Best Photovoltaic Podcasts (2024)

1
731: The BESS Book: A Cell to Grid Guide to Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems with authors Drew Lebowitz & Swetha Sundaram 1:08:50

10h ago1:08:50

1:08:50

I have been looking [and waiting] for this book for years. And if you’re in Utility-scale battery storage, I’m going to boldly suggest that you have too. The wait is over, as the most comprehensive compendium on utility-scale battery energy storage is finally on shelves (or it was, it’s about to sell out!) Looking to expand your knowledge of utilit…

1
730: How Each Home Will Be Its Own Energy Generation Machine 38:29

5h ago38:29

38:29

With an anticipated 40% increase in energy consumption by 2035, the grid faces immense pressure. How do we service the rising demand driven by AI, data centers, and home electrification? The solution, distributed energy resources (DERs) allows homes to generate, store, and smartly consume their own energy. This shift from a centralized to a decentr…

1
729: How to Start a Solar Company that Customers Rave About | Hunter Trenary of Sun Collectors 27:03

1d ago27:03

27:03

Deciding where and which customers to focus on can make or break a business. How do you go about choosing one market over another? Furthermore, how do you build a business in an otherwise overlooked market that makes the nation’s largest solar company, Sunrun, take notice? Hunter Trenary, co-owner of Sun Collectors, recently shared his journey of e…

1
728: The Rocket Scientist Making Rechargeable Lead-Acid Batteries, Michael Burz of Enzinc 35:55

7d ago35:55

35:55

From thermonuclear weapons that helped stop the Cold War, to a Le Mans 24 Hour Eco Car, and now pioneering a revolutionary battery, today’s guest has a truly remarkable career path. We're revisiting one of our top episodes from 2022 featuring a real, actual rocket scientist - Michael Burz, the CEO and Co-Founder of Enzinc. His startup is is commerc…

1
727: A Simple Logistics Improvement Worth Billions To The Solar Industry, Philip Schwarz of PVpallet 1:29:00

6d ago1:29:00

1:29:00

Have you ever considered the environmental impact of the non-solar components we deploy in the solar industry? It’s good that we generate clean energy, and even better that we quantify the embodied energy of things like the solar panels we use. But, it takes a relatively “dirty” and old-fashioned industry to actually deliver those solar modules - l…

1
726: Community Solar: Renewable Energy At A Discount Everyone Can Afford; Aviv Shalgi of Solar Simplified 26:29

8d ago26:29

26:29

You might think of community solar as a “Groupon for your energy bill” - you get discounted access to clean energy without needing to install solar panels, and leverage the buying power of a group purchase! Aviv Shalgi, CEO and co-founder of Solar Simplified, is dedicated to expanding the reach of community solar. Solar Simplified acts as an aggreg…

1
725: Fewer holes, No Leaks. Solar Racking Reimagined, with Pegasus CEO Kai Stephan 1:04:23

13d ago1:04:23

1:04:23

What is the unsung hero of solar installations? Racking… It's a "set it and forget it" component for contractors, as its reliability is essential to avoid costly service calls, making that critical product choice a “near-religious experience” for most installers. Kai Stephan, the founder and CEO of Pegasus Solar, has developed one of the fastest gr…

1
724: Operating Systems for a Drama-Free Workplace | Maria Kingery of Southern Energy Management & 360Impact 44:17

15d ago44:17

44:17

“Unclear expectations are a downpayment for future resentment.” Maria Kingery is the Founder & Principal of 360Impact and Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer of Southern Energy Management. With over two decades of experience, Maria has honed her coaching practice to shepherd leaders through the gauntlet of business growth. Previously working within…

1
723: From Tetris To Clean Energy: Henk Rogers' Conversion Story 25:11

19d ago25:11

25:11

two years before the end of the Cold War to broker a licensing agreement for what would become the best-selling video game of all time: Tetris. Either of those feats would be remarkable; to accomplish both is a whole other level of entrepreneurial achievement. While some of you may not be familiar with today’s guest, you’ll definitely be familiar w…

1
722: A 100-Year Vision for a new kind of Energy Company with Cherry Street’s Michael Chanin 1:14:58

20d ago1:14:58

1:14:58

What does it take to build a 100-year business? How does one expand beyond integration of off-the-shelf products to branding power plants as a unique identifiable product? What does it take to secure an entire City’s rooftops…like Atlanta? Michael Chanin, the CEO and founder of Cherry Street Energy, is bringing this ambitious vision to fruition. Ch…

1
721: Achieving 250x growth, How CPS Americas scaled to >1000 customers & #1 Market Share in under a decade, with Bryan Wagner 49:58

23d ago49:58

49:58

Every growth story has roots in finding scalable and duplicatable processes. From a Big Mac to the Macintosh, the capacity to create products people want and galvanize a team around delivering them is what sets true market leaders apart from their peers. However, in the more than 700 interviews we’ve done at SunCast, we know that the path to the to…

1
720: Derek Chase Built A Robotics Company For Better Solar Inspections 1:08:16

1M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

Imagine a Roomba on a solar farm with a camera that can automatically inspect modules, wiring, even hot-spots, and report all that information back instantaneously to the asset manager. That level of computer vision and automation is finally possible, and it looks a Lot like a fun Disney character you’d recognize! Derek Chase, founder and CEO of On…

1
719: Training The Clean Energy Workforce w/Brittany Heller of Heatspring 13:57

29d ago13:57

13:57

Perhaps the best way to scale your company is by investing in your people! If knowledge is wealth, then upskilling your workers (and indeed yourself) could be the best return on your investment. Brittany Heller, Director of Program Management at HeatSpring, explains how training programs are not just essential for attracting and developing new tale…

1
718: FBI Negotiation Tactics To Better Your Business, With Chris Voss 19:09

1M ago19:09

19:09

I’m going to argue that procurement (buyer OR seller) negotiations are just like hostage negotiations. Hear me out. Effective negotiations are crucial for uncovering hidden opportunities, maintaining control without aggression, and closing better deals. Mastering these skills can significantly impact business outcomes, ensuring more favorable terms…

1
717: Is THIS the biggest clean energy opportunity? Panama Bartholomy of Building Decarbonization Coalition thinks so 1:12:24

1M ago1:12:24

1:12:24

Electrify Everything! Ok, we’ve heard that “Electrification” is coming, but beyond our Automobiles what else can be electrified? Did you know that cleaning up our built environment is one of the biggest clean energy opportunities today? In the U.S., buildings are the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, representing 35% of total energy-…

1
716: NC's Clean Energy Evangelist (is not a Democrat): John Szoka 18:17

1M ago18:17

18:17

Energy isn't a battle of fossil fuels vs renewables; it's about figuring out the energy transition together. As a North Carolina State Representative (GOP), John Szoka was once dismissive of renewables, as many might expect. Yet, after serving five terms in the legislature, Szoka transitioned from a renewable energy skeptic to a champion, thanks in…

1
715: Why Culture Eats Strategy: A Peak Performance Playbook From An Inc 5000 Solar Company, with Summit Energy's Eric Israelson and Dallin Mall 1:14:15

1M ago1:14:15

1:14:15

Finally, a feel-good story of independence and triumph! There’s little more patriotic and American than the dream of starting out on your own and building a business that supports your family, serves your neighbors and builds a durable legacy. And we even have a “He left med school for this?” to pull your heart strings too. The true-life story of t…

1
E-Bikes 28:05

2M ago28:05

28:05

Did you know you don't have to be a pro cyclist to keep up with the racers competing in the Tour de France? E-bikes are one of the best environmentally conscious transportation options that keep you fit while having fun. These electric bikes significantly reduce carbon emissions, decrease air and noise pollution, and use less energy and resources f…

1
714: The Republican Case for Clean Energy: Insights from Georgia Public Service Commissioner, Tim Echols 18:48

1M ago18:48

18:48

Have you ever wondered why clean energy is not only surviving, but thriving in RED states here in the USA? Despite the common perception that Republicans are against clean energy, states like Georgia (and AL, SC, and FL, not to mention TX!) are seeing significant solar growth. Republican Tim Echols, Vice Chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commi…

1
713: Then And Now, How SEIA Helped Transform Solar Energy - 4 SEIA Presidents share the stage 58:35

2M ago58:35

58:35

In 50 short years, solar energy transformed from a niche interest to a key driver of the global energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has been at the forefront of this transformation, advocating for policies, fostering innovation, and driving growth in the industry. Founded in the wa…

1
712: SEIA’s 50-Year Legacy of Advancing Solar Energy with CEO, Abby Hopper 41:15

2M ago41:15

41:15

The United States just surpassed 5 million solar installations, but as excited as Abby Hopper is to shout that from the rooftops, she agrees we’re just getting started. While the last 50 years was about building a solid foundation (fighting for every inch), the next 50 actually has a lot more at stake. The Solar Energy Industries Association celebr…

1
Big Changes for Minnesota’s Community Solar Gardens 37:57

2M ago37:57

37:57

Minnesota's solar accessibility has skyrocketed since the passing of the Minnesota Solar Energy Jobs Act in 2013, creating clean energy opportunities for communities across the state. One such opportunity, community solar gardens, have exploded in the past ten years, adding up to 900 megawatts of solar arrays for community benefit. Learn more about…

1
711: How Agrivoltaics is Doubling The Use of Scarce Land with Dan French and Dave Gahl 22:22

2M ago22:22

22:22

How can we meet the growing demands for renewable energy without losing precious agricultural land? Agrivoltaics! It’s one of the most exciting growth sectors in solar energy! This approach leverages solar photovoltaic (PV) systems without losing the property’s agricultural capabilities, thus unlocking fertile and scarce land’s dual-use potential. …

1
710: The Truth About Solar's Hidden Waste Crisis with Adam Saghei of We Recycle Solar 1:23:53

2M ago1:23:53

1:23:53

I learned a staggering statistic recently: Almost 90% of solar panels are thrown away when they reach the end of their useful life. In 2016, The International Renewable Energy Agency projected that 78 million tons of solar waste would be created by 2050. Within that waste sits a goldmine of opportunity: $15 billion in recyclable materials that most…

1
Cold Climate Heat Pumps 30:13

2M ago30:13

30:13

Renewable energy technology has come a long way over the years. One such advancement — cold climate heat pumps — are no different and can offer homeowners an efficient and economical way to heat and cool their home while reducing carbon emissions. Learn everything you need to know about heat pumps including how they work, different configurations, …

1
709: NABCEP Solar Certification: Expert Insights from the Top Trainer, Sean White 14:22

2M ago14:22

14:22

When it comes to certifications and training in the solar industry, one name (or label) stands out and is recognized as the gold standard: NABCEP. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is the certifying body for Solar PV and Battery Installers here in North America, and I’ve been told that the NABCEP certification test is as ha…

1
708: Inside Sunrun’s Customer-Led Revolution with CEO, Mary Powell 32:41

2M ago32:41

32:41

Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun, has cast the vision of the leading solar brand in North America as a clean energy lifestyle company. She recently shared with Nico how Sunrun is accelerating the transition and nearing its millionth customer despite the typical electric utilities' “no and slow” culture. Under Powell's leadership, Sunrun installed more th…

1
The Basics of Photovoltaics 37:04

2M ago37:04

37:04

Ever wondered how solar panels work? Or how the solar industry has grown over the years? Or how to ensure a quality solar installation? Get answers to all these questions and more in this episode of the Rise Up Podcast as Nick Hylla interviews Kris Schmid, founder and owner of Legacy Solar, LLC and MREA instructor. Get Connected: Rise Up Podcast: h…

1
707: US Solar’s AD/CVD, The Latest Round of Investigations Explained with CEA’s Dan Shreve & Christian Roselund 31:02

2M ago31:02

31:02

Anti-dumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) are nothing new; they have plagued US-based solar developers and decision-makers since 2011. These duties, aimed at preventing unfair trade practices, greatly impact pricing and timelines of solar projects and generally seed uncertainty in the marketplace (at the outset, at least). We now have a new r…

1
706: An Insider's Guide To Better Solar Projects, with industry veteran Keith Cronin 1:27:49

2M ago1:27:49

1:27:49

In the solar industry, we’re often building the plane as we fly it, as it were. This is ever-moreso evident in commercial and industrial (C&I) solar, a relatively untapped market with unique challenges. One of the key areas of failure is a lack of funding. And, often, the culprit that leads to failed projects or lack of funding (ie, un-interested b…

1
Advancing Energy Justice in Illinois 34:49

3M ago34:49

34:49

Illinois stands out as a leader in solar development across the United States. Essential to this progress are various solar training programs, notably those run by the Chicago Urban League, which play a crucial role in meeting the workforce demands necessary for the sector's advancement. In this episode of the Rise Up Podcast, Andrew Wells, Vice Pr…

1
705: A Plastic Pollution Solution: How PlantSwitch’s Bioplastics Lead the Way, with CEO Dillon Baxter 15:45

2M ago15:45

15:45

Ever get annoyed when you order takeout and they give you the obligatory plastic wrapped napkin and plastic cutlery? If you’re like me, you politely decline, but most just take them and dispose of them directly in the waste bin. The world is drowning in plastic waste, and current solutions to a useful alternative aren't cutting it. PlantSwitch, a N…

1
704: Better Funding For Climate Entrepreneurs? Dimitry Gershenson explains 1:08:31

3M ago1:08:31

1:08:31

If we’re going to address climate change through capitalism, we’ll need about $10 Trillion. The growing climate crisis demands that we take urgent action, but early-stage climate entrepreneurs still face significant barriers in finding the funding to bring their innovations to market. CEO and co-founder of Enduring Planet, Dimitry Gershenson, offer…

1
Valerio Pelizzi: Solar Energy Innovation and Leadership 1:12:25

3M ago1:12:25

1:12:25

Send us a Text Message. Valerio Pelizzi, a seasoned electrical engineer and renewable energy expert, shares his journey from growing up in Rome to becoming a leading figure in the solar PV and storage industry. Valerio shares his passion for engineering, key career milestones, and his hands-on leadership style. He offers insights into cutting-edge …

1
Financing Home Electrification Projects 30:52

3M ago30:52

30:52

So you want to finance a home electrification project but don't know where to start? Well, you're in luck! In this episode of the Rise Up Podcast, Nick Hylla talks to Nicole Burford, VP of Market Development and Sustainability at Clean Energy Credit Union, about what consumers should know before taking out a clean energy loan, how to determine the …

1
703: Unlocking Great Leadership, Imposter Syndrome, and Authenticity | Paula Glover, President of Alliance to Save Energy 28:45

3M ago28:45

28:45

Struggling with imposter syndrome? You're not alone. Returning guest (Ep 333, 687) Paula Glover, President of the Alliance to Save Energy, delves into one of the most common emotional challenges faced by leaders and entrepreneurs. Paula gets real about the self-doubt leaders face and the importance of authenticity in leadership. It’s rare to get th…

1
702: From Rock Star to Serial Entrepreneur: Rue Phillips' Journey 1:18:00

3M ago1:18:00

1:18:00

He came to America with ten thousand dollars and a dream of making it big. A few years later, he was a legitimate rock star, rocking arenas with Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osborne. So why did this British rocker who achieved the height of music stardom give it all up and start an EV charging business? How did that turn into not 1 but 3 successful exits…

1
Is Your Home Electrification Ready? 30:21

3M ago30:21

30:21

In today's world, electrifying your home and becoming more energy efficient has never been easier. With various funding opportunities and programs available, the incentives to upgrade your energy systems are too big to be ignored. Join Kevin Kane in this week's episode of the Rise Up Podcast that focuses on energy efficiency successes and challenge…

1
701: Nextracker and JM Steel Are Reviving American Manufacturing 25:05

3M ago25:05

25:05

US manufacturing is back! We were recently invited to a ceremony to celebrate the expansion of Nextracker’s dedicated steel torque tube manufacturing lines at JM Steel’s Leetsdale facility in Pittsburgh. This historic site, formerly Bethlehem Steel(the company that produced the landing craft for Normandy during World War II) now manufactures low-ca…

1
700! Behind the Success of Strata Clean Energy, Markus Wilhelm 1:12:00

3M ago1:12:00

1:12:00

It only took me 8 years and 699 episodes to finally land today’s guest! But the wait was WELL worth it. You’re in for a treat. And it was recorded in-person at Strata’s HQ, so you might enjoy some of the extra footage included in the YT video version of this episode. Markus Wilhelm founded Strata Clean Energy in 2009, but readily admits that he did…

1
Rob Tippett: Challenges and Opportunities in Solar O&M and RePowering 1:06:06

3M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

Send us a Text Message. The Future of Solar Photovoltaics Podcast heads to Bristol with special guest and solar electrical contractor Mr. Liam Hicks of Dynamic Energy Solutions to interview Mr. Rob Tippett, the Managing Director of Bluefield Operations. Rob's journey in solar is a testament to resilience and tenacity, showcasing how he rose to Blue…

1
West CAP - WAP in WI 45:21

3M ago45:21

45:21

Ensuring that every home is weatherized and equipped with energy-efficient systems should not only be a possibility, but a reality for all. Community Assistance Programs (CAPs), such as West CAP, play a vital role in enabling low-income communities to access these essential upgrades, fostering fair and equitable advancements in energy conservation …

1
Bonus: A love story, about Solar. w/Tor “Solar Fred” Valenza 21:46

3M ago21:46

21:46

265,000! That’s how many of you/us work in Solar Energy so far (and rapidly growing!) Yet, with 4 million solar installations in the U.S alone, Solar Energy is rarely featured in mainstream media. WHY? Probably True Solar Stories, a podcast created by Tor Valenza, also known as Solar Fred, aims to bridge this content gap with engaging solar-themed …

1
699: Breaking the American Electricity Monopoly | CleanChoice’s Zoe Gamble 1:20:43

3M ago1:20:43

1:20:43

Many of us working in clean energy forget that access to clean power is still a privilege, not a right. Millions of Americans still don’t have the freedom to choose clean energy. People all over the country want to fight climate change by choosing renewable energy sources for their homes and businesses. But, in monopolized electricity markets, cons…

1
Missouri - On-Bill Inclusive Financing (PAYS) 42:50

4M ago42:50

42:50

For many, conducting an energy audit and installing energy efficient systems can be a financial challenge. Inclusive financing, like the Pay As You Save (PAYS) program, hopes to ease that challenge by allowing homeowners and tenants to pay a monthly charge along with their utility bill, instead of footing the bill up front or taking out a loan. Lea…

1
698: Building the Biggest Battery Project in the World — Anthony Carroll, former President of Powin 18:14

3M ago18:14

18:14

Imagine that your phone rings. The person on the other end tells you: “you won the project. Now, we need you to fly to Australia and build the largest battery backup project in the entire world.” Powin, a Portland, Oregon-based battery energy storage developer, was up to the challenge. Nico got a chance to sit down with then-President of Powin, Ant…

1
697: Chris Nelder is Mobilizing an Army for Clean Energy 1:09:13

4M ago1:09:13

1:09:13

Chris Nelder challenges the status quo. And his efforts have, for nearly a decade, centered on mobilizing an army of supporters to help us transition away from fossil fuels. As creator & host of the podcast The Energy Transition Show, Nelder aims to "influence the influencers" through carefully researched interviews with clean energy experts. I kno…

1
Farm and Rural Business Energy Efficiency 47:49

4M ago47:49

47:49

Becoming more energy efficient not only cuts costs but also helps preserve our planet. Whether it's transitioning to electric, conducting energy audits, or enhancing energy systems, committing to energy efficiency today promises future savings and fosters a healthier environment for everyone. Discover ways to enhance energy efficiency, with a speci…

1
696: Manufacturing Ground Mounts In The U.S. For The Same Cost as Abroad? FTC’s Solar’s Eric Frazier 16:37

4M ago16:37

16:37

The IRA gave solar manufacturers a huge incentive to manufacture on U.S. soil. How does the 45x incentive work, and are we actually gonna see anybody other than Nextracker capitalize on it?! Companies like FTC Solar are taking full advantage of this huge manufacturing tax credit. Their Vice President of Sales, Eric Frazier, shares how they’re bring…

1
695: ‘Digital Owner’s Manuals’ for installers with Illu co-founder Sierra Fan 1:23:16

4M ago1:23:16

1:23:16

We’ve heard that we need to focus on workforce development. Yet many times the workforce we’ve developed has to re-invent the wheel for lack of reliable systems to a) know what good looks like, and b) replicate it in the field with minimal oversight. What if any solar installer had reliable, step-by-step installation guidance straight from any manu…

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Photovoltaic Podcasts

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