Barry Cinnamon has been blogging about the Solar Industry since 2007.
Every week Barry hosts The Energy Show, a 30 minute informative talk show that covers a broad variety of energy related topics spanning technology, economics, policy, and politics that are shaping the future of how we generate and consume electricity, along with practical money-saving tips on ways to reduce your home and business energy consumption.
The Energy Show runs every Saturday on KDOW Radio AM in San Jose California.
Barry heads up Cinnamon Energy Systems (a San Jose residential and commercial solar and energy storage contractor) and Spice Solar (suppliers of built-in solar racking technology). After 10,000+ installations while at the helm of Akeena Solar and Westinghouse Solar, he’s developed a pretty good perspective on the real-world economics of rooftop solar — as well as the best products and services for homeowners, manufacturers and installers. His rooftop tinkering led to the development of integrated racking (released in 2007), AC solar modules (released in 2009), and Spice Solar (the fastest way to install rooftop solar modules).
Why Is Solar Taking Over The World?
The Energy Show · Why Is Solar Taking Over The World? This week we’re talking about World Domination. Domination of energy production, that is. In the re-scrambled words of the wise and infamous Dr. Evil: “Why make Gigawatts when we can make…Terrawatts!” Indeed, solar...
No Such Thing as a Free Lunch or Free Solar
If you’re thinking about solar there’s something important you should know. It should be obvious, but just in case: there is no such thing as Free Solar. Getting solar — or a battery -- installed on your house is not cheap and certainly not free. These projects are...
Which Solar Panels Should I Buy?
The Energy Show · Which Solar Panels Should I Buy? It’s no surprise that this is the most common question, since the solar panels themselves are the biggest cost component of a typical rooftop system. But I’m not going to give you the single "Best Panel" answer you...
Blame California Politicians for Electric Rate Increases
The Energy Show · Blame California Politicians for the 28% Electric Rate Increases on 1/1/2024 As in year’s past, we in California greet the New Year with yet another electric rate increase. It’s almost impossible to believe this time — but on January 1, 2024,...
Ten Home Energy Predictions for 2024
The Energy Show · 10 Home Energy Predictions for 2024 I’ve added electrification predictions for 2024 to my customary set of solar and storage predictions. Electrification incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are already starting to drive demand for heat...
What You Need to Know About Heat Pump Water Heaters
The Energy Show · Before Your Hot Water Heater Dies – Listen To This It’s not a matter of IF your hot water heater dies – but WHEN. According to the Department of Energy, the average lifespan of a hot water heater is 13 years. So if your hot water heater is over ten...
COP28 Realities – Now We’re Really Screwed
The Energy Show · COP28 Realities - Now We're Really Screwed The goal to cap global warming to 1.5C is just a pipe dream. At the rate the earth is warming we’ll hit that threshold in 2026 or sooner. And since our consumption of fossil fuels continues to increase...
I’m Electrifying! How Do I Upgrade My Solar System?
The Energy Show · I'm Electrifying! How do I upgrade My Solar System? When you electrify your home – with a heat pump HVAC system, EV charger, induction cooktop or heat pump water heater – your demand for electricity will go up. Duh. Or as Tim Allen would say: “I need...
EV Charging with Tom McCalmont
The Energy Show · EV Charging with Tom McCalmont By 2035 all new cars in California will be electric. It’s an achievable goal based on lower operating costs and rapid price declines for new EVs. But the current per kwh costs of EV charging continue to increase --...
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