In this episode of the Solar Power Hour, William Grant sits down with Ben Wilson, owner of Wilson Services, to talk about what it really takes to build and sustain a business in Central Illinois. Together they dive into:

☀️ The realities of entrepreneurship — from mowing lawns at age nine to leading a 44-employee company.

☀️ How community involvement and long-term customer relationships fuel growth more than advertising ever could.

☀️ The business challenges facing service companies today — from labor shortages and employment gaps to skyrocketing material costs.

☀️ The process of business acquisitions, seller financing, and what it means to keep Peoria’s legacy companies local.

☀️ How strong community partnerships and people-first culture can future-proof any business.

This episode of Solar Power Hour blends business wisdom with local pride as William Grant and Ben Wilson unpack the intersection of entrepreneurship, community, and integrity.

It’s a grounded, eye-opening conversation about building teams, navigating costs, fighting misinformation, and keeping business in the hands of those who care about their community.

Connect with our Guest:

• https://wilsonservicesil.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/wilsonservicesil/
• https://www.facebook.com/wilsonservicesil

In this episode of the Solar Power Hour, William Grant sits down with Alex Carmona to talk about life, leadership, and the real challenges communities face. From his journey into local leadership to the rising costs of energy and everyday living, this conversation blends personal stories with practical insights.

Together they dive into:

• The power of focusing less on politics and more on people—building stability through honest conversations and community-driven solutions.
• How local stories and personal responsibility shape bigger issues like energy, cost of living, and future opportunities.

Solar power is just one piece of a bigger picture tied to Peoria’s future, city council decisions, and the broader push for renewable energy. With inflation, workforce shortages, and regulation shaping daily life, this episode shows why strong leadership, free market ideas, and community investment matter more than ever.

Connect with our Guest:

👉 https://www.oldschoolalex.com/

👉 https://www.instagram.com/therealoldschoolalex/

Are power rates about to double again in 2025?

In this episode of the Solar Power Hour, William Grant and Austin Bare break down why Illinois power costs keep rising, what rate negotiations in January and June could mean for your bills, and how solar + batteries can help offset the damage.

We’ll cover:

• Why winter rates dip but annual bills keep climbing
• How Ameren’s delivery fees & mandated charges have multiplied 5–7×
• The federal tax credit situation vs. remaining state/utility incentives
• What Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing could mean for your family
• Battery strategies: 1 vs 2+ units, backup hours, and peace of mind
• Why waiting for “the right time” often costs more in the long run
• Commercial solar surge in 2025 and how it may affect residential timelines
• Inflation, property values, and why high power bills can devalue your home

Don’t let rising rates decide your future — lock in your power costs and keep your money where it belongs.