The Energy Show

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.bizResources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Thinking about going solar, upgrading to a heat pump, or adding a home battery system? You could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table if you don’t take advantage of the latest tax credits!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 systems30% tax credit on battery storage (over 3 kWh)Up to $2,000 tax credit per year for heat pump HVAC and water heatersUp to $2,500 utility rebates for heat pump HVAC and heat pump water heaters in Silicon ValleyBut 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

AI is getting smarter—answering complex questions in seconds, from heat pump efficiency to system sizing. But can it really outthink a seasoned HVAC expert? We put AI head-to-head with heat pump design consultant Daniel Reres to find out who gives the best advice when replacing an old gas furnace and air conditioner with a state-of-the-art heat pump.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.

How can you tell when a "solar bro" salesman is lying? When his lips are moving.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.

Imagine this: Domino’s delivers your pepperoni pizza from the sky via drone, skipping traffic and landing it piping hot on your doorstep. Wouldn’t you want your energy delivered just as efficiently? Today’s energy delivered to our buildings takes a circuitous route - from pipes, wires or underground. But energy delivery directly from the sky is not only feasible, but surprisingly inexpensive. That’s because in today’s energy world, it costs far more to deliver energy than to generate it.This week on The Energy Show, we reveal why the location of energy generation is the ultimate cost driver—and why rooftop solar is leading the charge as the cheapest, most efficient solution. From chopping wood to cutting-edge solar panels, Barry Cinnamon uncovers the inefficiencies (and dangers) of outdated energy systems and explains why the future of energy is already shining down on us.Intrigued? Tune into this week’s Energy show at www.energyshow.biz and find out how energy delivery determines energy costs.

Patti Poppe, PG&E’s CEO, sent a literal love letter to all of her California customers. You can read it here (https://www.pge.com/en/newsroom/currents/customer-service/pg-e-s-progress-on-the-things-you-care-about-the-most-.html), but allow me to summarize: Dear PG&E Customers: If you conserve electricity we will raise your rates. If you use more electricity your bills will go up. Either way we make more money. And it’s not our fault. With love, Patti I couldn’t make this $#!T up if I tried! California’s energy infrastructure is at a breaking point. Utilities are spending billions on bloated grid upgrades while at the same time lobbying for laws that stop homes and businesses from installing their own solar systems. The results? The highest peak electric rates in the country and record profits for California’s utilities. Enter the Solar Rights Alliance, a grassroots organization fighting back against monopolistic utilities and their political allies. On this week’s show Dave Rosenfeld, Executive Director of SRA, breaks down the lies behind utility-backed policies, reveals the real cause of rising electric rates, and shares actionable ways Californians can reclaim control over their energy future. Curious how we got here—and what’s next for rooftop solar, energy freedom, and cutting the cord from the grid? Please listen to this week's Energy Show at www.energyshow.biz for the full story.

Part 2 of our podcast with Greg Smith, author of The Battery Powered Home, goes into the intricate details of designing and installing the ideal home battery system. Some of the questions that Greg answers are: * What are the top mistakes homeowners and contractors make? * How can you ensure your system meets building code restrictions? * How can automatic load shedding and generator input capabilities improve the backup performance of your system? One of the most interesting features to me is the capability to connect to external backup power sources, such as a home generator or an EV. This capability provides the potential to partially or completely cut the cord with your utility — Grid Defection, as we say in the business. I think you’ll find that Greg’s wisdom in both Part 1 and Part 2 will help you sort through the battery system design choices offered by contractors. Part 2 of Tips for the Best Home Backup System podcast is at www.energyshow.biz.

Almost every solar system installed in California and Hawaii includes batteries. And for good reason. Daytime electric rates are low, evening rates are extremely high, blackouts are common, and utilities pay almost nothing for excess power you send back to the grid. But it’s not easy to design a battery system that takes into account homeowner power needs throughout the day, specific home wiring requirements, and building code restrictions on battery locations. Ironically, one of the biggest challenges is overcoming battery manufacturer hype that they can always back up your home for as long as you want during a blackout. My guest on this week’s Energy Show is Greg Smith, author of The Battery Powered Home. Because there is so much content to cover we’ve recorded two podcast segments with Greg. This first part focuses on battery system power and energy ratings — coupled with information about your home appliances — that will help homeowners make the right system design choices. Greg also delves into the three basic design approaches for a typical home battery system: arbitrage only, essential load backup, and whole home backup. So If you’re thinking about adding a battery to your rooftop solar system, or just getting a completely new combined solar and battery system, please tune into Part 1 of Tips for the Best Home Backup System with Greg Smith at www.energyshow.biz.

The discussion highlights the looming electricity demand surge driven by EVs and AI, alongside the troubling role utilities play in creating artificial shortages. Local solar and battery solutions are emphasized as essential to address the challenges posed by corporate interests. The inefficiencies of large-scale power plants are critiqued, stressing the potential of rooftop solar as a quick and economical remedy. The conversation reveals how utilities benefit from these shortages while consumers face soaring rates and routine blackouts.

Demand for solar, storage and electrification is at an all-time high in the U.S. But economic and political uncertainties have clouded up my 2025 crystal ball. Nevertheless, here is what I see going into 2025. 1) No one knows what will happen with IRA tax credits and rebates 2) TPO system demand will increase if residential IRA incentives are reduced. 3) Utilities throughout the U.S. will increasingly exercise their monopoly power to suppress or outright prohibit customer-sited solar and battery systems 4) Electricity demand will increase more slowly than utilities predict 5) Heat pump rebate process was broken even before it started 6) Heat pumps combined with solar will shine in 2025 7) New UL-3741 solar rapid shutdown codes add price pressure to micro-inverter and optimizer component suppliers 8) Battery system shortages will continue in 2025, but newcomers will be hard pressed to meet this demand 9) Battery systems with integrated inverters will become the standard 10) “Grid Defection” will enter the energy system lexicon For the details on my Ten Solar, Storage and Electrification Predictions for 2025, please check out the Energy Show website at www.energyshow.biz