The Energy Show

Barry Cinnamon
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  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Every week Barry hosts The Energy Show, a 30 minute informative talk show that covers a broad variety of energy related topics spanning technology, economics, policy, and politics that are shaping the future of how we generate and consume electricity, along with practical money-saving tips on ways to reduce your home and business energy consumption.

  1. I’m Electrifying! How Do I Upgrade My Solar System?

    3D AGO

    I’m Electrifying! How Do I Upgrade My Solar System?

    When you electrify your home – with a heat pump HVAC system, EV charger, induction cooktop or heat pump water heater – your demand for electricity will go up. Duh. Or as Tim Allen would say: “I need more power.” Incentives as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) help reduce the "upfront" costs of these electrification upgrades. But the only way to reduce the "operating" costs of these new electrical appliances is with more solar power on your roof. But upgrading an old solar system is not for the faint of heart. New solar inverters and panels are unlikely to be compatible with your existing system. Your utility may restrict the number of panels you can add. And sometimes your electrical service may require an upgrade to handle the higher power output from your upgraded solar system. Keep in mind these three recommendations. First, it is relatively easy to add a battery to an existing system. Second, seriously consider replacing the entire system if it is over 15 years old. And third, work with an experienced solar installer who’s familiar with older equipment. For the nitty gritty details about upgrading your existing solar system, please tune into this week’s Energy Show.

    26 min
  2. My AC Broke - Is a Heat Pump Cool?

    APR 1

    My AC Broke - Is a Heat Pump Cool?

    Yes, definitely. Heat pumps are literally and figuratively cool. And without a doubt, the best time to consider installing a heat pump is when your AC (or furnace) dies. Heat pumps do double duty, providing both heating and cooling. They offer significant savings and improved comfort -- which I confirmed first hand after my old outdoor air conditioner compressor died. Replacing both my old AC and gas furnace with a heat pump was one of the best home improvements I’ve ever made. The system operates almost silently, has better temperature control throughout my house, and my heating and cooling bills are down significantly. New heat pump models use inverter-based variable speed compressors with efficiencies in excess of 350%. These high system efficiencies mean that your total heating and cooling costs will almost always be lower with a heat pump than an ordinary AC and gas furnace. And from a comfort standpoint, with mini-split models you can even heat/cool individual rooms in your house! Sure, a basic AC replacement might seem cheaper initially. But keep in mind, federal tax credits and state rebates (part of the Inflation Reduction Act) will bring down the cost of your heat pump installation by $2k-$10k. So in most cases it makes sense to price out a heat pump when your AC fails in the summer, or your furnace fails in the winter. Want to learn more? Tune in to the full podcast at EnergyShow.Biz and discover why heat pumps are the smart choice when your AC can longer stand the heat.

    15 min
  3. Energy Uncertainty Is Unnecessary

    MAR 18

    Energy Uncertainty Is Unnecessary

    Since our worldwide economy depends on a steady supply of fossil fuels — oil, gasoline, natural gas, LNG, jet fuel — even the mere threat of disruption can cause a large and long-term increase in energy costs. Especially energy that is generated from burning hydrocarbon molecules, which have to be physically transported in pipelines and tankers. But not so much for energy that is generated from photons (I bet you know where I’m going with this). During the first two weeks in March, 2026, Iranian drones set ablaze four oil tankers with a combined total of about 750,000 barrels of petroleum products. That’s less than 1% of the world’s daily petroleum consumption. Nevertheless, the price of oil went up by 40%. Not because of a real supply shock, but because of the new uncertainty about future oil supplies and prices. No one really knows how long Iran will be able to threaten shipping and energy production throughout the Persian Gulf. Until there is peace in that region there will be uncertainty about fossil fuel energy prices. But there are ways to reduce this uncertainty and avoid energy price spikes. In this episode: • Why U.S. fuel prices rise in the U.S. even when we are the biggest oil producer in the world. Hint: the solar and battery tax credits (still available) were a quid pro quo for fossil fuel exports. • How global oil and natural gas markets determine prices — not political jawboning. • How rising natural gas prices affect electricity and food costs. • Why solar, batteries, and electric vehicles reduce exposure to fossil fuel volatility. To cap it all off, we’ll explain what you can do to isolate your home and business from skyrocketing energy costs.

    20 min
  4. What's up with residential solar?

    MAR 4

    What's up with residential solar?

    In this week’s episode of The Energy Show, Barry Cinnamon talks with Sean Gallagher (Senior VP of Policy, SEIA) about the new market reality after recent federal changes. As well as the financing tools, state policies, and grid programs that can help homeowners and installers move forward. In this episode: • How installers are adapting to the end of the residential tax credit with leases, PPAs, and newer financing structures • What to ask a financing provider before you sign (risk, Fair Market Value, payment timing, working capital, Approved Vendors List) • Why state-level policies are now the biggest lever: permitting automation, interconnection streamlining, and VPP/DPP programs • The real promise of plug-in / balcony solar — and the UL standards challenge • Data centers + electrification: why local solar + storage is the fastest and cheapest way to meet data center power demands Like, Comment & Subscribe Today! Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

    48 min
  5. 10 Solar Mistakes Homeowners Make

    FEB 25

    10 Solar Mistakes Homeowners Make

    After more than four decades in the solar industry, Barry Cinnamon breaks down the most common mistakes made by solar installers and homeowners and how to avoid them to ensure long-term performance, savings, and peace of mind. In this episode of The Energy Show, you’ll learn: • The installation mistakes that can cause leaks or system failures • Why some systems are oversized or undersized • How shading, roof orientation, and design affect performance • The truth about solar loans, leases, and payment escalators • How to compare quotes using price per watt • What to look for in a reliable solar installer • How to avoid high-pressure sales tactics If you want solar that delivers maximum savings and reliability for 25+ years, this episode is essential. Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

    24 min
  6. Will a Trillion Trees Stop Global Warming?

    FEB 18

    Will a Trillion Trees Stop Global Warming?

    In this episode of The Energy Show, Barry Cinnamon breaks down the science, economics, and practicality behind the proposed Trillion Trees Act — and asks the big question: Will it actually make a meaningful difference? Trees absolutely help remove carbon from the atmosphere through natural carbon sequestration. But when you look at the numbers — global CO₂ emissions, land requirements, cost, and timing — the reality becomes clear: planting trees alone won’t solve the climate crisis. • How trees absorb and store carbon (carbon sequestration explained) • How much CO₂ a trillion trees would actually remove • How much land and money the plan would require • Why the timeline (decades) matters for climate action • The unintended risks, including increased logging and land-use conflicts • The solutions that make the biggest impact right now The bottom line: Trees are valuable — but the fastest, most effective climate solution is reducing fossil fuel use and accelerating clean energy. Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

    20 min
  7. Dirty Solar Panels Waste Clean Energy

    FEB 11

    Dirty Solar Panels Waste Clean Energy

    Consider the poor photons! If your panels are dirty you are causing trillions of premature photonic deaths when they collide with dirt molecules. Please give those photons the chance to knock an electron loose from an eager semi-conductor. Instead of being converted to heat and banished to quantum hell. Save The Photons. Clean Your Solar Panels After just a week, your panels might look slightly dusty. But a light coating of dust doesn't significantly block sunlight. However, severe grime, especially on low-tilt panels, can slash your output by over 25%! You can’t save all the photons all the time, but by watching your solar monitoring system you can tell mathematically -- as well as visually -- when your panels should be cleaned. If you have a larger system in an area with high electric rates and a dry climate, the economics of cleaning become more favorable. When it comes to cleaning solar panels there’s lots of bad advice on the internet…and even from manufacturers. On this week’s podcast we address WHEN you should clean your solar panels, as well as HOW. Please tune into the full “Save The Photons” podcast at www.energyshow.biz. And keep these three things in mind: safety, the type of water, and the best cleaning agents. Like, Comment & Subscribe Today!

    23 min
  8. Ten Tips For The Best Home Solar and Battery System

    FEB 4

    Ten Tips For The Best Home Solar and Battery System

    Unfortunately, there are a few "quick buck" solar companies that take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. These ten tips will help you avoid these scam artists -- and get the best solar and battery installation for your home or business. 1. Beware of the word “Free” 2. Beware of TGTBT pricing and financing 3. Don’t sign up on the spot 4. Do not trust quotes generated completely online 5. Beware of “free maintenance and cleaning” commitments 6. Beware of optimistic system savings 7. Research the company that manufacturers the solar panels you will install 8. Research the company that manufactures battery SYSTEM you will install 9. Understand your backup power strategy 10. Do your own research on applicable incentives, credits and financing options Don’t let a bad deal or poor installation quality ruin your solar investment. Tune into this week's podcast at www.energyshow.biz

    22 min
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About

Every week Barry hosts The Energy Show, a 30 minute informative talk show that covers a broad variety of energy related topics spanning technology, economics, policy, and politics that are shaping the future of how we generate and consume electricity, along with practical money-saving tips on ways to reduce your home and business energy consumption.

Information

  • Creator
    Barry Cinnamon
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    104
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 - Barry Cinnamon - The Energy Show
  • Show Website
    The Energy Show

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