54 episodes
Probably True Solar Stories Tor "Solar Fred" Valenza
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- Fiction
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5.0 • 23 Ratings
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Probably True Solar Stories delves into the world of solar energy through a unique blend of fiction, urban legends, and real-world solar facts. Hosted and written by Tor "Solar Fred" Valenza, a solar pro since 2009 and a former Hollywood screen and television writer, this series aims to entertain and educate listeners about solar technology, its impact on our lives, and the people behind the solar industry.
The podcast episodes are inspired by various genres, including "Solar Noir," action, comedy, fairy tales, and thrillers, showcasing the diverse ways solar energy is integrated into our pop culture and daily lives. Each episode not only tells fictional stories about solar tech, solar workers, and solar homeowners, but also includes a wealth of factual information about the solar industry.
The podcast also weaves in contemporary solar-related issues, such as solar politics, permitting, policies, and supply chain issues, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the industry's challenges and advancements.
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A Murder of Solar Crows (Part 1)
Four thieves break into three solar projects during long holiday weekends, trying to steal the solar panels, copper wire, and other equipment. But each time they try, a brown tabby cat stops them with deadly consequences. True Solar TakeawaysA line of crows on a tree limb or electrical wire is called "A murder of crows."Kelptovoltaics is the term for the act of stealing solar equipment from a solar project.Theft of solar modules, inverters, copper cabling, and other valuable equipment from so...
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Bob, the Dog, and the Solar Vineyard (Encore)
Bob is a winemaker who is having a mid-life crisis. Trying to pull it together, he converts the oldest part of his vineyard into a solar farm, adopts a lost dog, and tries to make great wine. But nothing goes as planned, so he decides to take a psychedelic trip that takes him on a solar magical mystery tour that sparks joy in everyone—especially the dog.True Solar TakeawaysVineyards use a tremendous amount of energy for irrigation pumps, refrigeration, bottling operations, and resort energy c...
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Rufus the Solar Guard Dog (Encore)
Rufus, a pet and mascot of a solar installer, is dognapped out of the installer's truck while on the job. A chase ensues, but we learn that the dog, the solar installer, and the dog napper aren't quite what they seem.True Solar TakeawaysAs of 2020, there are 20,000 military veterans in the solar industry, making up about 9% of the solar workforce.IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, supports veteran training programs. Get more information on these programs here.The Solar Ready...
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I'm Sorry, Ma'am, But You Can't Go Solar (Encore)
On the next Probably True Solar Stories, a feisty senior citizen is determined to haggle with a solar salesman to buy the solar system of her dreams. But her haggling plans fall through when an honest salesperson refuses to sell an installation at any price. Can they find the solar win-win?True Solar TakeawaysNot every home is a good fit for solar. The home may have too many trees or other obstacles that block the sun--and solar production. The home may need a new roof. The home's wiring...
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The Red Knight and the Dawn of the Solar Dragon (Encore)
Once upon a time, there were honest and friendly dragons who heated the boilers for steam-powered electric turbines. But due to the high cost of dragon energy, the King decided that the dragons needed to be replaced, sparking a bloody dragon war that led to the invention of solar power. True Solar TakeawaysFossil fuel-based generators work by burning fossil fuels, which boil water to high temperatures. The boiled, high-pressure water produces steam that spins an electric turbine, generat...
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The Solar Way: A Fable (Encore)
Gather around the fireplace, solar friends. Pull up a seat at the bar. On the next, Probably True Solar Stories, we're going to tell a solar fable. It's a fairytale. A hero's journey sort of thing. With a Texas accent. (Forgive me in advance.)It's about a young, ambitious solar installer who seeks her fortune to be the most successful solar installer in all the land. And like many fables, our ambitious installer meets a wise guide--or in this case, a wise couple--who teaches her about T...
Customer Reviews
Solar-coaster stories that are informative and a FUN RIDE!
I’m not in the solar industry, but I’ve wanted solar (too many trees to make it worthwhile in my hood), and I actually learned in these stories how I can ask my energy provider if that’s even an option!
The stories are captivating, imaginative, heartwarming and informative. Tor “Solar Fred” Valenza writes and reads these with enthusiasm and in persona voices - great job! Sometimes I think I can hear him smiling as he reads! Well worth listening to fun stories while learning about solar! The future is bright (in our lifetimes anyway), so keep radiating this edutainment 🌞 and the La-La music is fun 🎶
One of my favorite podcasts!
This is one of those delightful surprises where you can’t imagine how a podcast about solar energy and related subjects could possibly be entertaining and educational.
But in this case, after listening to the two seasons so far, I can say that it’s surpassed my expectations, and I am hooked.
Each story is so creative, funny, and Tor Valenza tells each one with affable charm that captivates and draws you in
Of course, some stories are more successful in that realm than others but overall, it’s an engaging and educational, solar, exploration, wrapped in great writing, and memorable characters
Definitely makes me want to install solar panels,
Which I’m not looking into.
And given how timely the subject matter is this podcast should be reaching millions of ears.
Well done!
Fun way to learn!!
The first season of Probably True Solar Stories was original and a great introduction to the solar industry in an entertaining way for a senior. This second season has been even more creative and this episode , Rufus, the Solar Guard Dog was especially delightful but suspenseful at the same time! As an octogenarian, reading facts and figures in a book can put one to sleep but listening to this podcast is such a fun way to learn!
I appreciate the take aways he has at the end of each episode.
Molly