Behind The Meter

Luis Galarza

The energy transition doesn't end when a solar system is installed. Behind the Meter explores the people, technology, and ideas shaping what happens next. Hosted by Luis Galarza and Ryan Longhurst, the podcast goes beyond the headlines to examine the realities of the solar industry, from maintaining and protecting existing systems to building better technology, solving operational challenges, and creating a more reliable energy future. Through conversations with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, Behind the Meter explores the challenges and opportunities transforming solar, energy services, and the broader clean energy ecosystem. Topics include solar operations, system reliability, emerging technologies, business building, and the practical ways innovation can improve how energy systems are managed. Whether you're a solar professional, clean energy entrepreneur, technology enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of energy, Behind the Meter offers a closer look at the people and ideas moving the industry forward.

Episodes

  1. Oct 21

    Episode 1: Solar Installation Quality, Battery Storage & the Future of the Industry with Andrew Claudio

    What happens when solar installations fall short of expectations, and what can the solar industry do to make things better? In the first episode of Behind the Meter, hosts Ryan Longhurst and Luis Galarza sit down with solar industry veteran Andrew Claudio for a candid conversation about residential solar, solar installation quality, battery storage, and the future of renewable energy. Drawing on his experience across solar sales, battery technology, and solar service, Andrew explains why quality workmanship and proper solar maintenance matter, how poor installations and unclear financing expectations can create lasting problems for homeowners, and why choosing a reputable solar installer can make a difference. He also discusses the realities of off-grid living, energy independence, and the growing importance of energy resilience. The conversation explores the technologies and industry developments shaping clean energy, including AI-driven improvements to utility interconnection, emerging energy storage technologies such as supercapacitors, and the potential of balcony solar to make renewable energy more accessible. In this episode, we discuss: The evolution of the residential solar industry and what quality solar installation looks like todaySolar installation best practices, workmanship, wire management, and system maintenanceHow distributor and manufacturer support helps solar businesses deliver better resultsWhat off-grid living teaches us about solar energy, energy storage, and electricity consumptionWhy battery storage and backup power are essential to energy resilienceSolar financing, homeowner protection, and how communication problems can lead to disputesWhat homeowners should look for when choosing a solar installer or evaluating an installationHow artificial intelligence could streamline utility interconnection and reduce administrative delaysThe future of supercapacitors, clean energy technology, and balcony solarWhether you're a solar professional, renewable energy entrepreneur, installer, or homeowner exploring solar power and battery storage, this episode offers practical perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the solar industry. About Behind the Meter Behind the Meter brings together the people and perspectives shaping the solar industry, exploring solar technology, installation quality, energy storage, and the innovations influencing the future of energy. Sponsored by SoFlo Solar. Explore more: SolarSync: https://www.solarsync.energySoFlo Solar: https://soflo-solar.comThanks for listening to Behind the Meter! Behind the Meter is sponsored by SoFlo Solar. ☀️ Learn more about SoFlo Solar: https://soflo-solar.com ⚡ Explore SolarSync: https://www.solarsync.energy Enjoying the show? Follow Behind the Meter on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with someone in the solar industry. Have a guest suggestion or want to be featured on a future episode? Get in touch with the Behind the Meter team.

About

The energy transition doesn't end when a solar system is installed. Behind the Meter explores the people, technology, and ideas shaping what happens next. Hosted by Luis Galarza and Ryan Longhurst, the podcast goes beyond the headlines to examine the realities of the solar industry, from maintaining and protecting existing systems to building better technology, solving operational challenges, and creating a more reliable energy future. Through conversations with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, Behind the Meter explores the challenges and opportunities transforming solar, energy services, and the broader clean energy ecosystem. Topics include solar operations, system reliability, emerging technologies, business building, and the practical ways innovation can improve how energy systems are managed. Whether you're a solar professional, clean energy entrepreneur, technology enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of energy, Behind the Meter offers a closer look at the people and ideas moving the industry forward.