The podcast about the people and policies influencing solar in America.

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The Backstory

The year is 2020, the day is a Tuesday….

Micah Gold-Markel, founder of Solar States, reaches for his mobile (at the dinner table, no less – talk about bad manners…). A call. Buzz. Buzz. Boy, does Micah not want to answer this one. It’s Jared – Micah’s wife and children know this from his deep sigh. His wife touches his shoulder, giving him strength. He answers.

 

The dinner was hot, but has just turned cold.

 

A text from Jael, “Don’t answer him!!!!!!!”

 

Skyler, “You won’t believe what it is tonight….”

 

Sebastian, “We’re in the circus business now? That….I need a raise.”

 

Jared jumps out of the phone, as he does. The children are frightened. His presence is felt ’round the neighborhood, and even beyond that. Curtains are lowered, top locks locked. An idea is proposed: a traveling circus that spreads the word of solar in far off lands. There will be lions, and elephants, and Micah cuts him off. “Let’s just do a podcast, Jared.” Jared howls. The children are frightened further more.

 

Micah takes a hammer to the End Call button, collapses to his broccoli. He will not speak again for a great many days. Even on dotted lines he signs his name, Curse You Jared. When he does speak again it’s at episode 1. There, he puts his back in to every word. The world simply must know all about solar, even if he has to carry the franchise on that already……seasoned* back.

 

*def. not young

 

Alas, what happened in time he did not expect. Jared excelled and, some might say so rather than not, t’was Jared’s back carried the franchise.

 

But not only that…

 

Against fierce underdog odds – we’re talking 16 vs. a 1, we’re talking never-been-done – a chemistry developed. Stockton to Malone. Streep to….let’s face it: Streep to anyone. How did this happen, you’re demanding to know? Nobody knows, scholars believe we never will. Without an explanation, we do what we do: ride the Cinderella ’til the wheels fall off.

 

On Yoooo Sun!!!, Micah, Jared, and sometimes a friend gather ’round a fire made warm by their mission: drop knowledge. If you listen, you will learn – that is the intention.

 

We think through the rumors, regulations, misconceptions, and important news, and present to you a neatly organized barrel of insights each week (no certain day, but once every 7 days or so). We reveal the faces, obstacles, and truth of solar so that you can each be empowered to create positive change in your immediate environment. If you’ve read this far, we believe you’re the person to create that kinda change.

 

Plus, it’s less a ‘listen with a notepad’ and more a ‘listen with a beer’ type show. Set the brain to cruise control. Heck, throw some music on behind us….

And NOW! If you would, find your seats, and kindly direct your attention to the stage. ‘Cause it’s…. YOOOO SUN!!!

(there are 4 o’s in the name, but you pronounce it with 50)

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Episode Briefs

#40 SolarEdge Veteran & Solar States OG Kris Roscoe

Micah and Jared go deep with industry veteran Chris Roscoe, a former Solar State OG now working at SolarEdge. Chris, an engineer, shares his journey from starting his own solar company to his current role as a Technical Account Manager at SolarEdge. Discussed: the evolution of solar technology, the shift in industry dynamics from a small-scale, DIY approach to a streamlined, large-scale operation, the significant reduction in solar installation costs over the years, the integration of solar energy with other aspects of home and business ecosystems (highlighting the role of batteries and energy management in modern installations), and the emergence of new technologies like bidirectional EV chargers.

#39 MYTHBUSTERS! with Jared & Micah

Jared and Micah address the top solar industry myths in 2023. Are you a solar myth? Then you’re about to be…..BUSTED!

#38 Reclaiming Education with Philly Youth Basketball's Ameen Akbar

“I don’t know if a smile can be captured on a podcast, but I’m beaming from ear to ear.” – Ameen Akbar in episode 38. Ameen is an old friend. He joined us to talk his journey from YouthBuild PHL to becoming the Chief Mission Officer at Philly Youth Basketball. YouthBuild PHL is one of our solar education partners. Learn more about YouthBuildPHL: https://www.youthbuildphilly.org/

#37 Solar States' Zay Smith - Solar Trainings to O&M to Solar Designer

Solar States’ Isaiah “Zay” Smith (born and raised in Philly) shares his journey from Philly public schools, to the Energy Coordinating Agency’s training program, to Solar States, where he started in Operations & Maintenence and evolved into a master solar designer. Jay-Z and a Philly Brazilian steakhouse are also mentioned…

#36 A Perspective on Energy Operations ft. Ryan Kerr

#35 Green Energy at Scale feat. Laurie Mazer

#34 Strategic Solar feat. David Bellamy

#33 Passive Homes and Green Construction feat. Ralph Loielo

#32 The Solar for Schools bill feat. State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler

Micah and Jared are joined by State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler. The three discuss Rep. Fiedler’s work on the Solar for Schools bill, which would incentivize solar education throughout schools in Philadelphia. Other topics discussed are bi-partisan support around the bill, the process moving forward, and advocacy work citizens can get involved with.

#31 A Perspective on Life with Solar Energy feat. Daniel Hunter of 350.org

Micah Gold-Markel and special co-host Jackson Kusiak talk with Daniel Hunter, a Solar States customer and Associate Director of Global Trainings at 350.org. Daniel installed a 27 panel, 25 Kw ground mounted system on his property. They talk climate change, clean energy, 350.org and oh, so much more.

#30 Clean Energy Co-ops with Joy Baxter

Micah and Jared interview environmental advocate, Joy Baxter. They discuss Joy’s path into environmentalism, her decision to go solar at home, and her work at the Clean Energy Co-op, which helps communities invest in solar and then use that funding to help community businesses go solar. Joy also explains her background in chemical engineering and the experience and road blocks of being a woman in the field.

#29 Virtual Net Metering with Larry Moyer

Micah Gold-Markel and special co-host Jackson Kusiak sit down with Larry Moyer, a Solar States customer, to discuss Larry’s work with Virtual Net Metering and more.

#28 2022: A Year in Review

Jared and Micah look back on 2022’s most important developments.

#27 Second Baptist Church Goes Solar feat. Family Promise of Philadelphia's Executive Director Bob Byrne

Bob Byrne joined us to discuss the work of Family Promise and Second Baptist Church’s experience going solar with Solar States. The Inquirer recently published an article featuring Second Baptist and their decision to go solar.

Free quotes at solar-states.com/start

#26 Joining Solar in a ``Not Straightforward`` Time with Finn McCrohan, OIC Grad and Solar States Operations Specialist

Finn McCrohan, 2019 graduate of Philadelphia OIC’s “SETT” program and Solar States’ Operations Specialist, joins the show to discuss the OIC education program experience, diversity in solar, and what the Solar Tecnichican and Operations Specialist role entails.

#25 Creating a Sustainable Solar Business with the Founders of Ipsun Solar

#25 Creating a Sustainable Solar Business with the Founders of Ipsun Solar

Ipsun Solar is a solar installer based in Washington D.C. They’re also Amicus Co-op members and have been close friends of Solar States since their founding in 2016.

They joined us to discuss their approach to creating a sustainable business and their new technology product for solar installers, Ipsun Tech: https://ipsuntech.com/

Herve and Joe met while working at the Department of Energy and are two of the brightest, most innovative solar entrepreneurs we know. Enjoy!

Learn more about Ipsun: https://www.ipsunsolar.com/

#24 Lifting the Ceiling of Solar with O&M Cooperative CEO Amanda Bybee

#24 Lifting the Ceiling of Solar with O&M Cooperative CEO Amanda Bybee

This week on YOOOOO Sun! we’re joined by Amanda Bybee, the CEO of Amicus O&M Cooperative, one of the most important bodies in the solar industry.

https://www.amicusom.com/

O&M stands for Operations & Maintenance and its members (Solar States is one) promise to fulfill their solar promise for decades after their projects are installed. Amanda takes us on her path to Amicus O&M and discusses women in solar, diversity in solar, the vetting process used by O&M to recruit new installers and how they hold them accountable over time, her new website solarrecycle.org, and more.

#23 The Godfather of Solar w/ Ron Celentano

#23 The Godfather of Solar 

This week it’s THE GODFATHER! That’s right the Godfather of Solar himself joins us – Ron Celentano. Ron’s advice saved Solar States years ago and today might save YOU. We talk PA solar policy achievements, the future of Net Metering, challenges to solar growth from here, community solar, solar for farmers and SO. MUCH. MORE.

It’s….YOOOOOOOOO Sun!!! episode 23!

#22 The State of Solar in PA w/ 2x guest Laura Rigell and eco(n)law's C. Baird Brown

#22 The State of Solar in PA w/ 2x guest Laura Rigell and eco(n)law’s C. Baird Brown

Episode 22 is all about the solar market in our great state of Pennsylvania.

Laura Rigell was Director of the Philadelphia Energy Authority at the time of this recording and has since moved on to new and exciting things. She was joined by C. Baird Brown, principal at eco(n)law and legal counsel for the PEA.

Baird shares his perspective on the state of solar here in PA, including an overview of AEPS, net metering, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and roadblocks / issues we need to address in order for solar to blossom here. Emily discusses the discrepancy they (the PEA) discovered in the way Net Metering was being implemented in PA, and what her team and Baird have done to right the issue.

#21 From High School Dropout to Master Electrician w/ Thomas Glenn

#21 From High School Dropout to Master Electrician w/ Thomas Glenn

Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear boots and drive a Prius, and Thomas Glenn is one of those. Thomas came to us through our free solar education programs five years ago, and has advanced to become a Philadelphia Master Electrician. He is leaving this summer for a big move to Colorado with his fiancè.

Thomas shares his full story from dropping out of High School to finding our free training programs, graduating them, accepting his job with Solar States, and evolving at our company over the years.

#20 The Utility-Side of Solar w/ Brian Barr of PECO Green Power Connect

#20 The Utility-Side of Solar w/ Brian Barr of PECO Green Power Connect

Brian Barr is Manager of PECO’s Green Power Connect team, a group committed to creating more opportunities for solar energy in Greater Philadelphia.

On this episode we get DEEP into the nitty gritty of how a utility is involved in the process of going solar. Brian’s team manages relationships with all solar developers in the area, including Solar States. Their job is to make sure everything is run smoothly and make improvements wherever possible, which they have by dramatically reducing the time it takes your permit to be processed and by adding online payments (!), among other things. The process can get complicated. Brian, Jared, and Micah boil it down.

And for today’s Rapid Shutdown, shutdown unnecessary bureaucracy!

19. North Philly's Very Own Marc Shackelford-Rowell

19. North Philly’s Very Own Marc Shackelford-Rowell Marc Shackelford-Rowell was born and raised in North Philadelphia and met Solar States Founder Micah Gold-Markel at Solar States’ Solar Training Lab during his time in the Philadelphia OIC program. “OIC is probably one of the best things to ever happen to me that I never planned for. A great combination of hands-on training as well as technical knowledge.”

After OIC and an internship with the Philadelphia Energy Authority, Marc joined Solar States and has since become a master of all trades for us. In this episode, he speaks to Micah and Jared about his first installation as an installer, his experience with Solar States including his massive achievement shortening the time-to-permit for all solar installs in Philadelphia, and his path to becoming a solar homeowner. As Micah says, he’s “the greenest dude of anyone I know.”

18. Going from Me to We w/ Judy Wicks

18. Going from “Me” to “We” Judy Wicks on building sustainable economies in PA and across the nation.

17. Reaching Consensus

Reaching Consensus Finding middle ground with members of the Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum.

16. A Community Organizer’s Approach to Solar

16. A Community Organizer’s Approach to Solar Solar States’ Jackson Kusiak on the approach that led to his 2021 groundbreaking solar pilot program for low and moderate income households in Philadelphia.

15. Solar from the Ground Up

15. Solar from the Ground Up A masterclass on building efficient homes with Brian Osborne of Osborne Construction and Solar States client Alex Seldin.

14. From PowerCorps to Solar

14. From PowerCorps to Solar Cleo Anukam on his path through the Powercorps and Bright Solar Future Programs and job at Solar States.

13. A Sustainable Economy

13. A Sustainable Economy Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network Anna Shipp on Philly’s transition to a more sustainable economy.

12. Solar and Community Gardens

12. Solar and Community Gardens Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s team discusses solar’s role in our local community gardens.

11. Solar for Schools

11. Solar for Schools Generation180’s team on the potential benefit of solar for schools across our region and America.

10. Solar & Real Estate

10. Solar & Real Estate Aragona & Associates CEO Matt Aragona on why he went solar and his perspective on solar as a real estate agent.

9. Philadelphia’s Homeowner’s Perspective

9. Philadelphia’s Homeowner’s Perspective Two homeowners discuss their experience going solar and share tips for others considering doing the same.

8. Philadelphia’s Green Collar Economy

8. Philadelphia’s Green Collar Economy Councilmember Derek Green on the recent growth of Philly’s green sector.

7. The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA)

7. The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) All about the PEA’s solar initiatives, like Solarize Philadelphia and Solar Week 2020.

6. Solar as an Investment

6. Solar as an Investment Thea Gudonis on solar from the practical investor’s perspective.

5. Solar as Community

5. Solar as Community Solar States’ Head of Partnerships Todd Baylson on Solarize Campaigns and industry challenges.

4. Solar in Pennsylvania

4. Solar in Pennsylvania All about PA’s renewable landscape.

3. Solar Policy & Incentives

3. Solar Policy & Incentives Overview of nationwide and local legislation.

3. Solar Policy & Incentives

3. Solar Policy & Incentives Overview of nationwide and local legislation.

2. Solar 101

2. Solar 101 Answering the FAQ we hear all the time.

1. The Early Days

1. The Early Days Jared & Micah recount the inspiration for Solar States.

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Questions?

About Solar States

Solar States is a solar installer and educator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We are a certified B-Corp and Best for the World Nominee in both 2018 and 2019. We can install solar on any roof – residential or commercial – in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Maryland. If you have any questions about a transition to a sustainable energy system for your property, we can answer them.

Founded with a dual mission to install solar and educate the next generation.