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In this inspiring episode, Emmitt Muckles interviews Adam C. Powers, solar educator, data management expert, and community leader, about how to bring solar equity and sustainability to under-resourced communities.

Adam shares his journey from Omnidian to founding KEK Tech Labs, building microgrids from second-life solar panels, and launching the 100% off-grid Solar Punk Festival in Washington state. Discover how he created a solar-powered podcast studio, why portable solar generators are revolutionizing access, and how you can build a better future — even from your backyard.

Event Mentioned:
Burien Solar Punk Festival – August 16th – mark your calendars!

 Episode Highlights:

• How to build solar microgrids with recycled panels
• Bringing solar to Black and Brown communities
• Vertical gardens, air-to-water tech, and solar-powered events
• EcoFlow & Anker as tools of energy independence
• Creating LED-wall powered film studios

 Subscribe and share this episode with your solar-curious friends!

 Catch the full video on YouTube: Watts Up Solar Podcast Channel

Our Sponsor for this Episode is S.E. Power Consulting
S. E. Power Consulting offers Fractional Training Leadership—meaning you get expert-level training support when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire.
Whether you’re scaling up or just getting organized, we help you train smarter, not harder.
Visit SEPowerConsulting.com to learn more.
S.E. Power Consulting—Fractional training. Full-time results.

Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast!

Join us on the What's Up Solar Podcast for an illuminating conversation with Derek "The Solar Boi" Mast! Starting in 2014 with a background in electrical work, Derek quickly found his niche in troubleshooting and maintaining aging solar systems, from small residential setups to massive multi-megawatt utility projects.

With master-equivalent electrical licenses in six states and multiple NABCEP certifications (PV Installation Professional, PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist, PV System Inspector), Derek brings a wealth of knowledge. He exploded onto TikTok in 2022, sharing valuable insights with the growing solar workforce and curious customers.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• Derek's journey into electrical work and then solar.
• The "Zen" of troubleshooting and why it appeals to those with ADHD and autism.
• Understanding the fundamentals of Ohm's Law in solar diagnostics.
• Debunking myths about Chinese inverters and cybersecurity risks in solar.
• The critical importance of UL 3741 and its role in safer, more reliable solar designs.
• The current state of solar manufacturing, white labeling, and the broader economic impacts on the industry.

Whether you're a solar professional, a homeowner with solar, or just curious about the future of energy, Derek's expertise and engaging perspective will leave you charged with new insights!

Our Sponsor for this Episode is S.E. Power Consulting
S. E. Power Consulting offers Fractional Training Leadership—meaning you get expert-level training support when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire.
Whether you’re scaling up or just getting organized, we help you train smarter, not harder.
Visit SEPowerConsulting.com to learn more.
S.E. Power Consulting—Fractional training. Full-time results.

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In this powerful and fun episode of the Watts Up Solar Podcast, host Emmitt Muckles sits down with Greg Smith—a solar training legend, Navy veteran, and author of The Battery-Powered Home—to unpack the truth about solar batteries, shady “solar bros,” why manuals still matter, and how to make solar education better for both pros and homeowners.

Topics We Cover:

• Why most consumers are misinformed before signing solar contracts
• What really goes into sizing and installing battery storage
• Greg’s training roots at SMA and his current work with Tigo Energy
• The rise of O&M and why poor workmanship is killing solar’s reputation
• Hilarious side hobbies: BBQ, Mandalorian cosplay, and Star Wars 3D printing

📘 Get the book: The Battery-Powered Home (Amazon)
👕 Snarky Solar merch: https://snarkysolarguy.com
🌞 Learn solar the right way: www.solarenergyforconsumers.com

Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast!

In this episode of the Watts Up Solar Podcast, host Emmitt Muckles chats with Jacob Lundy, founder of Marketergy, a marketing firm specializing in clean energy and climate tech. With over a decade of experience and $5 million saved in ad spend for clients, Jacob dives into smart marketing tactics that actually convert.

They unpack the differences in strategy for developers, EPCs, OEMs, and consultants, and explore how tools like LinkedIn, Meta, and account-based marketing (ABM) can be optimized for real-world solar growth. Jacob also discusses how to build thought leadership, why sales and marketing should collaborate, and how small businesses can use practical, budget-friendly hacks to grow their reach.

Whether you're a startup solar installer or a billion-dollar energy firm, this episode is packed with actionable advice for marketing in today’s clean energy space.

🔗 Learn more about Jacob at https://www.marketergy.agency
🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube:https://youtu.be/G9PPKvfq9q4
🎧 Subscribe to Watts Up Solar Podcast for weekly solar insights

Our Sponsor for this Episode is S.E. Power Consulting
S. E. Power Consulting offers Fractional Training Leadership—meaning you get expert-level training support when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire.
Whether you’re scaling up or just getting organized, we help you train smarter, not harder.
Visit SEPowerConsulting.com to learn more.
S.E. Power Consulting—Fractional training. Full-time results.

Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast!

In this electrifying episode of the Watts Up Solar Podcast, host Emmitt Muckles interviews Chad Bodmer, a licensed electrician and NABCEP PV Installation Professional with over 12 years in the solar industry. Chad shares his journey from field installer to Commercial & Industrial Trainer at EnPhase Energy, and reveals how Enphase is transforming the commercial solar market with its IQ8P-3P commercial microinverters.

You’ll learn:

Why Enphase  moved into the commercial space and what makes their system unique

How the IQ8P 3P microinverter works, including center-tap wiring, voltage rise mitigation, and repowering older sites

Benefits of using microinverters in commercial vs. string/central inverters

Tools like fleet monitoring, revenue-grade metering, and custom combiner solutions

How residential installers can transition easily to commercial using the same workflows and crews

Enphase's line filter strategy for clean PLC communication

Insight into Enphase new IQ9 system and U.S.-based manufacturing in Texas qualifying for ITC + Domestic Content Credits

Chad also highlights Enphase University, monthly webinars, and a dedicated C&I YouTube channel for short, on-the-job videos.

Key Takeaway:
Enphase's commercial products offer long-term reliability, flexible installation, and cost advantages when factoring in U.S. tax credits—making them a smart choice for asset owners and installers alike.

Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast!

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/xwtKGcNVpNs

Welcome to the What’s Up Solar Podcast with your host Emmitt Muckles, solar educator, trainer, and advocate for the sun! In this episode, we shine a light on Ari Simmons, a passionate clean energy communicator currently serving as a Service Communications Professional at Vestas, the global wind energy leader.

Ari brings over 8 years of experience in the renewable sector from grassroots solar advocacy in Washington State to driving internal communications that empower O&M teams across North America.

We dive into:

Ari’s journey from climate policy activism to clean energy communications

Her work with Olympia Community Solar, Simpliphi Power, and Briggs & Stratton

What it's like transitioning from solar to wind energy at Vestas

The critical role of internal comms in unifying rural wind sites

How creativity, music, and thrifting inspire her professional life

Why we need more energy influencers telling their stories on platforms like TikTok

Plus, we chat about solar-powered music production, equity in clean energy, and the joy of dancing to your own beat — whether on a rooftop or at a thrift store.

🎧 Featured Guest:
Ari Simmons
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/arisimmons19/
🎵 https://soundcloud.com/ar1xtc

🌬️ Learn More About Vestas:

Website: https://us.vestas.com/en-us

Careers: https://us.vestas.com/en-us/careers

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

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the What’s Up Solar Podcast on YouTube and all your favorite podcast platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and more.

Let’s plug in, power up, and stay curious. Remember the sun never sends a bill. 🌞

Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_fD-8I-q-io

In this episode of the Watts Up Solar Podcast, host Emmitt Muckles sits down with Tyler Kanczuzewski, VP of Sustainability and board member at Inovateus Solar, LLC. They dive deep into the Midwest’s evolving solar landscape—from sustainable EPC practices and zero-waste job sites to cutting-edge agri-voltaics, carbon sink design, and sheep-powered lawn maintenance.

Tyler shares insights on:

• How solar farms can become long-term carbon sinks
• Why pollinator habitats and native plants matter under the array
• The power and practicality of solar grazing (yes, sheep!)
• The growth of solar carports and dual-purpose energy use
• The future of storage and battery integration in utility-scale projects
• Inovateus’ mission to lead with sustainability in every build

This isn’t just another solar industry chat—it’s a lively, in-depth conversation about blending clean energy, community values, and ecological responsibility.

🎧 Listen in and learn:
Whether you’re a homeowner, installer, or energy pro, there’s something for everyone who cares about clean energy with purpose.

Inovatus Solar website: https://inovateus.com/

Our Sponsor for this Episode is S.E. Power Consulting
S. E. Power Consulting offers Fractional Training Leadership—meaning you get expert-level training support when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire.
Whether you’re scaling up or just getting organized, we help you train smarter, not harder.
Visit SEPowerConsulting.com to learn more.
S.E. Power Consulting—Fractional training. Full-time results.

Send us a Text to Watts Up Solar Podcast!

Welcome to the Watts Up Solar Podcast, where sun meets strategy 

I’m your host, Emmitt Muckles — solar educator, consultant, and lifelong STEM nerd turned solar advocate. In this very first episode, I get personal and explain why I started this podcast. Because I love people, I love solar, and I believe the industry deserves authentic voices and real conversations.

👥 What to Expect:

• Industry insights from solar experts & professionals
• Conversations with everyday people switching to clean energy
• Trends in solar tech, storage, net metering, and solar generators
• Candid shop talk about where the industry is heading
• Special shoutouts to voices like Nico Johnson, Sean O’Brien, and others, paving the way

This show isn’t just for installers or insiders — it’s for anyone curious about clean energy, saving money, or understanding what solar can really do for you.

🔗 Subscribe & Listen Anywhere:
📺 Watch on YouTube: Watts Up Solar Podcast
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any podcast app
📩 Questions or want to be a guest? Contact: [email protected]

💡 Stay Empowered. Knowledge is power. And remember—the sun never sends you a bill.