs to be on the grid fast. PJM, the Mid-Atlantic grid operator recently announced that "No more large data centers can be constructed unless they can be reliably served."

Tune in to this week’s Energy Show for a simple, fast and cost-effective way to meet data center energy needs while at the same time reducing electricity rates.

Episode Highlights:

• How Donald Trump’s policies are gutting clean-energy investments and reversing progress on solar and wind.

• Why corporate giants are abandoning their sustainability promises.

• Why the UN Climate Conferences have become dominated by fossil-fuel interests.

• Why even Bill Gates’ new climate stance misses the mark.

The EnRoads Climate Model shows the world is still headed for a 3.3°C rise in global temperatures — and the excuses keep piling up.

Barry explains what real leadership looks like: supporting proven, cost-effective clean-energy solutions like solar, wind, and batteries — not vague pledges and science projects.

#ClimateCrisis #COP30 #CleanEnergy #SolarPower #FossilFuels #GlobalWarming #ClimateAction #TheEnergyShow #BarryCinnamon #RenewableEnergy

Franklin WH. A New Jersey native who’s now building

batteries in Santa Clara, California, Gary has led

Franklin from startup to one of the top-selling

whole-home batteries in the U.S.

In this episode:

• OBBB explained: Why 2026 pricing changes and

financing shifts.

• Franklin’s edge: The A Power 2 battery, new A Power

S (battery + inverter), the Hub load-shedding

controller, and meter-collar installs

• Installer Advantage: Fewer callbacks, faster installs,

true whole-home solutions

Homeowner Checklist: Reliability, warranty, app

experience, and future-proof features (generator

support, EV-to-home, VPP readiness)

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

#Solar #EnergyStorage #OBBB #CleanEnergy #LeaseVsPPA #HomeBatteries #SolarInstallers #DomesticContent #FEOC #SafeHarbor #TheEnergyShow

Episode Highlights

• REC tech explained: HJT + G12 (210mm) + half-cut architecture; cooler operation & yield

• Degradation: ~0.24%/yr → ~92% output at 25 years (long-tail production matters)

• Installer tactics: distributor partnerships, CAC reduction, credit-union loans, prepaid leases, AI in lead-to-install

• Homeowner checklist: vet tech, warranties, installer health, and supply-chain exposure

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!



What you’ll learn

• Why lease/PPA will surge in 2026—and how to prepare
• How project velocity (lead→cash) beats panel price cuts
• Aurora’s latest: instant plan sets, financing integrations, and smarter battery modeling
• The new homeowner decision tree: buy now vs. lease later
• How to sell on accuracy & trust (not just lowest price)

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

On this week’s Energy Show, Barry Cinnamon shares his Top Product Picks from RE+ 2025 — technologies that check all the boxes: affordability, reliability, ease of installation, and real benefits for your home or business.

You’ll learn:

• Why solar panel costs have dropped by 150x over the past 25 years

• The truth about solar panel quality, warranties, and manufacturer stability

• Which home battery systems (Tesla, Enphase, Franklin) are market leaders in reliability

• The rise of balcony & plug-in solar systems — and why they’re booming in Europe and coming soon to U.S. homes

• Practical advice on how to choose solar and battery systems that will last decades

If you couldn’t attend RE+ 2025 in Vegas, this episode brings the show floor straight to your ears.

Don’t miss Barry’s expert take on the products that matter most for today’s homeowners and tomorrow’s clean-energy future.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) killed the 30% tax credit for residential solar. With no more residential tax credits as of 1/1/2026, the demand for solar financing will be higher than ever. But the supply of easy financing is constrained by safe harbor headaches, higher interest rates and questions about domestic content.

What does this mean?

Solar loans, credit unions and cash purchases will be 30% more expensive in 2026

Leases and PPAs using the commercial tax credit structure can still get the 30% credit, but added financing and project complexity can eat up half of the incentive or more

Since the supply of financing is limited, installers looking to switch to leases and PPAs may have to work with unproven finance providers

How slow-paying solar financing companies can kill a solar installer’s business

To help make sense of this, Barry sits down with Dan Javan, former CEO of Suntuity and one of the smartest voices in solar finance. Together, they break down the mad scramble that manufacturers, finance companies and installers are going through as they get ready to finance the future demand for residential solar and battery systems.

Together, they break down how the elimination of the 30% residential solar tax credit and restrictions on commercial projects will reshape solar — and why smart companies must adapt now to survive in 2026 and beyond.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why microgrids are key to reliability and resilience
• How data centers and load growth will drive solar demand
• Why level 2 chargers and solar-powered microgrids are the real solution
• Diversifying into HVAC, storage, and service
• What to do when revenue drops 30% overnight
• Why the future is still bright for solar and storage

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• OBBB 101 – Why cash and loan solar prices jump 30% in 2026

• Why batteries may become the financial backbone of solar installs

• Contractor survival playbook – AI-driven marketing, cutting acquisition costs, diversifying into heat pumps & electrification

• Financing shake-up – Why shady solar loans disappear, and what comes next

• EVs as backup batteries – the untapped “fourth source” of home power

•  How reliability sells – why blackouts and rising rates make batteries irresistible

• The big picture – Solar without subsidies will still thrive, and the transition is unstoppable

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

#OBBB #SolarCliff #SolarEnergy #CleanEnergy #SolarTaxCredit #BatteryStorage #EVCharging #VehicleToGrid #Electrification #HeatPumps #SolarContractors #SolarInstallers #HomeElectrification #SolarPolicy #EnergyShow #BarryCinnamon #JeffWolfe

Joining Barry is Tom Werner, former CEO & Chairman of SunPower, one of the most respected leaders in solar. Together they cover:

• What the OBBB really means for homeowners and contractors
• Why 2025 might be a record-breaking year for installs — and what happens in 2026
• How smart solar companies can pivot to full-home electrification
• The future of TPO, storage, and repowering
• How to survive and thrive when margins shrink and policies shift
• The critical role of software, service, and future-proof equipment
• Why policy (and CALSSA) matters more than ever

Whether you’re a solar contractor, energy investor, or homeowner trying to understand the future of rooftop solar — this conversation has real-world insights from two industry veterans.

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

As tax credits fade and utility rates surge, inverters and batteries are becoming the heart of the home energy system — and Enphase is leading the charge. This episode reveals how Gen 4 and Gen 5 batteries, smarter microinverters, and bidirectional EV charging will reshape the energy landscape

• Bidirectional EV charging without utility brain damage
• How inverters are evolving into full energy brains
• Why battery storage is no longer optional for installers
• Enphase’s roadmap for whole-home backup & EV integration
• The real role of software in battery ROI
• How the OBBB accelerates the move to U.S. battery manufacturing

“We’re building the infrastructure to manage power, not just generate it.” — Raghu Belur

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

Host: Barry Cinnamon  @cinnamonenergysystems9556  

Guest: Raghu Belur,  @EnphaseEnergy

Director: Gary Mull

Producer: Jessica Montes @babyjessicamontes

Audio Engineer: @MarkoUkalovic on X

Thanks to our partners:

Aztec Solar @aztecsolar8496, Sun Light & Power @SunLightandPower, SolarCraft @Solarcraft

#Enphase #BatteryStorage #Microinverters #BidirectionalEV #CleanEnergy #SolarPodcast #EnergyShow #RaghuBelur #OBBB #Solar2026 #HomeEnergySystems

• Why solar prices are set to increase through the end of 2025
• How the OBBB is reshaping tax credits, leasing rules & financing - and not for the better
• The hidden risks that could bankrupt unprepared contractors
• Dan’s brutally honest advice for contractors trying to stay afloat in 2026
• Questions that smart homeowners should ask before signing a solar deal
• Insider secrets on supply chain chaos, domestic content rules, and the truth behind “safe harboring”

Whether you're a solar veteran, installer, distributor, or homeowner looking to go solar, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.

Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!



#SolarTaxCredit #SolarEnergy #CleanTech #EnergyPolicy #OBBB #PTO #SolarBattery #SolarCrisis #EnergyShow #Solar2026 #GreentechRenewables #OneBeautifulBill #TaxCredit #SolarInstallers #BatteryStorage #CleanEnergy #DanFadden #BarryCinnamon #CinnamonEnergySystems

This week’s guest is Corey Geiger, Chief Operating Officer at Enstall—the largest rooftop solar racking company in the world. Enstall is the parent company of IronRidge, EcoFasten, Quickmount, and PanelClaw. If there’s anyone who understands how to get solar panels on roofs faster, cheaper, and with fewer headaches, it’s Corey. With a background that includes Soligent and Sparq Systems, Corey brings a rare, full-stack view of the industry—from racking and inverters to distribution and deployment.

Corey shares proven strategies for contractors to stay profitable as the 30% residential tax credit disappears. He dives into what you can do now to reduce costs, streamline operations, and differentiate your solar business in a tighter, post-OBBB market. We also cover:

• How to prepare for price increases and product shortages in 2026
• The smart way to handle cash customers, financing, and leases post-ITC
• Why branding, service, and installer stability matter more than ever

Tune into this week’s Energy Show to hear how the most successful contractors are staying ahead—and why the race to complete projects before the end of 2025 could make or break your solar season.

On this week’s show we're joined by Jeff Spies, President of Planet Plansets. If you didn’t know, Planet Plansets creates the engineering plan sets that are essential to getting the building permit needed for every code-compliant solar and battery system. Not only is Jeff an expert in designing residential and commercial solar systems, he’s also the Executive Producer of “Solar Roots,” the first documentary movie on the early days of the solar industry.

Jeff shares his journey from telemarketing solar water heaters to shaping solar policy as a Board Member with the California Solar and Storage Association. Jeff explains:

• Why California utilities can legally CUT OFF your power
• The unpleasant truth about permitting and interconnection delays
• FEOC and what this requirement means for battery systems



Please tune into this week’s Energy Show for Jeff’s tips and secrets to get your solar projects through permitting and installed before the end of the year.

That’s right. If you’re a California homeowner, your utility is jacking up your electric bills to maximize their profits — and the government is approving these rate increases.

PG&E’s profits have gone up three years in a row. Their profits hit a record of $2.5 billion in 2024. All because of steadily increasing electric rates and continued over-investment in expensive utility infrastructure.

It’s a little-known fact that utilities like PG&E get a guaranteed 10-12% return on all of their assets — including power plants, poles, even their fancy office buildings. They then get to increase electric rates every year to ensure they hit these profit targets.

I wish I ran a business where I could automatically raise my prices to guarantee 10-12% annual profits. And my customers were forced to buy my products because I have a monopoly with no competition. Nice work if you can get it.

But there is a way to fight back and take control of your energy costs: generate your own rooftop solar power and store it in your own battery. In this week’s Energy Show, we break down:

⚡️ Why your rates are rising 8-10% per year (and won’t stop anytime soon)

⚡️ How utilities are gaming the system with political donations and shady regulations

⚡️ What the Solar Rights Alliance wants you to know about this rigged game

⚡️ How rooftop solar + batteries can make you nearly energy independent

⚡️ Why PG&E hates when you install solar—and how to beat them at their own game

⚡️ Why now is the time to install solar—before summer spikes and tax credits disappear

With the 30% solar tax credit ending on 12/31/25, now is the best time to install solar and storage.

Tune into this week’s Energy Show at www.energyshow.biz for the facts that utilities don’t want you to hear — as well as money saving options to keep a lid on your energy costs.

In part two of our conversation with SunCast host Nico Johnson, we go deep into the chaotic, fast-changing landscape that solar companies are bracing for.

You’ve probably heard the rumors: tax credits vanishing, new tariffs incoming, battery costs skyrocketing, and a federal crackdown via FEOC regulations. But this isn’t just talk—it’s the start of a true solar shakeup. We break down what’s coming and how smart companies can pivot, survive, and even thrive in the face of policy whiplash.

From contingency planning to cash flow strategies, from FEOC fallout to financing fixes—you’ll learn what’s at stake and what’s still worth fighting for. Because here’s the good news: customer demand is still climbing, and the long-term future for solar is as bright as ever… if you can make it through the next storm.

This week on The Energy Show, we're bringing you a rare behind-the-scenes conversation with the voice of the solar industry—Nico Johnson, founder of SunCast. If you’ve ever listened to a solar podcast or worked in clean energy, you’ve felt his impact.

From climbing rooftops in the early days of residential installs to building one of the most influential media platforms in clean energy, Nico shares how he went from solar hustler to host of SunCast, a show that’s become a must-listen for solar professionals worldwide. And spoiler alert: it didn’t happen overnight.

Whether you're a solar newbie or seasoned exec, this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and maybe even ready to hit record yourself.

]]> 0:39:10 false https://assets.blubrry.com/coverart/episode/3909787/orig/146517912-1750710308.jpg https://podcast.show/3909787/episode/146229799/ 146229799 https://blubrry.com/3909787/146229799/nick-chaset-with-octopus-energy/ Barry Cinnamon Wed, 18 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0400 Octopus Energy is shaking up the utility industry—one smart tentacle at a time.

Nick Chaset, CEO of Octopus Energy U.S., joins us on this week’s Energy Show episode. Octopus Energy is redefining how customers interact with electricity. From solar and batteries to smart controls and EV chargers, Octopus isn’t just selling power—it’s empowering people to take control of it. Think of them as the energy disruptor with eight arms in all the right places.

While investor-owned utilities like PG&E rake in record profits and raise rates, homeowners are fighting back by installing their own mini power plants. In deregulated markets like Texas, customers have the freedom to choose their energy provider—and companies like Octopus are leading the charge with innovation, lower prices, and customer-focused services.

Octopus Energy takes what’s working in places like the UK and applies it to U.S. markets with a laser focus on technology, transparency, and customer savings. Whether it's offering dynamic pricing, bundling rooftop solar with smart home tools, or integrating batteries into flexible grid systems, they’re not just building an energy company—they're building a smarter, more agile energy future.



To learn more about how Octopus Energy is changing the way consumers buy energy, listen now at www.energyshow.biz.

On this week's Energy Show we dive into the clean energy details in the proposed Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) that is currently being negotiated in Congress. For a change, Elon Musk and I are on the same page: killing the solar and battery tax credits would be a disaster for your energy bill, not to mention America’s prospects for energy independence.

Here’s what’s really happening:

• Solar tax credits? Terminated 12/31/25.
• Heat pump incentives? Hasta la vista.
• That $9,000 tax credit on your $30k solar and battery system? Won’t be back.
• Act right now. Find a contractor fast if you want to save.

If you’re sick and tired of skyrocketing electric bills and blackouts, this episode is a money-saving wake up call. For the details of the end of the tax credit and what you need to do for a qualified 2025 solar and battery installation, please tune into this week’s Energy Show at www.energyshow.biz or wherever you get your podcasts.

Under the current reconciliation bill proposed by Congress, the 30% residential solar and battery tax credit will end on 12/31/25. If your solar or battery is not fully installed by then your system will cost 30% more.

This isn’t about tariffs, electric rates, uncertainty about the economy or local incentives. This is the one clean energy credit that makes solar affordable—and without it, the economics of solar and batteries for homeowners completely change:

]]> 0:25:01 false https://assets.blubrry.com/coverart/episode/3909787/orig/145648821-1747836693.jpg https://podcast.show/3909787/episode/145119327/ 145119327 https://blubrry.com/3909787/145119327/electrified-homes-are-simply-better-homes-special-guest-jeff-aalfs/ Barry Cinnamon Wed, 07 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400 Ever wonder how you're supposed to navigate electrified homes, green building, sustainability, and energy efficiency when even the words "climate change" feel like a political landmine? Yeah, same here. Turns out, even poor Kermit the Frog isn't safe anymore.

On this week’s Energy Show we’re diving headfirst into the complicated world of green buildings. The rules from Title 24 and building codes are still in play... but they're harder than ever to follow in today's upside-down political climate. So, what do you do if you still want to build smarter, save money, and future-proof your home without getting tangled in a morass of building code red tape?

To help decode these regulations, we’re joined by green building expert Jeff Aalfs — a true insider who gets both the tech and the politics. With 17 years on the Portola Valley Town Council and leadership experience at Peninsula Clean Energy, Jeff knows exactly where policy meets your wallet. We’ll be covering everything from solar and batteries to heat pumps and EVs. Jeff will also discuss how new policies — and a new energy sheriff in DC -- are shifting the landscape for homeowners, suppliers and builders.

If you've been wondering:

- Why some rebates feel like a scam (hello, costly permits)

- How you can actually save money and electrify your home

- Why electrification feels so different now (hint: tariffs, tariffs, tariffs)

- And what the biggest homeowner mistakes are when trying to go green...

Then you’re going to want to listen all the way through.

Please tune into this week’s Energy Show at www.energyshow.biz for real world and — dare we say it — Green Building advice.

If you’ve ever looked up at your rooftop solar panels and wondered, “Do I really need to clean those?” — this episode is your wake-up call. Whether your system is a year old or just a few months in, there’s a high chance those precious photons aren’t making it through the grime. And yes, that dirt is costing you money.

We’re diving headfirst into one of the most overlooked ways to boost your solar performance: cleaning your panels the right way — not the nonsense you’ve read online. We’re cutting through the clutter and breaking down three questions every solar owner needs to ask:

1. When should you clean your solar panels?

2. How should you clean them?

3. And most importantly, who should do it?

Expect myth-busting, hard numbers, and a surprising truth: you might be flushing hundreds of dollars in savings down the drain by doing nothing — or worse, doing it the wrong way. That garden hose trick? It might actually be ruining your panels.

Plus, we’ve got jaw-dropping before-and-after photos (and a must-see video clip) that show just how much energy output you’re sacrificing when panels go untouched. Spoiler alert: a single dirty edge can slash performance by over 50%.

We’re not just here to preach — we’ve cleaned thousands of panels since 2001 and we’re showing you what actually works. From safety tips and soap tricks to de-ionized water wizardry and spotting mineral damage, this is the ultimate guide to reclaiming your power, one photon at a time.

Oh, and if you care about saving money and rescuing photons from quantum death? You definitely don’t want to miss the final five minutes.

]]> 0:24:58 false https://assets.blubrry.com/coverart/episode/3909787/orig/144707611-1744915137.jpg https://podcast.show/3909787/episode/144148974/ 144148974 https://blubrry.com/3909787/144148974/evs-can-power-homes-so-why-wont-utilities-let-you/ Barry Cinnamon Wed, 09 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400 ]]> 0:20:54 false https://assets.blubrry.com/coverart/episode/3909787/orig/144148974-1743707036.jpg https://podcast.show/3909787/episode/143910809/ 143910809 https://blubrry.com/3909787/143910809/why-is-solar-still-so-expensive-in-the-us/ Barry Cinnamon Wed, 02 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400 You’d think it’s the cost of panels and batteries—but that’s only half the story. The other half? A tangled web of permits, inspections, engineering headaches, insurance, and paperwork that’s bleeding solar companies dry and keeping prices sky high.

We’re joined by the man who’s on a mission to change that: Andrew “Birchy” Birch. You’ll hear why U.S. solar costs are double those in Germany and Australia, why nearly every big-name solar installer has gone out of business, and how a one-page invoice and no-permit process in Europe blew our minds back in 2007.

We break down the real cost stack for rooftop solar, and how you—yes, you—can help drive down prices through smarter permitting, better service models, and demanding a better product.

Want to know how to actually fix solar in America? We’re talking project velocity, profitability, SolarAPP+, OpenSolar, and why good service isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the secret weapon to staying in business.

And if you've ever asked yourself, "Why can’t we just make this easier?"—this episode is for you.

Hit play and get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about solar installation costs on www.energyshow.biz

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

We’re breaking down everything you need to know to maximize your tax credits for 2024 – and even 2025! Despite all the chaos in DC, these electrification incentives are still alive and well. But the clock is ticking.

Learn how to get:

• 30% tax credit on solar electric and water heating systems
• 30% tax credit on battery storage (over 3 kWh)
• Up to $2,000 tax credit per year for heat pump HVAC and water heaters
• Up to $2,500 utility rebates for heat pump HVAC and heat pump water heaters in Silicon Valley

But beware: the IRS is cracking down, auditing for accurate paperwork and manufacturer documentation. We’ll tell you how to avoid costly mistakes and ensure you get every dollar you’re entitled to.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – find out how to claim your tax credits and secure local rebates before they vanish at www.energyshow.biz

Does AI have a clue about your heating load? Does Mr. AI know if a hybrid system (AKA natural gas) is worth it in California? Can Ms. AI inform you about the challenges that a heat pump has when it comes to effective dehumidification?

It's man versus machine, in a showdown reminiscent of John Henry versus the steam drill—but this time, the prize is the comfort and efficiency of your home. The answers might surprise you, and they might even change the way you think about AI, heat pumps, and home energy forever. 



Find out who wins the man versus the machine heat pump design battle at www.energyshow.biz.

It may come as a surprise, but I’m sorry to report that not all solar sales people are honest. On this week’s Energy Show we’ll dive into the shadowy side of solar sales that often gets swept under the rug. Inspired by a provocative Wired article: “The Spectacular Burnout of a Solar Panel Salesman,” we explore the highs, lows, and questionable sales practices that sometimes occur in the solar industry.

Instead of the traditional set of Frequently Asked Questions, this week’s show is a roundtable discussion with two very experienced solar salespeople. They’ll do a bit of role playing as they expose the lies that unethical salespeople spew as they seek to maximize their commissions, the tough customer questions that make salespeople squirm, and the right answers you should get from an ethical solar salesperson.

Curious about the lies and exaggerations that you may hear during a solar sales pitch? Get the straight scoop on this week’s Energy Show at  www.energyshow.biz.