The Energy Show

Barry Cinnamon
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The Energy Show

The Energy Show, hosted by Barry Cinnamon, is a weekly 30 minute talk show that runs every Saturday on KDOW Radio AM in San Jose California. Every week Barry provides practical money-saving tips on ways to reduce your home and business energy consumption. Barry Cinnamon heads up Cinnamon Energy Systems (a San Jose residential and commercial  solar and energy storage contractor) and Spice Solar (suppliers of built-in solar racking technology). After 10,000+ installations at Akeena Solar and Westinghouse Solar, he's developed a pretty good perspective on the real-world economics of rooftop solar -- as well as the best products and services for homeowners, manufacturers and installers. His rooftop tinkering led to the development of integrated racking (released in 2007), AC solar modules (released in 2009), and Spice Solar (the fastest way to install rooftop solar modules).

  1. The Energy Show 11-20-24

    6 DAYS AGO

    The Energy Show 11-20-24

    The first challenge with a home electrification project is determining the actual costs, savings and incentives for each step in the project. Once that’s done, the second challenge is navigating the maze of different electrification contractors (solar, batteries, EV chargers, HVAC, HPWH, insulation, etc.) Due to the magnitude of potential energy savings, solar and battery contractors are often the first in the door when homeowners consider an electrification project. Balto Energy is delivering a suite of software that will help solar contractors model and prioritize a range of electrification measures. To learn more about Balto Energy and their quest to decarbonize homes across America, please listen up to this week’s Energy Show at www.energyshow.biz as we speak with James Quazi, Founder & CEO of Balto Energy.

    38 min
  2. Inside Secrets from a Pioneering Solar Financier

    12 NOV

    Inside Secrets from a Pioneering Solar Financier

    Ever wonder how early investors turned a hippy solar energy industry into a $100+ billion worldwide industry? On this week's episode we sit down with Gerard Reid, co-founder of Alexa Capital. Way back in 2005 he was researching PV technologies in Berlin - that’s when he realized that combining the right financing with rapid cost reductions in the solar industry could be the foundation for some terrific investments. And he was right. Fast forward to 2024 and we are seeing even greater worldwide potential for the combination of solar and storage. Now it is pretty obvious that solar and storage will deliver dirt cheap electricity. The challenge now is to seek out the opportunities that are not constrained by incumbent industries or hostile public policies. Please tune into this week's Energy Show at www. energyshow.biz to get Gerard’s insights into the actions that early solar and finance companies took to set them up for such a global success story.

    32 min
  3. Can Utilities Stop Grid Defection When Local Solar is the Low Cost Leader?

    5 NOV

    Can Utilities Stop Grid Defection When Local Solar is the Low Cost Leader?

    Will the future of energy be driven by massive utility solar farms or millions of local rooftop systems? John Farrell from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance shares his insights on how utility monopolies are strangling local solar efforts -- especially in California -- where monopoly utilities are locking customers into sky-high rates. The conversation delves into the growing trend of “grid defection” as consumers use their own solar and battery systems to reduce their dependence on utility power. With an appropriately sized solar and battery system -- with a little help from a friendly EV -- it is indeed possible to cut the cord with the utility completely. Locations with lots of sunlight and high electric rates will be the first places where people can cost effectively ditch their local utility. With all due respect to Alice’s Restaurant…could this be the start of a nationwide movement? Please tune into this week’s Energy Show episode at www.energyshow.biz.

    31 min
  4. Coming Soon To A Roof Near You: Electricity Too Cheap To Meter

    28 OCT

    Coming Soon To A Roof Near You: Electricity Too Cheap To Meter

    Nuclear power will make electricity too cheap to meter,” a prediction made in a 1954 statement from the head of the Atomic Energy Commission. 70 years later I’m predicting that electricity will be almost free, but powered from that fusion generator 93 million miles away. Sounds crazy, but rooftop solar is already generating power for $0.06/kwh — compared to our average rates here in California of $0.45/kwh. As rooftop solar costs continue to decline and grid electricity costs continue to increase, we need to prepare for three traumatic energy industry changes: 1. Gasoline demand will plummet as EVs dominate road transportation. 2. Natural gas demand will decline steadily as heat pumps dominate space heating and solar dominates power generation. 3. The utility business model will collapse as technological changes (solar and batteries) turn the electric grid upside down. Please tune into this week’s Energy Show as we dive into the capital costs, operating costs, ownership arrangements and timing for the four most common types of power plants. The results make it clear why utilities are trying so hard to stop the growth of rooftop solar and storage. For the details, please head over to www.energyshow.biz and listen to this week's podcast.

    21 min
  5. How Leading Installer Renova Recovered From Sunpower’s Bankruptcy - Part 2

    23 OCT

    How Leading Installer Renova Recovered From Sunpower’s Bankruptcy - Part 2

    In the second part of this week’s episode, we dive deeper with Vince Battaglia, CEO of Renova Energy, as he unpacks the aftermath of SunPower’s shocking collapse. First, a quick recap of Part 1: Vince shared the inspiring 18-year evolution of Renova Energy. From thriving in the heat of Coachella Valley to expanding into Arizona, he explained Renova’s smart choices in solar and battery tech and their consistent maintenance approach. Most notably, Renova’s steady, conservative business practices have been key to their sustained success. Now, we pivot to the gripping story of SunPower’s downfall and its ripple effects. Vince details how Renova was impacted and the strategic, customer-first decisions that guided their recovery. His firsthand account sheds light on how they survived the upheaval—reinforcing customer trust, making swift adjustments, and doubling down on reliable business practices. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion about navigating industry crises and what this means for the future of solar. Catch the full episode at www.energyshow.biz. Stay tuned as Vince breaks down the gritty details of SunPower’s failure and how Renova emerged stronger than ever.

    38 min
  6. The Revolution in Home Battery and Solar Electronics - Enphase Interview Part 2

    16 OCT

    The Revolution in Home Battery and Solar Electronics - Enphase Interview Part 2

    This podcast episode, Segment 2 of our Enphase interview, delves into Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE) and the rise of advanced battery technology, with Enphase at the forefront since 2008. Segment 1, released a few weeks ago, is a good listen — especially for homeowners. Raghu Belur, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Enphase, shares insider details on their success, market position, and IRA incentives. We'll also debate open vs. closed home energy ecosystems and discuss how rapid advances in battery and EV charging tech are outpacing regulations. Explore UL 3741, a new code enhancing solar safety and efficiency, and learn about effective Whole Home Backup system designs. Discover how Enphase is shaping U.S. and California energy policies and what changes are needed to slash costs and boost safety. Catch Segment 2 of our Enphase episode at www.energyshow.biz for the latest from Enphase’s perspective on the future of solar, storage and home energy management.

    24 min
  7. The Revolution in Home Battery and Solar Electronics. An Interview with SolarEdge - Part 2

    7 OCT

    The Revolution in Home Battery and Solar Electronics. An Interview with SolarEdge - Part 2

    This podcast episode, Segment 2 of our SolarEdge interview, is for my fellow solar installers who crave the inside scoop on industry TLAs such as IRA, VPP, V2G, PCS and NBT. This is the geeky deeper dive on the latest technologies and policy perspectives from SolarEdge. Segment 1, released a few weeks ago, is a great listen for more of a customer perspective. Today’s podcast, the second SolarEdge segment, is focused on interests and needs for contractors -- both residential and commercial. Issues related to fire safety, maximizing energy harvest, commercial cost reduction and UL 3741 are among the topics we are discussing. And if you work in California, techniques to increase system size for existing NEM2 customers will also be covered. Joining us on these two SolarEdge podcast segments are Bertrand Vandeweile, SolarEdge’s new GM for North America, and John Ahlman, their Chief Marketing Officer. Please tune into this second of two Energy Show podcasts with SolarEdge at www.energyshow.biz.

    28 min
  8. A Solar Installer’s Nightmare: What If Your Main Supplier Goes Bankrupt?

    2 OCT

    A Solar Installer’s Nightmare: What If Your Main Supplier Goes Bankrupt?

    What happens when your largest solar equipment supplier suddenly files for bankruptcy? And worse, they stop paying you for your ongoing projects? This is the nightmare scenario for solar installers everywhere. As the solar industry faces shifting policies, rising interest rates, and market turbulence, some companies are managing to thrive despite the challenges. One such standout is Renova Energy. In this week’s episode, Vince Battaglia, CEO of Renova Energy, shares the secrets behind the company’s 18-year journey to becoming a leading force in the Coachella Valley and beyond. In this first segment, Vince highlights Renova’s growth and expansion into Arizona, their smart approach to solar and battery installations, and how they’ve tailored their offerings to the unique needs of the desert region. With a focus on extreme heat conditions and local roofing demands, Renova’s conservative business practices and top-tier maintenance services have helped them build a reputation for excellence. Want to know how to build a resilient solar business? Please listen to this episode of The Energy Show for Vince’s insights on The Energy Show at www.energyshow.biz.

    30 min
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About

The Energy Show, hosted by Barry Cinnamon, is a weekly 30 minute talk show that runs every Saturday on KDOW Radio AM in San Jose California. Every week Barry provides practical money-saving tips on ways to reduce your home and business energy consumption. Barry Cinnamon heads up Cinnamon Energy Systems (a San Jose residential and commercial  solar and energy storage contractor) and Spice Solar (suppliers of built-in solar racking technology). After 10,000+ installations at Akeena Solar and Westinghouse Solar, he's developed a pretty good perspective on the real-world economics of rooftop solar -- as well as the best products and services for homeowners, manufacturers and installers. His rooftop tinkering led to the development of integrated racking (released in 2007), AC solar modules (released in 2009), and Spice Solar (the fastest way to install rooftop solar modules).

Information

  • Creator
    Barry Cinnamon
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2024
  • Episodes
    356
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Energy Show

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