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The Energy Show
The Energy Show
Author: Barry Cinnamon
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Every week Barry hosts The Energy Show, a 30 minute informative talk show that covers a broad variety of energy related topics spanning technology, economics, policy, and politics that are shaping the future of how we generate and consume electricity, along with practical money-saving tips on ways to reduce your home and business energy consumption.
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On this week's Energy Show we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in America’s energy future: powering the exploding growth of AI data centers without causing electric rates to skyrocket even more. And without waiting 5-10 years for utilities to build new power plants and long distance transmission lines.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 plantsData center owners are willing to pay big bucks for power, and are more than willing to get clean power quickly from local rooftopsHomes 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.
Barry exposes political, corporate, and global climate failures — and explains why solar, wind, and batteries remain our only practical way forward.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
This week Barry sits down with Gary Lam, CEO of Franklin WH. A New Jersey native who’s now buildingbatteries 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 andfinancing 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 solutionsHomeowner Checklist: Reliability, warranty, app experience, and future-proof features (generator support, EV-to-home, VPP readiness)Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!
Barry dives into what real “action” means. Using the En-Roads global climate simulator, he breaks down which solutions actually move the needle on global warming and which are just feel-good distractions.Episode Highlights: • How the En-Roads climate simulator models global warming and why we’re still on track for 3.3°C by 2100 • Why expensive “solutions” like fusion, trillion trees, and carbon capture barely move the dial • The one proven fix: putting a real price on carbon • How electrifying transport, buildings, and industry can cut global warming by nearly 1°C • Simple personal actions — and the political choices — that matter mostClimate Action Day is tomorrow, November 6th. Join the educational event produced by the Take Action Global Network that brings together world leaders, scientists, and youth activists. Register for tomorrow’s FREE live Online Event https://climateactionday.net/
The OBBB is now law in the U.S. It eliminates the 30% residential solar credit and adds restrictions for commercial systems—including many residential leases/PPAs. That means cash/loan projects effectively get ~30% pricier, while leases/PPAs face domestic content, safe harbor, and FEOC rules that affect equipment and pricing.This week, Barry sits down with Mark (CEO at a top solar + storage performance-assurance company) to unpack what contractors and homeowners should do—this year and in 2026.In this episode:• Installers: how to shift to lease/PPA workflows, manage cash flow, use approved vendor lists, avoid CT/mapping pitfalls, and budget for real O&M• Homeowners: when buying now still makes sense, how to pick bankable gear and a service-capable installer, and what to expect from lease/PPA in 2026 • Maintenance truths: why batteries raise the bar, how cleaning/soiling impact output, and what reliable fleets do differently#Solar #EnergyStorage #OBBB #CleanEnergy #LeaseVsPPA #HomeBatteries #SolarInstallers #DomesticContent #FEOC #SafeHarbor #TheEnergyShow
The 30% residential solar credit ends on Jan 1, 2026 but performance still wins. Barry talks with Brian Ghiglia about how REC’s Alpha Pure-RX (HJT, G12, half-cut) squeezes more energy from tight roofs, why hair-thin wiring (no hot-spot solder points) improves longevity, and how installers/homeowners can navigate 2026 with smarter financing and ops.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 exposureLike, Comment & Subscribe Today!
The 30% residential tax credit is ending in 2026—and the rules around commercial credits, domestic content, and safe harbor are tightening. What now? Aurora Solar’s CEO & Co-founder Chris Hopper joins Barry to lay out a practical plan for installers and homeowners: cut soft costs with software, speed up project cycles, and choose financing that fits the new reality.What you’ll learnWhy lease/PPA will surge in 2026—and how to prepareHow project velocity (lead→cash) beats panel price cutsAurora’s latest: instant plan sets, financing integrations, and smarter battery modelingThe new homeowner decision tree: buy now vs. lease laterHow to sell on accuracy & trust (not just lowest price)Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!
RE+ (formerly Solar Power International) brought together over 40,000 energy enthusiasts in Las Vegas this year. From cutting-edge home batteries to balcony and plug-in solar systems, the industry is buzzing with products that are practical, reliable, and ready for homeowners now.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 decadesIf 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.
Dan Javan Explains the Mad Scramble for Solar Financing in 2026.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 2026Leases 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 moreSince the supply of financing is limited, installers looking to switch to leases and PPAs may have to work with unproven finance providersHow slow-paying solar financing companies can kill a solar installer’s businessTo 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.
In this episode of The Energy Show with Barry Cinnamon, Barry speaks with Tom McCalmont, CEO of McCalmont Engineering and co-founder of Paired Power, an innovative microgrid and EV charging company.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 resilienceHow data centers and load growth will drive solar demandWhy level 2 chargers and solar-powered microgrids are the real solutionDiversifying into HVAC, storage, and serviceWhat to do when revenue drops 30% overnightWhy the future is still bright for solar and storage
In this episode of The Energy Show with Barry Cinnamon, Barry reconnects with Jeff Wolfe, clean-tech veteran, founder of GroSolar, longtime SEIA board member, and now managing partner at Wolf Yates & Co. Together, they unpack what contractors and homeowners need to know as the 30% residential solar tax credit disappears in 2026.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 unstoppableLike, Comment & Subscribe Today!#OBBB #SolarCliff #SolarEnergy #CleanEnergy #SolarTaxCredit #BatteryStorage #EVCharging #VehicleToGrid #Electrification #HeatPumps #SolarContractors #SolarInstallers #HomeElectrification #SolarPolicy #EnergyShow #BarryCinnamon #JeffWolfe
In this week’s episode of The Energy Show with Barry Cinnamon, we break down how the elimination of the 30% residential solar tax credit and new commercial restrictions are shaking up the entire solar industry.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 contractorsWhy 2025 might be a record-breaking year for installs — and what happens in 2026How 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 everWhether 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!
Enphase co-founder Raghu Belur joins Barry Cinnamon to break down the future of solar + storage in this eye-opening episode of The Energy Show.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 landscapeBalcony Solar from Enphase is destined for the U.S.—the new gateway drug for energy independence.Just launched Modular Enphase’s batteries for whole-home backupBidirectional EV charging without utility brain damageHow inverters are evolving into full energy brainsWhy battery storage is no longer optional for installersEnphase’s roadmap for whole-home backup & EV integrationThe real role of software in battery ROIHow the OBBB accelerates the move to U.S. battery manufacturing“We’re building the infrastructure to manage power, not just generate it.” — Raghu BelurLike, Comment & Subscribe Today!Host: Barry Cinnamon @cinnamonenergysystems9556 Guest: Raghu Belur, @EnphaseEnergyDirector: Gary MullProducer: Jessica Montes @babyjessicamontesAudio Engineer: @MarkoUkalovic on XThanks to our partners:Aztec Solar @aztecsolar8496, Sun Light & Power @SunLightandPower, SolarCraft @Solarcraft#Enphase #BatteryStorage #Microinverters #BidirectionalEV #CleanEnergy #SolarPodcast #EnergyShow #RaghuBelur #OBBB #Solar2026 #HomeEnergySystems
In this episode of The Energy Show, host Barry Cinnamon welcomes Dan Fadden, co-founder of Greentech Renewables (CED). Dan and Barry discuss the jaw-dropping new reality facing every solar installer and homeowner in America. With the 30% residential tax credit ending 12/31/25 and new commercial financing restrictions kicking in, the entire industry is racing toward a deadline. Only the smartest contractors will survive.Why solar prices are set to increase through the end of 2025How the OBBB is reshaping tax credits, leasing rules & financing - and not for the betterThe hidden risks that could bankrupt unprepared contractorsDan’s brutally honest advice for contractors trying to stay afloat in 2026Questions that smart homeowners should ask before signing a solar dealInsider 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
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.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 2026The smart way to handle cash customers, financing, and leases post-ITCWhy branding, service, and installer stability matter more than everTune 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.
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.























