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).
Electric Vehicles and Solar – Why Filling up your Car with Solar Makes Sense in Silicon Valley
You drive an EV because it's good for the environment. Or you just hate to spend $100 to fill up your gas tank (I paid $4.50/gallon last week). Or it's cool and you're one of those "early adapter" geeks (OK, I resemble that remark). Regardless of why, now you have to...
Fundamental Utility Business Model Must Change
Great article in Forbes about net metering. I’ve come to the realization that the fundamental utility business model must change — because DG technology change is inexorable. Solar will keep getting cheaper, utility electricity will keep getting more expensive, and...
Fires in homes are generally caused by kitchen mishaps, heating system fires or electrical malfunctions. When it comes to fire safety, the solar industry's track record is excellent — with only a few documented cases in which the solar system actually caused a fire...
Solar Incentives Are Dead, Long Live Solar
The California Solar Initiative (CSI) program, which provides rebates for homes and businesses, is no longer providing rebates for homeowners in PG&E territory. That's terrific news. PG&E Solar Incentives Are Dead! Long Live Solar! As a solar enthusiast, you...
Financing your Rooftop Solar Power System in San Jose – Silicon Valley
Let's face it, a rooftop solar power system isn't cheap. But two recent developments have completely changed the economics for buying a home solar power system in San Jose and the surrounding communities. The first development is that solar panel prices have declined...
Commercial Solar
Commercial Solar A solar power system is one of the best business investments you can make, turning highly variable energy costs into a low, predictable operating expense. Partnering with Cinnamon Solar, an experienced industry leader in commercial solar power...
How Solar Works
Description of a Typical Solar System Solar power systems turn sunlight into electricity. Silicon wafers capture photons from sunlight and turn them into DC power, which is then transformed into 120 volt AC power and connected to your existing electrical system — as...
Residential Solar
Residential Solar [teaser]When you put your home to work generating solar power, you'll see immediate savings on your electric bills, and significantly reduce your carbon footprint using clean, renewable electricity from the sun.[/teaser] Why is a solar power system...
Reducing Customer Acquisition Costs for Home Solar Systems
"Comparison Shopping" for a solar power system is a great way for a homeowner to find the cheapest/best system for their needs. BUT IT WON'T SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE CUSTOMER ACQUISITION COSTS! According to a recent NREL study, these customer acquisition costs (lead...
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