Yoooo Sun!!!
58 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago -Live from Solar States Studios Philadelphia, PA - a show about the state of solar! Every other week we leave you with a noggin-full of knowledge about all things solar.
Will there be laughs? Sure. Will there be practical ways to engage in your community? You bet. Will there be an audience? Boy, do we hope...
Solar States is a Philadelphia-based solar installer founded in 2008 with a dual-mission to install solar and educate the next generation.
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
#47: Transformative Employment Pathways w/ HopeWorks
April 17, 2024 15:38 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBThis week on Yoooo Sun we explore the transformative journey of HopeWorks, an organization dedicated to empowering young adults through tech training and employment pathways. Hosts Micah and Jared are joined by special guests Onna and Dan from HopeWorks, as they dive deep into the innovative approach of providing young professionals with access to living wage employment. From rolling admissions to real-world internships and job placements, Onna and Dan share insights into how HopeWorks is re...
#46: The Democratization of Renewable Resources w/ Sierra Fan
March 21, 2024 14:55 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MBCome with us as we explore the latest innovations in renewable technology with Sierra Fan, co-founder of Illu. From smartphone accessibility to workforce development, we delve into how tech is reshaping the industry. Sierra helps to illuminate the path towards a brighter, more sustainable future of democratized access to knowledge and opportunities in the field.
#45: From Coal Towns to Clean Energy: The Journey of Positiv Energy w/ Terry Tomei
March 07, 2024 18:13 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBToday we have a special guest – Terry Tomei, the visionary founder and CEO of Positiv Energy. Terry shares his journey from his roots in Western Pennsylvania to his ventures in the renewable energy sector. Born and raised in the steel town of Aliquippa, Terry's immigrant heritage instilled in him a resilient, can-do spirit, which he later channeled into the world of renewable energy. Micah and Jared delve into Terry's motivations and experiences, exploring the intersection of entrepreneurshi...
#44: Virtual Net Metering Unveiled w/ Joy Baxter
January 31, 2024 16:46 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBThis week we demystify the world of virtual net metering, featuring the insightful Joy Baxter. Listen to hosts Micah and Jared as they delve into the intricacies of solar billing, focusing specifically on Joy’s experience with virtual net metering success.
#43 From Grid Planning to Personal Solar w/ Christina Simeone
January 16, 2024 19:50 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MBJoin the hosts as they delve into Christina Simeone's personal solar journey. After years of influencing energy policies and strategies, Christina finally takes the plunge with solar panels on her own home, along with an electric car and a battery backup. Hear firsthand about her motivations, challenges, and excitement of finally making the switch to a more sustainable lifestyle.
#42 "If this guy's going solar, everyone's going solar." w/ Andrew Adelman
December 29, 2023 19:05 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBGet ready for a charged-up episode of "Yooo Sun!!!" Micah and Jared sit down with a long-time friend and green energy guru, Andrew Adelman, Technical Trainer at Enphase. In this episode, Andrew recounts a hilarious tale from the field – a job that took an unexpected turn in a basement, leading him to declare, "If this guy's going solar, everyone's going solar".
#41 the Solarcoaster w/ Eric Holvik & Spencer Fields
December 12, 2023 16:05 - 39 minutes - 33.5 MBBuckle up for the Solarcoaster Ride: In this episode, Micah and Jared are joined by Erik Holvik and Spencer Fields of EnergySage, the country's largest online marketplace for clean energy comparison shopping. Erik and Spencer take you on a journey through the ups and downs of the solar market, commonly referred to by those in the industry as the "solarcoaster." We’ll take you on an exploration of the ever-changing landscape of Solar, discussing the latest trends, challenges, and opportunitie...
#40 SolarEdge Veteran & Solar States OG Kris Roscoe
November 14, 2023 20:07 - 32 minutes - 37.3 MBMicah and Jared go deep with industry veteran Chris Roscoe, a former Solar State OG now working at SolarEdge. Chris, an engineer, shares his journey from starting his own solar company to his current role as a Technical Account Manager at SolarEdge. Discussed: the evolution of solar technology, the shift in industry dynamics from a small-scale, DIY approach to a streamlined, large-scale operation, the significant reduction in solar installation costs over the years, the integration of solar ...
#39 MYTHBUSTERS! with Jared & Micah
September 11, 2023 16:11 - 27 minutes - 31.2 MBJared and Micah address the top solar industry myths in 2023. Are you a solar myth? Then you're about to be.....BUSTED!
#39 Super Smart Panels w/ Lumin's Phil Roth & Stephen Linkous
August 24, 2023 14:05 - 36 minutes - 41.4 MBWe install a Lumin smart panel with 80% of our Tesla Powerwalls. Wow! Why?! What's a smart panel, anyway? Phil and Stephen from Lumin, "the market leader for responsive load control", joined Micah and Jared to talk system SMARTS, and what the future might hold to take your home's IQ even HIGHER! Learn more about Lumin at https://www.luminsmart.com/
#38 Reclaiming Education with Philly Youth Basketball's Ameen Akbar
August 03, 2023 13:58 - 36 minutes - 49.9 MB"I don't know if a smile can be captured on a podcast, but I'm beaming from ear to ear." - Ameen Akbar in episode 38. Ameen is an old friend. He joined us to talk his journey from YouthBuild PHL to becoming the Chief Mission Officer at Philly Youth Basketball. YouthBuild PHL is one of our solar education partners. Learn more about YouthBuildPHL: https://www.youthbuildphilly.org/ Philly Youth Basketball: https://www.phillyyouthbasketball.org/ Ameen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/...
#37 Solar States' Zay Smith - Solar Trainings to O&M to Solar Designer
June 05, 2023 19:45 - 37 minutes - 42.9 MBSolar States' Isaiah "Zay" Smith (born and raised in Philly) shares his journey from Philly public schools, to the Energy Coordinating Agency's training program, to Solar States, where he started in Operations & Maintenence and evolved into a master solar designer. Jay-Z and a Philly Brazilian steakhouse are also mentioned...
#36 A Perspective on Energy Operations ft. Ryan Kerr
April 28, 2023 17:24 - 34 minutes - 47 MBMicah and Jared sit down with Solar States’ own operations manager, Ryan Kerr. Ryan talks about his longstanding relationship with energy stemming back to his childhood, chopping wood for his stove, to now being at the forefront of renewable energy here in Philadelphia. Ryan reflects on his time working in the oil and gas industry and the challenges that came along with it and compares it to the work he does now.
#35 Green Energy at Scale ft. Laurie Mazer
April 19, 2023 17:22 - 41 minutes - 57.4 MBThis week Jared and Micah sit down with Laurie Mazer and discuss her work in solar advocacy and utility scale solar development. Laurie talks about her start in renewable energy and some of the amazing projects she has worked on. Laurie dives into concepts like virtual power purchase agreements and many more bits of insider solar knowledge.
#34 Strategic Solar feat. David Bellamy
April 07, 2023 17:19 - 27 minutes - 37.9 MBMicah and Jared talk to David Bellamy, a Solar States customer, about his experience with solar and volunteer work with The Philadelphia Project. David talks about his process of going solar and how by utilizing his system and battery wall he has been able save money and have net zero emissions.
#33 Passive Homes and Green Construction feat. Ralph Loielo
March 24, 2023 20:10 - 30 minutes - 42.5 MBMicah and Jared sit down to speak with Solar States customer and sustainable builder Ralph Loielo. Ralph tells about some of his current green construction projects and his background in architecture and sustainable design. Ralph explains the processes of making “passive houses,” which aim to be air tight and utilize solar and batteries to minimize their energy consumption.
#32 The Solar for Schools bill feat. State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler
March 15, 2023 18:04 - 33 minutes - 45.4 MBMicah and Jared are joined by State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler. The three discuss Rep. Fiedler’s work on the Solar for Schools bill, which would incentivize solar education throughout schools in Philadelphia. Other topics discussed are bi-partisan support around the bill, the process moving forward, and advocacy work citizens can get involved with.
#31 A Perspective on Life with Solar Energy feat. Daniel Hunter of 350.org
February 13, 2023 17:39 - 40 minutes - 55.2 MBMicah Gold-Markel and special co-host Jackson Kusiak talk with Daniel Hunter, a Solar States customer and Associate Director of Global Trainings at 350.org. Daniel installed a 27 panel, 25 Kw ground mounted system on his property. They talk climate change, clean energy, 350.org and oh, so much more.
#30 Clean Energy Co-ops with Joy Baxter
February 01, 2023 21:24 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBMicah and Jared interview environmental advocate, Joy Baxter. They discuss Joy's path into environmentalism, her decision to go solar at home, and her work at the Clean Energy Co-op, which helps communities invest in solar and then use that funding to help community businesses go solar. Joy also explains her background in chemical engineering and the experience and road blocks of being a woman in the field.
#29 Virtual Net Metering with Larry Moyer
January 27, 2023 18:48 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MBMicah Gold-Markel and special co-host Jackson Kusiak sit down with Larry Moyer, a Solar States customer, to discuss Larry’s work with Virtual Net Metering and more.
#28 2022: A Year in Review
January 20, 2023 14:58 - 36 minutes - 50.7 MBJared and Micah look back on 2022's most important developments.
#27 Second Baptist Church Goes Solar feat. Family Promise of Philadelphia's Executive Director Bob Byrne
December 12, 2022 14:24 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MBBob Byrne joined us to discuss the work of Family Promise and Second Baptist Church's experience going solar with Solar States. The Inquirer recently published an article featuring Second Baptist and their decision to go solar. Free quotes at solar-states.com/start
#26 Joining Solar in a "Not Straightforward" Time with Finn McCrohan, OIC Grad and Solar States Operations Specialist
November 09, 2022 17:57 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MBFinn McCrohan, 2019 graduate of Philadelphia OIC's "SETT" program and Solar States' Operations Specialist, joins the show to discuss the OIC education program experience, diversity in solar, and what the Solar Tecnichican and Operations Specialist role entails.
#25 Creating a Sustainable Solar Business with Ipsun Solar
August 02, 2022 11:07 - 42 minutes - 48.1 MBIpsun Solar is a solar installer based in Washington D.C. They're also Amicus Co-op members and have been close friends of Solar States since their founding in 2016. They joined us to discuss their approach to creating a sustainable business and their new technology product for solar installers, Ipsun Tech: https://ipsuntech.com/ Herve and Joe met while working at the Department of Energy and are two of the brightest, most innovative solar entrepreneurs we know. Enjoy! Learn more abou...
#26 Sharing the Sun w/ Rishika Ghosh of Philadelphia Green Capital Corp.
June 15, 2022 14:37 - 28 minutes - 33.2 MBRishika Ghosh of Philadelphia Green Capital Corp. (https://phillygreencapital.org/) joins Micah and special guest host Marc Shackelford-Rowell. Topics: Tax Equity, Partnership Flips, CPACE, explained PGCC's Share the Sun donation program (donate your SRECs) - https://solarizephilly.org/share-the-sun/ Rishika's background and experience coming from UPenn's Masters program.
#25 Creating a Sustainable Solar Business with the Founders of Ipsun Solar
February 24, 2022 15:49 - 42 minutes - 48.1 MBIpsun Solar is a solar installer based in Washington D.C. They're also Amicus Co-op members and have been close friends of Solar States since their founding in 2016. They joined us to discuss their approach to creating a sustainable business and their new technology product for solar installers, Ipsun Tech: https://ipsuntech.com/ Herve and Joe met while working at the Department of Energy and are two of the brightest, most innovative solar entrepreneurs we know. Enjoy! Learn more abou...
#24 Lifting the Ceiling of Solar with Amicus O&M Cooperative CEO Amanda Bybee
February 23, 2022 16:05 - 42 minutes - 48.2 MBThis episode was recorded in 2021 (but the insights are timeless). This week on YOOOOO Sun! we're joined by Amanda Bybee, the CEO of Amicus O&M Cooperative, one of the most important bodies in the solar industry. https://www.amicusom.com/ O&M stands for Operations & Maintenance, and its members (Solar States is one) promise to fulfill their solar promise for decades after their projects are installed. Amanda takes us on her path to Amicus O&M and discusses women in solar, diversity in solar...
#23 The Godfather of Solar w/ Ron Celentano
November 04, 2021 20:00 - 37 minutes - 43.1 MBThis week it's THE GODFATHER! That's right the Godfather of Solar himself joins us - Ron Celentano. Ron's advice saved Solar States years ago and today might save YOU. We talk PA solar policy achievements, the future of Net Metering, challenges to solar growth from here, community solar, solar for farmers and SO. MUCH. MORE. It's....YOOOOOOOOO Sun!!! episode 23!
#23 The Godfather of Solar w/ Ron Celentano
November 04, 2021 20:00 - 37 minutes - 43.1 MBThis week it's THE GODFATHER! That's right the Godfather of Solar himself joins us - Ron Celentano. Ron's advice saved Solar States years ago and today might save YOU. We talk PA solar policy achievements, the future of Net Metering, challenges to solar growth from here, community solar, solar for farmers and SO. MUCH. MORE. It's....YOOOOOOOOO Sun!!! episode 23!
#22 The State of Solar in PA w/ 2x guest Laura Rigell and eco(n)law's C. Baird Brown
August 17, 2021 15:53 - 30 minutes - 35.3 MBEpisode 22 is all about the solar market in our great state of Pennsylvania. Laura Rigell was Director of the Philadelphia Energy Authority at the time of this recording and has since moved on to new and exciting things. She was joined by C. Baird Brown, principal at eco(n)law and legal counsel for the PEA. Baird shares his perspective on the state of solar here in PA, including an overview of AEPS, net metering, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and roadblocks / issues we need to...
#21 From High School Dropout to Master Electrician w/ Thomas Glenn
July 06, 2021 16:50 - 39 minutes - 45 MBNot all heroes wear capes. Some wear boots and drive a Prius, and Thomas Glenn is one of those. Thomas came to us through our free solar education programs five years ago, and has advanced to become a Philadelphia Master Electrician. He is leaving this summer for a big move to Colorado with his fiancè. Thomas shares his full story from dropping out of High School to finding our free training programs, graduating them, accepting his job with Solar States, and evolving at our company over the ...
#20 The Utility-Side of Solar w/ Brian Barr of PECO Green Power Connect
June 17, 2021 21:23 - 30 minutes - 34.5 MBBrian Barr is Manager of PECO's Green Power Connect team, a group committed to creating more opportunities for solar energy in Greater Philadelphia. On this episode we get DEEP into the nitty gritty of how a utility is involved in the process of going solar. Brian's team manages relationships with all solar developers in the area, including Solar States. Their job is to make sure everything is run smoothly and make improvements wherever possible, which they have by dramatically reducing t...
#20 The Utility-Side of Solar w/ Brian Barr of PECO Green Power Connect
June 17, 2021 21:23 - 30 minutes - 34.5 MBBrian Barr is Manager of PECO's Green Power Connect team, a group committed to creating more opportunities for solar energy in Greater Philadelphia. On this episode we get DEEP into the nitty gritty of how a utility is involved in the process of going solar. Brian's team manages relationships with all solar developers in the area, including Solar States. Their job is to make sure everything is run smoothly and make improvements wherever possible, which they have by dramatically reducing t...
#19 North Philly's Very Own Marc Shackelford-Rowell
June 15, 2021 18:06 - 34 minutes - 39.2 MBMarc Shackelford-Rowell was born and raised in North Philadelphia and met Solar States Founder Micah Gold-Markel at Solar States' Solar Training Lab during his time in the Philadelphia OIC program. “OIC is probably one of the best things to ever happen to me that I never planned for. A great combination of hands-on training as well as technical knowledge." After OIC and an internship with the Philadelphia Energy Authority, Marc joined Solar States and has since become a master of all trades ...
#18 Going From "Me" to "We" w/ Sustainable Entrepreneur Judy Wicks
March 05, 2021 17:52 - 34 minutes - 39.8 MBJudy Wicks is an entrepreneur, author, speaker and mentor working to build a more compassionate, just, regenerative and locally-based economy. She joined us to discuss her approach to a carbon-free life both at home and in business, and discussed her non-profits and how they're building more sustainable economies in PA and across the nation. Learn more at circleofauntsanduncles.com, judywicks.com, proudpennsylvania.org.
#17 Reaching Consensus w/ the Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum
February 25, 2021 16:01 - 49 minutes - 56.3 MBToday we talked with members of the Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum and learned we can all agree on a whole awful lot. We talk about the future and importance of renewables in Pennsylvania, the challenges and nuance of reaching across the aisle to find middle ground and progress, and the potential benefits of community solar on PA's agricultural center. A refreshing and feel-good conversation in search of middle ground and practical next steps. Thank you to PCEF's Chad Forcey, John...
#17 Reaching Consensus w/ the Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum
February 25, 2021 16:01 - 49 minutes - 56.3 MBToday we talked with members of the Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum and learned we can all agree on a whole awful lot. We talk about the future and importance of renewables in Pennsylvania, the challenges and nuance of reaching across the aisle to find middle ground and progress, and the potential benefits of community solar on PA's agricultural center. A refreshing and feel-good conversation in search of middle ground and practical next steps. Thank you to PCEF's Chad Forcey, John...
#16 A Community Organizer's Approach to Solar w/ Solar States' Jackson Kusiak
February 23, 2021 17:13 - 35 minutes - 40.8 MBToday on the show - the one and only Jackson Kusiak. Jackson's background in community organizing and climate relief initiatives led him to Solar States, where he started as an installer and soon transitioned to the sales team. Jackson joined Jared & Micah to discuss his vision for solar, and his work that led to the 2021 groundbreaking solar pilot program for low and moderate income households in Philadelphia.
#15 Solar from the Ground Up w/ Solar States Client Alex Seldin & Osborne Construction's Brian Osborne
February 02, 2021 17:01 - 40 minutes - 54.9 MBToday's episode is a masterclass on building efficient homes. We're joined by Alex Seldin, a Solar States client who hired us during renovations to his Philadelphia home, and Brian Osborne of Osborne Construction, who was hired by Alex to design the home using Brian's "whole-house organism" approach. Alex shares his initial vision for the home, including his motivations for going solar, and Brian details on his plans and execution. Brian is what Jared calls "Picasso with a 2x4". He has spen...
#14 A Black Man's Path in Solar w/ Solar States' Cleo Anukam
January 07, 2021 15:31 - 37 minutes - 42.4 MBCleo Anukam was born and raised in Philadelphia and came to Solar States through the PowerCorps and Bright Solar Future Programs. This episode is for anybody considering a career in solar or clean energy, regardless of your background. Cleo is an African American and was told in early trade education programs that, because of his color, a job in the trades would be difficult. He perceived jobs in solar as "white-dominated, something I couldn't really achieve." But through the PowerCorps and ...
#14 From PowerCorps to Solar w/ Solar States' Cleo Anukam
January 07, 2021 15:31 - 37 minutes - 42.4 MBCleo Anukam was born and raised in Philadelphia and came to Solar States through the PowerCorps and Bright Solar Future Programs. This episode is for anybody considering a career in solar or clean energy, regardless of your background. Cleo is an African American and was told in early trade education programs that, because of his color, a job in the trades would be difficult. He perceived jobs in solar as "white-dominated, something I couldn't really achieve." But through the PowerCorps and B...
#13 A Sustainable Economy w/ Sustainable Business Network Executive Director Anna Shipp
November 04, 2020 20:38 - 40 minutes - 45.9 MBAnna Shipp is the Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia. She has dedicated her career to social and economic equality and climate resilience. Anna joined Micah and Jared to discuss B Corporations and SBN'S work helping transition Philadelphia to a more sustainable economy. We're talking jobs, jobs, jobs: "Before COVID, renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors were outpacing job growth in Pennsylvania by 5x and employed more than twice the nu...
#12 Solar and Community Gardens with The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
October 14, 2020 20:13 - 33 minutes - 37.8 MBJustin Trezza, Director of Garden Programs, and Adam Hill, City Harvest Manager, join us from PHS to discuss solar’s role in our community gardens. Learn all about PHS at phsonline.org/.
#11 Solar for Schools w/ the Generation 180 team
September 24, 2020 18:41 - 34 minutes - 39.3 MBGeneration180 is a non-profit working to inspire and equip people to take action on clean energy. We're joined by two of their team members - Wendy Philleo and Tish Tablan - to discuss the potential benefit of solar for schools across our region and America. "We estimate if all schools were 100% solar, we could reduce CO2 equal to closing 18 coal fired power plants."
#10 Solar & Real Estate w/ Matt Aragona of Aragona & Associates
August 25, 2020 16:55 - 35 minutes - 40.2 MBMatt is CEO and Agent at Philadelphia-based Aragona & Associates. He discusses going solar with Solar States himself and why he partnered with us to bring solar to his clients in the future. "I've sold hundreds of homes in the city, all flat rooftops - why can't these houses all have solar energy on them? That is the thing we can do, that is my commitment moving forward with all of my clients - to help educate them, and if they're capable of going, solar to help them go solar."
#9 Homeowners' Perspectives w/ Leslie Gaines & Liz Robinson
August 20, 2020 16:57 - 32 minutes - 37 MBLeslie Gaines and Liz Robinson join Micah & Jared to talk about their experience going solar in Philadelphia, and what they have for anyone considering it. This is part of a series of episodes highlighting Philadelphia Solar Week 2020. To learn more about solar week, see solarizephilly.org/events.
#8 Philadelphia's Green Collar Economy w/ Councilmember Derek Green
August 20, 2020 14:36 - 32 minutes - 37.4 MBCouncilmember Derek Green joins Micah & Jared to discuss the growth in Philadelphia's green collar economy.
#8 Philadelphia's Green Collar Economy w/ Councilmember Derek Green
August 20, 2020 14:36 - 32 minutes - 37.4 MBCouncilmember Derek Green joins Micah & Jared to discuss the growth in Philadelphia's green collar economy.
#7 The Philadelphia Energy Authority w/ Emily Schapira & Laura Rigell
August 13, 2020 12:07 - 41 minutes - 47.2 MBEmily & Laura join Micah & Jared to discuss the Philadelphia Energy Authority's solar initiatives, like Solarize Philadelphia and Solar Week 2020.
#7 The Philadelphia Energy Authority w/ Emily Schapira & Laura Rigell
August 13, 2020 12:07 - 41 minutes - 47.2 MBEmily & Laura join Micah & Jared to discuss the Philadelphia Energy Authority's solar initiatives, like Solarize Philadelphia and Solar Week 2020.