Podcast 053: Bernadette Del Chiaro — Could a change in California’s net metering policy cripple residential solar?
California is considering whether to change its pioneering net metering program. The future of local energy is at stake. Bernadette explains the issues behind this make-or-break policy in 2021.
Are solar panels really full of toxic materials like cadmium and lead?
The truth is that solar panels are made almost entirely with abundant, earth-friendly materials like glass, aluminum, copper, and silicon. However, as the market for solar continues to expand, concerns have emerged about trace toxic compounds used in panels. The first, lead, is widely used for soldering electronic components together. Each standard solar panel contains […]
Podcast 052: Yann Brandt and Mike Casey – Is creating a surge in solar jobs easier than we think?
There has never been a more important time to create jobs. Brandt and Casey explain how solar may be the best way to create millions of jobs
January 2021 Clean Energy Headlines
* Clean energy investment breaks $500 billion last year
* A simple plan to remove barriers for residential solar
* California’s oil and gas wells hiding in plain sight
* Plus three exciting podcasts from the Freeing Energy team
Podcast 051: Michael Chanin – Emory University is going solar and doing it in a surprising way
Host Bill Nussey takes a walking tour of an amazing solar project being built on the Emory University campus by Cherry Street Energy and its CEO Michael Chanin.
Podcast 050: Andrew Birch – Can cutting red tape lower the cost of residential solar?
Andrew “Birchy” Birch, the CEO of Open Solar, highlights the crazy high prices of US residential solar. He explains how reducing “soft costs” is the easiest way to slash these prices.
December 2020 Clean Energy Headlines
* Solar thrives through the pandemic
* The ITC extension super-charges solar in 2021
* A breakthrough in solid-state batteries
* Plus two exciting podcasts from the Freeing Energy team
Podcast 049: Nussey and Easterby – 2020 clean energy favorites and a peek into 2021
Hosts Bill Nussey and Sam Easterby share their favorite stories about clean, local energy in 2020 and preview what’s coming in 2021.
Podcast 048: Martin DeBono – Why add solar panels if your roof can capture solar energy all by itself?
GAF Energy is part of the world’s largest roofing company. Listen as their President, Martin DeBono, explains how panels and racks are bring replaced by solar photovoltaics that are integrated into the roof itself (BIPV).
November 2020 Clean Energy Headlines
* A new report on the huge financial advantages of a US grid built around more local energy
* An update on the future of America’s biggest small-module reactor project
Podcast 047: Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus – the government’s surprising role in supercharging solar technology innovation
Dr. Becca Jones-Albertus, the Director of Dept of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology office shares the surprising ways the government is spurring innovation, funding startups, and helping US solar companies achieve commercial success.
Podcast 046: Ryan Goodman: Are microgrids the future of reliable, clean energy?
Ryan Goodman, the CEO of leading microgrid company, Scale Microgrid Solutions, explains why microgrids are a clean reliable source of energy in the face of growing electric outages.
October 2020 Clean Energy Headlines
* Analyzing the downward trajectory of ExxonMobil
* A exciting leap forward for Tesla’s batteries
* A California town’s pioneering microgrid project
* Plus articles and podcasts from the Freeing Energy team
Podcast 045: Vikram Aggarwal – Why are millions of people putting solar on their roofs?
Vikram Aggarwal is the CEO of the internet’s #1 source for going solar — EnergySage. He shares his story and insights about why America is going solar!
The 6 best resources to get started in solar
The advantages are no longer just about going green, as solar will be cheaper for nearly everyone over time. Outlined below are some of the best resources to help answer your questions about solar energy and find the right solar installer for your needs.
Podcast 044: Mike Casey – What is strategic brevity and how can it amplify the local energy story?
Listen to Mike Casey, the CEO of marketing communications firm, Tigercomm, share his amazing insights and advice on communicating the messages of clean, local energy.
Podcast 043: Michael Sachse of geothermal pioneer Dandelion Energy – Is part of the local renewable energy solution right under our feet?
Michael Sachse of Dandelion Energy explains how geothermal is an increasingly important part of local energy and how it can provide 24/7 heating and cooling to homes.
September 2020 Clean Energy Headlines
* General Electric’s decision to abandon coal
* An analysis of electric vehicle maintenance costs
* An unprecedented 50-year solar cell warranty
* Plus articles and podcasts from the Freeing Energy team
Podcast 042: Charlie Gay – How can the US re-establish leadership in solar manufacturing?
Listen in as Charlie shares stories from his career and his plans for the first vertically integrated solar manufacturer in the US in a decade, Violet Power.
Presentation: The coming age of self-powered buildings
I recently had the opportunity to speak at a virtual conference on the built environment called, Shadow Summit. It was an interesting event that focused on the convergence of entrepreneurism, digital technologies, and buildings, homes, and infrastructure. (if you are visiting this page directly from attending the summit, you can scroll to the bottom to […]