Explore every episode of the podcast Solar Power Hour

Following the House’s passing of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” we’ll analyze the economic impact on consumers, utility companies, and the solar industry alike, should the bill become law.

• 2025 Deadline & Elimination: Heightened sense of urgency and concern amongst consumers as potential policy changes hang in the balance, notably the accelerated deadline to claim the 30% solar tax credit before its proposed repeal.
• Retroactive Bans & Restrictions: How new legislation could jeopardize the economic viability of many solar projects and facilities, especially those that rely heavily on leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), leading to a significant loss of jobs across the industry and catastrophic consequences for existing and future consumers.
• 30-50% Utility Bill Increase: Breakdown of the huge spike in cost per kilowatt-hour and higher delivery charges implemented with the transition to summer pricing.

These days, going solar is just as much about peace-of-mind as it is about savings. After a short hiatus, we’re back to examine the impact of new import tariffs on solar companies, consumers and the energy industry as a whole and our plan to adapt to the challenges ahead.

• Import Tariffs: Present and projected effects of residual instability on supply chains, businesses and utilities locally and across the globe.
• Energy Storage Systems: Why solar batteries and generators have shifted from an option to a necessity and recent updates to Ameren’s Distributed Generation (DG) Smart Inverter Rebates.
• A Day In the Life of a Solar Consultant: How our unique sales approach aligns with our mission and values and is ultimately designed to serve our customers and community.

For more information, visit https://suncollectors.solar or check out the resources below:

Learn about the Franklin Whole Home Battery Backup solutions we offer: https://www.franklinwh.com/collections/whole-home-battery-backup/

Find out how you can save with Ameren Illinois DG Rebates: https://www.ameren.com/illinois/residential/supply-choice/renewables/rebates

Apply to become a Junior Solar Consultant with Sun Collectors: https://suncollectors.solar/career/junior-solar-consultant/

In celebration of National Solar Day & Einstein's birthday, our hosts widen their lenses, taking a look at the concept and uses of solar throughout time and space. These are some of the topics up for discussion:

⚡Albert Einstein’s role in the development of solar energy

⚡Origin and annihilation of common misconceptions

⚡Geographical and weather-related applications

⚡Backup solutions, overproduction and interconnection

By special request, our hosts help real estate agents navigate the solar playing field. Homes with solar panels can be a faster, more lucrative sell if you have all the facts. This episode covers everything realtors need to know, including these hot topics:

⚡Impact of solar panels on property value

⚡Transfer of ownership

⚡Sales tips and resources

In this industry, one thing is certain: not all solar companies are the same. As a consumer, how do you tell the difference? In this episode, we’ll cover the dos, don’ts and red flags to look out for when choosing a solar company, including:

⚡ How to determine if solar makes sense for your situation (just because a company will install it doesn’t mean they should)

⚡ How to vet a solar company — tips, resources and other helpful information

⚡ Why ownership is almost always in your best interest

⚡ All of your options — including those the salesperson didn’t pitch

Whether you want to know enough to be dangerous before that salesperson walks in the room or you just want to avoid solar scams and fly-by-night companies, this episode is for you.

After introducing the new Sun Collectors mission statement, our hosts answer the following questions in detail:

• Why does the reputation of solar need to be repaired?
• Why are solar companies going out of business?
• Why do system owners still need a solar service provider after installation?
• What does it mean to “do solar the right way?”
• Why did our customers choose a local business over a bigger business?

Toward the end of the episode, Will and Austin share their stories, why they care about solar and our community, and what keeps them going.

In an effort to give current and future solar adopters some peace of mind, our hosts break down the facts and give us their take on important considerations surrounding:

• Effects of the current political climate on solar legislation and funding
• Ties between the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
• Balancing renewable energy and finite resources to satisfy demand in the long-term
• Illinois Shines and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)
• Utility rates, time-based pricing and demand response programs

To learn more about federal solar subsidies and Illinois incentive programs visit https://suncollectors.solar/illinois-solar-incentives/

After a quick recap of last year, goals for 2025, and a shoutout to our local Peoria Rivermen, we'll give you an overview of what we learned at D2D Con 9 and hone in on some key points that will help shape the solar industry in the year to come, such as:

• Stepping up to service "abandoned customers"
• Industry-wide efforts to highlight good companies and weed out the bad
• Reinforcement of practices and beliefs we have attributed to our success
• Product and policy updates put into effect this year
• How these changes have and will continue to impact savings potential

In our first Community Feature, we are joined by Pam Perrilles, Executive Director of CASA of the 10th Judicial Circuit in Peoria, IL to discuss:

• CASA's mission, goals and progress to date
• Volunteering at CASA
• Upcoming events and donation opportunities
• William's personal story and why he "fell in love" with CASA
• Impact stories from Sun Collectors Merry and Bright Christmas 2024

To learn more about CASA and how you can help change a child's story, call (309) 669-2939 or visit https://casaofthetenth.org/

For more information on Sun Collectors community outreach initiatives, go to https://suncollectors.solar/community-outreach/

In our experience, we've found that money is almost always top-of-mind when deciding whether to go solar. Today we'll address:

• The ever increasing cost of energy
• Changes to legislation and funding
• Illinois solar incentives and rebates
• The federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
• Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) solar grants and loans

In this episode of Solar Power Hour, we'll give you an overview of how solar works and discuss the evolution and future of solar for consumers. You'll get our take on important topics such as:

• The process of going solar
• How solar systems produce power
• Production goals and usage options
• Technology, incentives and pricing
• System longevity, warranties, and service

Welcome to Solar Power Hour! This is the first of many podcasts, brought to you by seasoned solar experts, William Grant and Austin Bare. Enjoy the Sun Collectors origin story and an introduction to the incredible power of solar energy.