What if the biggest threat to solar isn't policy changes or technology—but "software fatigue" that paralyzes homeowners with too many options? In this incredibly detailed episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Brian Kelly, founder of Sea Bright Solar—one of America's largest solar companies with locations in New Jersey, New York, and California. Brian reveals how he went from attending solar trainings two decades ago to building a company that started in 2003, expanded through multiple locations, and now operates across the entire East Coast and California. We dive deep into leasing vs. PPA financing, why production guarantees hide questionable system designs, the "software fatigue" phenomenon causing homeowners to freeze rather than act, and how NEM 3.0 in California fundamentally changed the residential solar market. Brian also shares insights on the orphaned homeowner crisis (over 1 million Americans whose solar companies went defunct), why he's expanding into EV charging and commercial battery storage, the challenges of twenty-year warranties in a rapidly evolving industry, recycling solar components, bidirectional charging with EVs, and his brutally honest advice for spotting fraud in solar companies. Whether you're a solar professional navigating market changes, a homeowner researching systems, or an industry observer trying to understand what separates quality installers from questionable operators, Brian's two-plus decades of experience offer unfiltered wisdom on building a sustainable solar business.

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Website: SeaBrightSolar.com

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📚 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/

https://reactium.io/

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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!