The Solar PVcast

In this episode we sit down with Lee Walston, landscape ecologist and environmental scientist from the Argonne National Laboratory, and discuss the transformative effects of solar energy facilities on local ecosystems. Lee shares insights from a groundbreaking 5-year field study examining vegetation establishment and insect community responses in newly established solar farm habitats.

Throughout the study, Lee and his team observe...

Join us for an engaging conversation as we explore the groundbreaking initiatives of the Village of Stirling, Alberta, the first net zero village in Canada. In this episode, we sit down with Chief Administrative officer, Scott Donselaar to delve into how Stirling utilizes multiple solar arrays to power its municipal buildings, street lights, and more. Explore the pioneering approaches adopted by this visionary small village to atta...

In this episode of The Solar PVcast, Chris sits down with Ed Rottmann, CEO of the Chroma Energy Group, for an insightful discussion on the solar industry from a Tennessee perspective. The conversation delves into Rottmann's journey to renewables, how solar plays a vital role in the Tennessee energy landscape, and the company's focus on utility-scale solar projects. Government support is also touched on as Rottmann shares insights i...

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Stephen Thomas, the Clean Energy Manager at the David Suzuki Foundation, to delve into his passion for sustainability and renewable energy. Stephen gives us an insider's perspective on the foundation's mission, sharing its core values and commitment to transitioning Canada to 100% zero-emissions electricity by 2035. We explore the pivotal role solar energy plays in achieving this ambitious...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Perovskite technology, a groundbreaking advancement in solar energy. Joining us is the esteemed Dr. Sahar Sam, Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Solaires, a pioneering company at the forefront of this innovative field. Dr. Sahar Sam sheds light on how this technology is reshaping the solar landscape, offering insights into its adaptability, challenges and practical applicatio...

In this episode of The Solar PVcast, we delve into the imminent conclusion of the Canadian Federal Government's Greener Homes Rebate, set to expire in March 2024. Our guest, Daniel Giam, Owner and Energy Advisor at GETS Energy, provides invaluable insights into the intricacies of this pivotal development, the need-to-know information and the critical details of the timeline. Daniel also shares his expertise on what might come after...

In this informative episode of the Solar PVcast, we delve into the essential topic of preparing your solar panels, solar system, and energy storage for the challenging Canadian winter. Our guest, Steve Unger, a seasoned Senior Project Engineer at Shift, provides valuable insights and expert advice on the do's and don'ts of winterizing your renewable energy system as well as gives tips on how to maximize that solar energy production...

In this episode, we dive into the world of off-grid adventure tourism with Kyle Girgan, the Sustainability and Development Coordinator for Horne Lake Caves (Hidden Realm Adventures Inc.). Kyle shares their remarkable journey of harnessing the power of solar energy and energy storage to revolutionize their operations.

Their solar array and energy storage system have not only propelled them toward financial savings but also transfor...

In this episode, we sit down with Dale and Sara Elford, two remarkable individuals who have turned their dream of achieving complete self-sustainability off-grid into a reality. They share their inspiring journey, highlighting how solar energy has been the key to unlocking a "normal" life off the grid on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Join us as we delve into the challenges they've faced, the surprises they've encountered, the inval...

Join us in this illuminating episode of "The Solar PVcast" as we sit down with Jeff Shields, a passionate advocate for solar energy in Canada. Jeff has been harnessing the power of the sun for a full year, and he's here to share his insights, experiences, and the excitement of his solar energy journey. If you're interested in the financial, practical and eco-friendly benefits of solar energy in the Canadian context, this episode is...

In this episode we sit down with Dr. Karen Karsten, a recent client of Shift, who has made the transition to solar energy. Dr. Karsten's insights around her system, and advice, provide a valuable guide for anyone considering solar energy and searching for an installer who values openness and clarity in the process, particularly in understanding and managing "Expected Losses" in a solar system. 

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In this episode, we look at the recent moratorium wreaking havoc on Alberta's solar industry. Joining us is Heather MacKenzie, Executive of Solar Alberta, who provides incredible insight into the moratorium's implications now and down the road. We discuss the reasons put forth by the government to justify this decision, ranging from economic considerations to energy grid stability. As well, Heather, drawing on her expertise, also o...

In this episode, we breakdown the exciting developments in Nova Scotia's solar energy landscape. Nova Scotia has introduced a remarkable policy shift, now allowing net-metering applications for commercial projects up to 100 kW, with plans to expand it further to encompass projects up to 1 MW. Our guest, Roby Douglas, a board member of Solar Nova Scotia, provides us with an insightful discussion on the recent strides in net-metering...

With the rapid adoption of solar power, the need for responsible and effective solar panel disposal has never been more critical. In this episode, we delve into the groundbreaking expansion of solar panel recycling by the Alberta Recycling Management Authorities (ARMA). We are joined by Director of Operations, Che-Wei Chung, who provides insights into the pilot program’s inception, achievements, challenges, and the valuable lessons...

In this podcast episode, we delve into the transformative work of the global non-profit organization, Student Energy, and explore how they are empowering the next generation of leaders to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and equitable energy future. Our guest for this episode is Shakti Ramkumar, the Senior Director of Policy and Communications at Student Energy. Shakti shed's light into the organization's initiatives, str...

Lyndsey Smith, co-owner of the Shady Creek Lamb Company in Ontario, joined our podcast to share her pioneering story of merging their sheep farm with a local solar farm, creating a symbiotic relationship between electricity generation and agriculture. This extraordinary alliance has yielded numerous incredible benefits for both parties involved, and no doubt, has made the sheep much happier!

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Daniel Giam, Owner, and Energy Advisor at GETS Energy, once again joins the podcast to address the misinformation surrounding Canada's Federal Government's Greener Homes Program. Daniel provides clarity on various aspects of the program, including current wait times, program benefits, and his opinion on how long the incentives will remain available to Canadians.

The Solar PVcast is powered by Shift. For all your solar and en...

In this episode we chatted with Dan MacKay, the secretary and board member of Solar Nova Scotia, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating the adoption of solar energy in Nova Scotia. Dan shares his personal journey of how he became involved with solar energy, his passion for sustainable living and discusses how Solar Nova Scotia has become a driving force in the solar energy revolution within the province. 

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