The Solar PVcast

What does solar look like north of 60? On this episode of The Solar PVcast, Chris chats with Sebastian Jones, Wildlife Analyst with the Yukon Conservation Society, about the opportunities — and challenges — facing solar energy in the Yukon. They dig into electricity rates, the need to modernize the territory's grid, the end of the Micro-generation Program and why solar adoption can move frustratingly slowly. Sebastian also shares his experience living off-grid and why he believes Yukoners need more ways to generate their own electricity, including emerging ideas like balcony solar. And despite its northern location, the Yukon has some fascinating advantages for solar: incredibly long summer days and cold temperatures that can help solar panels perform efficiently. The potential is there. So what's holding solar back in the Yukon?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tariffs, trade uncertainty, and changing global supply chains are once again shaking up Canada's solar industry—but if you've spent enough time in solar, unpredictability is nothing new. Chris is joined by Rob Milliken, Vice President of Business Development at Charge Solar, who brings 25 years of experience riding the “solar coaster.” They break down what tariffs and changing trade policies mean for solar equipment, pricing, installers, and ultimately Canadian homeowners and businesses—and why an industry built on constant change knows how to adapt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Solar PVcast, Chris chats with Western University PhD researcher Koami Soulemane Hayibo about his hands-on research into floatovoltaics — floating solar PV systems. Koami shares insights from a year-long project exploring how floating solar is implemented, what makes it different from traditional ground or rooftop systems, what about the ducks, and why water-based solar could play an exciting role in the future of renewable energy.For More on the ProjectHereHereor HereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BC Hydro's transition to Net Billing is now official, with the new program launching July 1. In this episode, we sit down with Steve Unger, Lead, Microgrid Development at Shift, to recap the journey to get here, explain how Net Billing works, why BC Hydro made the change, and tackle the question many solar homeowners are asking: Should you keep the $5,000 rebate or pay it back to stay on Net Metering? Steve shares his perspective after reviewing a wide range of customer scenarios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Solar PVcast, we sit down with Jonathan Maile, CEO of Skyblue Products, to explore the exciting world of balcony solar and what it could mean for the future of energy in Canada. From plug-and-play systems already transforming homes around the world to the policies and regulations still holding Canada back, we unpack where balcony solar currently stands — especially here in British Columbia — and how close we really are to seeing widespread adoption. We also take our best guess at timelines, discuss what needs to change, and why balcony solar could open the door for millions more people — including renters, condo owners, and urban Canadians — to finally live the solar life. It’s a fun, optimistic, and future-focused conversation about accessibility, innovation, and the next evolution of solar energy in Canada. Powered by Shift & hosted by Chris Palliser, The Solar PVcast is a podcast exploring solar power and the role it plays in improving our lives and our planet. For all your solar, BIPV and energy Storage needs visit shift.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.