There’s so much more to solar than just saving money. Today, our hosts widen their lenses, taking a look at the concept and applications of solar throughout time and space.

⚡Albert Einstein’s role in the development of solar energy

⚡Geographical and weather-related considerations

⚡Shiny new technologies vs the test of time

⚡Origins and annihilation of common misconceptions

⚡Backup solutions, overproduction and interconnection

By special request, our hosts help real estate agents navigate the solar playing field. Homes with solar panels can be a faster, more lucrative sell if you have all the facts. This episode covers everything realtors need to know, including these hot topics:

⚡Impact of solar panels on property value

⚡Transfer of ownership

⚡Sales tips and resources

In this industry, one thing is certain: not all solar companies are the same. As a consumer, how do you tell the difference? In this episode, we’ll cover the dos, don’ts and red flags to look out for when choosing a solar company, including:

⚡ How to determine if solar makes sense for your situation (just because a company will install it doesn’t mean they should)

⚡ How to vet a solar company — tips, resources and other helpful information

⚡ Why ownership is almost always in your best interest

⚡ All of your options — including those the salesperson didn’t pitch

Whether you want to know enough to be dangerous before that salesperson walks in the room or you just want to avoid solar scams and fly-by-night companies, this episode is for you.

After introducing the new Sun Collectors mission statement, our hosts answer the following questions in detail:

• Why does the reputation of solar need to be repaired?
• Why are solar companies going out of business?
• Why do system owners still need a solar service provider after installation?
• What does it mean to “do solar the right way?”
• Why did our customers choose a local business over a bigger business?

Toward the end of the episode, Will and Austin share their stories, why they care about solar and our community, and what keeps them going.

In an effort to give current and future solar adopters some peace of mind, our hosts break down the facts and give us their take on important considerations surrounding:

• Effects of the current political climate on solar legislation and funding
• Ties between the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
• Balancing renewable energy and finite resources to satisfy demand in the long-term
• Illinois Shines and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)
• Utility rates, time-based pricing and demand response programs

To learn more about federal solar subsidies and Illinois incentive programs visit https://suncollectors.solar/illinois-solar-incentives/

After a quick recap of last year, goals for 2025, and a shoutout to our local Peoria Rivermen, we'll give you an overview of what we learned at D2D Con 9 and hone in on some key points that will help shape the solar industry in the year to come, such as:

• Stepping up to service "abandoned customers"
• Industry-wide efforts to highlight good companies and weed out the bad
• Reinforcement of practices and beliefs we have attributed to our success
• Product and policy updates put into effect this year
• How these changes have and will continue to impact savings potential

In our first Community Feature, we are joined by Pam Perrilles, Executive Director of CASA of the 10th Judicial Circuit in Peoria, IL to discuss:

• CASA's mission, goals and progress to date
• Volunteering at CASA
• Upcoming events and donation opportunities
• William's personal story and why he "fell in love" with CASA
• Impact stories from Sun Collectors Merry and Bright Christmas 2024

To learn more about CASA and how you can help change a child's story, call (309) 669-2939 or visit https://casaofthetenth.org/

For more information on Sun Collectors community outreach initiatives, go to https://suncollectors.solar/community-outreach/

In our experience, we've found that money is almost always top-of-mind when deciding whether to go solar. Today we'll address:

• The ever increasing cost of energy
• Changes to legislation and funding
• Illinois solar incentives and rebates
• The federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
• Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) solar grants and loans