What if the secret to generating a seven-figure income in solar sales came from the same philosophy that helped someone overcome addiction and avoid jail? In this inspiring episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Michael O'Donnell—co-founder and VP of Sales at Sun Solar Solutions and author of the award-winning book "No Matter What (Even If Your Ass Falls Off)." Broadcasting live from my battleship on the beautiful island of Oahu, Michael shares his incredible journey from being a troubled young man facing jail time to becoming a solar sales legend who sold over 2.5 million watts of solar in consecutive years and generated consistent seven-figure income. We dive into the "90 meetings in 90 days" commitment that transformed his life, why his book became a bestseller and was recently translated into Spanish, how the simple philosophy of "no matter what" applies to both recovery and solar sales, and the counterintuitive strategies that separate top performers from struggling salespeople. Michael also reveals why his 1,000-book collection with a sliding ladder represents his lifelong learning philosophy, the rewarding but frightening experience of strangers knowing him through his book, and how the recipe for sales success is simple (though not easy). Whether you're in solar sales looking to level up your performance, an entrepreneur seeking mindset strategies, or someone interested in how recovery principles apply to business success, Michael's story of transformation and achievement offers powerful lessons on commitment, discipline, and the "no matter what" mentality.

📖 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

📖 GET MICHAEL'S BOOK: No Matter What (Even If Your Ass Falls Off) - Available on Amazon

✨ CONNECT WITH MICHAEL O'DONNELL

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-o-donnell-0a03197a/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmK1db5oV9b0I8_TH_6yAsQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelodonnellsales/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelOdonnellSales

Sun Solar Solutions: https://sunsolarsolutions.com/

✨ 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/

https://reactium.io/

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!

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.

📖 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 SEA BRIGHT SOLAR

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sea-bright-solar-llc/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeaBrightSolarLLC/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seabright_solar/

Website: SeaBrightSolar.com

✨ 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/

https://reactium.io/

📌 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.

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!

What if the future of clean energy depends on unlikely partnerships between oil and gas companies and climate advocates? In this thought-provoking episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Reverend Kevin Taylor—a faith leader who's navigated the intersection of ministry, clean energy innovation, and controversial industry partnerships. Reverend Taylor reveals how his solar journey began when a Boston church became the first in the 5,000-church AME connection to install solar panels, why churches make perfect but underutilized solar candidates despite funding challenges, and how the absence of tax credits creates barriers for nonprofits. We dive into his transformative work converting Greentown Labs from an S-Corp to a nonprofit, his thrilling moment delivering the commencement address at Northeastern University's School of Science, and the painful reality of losing jobs for advocating that incumbent energy companies should participate in the clean energy revolution. Reverend Taylor shares his biblical perspective on environmental stewardship ("we were given one Earth—it's our responsibility to take good care of it"), why he believes oil and gas philanthropy could help communities most impacted by climate change, and how speaking truth about controversial partnerships cost him positions at organizations that deemed it "too political." Whether you're interested in faith-based environmentalism, nonprofit solar financing, the role of traditional energy companies in the transition, or the courage required to hold unpopular positions, Reverend Taylor's journey offers a unique perspective on clean energy that challenges conventional thinking.

📖 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 REVEREND KEVIN TAYLOR

Website: https://revkttaylor.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/revkttaylor/

✨ 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/

https://reactium.io/

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!

What if the biggest challenge facing solar isn't technology or policy, but the way the industry has marketed itself for 25 years? In this unfiltered episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Paul Sullivan—a solar industry veteran who's seen more uphill climbs than downhill coasts and isn't afraid to tell it like it is. Paul reveals how he helps get renewables on the grid faster and cheaper than traditional energy, why the 2008 economic collapse taught him to be a puzzle solver, and his most exhilarating win: signing 1,700 acres with six different landowners in one sitting. We dive into why Paul believes solar's marketing legacy has caused more damage than good, how data centers present massive opportunities with their insatiable energy appetite, and why staying nimble and open to dismissed opportunities is critical right now. Paul also shares his brutally honest advice for newcomers ("strap the fuck in or apply at Starbucks"), why he celebrates small wins that aggregate into big victories, and his philosophy of providing opportunities to people who need them. Whether you're a solar veteran navigating industry shifts, a newcomer trying to understand the real challenges, or an entrepreneur interested in utility-scale development and land acquisition, Paul's candid perspective on three decades in solar—from manual labor to English degree to renewable energy land deals—offers hard-earned wisdom you won't find in textbooks.

📖 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 PAUL SULLIVAN

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsullivan1967/

✨ 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/

https://reactium.io/

📌 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 leadersShare this episode with someone in the solar spaceConnect 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!

What if the secret to explosive client retention in solar wasn't another sales tactic—but a living, breathing gift? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Lawrence Hanley, Founder & CEO of Desk Plants, who's revolutionizing how solar companies show appreciation to their clients. Discover why a batch of cookies gets forgotten but a plant creates lasting connection, how high-perceived value gifts drive referrals and repeat business, and why being "rooted in appreciation" isn't just clever wordplay—it's a proven growth strategy for solar installers and home service businesses. Learn how Lawrence helps solar companies stand out in competitive markets by transforming customer appreciation from transactional gesture to memorable experience. Whether you're a solar installer, developer, or salesperson looking to boost referrals and retention, this conversation will change how you think about client relationships and the power of thoughtful gifting in the solar industry.

📖 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

🌿 LEARN ABOUT DESK PLANTS: https://deskplants.com/

✨ 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/

https://reactium.io/

📌 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 leadersShare this episode with someone in the solar spaceConnect with our guests and continue the conversation

KEYWORDS: solar podcast, client retention, solar marketing, customer appreciation, Desk Plants, Lawrence Hanley, solar referrals, client gifts, solar business growth, customer loyalty

#SolarPodcast #SolarCoaster #ClientRetention #SolarMarketing #CustomerAppreciation #DeskPlants #SolarReferrals #SolarBusiness #ClientExperience

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!

What if the key to keeping massive solar installations running isn't buying new equipment, but finding the exact replacement parts from systems built 15-20 years ago? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Steve Feinberg of Blue Water Battery—a company that started recycling batteries and evolved into sourcing hard-to-find solar panels and equipment for aging commercial and utility-scale systems. Steve reveals the hidden reality of solar farm maintenance: when panels age out after 15-20 years, replacing everything is often more expensive than keeping systems running with remanufactured or surplus equipment. We dive into the myth versus reality in the solar replacement market, how tariffs dramatically affect panel availability and pricing, the complexity of international shipping and working in third-world countries, and why fraud in solar manufacturing is becoming a serious concern. Steve also explains why leapfrogging technology from 400-watt panels to 1,100-watt panels might sound great but doesn't always make economic sense, and how his matchmaking service connects solar farms with the exact equipment they need to extend system life. Whether you're managing aging solar installations, concerned about the environmental impact of premature equipment replacement, or curious about the secondary market for solar components, Steve's insights into this rarely discussed corner of the solar industry reveal why sometimes the greenest solution is keeping what you already have running longer.

📖 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 STEVE FEINBERG

LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-feinberg-9727581a/

LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluewater-battery/

Blue Water Battery Website: [Company Website]

✨ 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/

https://reactium.io/

📌 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

#SolarPodcast #SolarCoaster #BlueWaterBattery #SolarMaintenance #SolarPanels #UtilityScale #SolarFarms #CircularEconomy #SolarIndustry

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 t

What if clean energy and clean water aren't separate problems, but two sides of the same solution? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Jeff Szur—founder of Altitude Water—who's pioneering atmospheric water generation technology that literally creates water from air using solar power. Jeff reveals how 20% of California's electricity is used just to move water around the state, why the fire in Maui became an unexpected disaster relief success story, and how his company is solving water scarcity in the most remote locations on Earth. We dive deep into the challenges of getting people to believe water can be created from air, the outdated EPA testing standards that haven't been updated in 30 years, lithium contamination concerns in drinking water that nobody's testing for, and why Jeff's atmospheric water generators are being deployed everywhere from wildfire zones to developing nations. Jeff also shares powerful stories about providing clean water during California's Redlands fire, the emotional impact of disaster relief work, and why creating 501(c)(3) partnerships helps ensure water access for those who need it most. Whether you're a solar professional exploring complementary clean tech, an environmental advocate concerned about water security, or an entrepreneur interested in solving humanity's biggest challenges, Jeff's journey from solar energy to atmospheric water generation offers compelling insights into innovation, resilience, and the power of technology to save lives.

📖 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 JEFF SZUR

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-szur-99b514b/

Altitude Water Website: https://altdwater.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALTDwater/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJixXbdHaWlLsKeh692mXJA/featured

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altdwater/

X/Twitter: https://x.com/ALTDwater

✨ 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

#SolarPodcast #SolarCoaster #AtmosphericWater #CleanWater #AltitudeWater #SolarPower #WaterSecurity #DisasterRelief #CleanTech #WaterFromAir

What if the future of luxury isn't just about performance, but about power—clean, renewable, solar-powered power? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Ray Wolmers—Real Estate Broker at eXp Realty and Luxury Automotive Consultant at Velocity Honolulu—who sits at the fascinating intersection of high-performance luxury cars meeting the EV and hybrid market. Ray reveals how the luxury automotive industry's shift toward electrification started with Lamborghini's Scion hybrid around 2020, Ferrari's brand-new fully electric announcement, and why the Porsche Taycan changed everything for EV skeptics. We dive into the initial pushback against electric supercars, whether fake engine sounds belong in Ferraris, and the convenience factor driving wealthy buyers toward EVs—especially in Hawaii where solar, short drives, and year-round sun make electric vehicles ideal. Ray shares his experience with solar at home, batteries, and power purchase agreements with HECO, plus insights on charging infrastructure, the end of federal EV tax credits for luxury vehicles, and why Tesla is becoming the new standard for EV charging. From $3.8 million Lamborghini Scion hybrids to the future of hydrogen vehicles and electrified highway systems, this conversation explores where luxury, performance, and clean energy converge. Whether you're a solar professional curious about EV adoption trends, a luxury car enthusiast exploring electrification, or someone passionate about the intersection of renewable energy and high-performance lifestyle, Ray's unique perspective offers fascinating insights into this evolving space.

📖 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 RAY WOLMERS

Website: www.aloharey.com

Instagram: @Rey_Wolmers

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/reywolmers

✨ 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/

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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.

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-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

What if the ITC tax credit disappearing isn't the end, but the beginning of solar's evolution? In this episode of The Solar Coaster, I sit down with Alex Herrera—founder of Sun Energy Today and true entrepreneur in the clean energy space—who shares his unfiltered journey from residential solar sales to building multiple businesses including finance platforms and commercial solar projects. Alex reveals how he started in Arizona's brutal solar market selling door-to-door in 120+ degree heat, pivoted through the industry's ups and downs, and is now navigating the post-ITC landscape with innovative financing solutions through EB-5 programs and alternative funding strategies. We dive into the reality of fraudulent solar companies that tainted the industry, why utility-scale projects need 60% equity to even get funding today, the grandfather clause trap that's affecting APS customers, and how commercial solar economics work when utilities aren't interested unless you're building 10+ megawatts. Alex also shares insights on working with family offices, law firms seeking hybrid opportunities, and why the strongest companies will survive while others get weeded out. Whether you're a solar entrepreneur pivoting your business model, an investor exploring alternative energy financing, or a professional wondering what's next for residential and commercial solar, Alex's candid perspective on market realities and emerging opportunities will challenge your assumptions and inspire new strategies.

📖 GET THE BOOK FOR FREE: https://solarcoasterbook.com/get-the-book-for-free/

✨ CONNECT WITH ALEX HERRERA

Website: https://ac.company/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/atzael-herrera-84223436

Sun Energy Today: https://sunenergytoday.com/

Adam Energy Finance: https://adamenergyfinance.com/

✨ 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/

https://solarcoasterbook.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!

#SolarPodcast #SolarCoaster #SolarFinancing #ITCTaxCredit #EB5Program #CommercialSola

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!