What if the future of solar isn't about tax credits, but about technology convergence and smart energy storage? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Steve Shaer of Atlantic CRM and Cloud Solutions—a software expert who's spent eight years building systems for solar companies and has a unique perspective on where the industry is headed. Steve reveals why he believes solar is about to hit a major upswing driven by three critical factors: falling technology costs, rising utility rates, and the elimination of sales-bro tactics that have plagued the industry. We dive deep into the difference between battery backup and energy storage (and why most homeowners don't understand it), the "duck curve" phenomenon reshaping net metering, and why AI-powered home energy management is the next frontier. Steve also tackles the mystery of why commercial solar adoption is shockingly low despite perfect conditions, and how smart technology like Tesla Powerwall, Span panels, and emerging solutions like Eco Flow are revolutionizing home energy independence. Whether you're a solar professional navigating market changes, a homeowner considering energy storage, or a tech enthusiast curious about AI's impact on electricity demand, Steve's insights will challenge your assumptions about solar's future.

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Solar Coaster - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSGKKV8X?psc=1&smid=A1Y53T3O3Q25L8&linkCode=sl1&tag=annacovert-20&linkId=1dfad38ae3d56078f509025bc52227db&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

✨ CONNECT WITH STEVEN SHAER

Company Website: https://atlantic-crm.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-shaer-435436157/

✨ CONNECT WITH THE SOLAR COASTER

🎧 Listen on All Platforms:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28LLOtNEQj8ZoCZJqVOa7o?si=CEskuq_xQ6iFo1ePZl7hAg

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-solar-coaster-podcast/id1832579656

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/342b84c9-ccb9-4cdb-99cc-ed6254503bfa/the-solar-coaster-podcast

iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/292376116/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@solarcoasterbook

🌐 Follow Us on Social:

Facebook: facebook.com/solarcoasterbook

Instagram: http://instagram.com/thesolarcoasterbook

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-solar-coaster-book/

📚 About Host Anna Covert:

Anna Covert is the author of The Solar Coaster book and host of The Solar Coaster Podcast. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. She's also the author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing. Through The Solar Coaster, Anna brings her expertise in storytelling and strategy to illuminate the human stories behind the solar industry's biggest challenges and victories.

Websites:

https://covertcommunication.com/

https://thecovertcode.com/

https://annacovert.com/

📌 ENJOYED THIS EPISODE?

I'd love to hear from you! Leave a review, share your biggest takeaway, or tell me who you'd like to hear on the show next.

Support the show and stay connected:

Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring solar industry leaders

Share this episode with someone in the solar space

Connect with our guests and continue the conversation

DISCLOSURES: This description contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and resources I trust and believe will add value. The Solar Coaster is dedicated to sharing authentic stories and insights from the solar industry to educate, inspire, and connect our community. Thank you for your support!