In this week's podcast, we discuss what to do if your solar panel system needs service and your solar installer is not around or not responsive. There are several steps to take including giving the installer a chance to remedy the problem and maintain the warranty. Sometimes that isn't possible, and further steps must be taken to correct the issue. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California , who invite their customers to “Own Their Energy” b...
May 29, 2020•14 min
In this week's podcast, we have a very special guest from down under, Dr. Nick Engerer from SolCast. Dr. Nick (hi everybody!) discusses some of the amazing aspects of the solar market in AUS, upcoming trends, and how his company, SolCast is helping solar clients forecast their solar production. 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 panel system or their home, busine...
May 22, 2020•17 min
In this week's podcast we discuss how not only have interest rates have dropped to all-time lows for refinances and new purchases, but we also discuss the rates for HELOC's (home equity lines of credit). In addition, it appears even people with lower credit than usual are qualifying for amazing loan rates. Lastly, we review some listener questions about solar DIY. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California , who invite their customers to “Own...
May 19, 2020•15 min
In this week's podcast we discuss how solar is marketed and sold in the big box stores, how the solar companies are chosen and how they are monitored. We take a deep dive into the sales practices and why it always makes sense to do your research even if you decide to get a proposal from one of these companies. 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 panel system or th...
May 08, 2020•14 min
In this week's podcast we discuss the announcement by the State of California that construction will be allowed to start up again starting on May 1st. Solar installations are included in this order, and we could not be more excited to be getting back to work. At the same time, both city and county building departments have been slow to re-open, mainly because they have and will have a massive backlog of permit applications to process. We are very happy at this fantastic milestone, and it's great...
May 01, 2020•14 min
In this week's podcast, we discuss the solar industry's transition to online meetings, online proposals, and online online online. Some companies are meeting this challenge with frustration and difficulty while others have been online the whole time. The bottom line is less sales pressure on the client so they can make the best decision on their solar projects. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California , who invite their customers to “Own Th...
Apr 24, 2020•14 min
In this week's podcast, we discuss the new Self - Generation Incentive Program ( SGIP ) through the State of California is preparing to fund all or part of new battery storage systems if the home or business is located in a fire area. There are a ton of other hoops to jump through, but if eligible, more and more homes that were affected by the PG&E Power Shutdowns will be eligible. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California , who invite t...
Apr 18, 2020•16 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! In this week's podcast, we have a special guest, Ben Bauer, MacroEconomist, and we discuss a few of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our economic future. There are so many issues that will need to be discussed and planned for, but Ben is able to shed some light and predictions of what we can expect in the solar industry. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California , who in...
Apr 09, 2020•17 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! ln today's podcast, we discuss how it's starting to get warmer, and as it gets warmer, people are starting to want to use their swimming pools. Most pool owners believe their pools are expensive to operate, but with a variable speed pool pump, electric heat pump and PV solar, swimming pools can be a net-zero system. Stay Safe and Stay Home! About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California , who...
Apr 03, 2020•17 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! ln this week's podcast we discuss a story that seems to have flown under the radar due to the shelter in place news, and that is PG & E Pleads Guilty to 84 Counts of Manslaughter for the Camp Fire in 2018. The magnitude of this story is overwhelming, especially when above ground powerlines are everywhere, and there are countless examples of trees intertwined with the powerlines. https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/23/us/pge-guilty-camp-fire-cali...
Mar 26, 2020•17 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! In this week's episode we discuss the new Shelter in Place requirement. Many people are now required to work from home, and thankfully this is not happening during the hot summers. What would happen if the Shelter in Place happened when everyone needed their air conditioning to work from home? More than likely, rolling blackouts and solar + storage can help keep the power on! About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Ha...
Mar 20, 2020•15 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! In today's podcast, we get to talk about how in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak, solar power provides a sense of independence and self-reliance when many people feel out of control. PG & E Planned Shutdowns, weather outages, and now COVID-19, many people take control with solar power to help them feel in control of their energy production with clean power and saving thousands of dollars every year. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmoni...
Mar 12, 2020•12 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! In this week's podcast, we answer the question of what to do with your solar panel system when you are moving to a new home. As with most things solar, there are things to make sure to do, and things to avoid. Many considerations in the new home as well! If you know anyone in the real estate business, or if they are planning to sell their home that has solar already, this podcast is for them! About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought t...
Mar 06, 2020•13 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! In this week's podcast, we discuss the impacts of a solar panel system on a homeowner's insurance bill. Steve Doden from Goosehead Insurance joins us to briefly discuss what a new or existing solar panel system owner can expect, and what to do if their insurance premiums increase a result of the new system. We also touch on fire safety and how trees near the home can impact solar exposure, creates a massive fire hazard, and provide a rodent ...
Feb 28, 2020•12 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast we respond to a listener question about sorting out the various solar quotes he received, and what to look for in a solar company before going forward. It's not so much about the equipment as it is about the financing and installer reputation. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California , who invite their customers ...
Feb 21, 2020•15 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast, we discuss the solar trade show in San Diego last week. Specifically, we discuss some innovations in energy storage, and how some larger companies are entering the industry. Panasonic's EverVolt Storage and Generac's Inverter + Battery are very impressive! About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California , who invite th...
Feb 13, 2020•11 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this weeks' podcast we interview the CEO of Scarlet Solar, Alain Poivret, and learn how Scarlet Solar is taking the solar parking structure to a new level with a tilting roof deck for 40% more output. 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 panel system or the...
Feb 07, 2020•11 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast, we talk to our guest, Pete Maki with Avitus Payroll. We discuss the impacts of AB5 not only on the solar industry unforeseen but other unforseen impacts of the new AB5 contractor to employee rule. Most importantly, we discuss how AB5 is being enforced by the state and the penalties for non-compliance. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Ha...
Feb 01, 2020•13 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast, we discuss when it makes sense to look at expanding on the current solar panel system. We also discuss how we are on our second round of solar when our clients move to a new home. Trump administration says it will approve largest solar farm in US About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California , who invite their custom...
Jan 24, 2020•13 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast we discuss the approval of the largest solar farm in US history by the Trump Administration, and there are more solar farms to come. The intersection of financial goals and environmental goals is the common ground for everyone! Trump administration says it will approve largest solar farm in US About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics i...
Jan 16, 2020•12 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In most podcasts we discuss the demand side of the solar industry. In today's podcast, we discuss the supply side, the challenges in labor that we face in the construction business, and our strategies to plan for future labor supply. CalJobs link mentioned on today's podcast. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California , who invite their ...
Dec 19, 2019•19 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast, we discuss how some Californian's are starting to grow their own cannabis, and are finding it to be a very electricity heavy venture. We discuss how solar power is a solution to help foster California's next largest cash crop. About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California , who invite their customers to “Own Their En...
Dec 12, 2019•13 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast we discuss the new 1099 vs. W2 employee rules and how they will affect businesses in California. Many businesses are struggling to figure out how they can proceed, but considering solar is a good hedge against rising costs! California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern California , who invite the...
Dec 05, 2019•12 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast we discuss thankfulness. We are thankful for all our clients, future clients, partners, suppliers and this podcast where we get to discuss the latest and greatest in the world of solar power. And we are very thankful for our best frenemy, PG&E! Why you won’t see more bill credits from PG&E power shutoffs Here's where PG&E blackouts will start Wednesday Abo...
Nov 27, 2019•11 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast, we discuss another shutdown horror story, how the solar industry is preparing for more shutdowns, and working together with our clients to help us all deal with the new normal. Blame PG&E for California's continued power outages PG&E power outages: What you need to know About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by Solar Harmonics in Northern Cali...
Nov 21, 2019•16 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast we discuss the new rules going into effect in 2020, and how they will affect the solar industry. Specifically, we discuss the reduction of the solar tax credit from 30% to 26%, and how solar is now mandatory on new homes. Sunset the solar tax credit Homeowner interest in solar power picks up as generous tax credit nears end About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brou...
Nov 14, 2019•17 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast, we talk about all of the recent action going on in the world of solar power, and a quick update on a client who did have a backup battery installed before the PG&E shutdown, and her experience relying on backup power from her battery. Berkeley residents with disabilities say their needs ‘not built into’ PG&E shutoff policy Placer County seeks alternatives to ...
Nov 07, 2019•15 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast, we discuss the good news in solar power among all of the PG & E power shut down craziness. Many people are feeling the pain of the shutdowns and are now motivated to go solar and add battery backup to their homes and businesses. Public Safety Power Shutoff Announcement Potential PSPS address-lookup tool About Jamie Duran & Solar Harmonics Brought to you by So...
Oct 31, 2019•15 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast, we continue to discuss the implications of the intentional power shutdown by PG&E, who the shutdown affects, and why the shutdown is not a temporary isolated event. This may be the new normal... For California, massive power blackouts could become a way of life 500,000 Californians are in the dark, more outages likely as fires rage in Sonoma, San Bernardino count...
Oct 24, 2019•15 min
Welcome to the world’s first Straight-Talk Solar Cast! This is your go-to podcast for answers about solar! In this week's podcast, we discuss the 2019 Planned Power Outage by PG&E, and the implications the outage has on the solar industry, along with how the outage impacted over 900,000 people in PG&E territory at the same time! Massive Power Outages May Leave 800,000 Californians in the Dark Power Outages Begin in California Amid Windy Wildfire Weather PG&E power outage shuts down m...
Oct 18, 2019•18 min
