The Energy Show

Welcome to the next episode in our continuing series examining the devastating impact on the solar industry embedded in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” or OBBB as described in polite terms. We’re interviewing experts in the solar and battery industry throughout the entire value chain. If you’re a homeowner looking for solar, a contractor installing solar and battery systems, or a manufacturer/service provider, this series is for you as you plan for the future.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 powerThe unpleasant truth about permitting and interconnection delaysFEOC and what this requirement means for battery systemsPlease 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.

You Are Getting Ripped Off.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 disappearWith 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.

Warning: The clean energy forecast for 2026 looks stormy—are you ready to weather it?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.

What do the Peace Corps, Trina Solar, and 800+ podcasts have in common? One man: Nico Johnson.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.

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.

Do you want to pay 30% more for your solar and battery system next year? Since the 30% tax credit is likely to end on 12/31/25, that’s exactly what’s going to happen.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.

The biggest home solar tax credit is about to be axed by Congress. If you are thinking about solar, or just want to expand your system or even add a battery — this 30% tax credit will save you a lot of money. You will lose out on a tax credit savings of $9,000 on a typical $30k solar system. That’s a lot of dough!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:

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.

Are dirty solar panels secretly robbing you blind?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.

Discover the intriguing world of vehicle-to-grid technology and its potential to transform homes into power hubs. Electric vehicles can serve as backup power sources, yet utility companies impose significant hurdles. Explore vehicle-to-home systems that offer energy independence, especially when paired with solar energy. The discussion highlights the benefits for homeowners and manufacturers while addressing the slow growth of electricity transmission lines. It emphasizes integrating rooftop solar and EVs for a sustainable energy future.