Welcome to the world's first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar. Each episode we discuss questions facing people making the decision to go solar. The solutions to your questions are given to you - straight - by one of the leading experts in the solar industry, Jamie Duran, president of Solar Harmonics. Feel free to search our library for answers to questions that you're facing when considering solar.
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Solar Installation Companies Podcasts
What Solar Installers Need To Know is a podcast for solar leaders who are building something big. If you’re a founder, executive, or manager running a $10–$100M solar installation company with a team of 50–250 people, this show is for you. We dive into the real challenges around project management, marketing, operations, financing, and scaling your business—without the fluff. The higher you climb, the harder it is to find others who really get what you’re going through. That’s why each episo ...
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The goto podcast for industry leaders in the generator installation and service business. Here we dive into the strategies and innovations that keep your company ahead of the competition and bring you insights from top experts and successful entrepreneurs.
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Solar Armour is one of the leading solar panel installers in Essex. With years of experience, we understand the importance of quality work and excellent after-service care to ensure our customers’ solar panel systems perform flawlessly. Our team of experts finishes even the most complex installations with professionalism, expertise, and care. We never let our customers down, and our longstanding relationships with PV panel wholesalers give us the power to offer our customers fantastic prices ...
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Welcome to the CleanTechies Podcast, the #1 Podcast for Climate Tech Entrepreneurs ----- Support the show more directly via our Substack where we also publish writing on the episodes we record. https://cleantechies.substack.com/subscribe ----- Interested in Advertising: [email protected]
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In this week's podcast we discuss the nationwide shortage of solar panels and what customers and installers can expect as we speed to the finish line of 2025. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California…
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$2/Watt & Rethinking Solar Financing with Atmos CEO
25:02
25:02
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25:02Ravi Mikkelsen doesn’t mince words. If you're still treating financing like an afterthought, you're leaving megawatts (and money) on the table. In this episode, he dives into how smarter tools, lower soft costs, and real customer trust can transform solar sales from clunky to scalable. He's also throwing a $2-a-watt taco party to rally installers a…
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In this week's podcast we discuss the energy needs of new AI technology and the roll solar power plays in solving this energy demand issue. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite t…
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In this week's podcast we discuss the recent attack on solar by the president and the impact the tariffs are having on rising utility costs across the county. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California…
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#257 Betting on $2 Trillion in Climate Infrastructure & Lessons from the DOE Loan Programs Office | Brendan Bell (Aligned Climate Capital)
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28:35What does it take to scale the clean energy transition—both at the bleeding edge of new technology and in the nuts-and-bolts of infrastructure? Today’s episode dives into the nuanced world of climate finance and infrastructure with Brendan Bell, Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Aligned Climate Capital. Unlike most investors who play in either…
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In this week's podcast we discuss the recent CA Supreme Court decision to send back to the lower court the decision to end NEM 2.0 in 2022. We discuss the impacts this decision could have on upcoming solar policy going forward. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in …
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From Solar to Standby Power: How Nomic Power Is Scaling Generators in Texas
1:00:38
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1:00:38In this episode of Powering Success: Future-Proofing Your Generator Company, John Tedesco sits down with Cody Stephens, co-founder of Nomic Power Solutions in Austin, TX. Cody shares how he and his brother built one of the fastest-growing residential generator companies in Texas—starting from a background in sales, construction, and even supplement…
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#256 Soil Health, Carbon Markets & Measuring the Hidden Climate Solution Beneath Our Feet | Chris Tolles (Yard Stick PBC)
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56:25How can we fight climate change by focusing underground? It turns out one of the biggest untapped climate solutions isn’t in the air—or in the trees, it’s in the soil beneath our feet. Today’s guest has developed a game-changing way to measure and protect soil organic carbon, helping farmers, agribusinesses, and carbon markets work together for cli…
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In this week's podcast we discuss the new California Senate Bill 784 and the impact on the solar industry loans and the consumer protections included. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite th…
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#255 Burning Aluminum is Clean & Replaces Fossil Fuels | Peter Godart (Found Energy)
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1:05:19Ever wonder how we are going to decarbonize heavy industry? Well, you won't have to wonder much longer. Today's guest has an incredible solution that is 1) drop in, 2) cost parity (or better), 3) has an existing supply chain, 4) overcomes any scarcity concerns, and 5) prevents users from changing anything they do. Our guest is Peter Godart, the Co-…
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Hard Truths & Real Wins from Solar States Founder
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25:47
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25:47Micah, Solar States' Founder, keeps it real in this episode, diving into what’s working and what’s not in the solar world right now. He talks about why a strong management team is non-negotiable, how leasing can hurt (or help) your customer relationships, and where energy management tech is headed. If you're in the trenches of growing a solar compa…
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In this week's podcast we discuss the trend in California to eliminate natural gas from homes, and especially eliminating natural gas ovens & stoves. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite their c…
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#254 The Path to Cost Parity Between Sustainable Fuels & Fossil Fuels | Conor Madigan, Aether Fuels
56:24
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56:24CleanTech founder Conor Madigan (Aether Fuels) reveals sustainable fuel tech breakthroughs, smart hiring, & building resilient climate startups. Join us as Conor Madigan, Founder and CEO of Aether Fuels, shares how their innovative tech is set to decarbonize aviation and shipping by drastically cutting costs and boosting fuel yield from waste strea…
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In this week's podcast we discuss the opportunity to start mining Bitcoin with excess solar production. We discuss how to get started and when to know if it makes sense to investigate generating your own Bitcoin. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in N…
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#253 The Plug-and-Play Battery Solution for Modern Home Energy | Cole Ashman (Pila Energy)
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54:55Today, we're speaking with Cole Ashman, the CEO and founder of Pila Energy. Pila is democratizing access to battery backup systems through industrial-grade, consumer-priced batteries that are simply plug-and-play. No electricians, no permitting, just reliable power. Pila's innovative approach is disrupting the home energy market, from enabling dema…
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#252 The Big Battery Bill: What the OBBB Means for Batteries in America | Eric McShane (Electroflow Technologies)
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37:03In this episode, we talk with Eric McShane, co-founder and CEO of Electroflow Technology (backed by Breakthrough Energy Ventures). Eric is on a mission to revolutionize lithium production, a vital battery material. We discuss the "Big Beautiful Bill's" impact on the battery industry and how Electroflow Technology's innovative approach addresses the…
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In this week's podcast we discuss some of the positive outcomes of the OBBB towards the Solar Industry. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite their customers to “Own Their Energy” by purchasing a solar p…
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#251 How to Fix a Quarter Trillion Solar Assets at Scale | Nikhil Vadhavkar (Raptor Maps)
27:28
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27:28In this episode, we sit down with Nikhil Vadhavkar, co-founder and CEO of Raptor Maps, to uncover how the company is tackling the invisible crisis in clean energy: operational inefficiency across $250B+ worth of solar assets. Nikhil explains why the solar industry’s problems aren’t just about building more — they’re about getting the existing infra…
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From Industrial Power to Residential Backup: Scott Douglass on Building SPS into a Generator Powerhouse
35:22
35:22
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35:22In this episode of Powering Success: Future Proofing Your Generator Company, John sits down with Scott Douglas, founder of Specialized Power Services (SPS) in Michigan. What began as a high-voltage cable splicing career has transformed into a trusted, customer-first generator installation company serving Brighton, Ann Arbor, and surrounding areas. …
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More Than Installs: How ABB Helps Solar Companies Do It All
36:53
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36:53In this episode, Joe Marhamati sits down with Jonathan Proffitt, ABB’s Sales & Development Leader for Residential Energy Management (aka, the electrification whisperer). They get real about what it takes to stay competitive as a solar installer today. From batteries to smart meters, from supplier relationships to utility red tape—John shares how di…
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In this week's podcast we continue to document the dismantling of the solar industry and what the approval of the #OBBB mean for existing and future solar customers. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite the…
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#250 How This Company Installs Level 3 Chargers Without Utility Upgrades | Tyler Phillipi (OptiGrid)
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47:31Wow - 250 Episodes! Thank you all for being part of this journey so far. Stick with us as it’s only getting better. Quotes From This Episode: "Operating an electric vehicle in your fleet is insanely cheap..." - Tyler Phillipi "Level 3 chargers without utility upgrades... Think garden hose in, fire hose out." - Silas Mähner "Amazon and Walmart... ar…
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How to Fix Solar's Biggest Problem from a 20-Year Industry Veteran
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41:51Khanti Munro has been in solar long enough to see the tech and the culture change big time. In this episode, he and Joe Marhamati talk through everything from training the next generation to game-changers like meter socket adapters and vehicle-to-grid. At the core of it all? A strong case for keeping the customer front and center while pushing the …
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In this week's podcast we discuss the latest updates to the #OBBB and the effects of these changes. We also briefly discuss ChatGPT and how it recommends the best solar companies local to clients. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California…
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#249 Why There's a Trillion-Dollar Green Building Boom Happening | Matt Ellis (Measurabl)
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53:29Matt Ellis (Measurabl): Building a Climate Tech Empire Join us with Matt Ellis, Founder & CEO of Measurabl, as he shares how they're transforming the green building industry. Discover how they're leveraging data and AI to drive sustainability, navigating policy, and helping building owners lower emissions. Matt dives into building a billion-dollar …
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The Missing Link in Solar? O&M Done Right (Insights from Amicus O&M’s CEO)
36:10
36:10
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36:10Amanda Bybee, CEO of Amicus O&M, is on a mission to bust the myth that solar is “set it and forget it.” In this episode, she dives into why O&M is not just essential for system health—but also a serious revenue opportunity if you treat it right. From technician training to proactive maintenance plans and warranty know-how, Amanda lays out exactly h…
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In this week's podcast we discuss the Senate's revisions on the #BBB and the impact on the solar industry going forward. Next up is the House approval. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite their customers to “Own T…
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Building Smarter Solar Teams – The HeatSpring Approach
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31:08Brian Hayden, CEO of HeatSpring, has been in the game long enough to know what works and what doesn’t. In this episode, he shares why training isn’t optional, how to turn customer service into your competitive edge, and why the best solar companies are already thinking 10 years ahead. From virtual reality in the classroom to real trust in the field…
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In this week's podcast we discuss the CPUC's claim that solar has been so successful in CA that solar over production is wasted and the utilities are stuck paying retail rates on that wasted energy. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California…
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Don’t Get Burned: Solar Insurance Tips from RCM&D’s Senior Risk Advisor
28:27
28:27
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28:27Brian Villari knows solar insurance inside and out—and in this episode, he breaks down what you actually need to protect your business. From general liability to workers' comp, he unpacks the fine print, clears up claims-made vs. occurrence policies, and makes a solid case for why safety culture matters. If you’re scaling, merging, or just trying t…
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#248 Without Federal Funding, How are Cities Deploying Curbside Charging? | Tiya Gordon (It's Electric)
45:00
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45:00Today, we’re excited to have Tiya Gordon, founder of It’s Electric, back on the pod to discuss their progress since we last spoke in early 2024. She also gives us a big update on what’s happening in the curbside charging space across the US. With the federal funding support being pulled, a lot of cities are facing challenges in meeting their electr…
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Why Most Generators Are Installed Wrong — A Candid Talk with Bold Electric’s Founder
56:39
56:39
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56:39In this episode of Powering Success, John Esco sits down with Vincent Battista, founder of Bold Electric, for a deep and candid conversation about what it really takes to run — and scale — a successful generator installation and maintenance business. Vin shares how a chance encounter launched his 25-year journey in the trades, why mentorship and te…
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Solar + Musk - In this week's podcast we discuss the entry of Elon Musk into the solar incentive discussion and the new federal spending bill that is due to be approved by July 4th. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite the…
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Solar Is Evolving—Here's How To Grow With It
32:52
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32:52Vincent Battaglia, CEO of Renova Energy, drops some serious wisdom in this episode—talking about why long-term customer relationships are the real secret in solar. He dives into how AI and tech can streamline operations, but reminds us it all still comes down to people. If you’re navigating growing pains, chasing innovation, or just want to avoid t…
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In this week's podcast we implore every listener and their networks to rally and inform their US Senator how important it is to eliminate the 'rug pull' of the federal tax credit and use a stepped down approach. Here is a link to find your senator and their contact information - https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm About Jamie Duran…
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#247 Could EVs + Demand Response Solve Grid Flexibility? | Joseph Vellone (ChargeScape)
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40:37What’s up, everyone! Today we’re sharing an episode with Joseph Vellone, the CEO of ChargeScape — a Joint Venture between Ford, Honda, BMW, and Nissan. ----- Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts ----- As the grid continues to buckle under the pressure of ever-increasing demand, it’s more important than ever to find ways to m…
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Authenticity Over Hype: How Good Faith Energy Is Redefining Solar
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31:35
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31:35Mo, Good Faith Energy's CEO, doesn’t hold back in this episode—he gets real about what it takes to run a solar company the right way. From ethical sales and rock-solid installs to actually supporting customers after the panels go up, he shares hard-earned lessons on doing things with integrity. If you've ever wrestled with misaligned teams, marketi…
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In this week's podcast we review the recently approved federal budget and what it means for the solar industry and people who already have gone solar. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite their customers to “Own Their Energy” by p…
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#246 Sophie Purdom on Closing a $55M Fund I, the Future of Planeteer, & The 4 Types of Climate Founders
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47:47Today, we’re speaking with Sophie Purdom, Managing Partner of Planeteer Capital. After co-creating CTVC with Kim Zou, the climate deals and deep-dives newsletter that has become canon in climate, with 75k+ readers, Sophie announced Planeteer Capital. (We discussed on the pod) They are going full speed with their investing thesis, investing in compa…
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Sagebrush’s Vision for a Unified Solar Industry
49:39
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49:39Riley Cate and Eric Haskell ditched their corporate gigs to start SageBrush Energy—and in this episode, they share what it’s really like to build a solar company rooted in trust, community, and quality installs. From navigating policy shifts in Nevada to launching their own financing arm (SageBrush Financial), they break down the real challenges lo…
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In this week's podcast we discuss the potential elimination of the residential solar tax credit starting Jan 1, 2026 in the proposed federal budget. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite their customers to “Own Their Energy” by purchas…
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From Electrician to Generator Expert with Rich Roman of Roman Electric - NJ
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34:59In this episode of Powering Success: Future-Proofing Your Generator Company, we sit down with Rich Roman — master electrician, entrepreneur, and model train enthusiast — for a fascinating look at how craftsmanship, curiosity, and calculated risk have powered his journey. Rich shares how he grew Roman Electric into a trusted name in New Jersey, how …
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The Future of Solar: Insights from Arch Solar
32:24
32:24
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32:24Mike Cornell, Chief Instigation Officer at Arch Solar, brings the heat in this episode—talking growth, grit, and how they’re gunning for $100M by 2033. He dives into everything from building a rock-solid ops structure to the real work behind attracting more women into solar, plus a few hard lessons learned along the way. Oh, and if you’ve ever wond…
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In this week's podcast we discuss the latest threat to Net Energy Metering and how the solar community in California really let their elected officials know to stop any changes against their solar panel systems. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, …
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The Power of Storytelling in Solar Marketing
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23:59Aaron Nichols didn’t take the usual path into solar—unless running into circus performers in Ecuador is more common than we think. In this episode, he breaks down why good marketing isn’t about quick wins, but about storytelling, community, and staying human. If you're still treating LinkedIn like a digital resume, Aaron's take might just change ho…
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#245 The Future of Electrification & the Opportunity of Europe | Felix Krause (Vireo Ventures)
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36:35Today’s episode features Felix Krause, founding partner of Vireo Ventures, one of Europe’s leading early-stage energy tech investors. Felix is based in Berlin and brings decades of experience across solar project development, corporate VC, and now independent fund management. We dig deep into why electrification is the real unlock for climate, and …
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In this week's podcast we discuss the new solar tariffs from last week and then the most recent net energy metering changes just approved by the CPUC. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California, who invite their customers to “Own Their Energy” by purchasing a …
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#244 $1bn Pipeline for Solid State Transformers | Haroon Inam & Michael Wood III (DG Matrix)
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35:55Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts In This Episode:* What is a Solid State Transformer * How Solid State Transformers are Reshaping the Energy Industry* How They Built a $1bn Pipeline Sponsors: Goodwin: The Law Firm of Choice for ClimateTech Entrepreneurs ErthTech Talent: Affordable CleanTech Search Firm What’s up, everyon…
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Navigating HR Challenges in the Solar Industry
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24:06Heather Albarano has spent years in solar HR, and she’s got the stories (and scars) to prove it. In this episode, she gets real about hiring mistakes, messy handbooks, and why effective meetings are underrated. If you think HR is just paperwork and policies, this episode might change your mind.By Hervé Billiet
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#243 Battery Storage Supply Chains & Future in US-China Trade War | Danny Lu | Powin
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41:05Follow on YouTube | Listeners Survey Check Out Our Sponsors! * Goodwin: The Law Firm of Choice for ClimateTech Entrepreneurs * ErthTech Talent: Affordable CleanTech Search Firm What’s up, everyone! Today, we have a great episode with Danny Lu from Powin. Powin is a leading provider of BESS, w/ 8 GWh of systems built and 9 in the pipeline. As the Tr…
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