Watts Up Solar Podcast

Emmitt Muckles
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Watts Up in Solar is your go-to weekly podcast for everything solar—from rooftop installs to remote troubleshooting and everything in between. Hosted by Emmitt Muckles—solar trainer, consultant, and all-around energy expert—this show breaks down the tech, talks real-world solar issues, and helps you stay plugged into what matters most in solar energy. Whether you’re a homeowner thinking about going solar or a solar pro looking to sharpen your skills, each episode delivers something for you: Plain-English breakdowns of solar tech, from inverters to batteriesReal talk on home energy efficiency and utility billsTips for avoiding solar scams and shady sales pitchesLive field stories, installer insights, and industry interviewsWeekly “Watt’s New” solar headlines and commentaryIt’s solar knowledge for the real world. No fluff. Just facts.

  1. Eat4Life – Holistic Nutrition for Solar Workers with Katharina Burger-Holzer

    DEC 8

    Eat4Life – Holistic Nutrition for Solar Workers with Katharina Burger-Holzer

    Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast! In this episode, I step slightly off the roof and into the kitchen. I’m joined by Katharina Burger-Holzer, a holistic nutrition coach based in Austria and founder of Eat4Life (eat4life.at). We talk about how food, sleep, stress and movement impact your ability to show up and do demanding work in the solar industry – and why the sun isn’t just hitting your panels, it’s also feeding your body. Conversation How Katharina’s journey started with yoga, Ayurveda, and her mother’s stage 4 cancer diagnosisWhy processed food in the U.S. wrecked her whole family’s gut in one tripThe brutal truth about “eat less, move more” – and why it fails after 40Why men are “easy mode” nutritionally and women 40+ need a very different approachSleep, stress, and the Chinese medicine clock (including why I kept waking up at 1 AM)The power of real food, sourdough, and traditional preparation vs. industrial breadHow to start with the basics: sleep, movement, cooking simple, real food, and chewing properlyIf you work in solar – climbing ladders, standing on pitched roofs, troubleshooting in the field, or grinding at a desk – your body is your primary asset. This conversation might be the nudge you need to stop living on junk and start treating yourself like a long-term project. Connect with Katharina Website: https://eat4life.at Instagram: @eatforlife_katharinaConnect with Emmitt / Watts Up Solar YouTube: @wattsuppodWebsite: https://sepowerconsulting.com LinkedIn: Emmitt Muckles👉 Support the show: Follow, rate, and share the Watts Up Solar Podcast with someone in the industry who needs to hear that health is part of the job, not an optional side quest. Our Sponsor for this Episode is S.E. Power Consulting S. E. Power Consulting offers Fractional Training Leadership—meaning you get expert-level training support when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire.Whether you’re scaling up or just getting organized, we help you train smarter, not harder. Visit SEPowerConsulting.com to learn more. S.E. Power Consulting—Fractional training. Full-time results.

    34 min

  2. NOV 25

    From DIYer/RV solar to whole-home backup — EG4’s glow-up explained

    Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast! At InterSolar Texas 2025, I caught up with John Tostanoski from EG4, and we went deep on where the brand is headed next. EG4 built its name on making solar accessible – RVs, off-grid cabins, and DIY systems that regular people could actually understand and install. Now they’re stepping into a much bigger arena: FlexBoss 21 whole-home backup inverter (21 kW DC input, 16 kW continuous with PV)GridBoss microgrid interconnection device (MID) with smart load shedding and generator supportNew 16 kWh indoor wall-mount LFP battery with auto-addressing and active balancingLong-term roadmap to three-phase commercial productsA domestic content battery built with LG cells made in Michigan and assembled in Commerce, TexasFuture 100V architecture for better charge/discharge performance and smaller cablingWe talk about: How EG4 evolved from a house brand at Signature Solar to a full OEMWhy domestic content matters for third-party ownership and financingWhat pro installers need to know about EG4’s ecosystemHow you can scale FlexBoss, GridBoss, and multiple batteries within code limitsWhy 48V isn’t going away anytime soon, even as 100V systems emergeSuppose you’re a solar installer, designer, distributor, or advanced DIYer thinking about whole-home backup or domestic content requirements. In that case, this episode will give you a clear picture of where EG4 is heading. Connect with EG4: Website: eg4electronicsics.com YouTube: EG4 Electronics Connect with Emmitt: Watts Up Solar Podcast on YouTube: @wattsuppod Fractional Training & Field Enablement: sepowerconsulting.com Hit follow, rate the show, and share this episode with someone who’s speccing batteries and inverters all day. The more the industry understands the tech, the better the installs Our Sponsor for this Episode is S.E. Power Consulting S. E. Power Consulting offers Fractional Training Leadership—meaning you get expert-level training support when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire.Whether you’re scaling up or just getting organized, we help you train smarter, not harder. Visit SEPowerConsulting.com to learn more. S.E. Power Consulting—Fractional training. Full-time results.

    15 min
  3. Wildfires, Microgrids & Troubleshooting the Grid – Piper Wilder of 60Hertz

    NOV 18

    Wildfires, Microgrids & Troubleshooting the Grid – Piper Wilder of 60Hertz

    Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast! In this episode of the Watts Up Solar Podcast, Emmitt sits down with Piper Wilder, founder & CEO of 60Hertz, to talk about the messy, beautiful reality of keeping renewable assets alive and performing in the real world. The conversation starts with microgrids in remote Alaska, indigenous operators running million-dollar systems, and a legit grizzly bear outside the tent… and then climbs all the way up the stack to utility-scale asset management, wildfire smoke, aerosols, AI, and VPPs. Piper breaks down: How 60Hertz grew from a CMMS into a full O&M platformWhy Alaska was ground zero for seeing O&M failures up closeThe origin of Flare API – an algorithm/API that quantifies lost generation from wildfire smoke, ash, pollen, and dustHow aerosol optical depth, PM, and satellite data explain “mystery” underperformanceWhy asset owners need to stop treating wildfire impact as “bad luck” and start treating it as a measurable business variableWhere parametric insurance and revenue protection may be heading for large portfoliosThe idea behind Asset Watch Pro, a “meta” dashboard for what asset owners actually need to seeThe tension (and partnership) between service providers, asset managers, and asset ownersOn top of that, Emmitt and Piper go deep on: Troubleshooting as meditation, not tortureThinking down to the component level – from automotive ECUs to PV invertersWhy training is troubleshooting humans so they can troubleshoot systemsWhere AI can help O&M teams work faster… and where it falls flat (Example: hello, cold solder joints)The future of work in renewables, trades versus degrees, and what Austria/Germany get right about apprenticeshipsIdentity, nationalism, and what it means to be called “the American” for the first timeThe episode closes with Emmitt’s reminder:  Relationships are seasonal. The sun is permanent. And the sun will never send you a bill. 🔗 Links & Contact Guest – Piper Wilder / 60Hertz Website: https://60hertzenergy.com/   Host – Emmitt  Muckles S.E. Power Consulting: https://www.sepowerconsulting.com Solar Energy for Consumers: https://www.solarenergyforconsumers.com Subscribe & Follow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wattsuppod Spotify / Apple / Google: Watts Up Solar Podcast Our Sponsor for this Episode is S.E. Power Consulting S. E. Power Consulting offers Fractional Training Leadership—meaning you get expert-level training support when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire.Whether you’re scaling up or just getting organized, we help you train smarter, not harder. Visit SEPowerConsulting.com to learn more. S.E. Power Consulting—Fractional training. Full-time results.

    55 min
  4. OB3 Aftershock & the Solar Comeback: Service, VPPs, and Real Careers Beyond the Roof (w/ Kate Collardson

    NOV 4

    OB3 Aftershock & the Solar Comeback: Service, VPPs, and Real Careers Beyond the Roof (w/ Kate Collardson

    Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast! Emmitt sits down with Kate Collardson, a 20-year PV pro from Denver, to unpack life after OB3: layoffs, the “overqualified” trap, and the massive opportunity in orphaned residential systems. They dig into why U.S. residential solar still carries heavy soft costs (dealer fees, sales stacks), how VPPs beat peaker plants on speed, and where the next wave of jobs lives—project management, design, interconnection, tech support, and O&M. Plus: why parking-lot carports solve heat islands and energy at the same time, and straight talk for women entering solar. Highlights OB3/IRA whiplash and hiring realityOrphaned-system O&M as a starter businessVPPs: fast response, real grid valueCarport PV > heat islandsSoft-cost bloat: how to trim the stackBreaking into solar today (training paths & local shops)Women in solar: confidence, competence, boundariesLinks & CTAs Watch the episode on YouTube: @wattsuppodConsumer education & webinars: solarenergyforconsumers.comFractional training & O&M consulting: sepowerconsulting.comFollow Emmitt on LinkedIn: Emmitt MucklesEpisode Tags / SEO Keywords Solar, Photovoltaics, Residential Solar, Virtual Power Plant, Energy Storage, O&M, Orphaned Systems, Women in Solar, Soft Costs, Dealer Fees, Interconnection, Project Management, Design, Carport Solar, Heat Island, Grid Services Suggested Buzzsprout Chapter Marks 00:00 Intro & why this conversation now 03:29 OB3 impacts & layoffs 10:57 Orphaned systems = service opportunity 15:04 Careers beyond the roof (PM, design, interconnection) 17:40 VPPs & fast grid response 21:26 Carports, cities, and heat islands 26:17 Why U.S. $/W is high 32:45 The 2026 reset 36:00 Breaking into solar today 37:59 Advice for women entering PV 40:30 Sign-off & next episode teaser Our Sponsor for this Episode is S.E. Power Consulting S. E. Power Consulting offers Fractional Training Leadership—meaning you get expert-level training support when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire.Whether you’re scaling up or just getting organized, we help you train smarter, not harder. Visit SEPowerConsulting.com to learn more. S.E. Power Consulting—Fractional training. Full-time results.

    42 min
  5. Intentional Marketing, Real Impact: Brittany Boyette on Voice, Events & Community

    OCT 28

    Intentional Marketing, Real Impact: Brittany Boyette on Voice, Events & Community

    Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast! Brittany Boyette Services LLC Brittany Boyette left corporate success to build a business around intentional, aligned marketing, the kind that sounds like you, serves your audience, and converts. We dig into her why (family, inclusion, and community), how to find your authentic voice, and the practical systems that make growth feel human: CRMs, onboarding, event planning, meeting-booking at conferences, and consistent follow-up. You’ll hear: How to spot misalignment fast—and what to do before burnout hitsTrade show and webinar planning that actually leads to dealsContent repurposing and measurement without losing your soulTool overload vs. AI as a voice amplifier, not a replacementWhy founders need a “safe place to land” (and how Brittany provides it)Connect with Brittany on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-boyette-203834267/  Learn more about Emmitt’s work at SEPowerConsulting.com and SolarEnergyForConsumers.com. Subscribe on YouTube: @wattsuppod Sign-off: The sun will never send you a bill. Our Sponsor for this Episode is S.E. Power Consulting S. E. Power Consulting offers Fractional Training Leadership—meaning you get expert-level training support when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire.Whether you’re scaling up or just getting organized, we help you train smarter, not harder. Visit SEPowerConsulting.com to learn more. S.E. Power Consulting—Fractional training. Full-time results.

    42 min
  6. From East to Vienna to the USA: Lorrak Labbafi's Path in European Solar, Storage, O&M, and the Rise of VPPs

    OCT 21

    From East to Vienna to the USA: Lorrak Labbafi's Path in European Solar, Storage, O&M, and the Rise of VPPs

    Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast! Emmitt visit Vienna Austria and has a laid back socail conersation with Laarak Labbafi a PV engineer who jumped from physics to hands-on and technical support in solar, launching her career in Iran before moving to Austria. They unpack: How gender dynamics can shape early career experiences, and how to push throughIran’s solar story: sunshine abundance vs. sanctions, FiTs, and ROI whiplashWhy Europe is all-in on batteries and self-consumptionWhat O&M looks like from a distributor’s troubleshooting desk (Energy3000 + Huawei fleets)The U.S. grid squeeze, EV loads, and how Virtual Power Plants actually workPractical advice for women and newcomers entering PV, plus networking tips (NABCEP, Women in Solar)Lori’s next chapter: mastering ESS and bringing PV access to underserved regions and AmericaLinks Watts Up Solar: https://www.solarenergyforconsumers.com S.E. Power Consulting: https://www.sepowerconsulting.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wattsuppod Orgs: NABCEP, Women in SolarChapter Marks (for players that support them) 00:00 Vienna intro  • 00:32 Why PV  • 02:28 Early career & barriers  • 06:24 Solar in Iran  • 07:55 Sanctions & ROI  • 10:01 Residential vs. utility  • 11:16 Batteries & self-consumption  • 12:58 Europe path  • 16:12 Energy3000/Huawei O&M  • 20:18 ESS goals  • 22:14 VPP explained  • 24:15 Career advice  • 25:44 California move  • 29:35 Networking Call to Action Subscribe, leave a rating, and share this episode with someone considering a PV career or an ESS upgrade at home. Episode Keywords NABCEP, solar, photovoltaics, energy storage, ESS, VPP, O&M, Austria, Iran, women in solar, NEM 3.0, Huawei, Energy3000, virtual power plant, career advice, troubleshooting Our Sponsor for this Episode is S.E. Power Consulting S. E. Power Consulting offers Fractional Training Leadership—meaning you get expert-level training support when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire.Whether you’re scaling up or just getting organized, we help you train smarter, not harder. Visit SEPowerConsulting.com to learn more. S.E. Power Consulting—Fractional training. Full-time results.

    32 min
  7. Turning Alerts into Revenue: Alert Hub’s Service-First Playbook (Jill & Logan)

    OCT 14

    Turning Alerts into Revenue: Alert Hub’s Service-First Playbook (Jill & Logan)

    Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast! Emmitt welcomes Jill and Logan from AlertHub, a platform built to help residential solar companies pivot from installs to service. They aggregate inverter alerts across major brands, layer in a homeowner portal and payments, and streamline RMAs—so small teams can manage bigger fleets with fewer truck rolls. We unpack the origin story (from edtech to solar), policy headwinds, pricing and onboarding, and a live case where proactive alerting led to a fast fix and fresh referrals. Key Takeaways: • Multi-brand alert aggregation in one dashboard • Proactive > reactive: fewer truck rolls, happier homeowners • Built-in homeowner portal, service plans, and payouts • Simple onboarding; subaccounts for outsourced monitoring • Residential focus now; commercial support on deck • Supported today: Enphase, SolarEdge, APsystems, SMA (with more coming) Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Bonus guests & agrivoltaic vibes 01:12 What is AlertHub? 03:00 Tech: native alert aggregation 04:30 Homeowner experience = retention 06:03 Buying a solar company & the pivot 07:55 Service/repairs as profit center 09:25 Policy shocks & adaptation 10:46 Visibility/coordination bottlenecks 11:10 RMA integration 12:02 Service-first retraining 14:07 Onboarding workflow 15:34 Connectivity matters 16:36 USB-stick era memories 17:19 Residential focus 18:23 Who it’s for (EPCs/installers) 19:45 Pricing & homeowner plans 20:31 Competitive advantage 21:25 Case study → referrals 22:39 Monitoring vs. alerting 23:17 RE+ & mobile status 24:59 Differentiators 27:22 Brands supported & roadmap 28:26 Emmitt’s closing note Links & Resources: • Watts Up Solar Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wattsuppod • Homeowner education & tools: solarenergyforconsumers.com • Consulting & training: sepowerconsulting.com Our Sponsor for this Episode is S.E. Power Consulting S. E. Power Consulting offers Fractional Training Leadership—meaning you get expert-level training support when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire.Whether you’re scaling up or just getting organized, we help you train smarter, not harder. Visit SEPowerConsulting.com to learn more. S.E. Power Consulting—Fractional training. Full-time results.

    30 min
  8. Electrifying America: EV Load, Smart Grids, and The VPP Future | with Mats Larsson (GET Institute)

    OCT 7

    Electrifying America: EV Load, Smart Grids, and The VPP Future | with Mats Larsson (GET Institute)

    Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast! America’s energy story is mid-pivot. Incentives shifted, EVs are scaling, and the grid is creaking like it’s still 1947. In this episode, Emmitt chops it up with Mats Larsson of the Global Energy Transformation Institute about what full electrification really takes: winter EV range hits, smart-grid load control, VPPs (virtual power plants), and why planning this transition like Apollo—not vibes—is the move. Highlights Why the U.S. is already “highly electrified” (just… differently than Europe)EVs vs. the grid: load peaks, smart charging, and seasonalitySolar + storage + VPPs as the anti-peaker, pro-resilience stackJobs shift: from crankshafts to chips, software, and charging opsThe hard truth: grids must be digitized, coordinated, and fundedGuest Mats Larsson — Global Energy Transformation Institute (GET): getinstitute.comYouTube: search “Mats Larsson”🔗 Listen/Subscribe: Buzzsprout 🎥 Watch the video: YouTube Channel Our Sponsor for this Episode is S.E. Power Consulting S. E. Power Consulting offers Fractional Training Leadership—meaning you get expert-level training support when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire.Whether you’re scaling up or just getting organized, we help you train smarter, not harder. Visit SEPowerConsulting.com to learn more. S.E. Power Consulting—Fractional training. Full-time results.

    44 min
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About

Watts Up in Solar is your go-to weekly podcast for everything solar—from rooftop installs to remote troubleshooting and everything in between. Hosted by Emmitt Muckles—solar trainer, consultant, and all-around energy expert—this show breaks down the tech, talks real-world solar issues, and helps you stay plugged into what matters most in solar energy. Whether you’re a homeowner thinking about going solar or a solar pro looking to sharpen your skills, each episode delivers something for you: Plain-English breakdowns of solar tech, from inverters to batteriesReal talk on home energy efficiency and utility billsTips for avoiding solar scams and shady sales pitchesLive field stories, installer insights, and industry interviewsWeekly “Watt’s New” solar headlines and commentaryIt’s solar knowledge for the real world. No fluff. Just facts.

Information

  • Creator
    Emmitt Muckles
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Watts up in Solar 2025
  • Show Website
    Watts Up Solar Podcast