Harmon Solar Podcast

Hosted by Harmon Solar

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Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The solar energy sector in Arizona is currently oversaturated, which has led to a scarcity of transparency. In response, we've created a podcast to provide an honest perspective on going solar in the state. Join us as we explore the intricacies of utilities, equipment, processes, and more. Our primary objective is to educate and empower you to make informed decisions on your solar journey.

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35 recent

October 25, 202635 min

Let's Talk Powerwall 3 Mistakes, Clipping & Tesla Powershare

Send us Fan Mail Solar batteries are more popular than ever, but is your solar company designing your system correctly? A bigger solar system doesn't always mean more power, and where you install your battery could make a major difference in its performance. On this episode of the Harmon Solar Podcast , Ralph Romano, VP of Sales & Marketing, joins co-host Ben and special guest Ryan King, Harmon Solar's engineering and design expert, to break down what homeowners need to know before investing in solar battery storage. We cover why everyone suddenly wants batteries, how the Tesla Powerwall 3 works, the hidden problem of inverter clipping, why Arizona's extreme heat matters, and how Tesla's new Powershare technology could turn your electric vehicle into an additional source of home backup energy. In this episode, you'll learn: Why solar batteries are becoming essential for managing electricity costs. How energy arbitrage can help reduce expensive peak-hour utility usage. What solar inverter clipping is and why an oversized system could waste potential production. Why Powerwall 3 placement is especially important in Arizona. How to add battery storage to an existing solar system. The differences between AC-coupled and DC-coupled battery installations. How Tesla Powershare connects your Model 3 or Model Y to your home energy system. What questions to ask before signing a solar or battery contract. At Harmon Solar, we believe homeowners deserve straight answers, accurate system designs, and transparency about the equipment they're buying. #HarmonSolar #TeslaPowerwall3 #SolarBatteries #TeslaPowershare #SolarEnergy #SolarClipping #ArizonaSolar #HomeBatteryBackup #EnergySavings #SolarPodcast

June 24, 202619 min

Harmon Service Club

Send us Fan Mail Solar companies are going out of business, leaving many homeowners with “orphaned” solar systems and no clear place to turn for help. In this episode of the Harman Solar Podcast, Ralph and Ben introduce the new Harman Solar Service Club , a service program built to give solar owners peace of mind, proactive monitoring, maintenance support, and real help when something goes wrong. They break down why so many solar installers are disappearing, how Harman Solar’s diversified business model helps protect customers, and why system monitoring is not always as “automatic” as people think. The episode covers the Service Club’s current plans, including active monitoring, annual inspections, preventative maintenance, panel cleaning, monthly performance reports, and priority service options. Whether your original installer is no longer around or you simply want someone keeping an eye on your system, this episode explains how the Harman Solar Service Club can help protect your investment and keep your solar working the way it should.

April 16, 202627 min

Let's Talk Solar Troubleshooting 101: Higher Than Expected Energy Bill

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve gone solar but still find yourself staring at a higher-than-expected electric bill, you’re not alone—and the answer might not be what you think. In this episode of the Harman Solar Podcast, Ralph and Ben break down the most common reason homeowners call in frustrated: “Why is my bill so high if I have solar?” The truth? There are a few possible causes—and one of them surprises almost everyone. Ben walks through how we troubleshoot your system, from checking expected vs. actual production to verifying output through your utility meter (not just your app). The guys also dive into a major misconception: just because you have solar doesn’t mean unlimited power. You’ll learn: The reasons your solar bill can increase How to tell if your system is actually underperforming Why 95% of high-bill cases come down to usage changes The difference between a monitoring issue vs. a real system problem How lifestyle changes (thermostat, guests, new appliances) impact your bill Why you’ll always have some utility bill , especially in hot climates like Phoenix How misleading sales promises can set the wrong expectations Plus, Ralph and Ben introduce Harman Solar’s free 90-day active monitoring program , giving you real-time insights into your system’s performance and energy usage—so you can stop guessing and start knowing. Bottom line: Solar is about reducing your costs—not eliminating them—and understanding your data is the key to maximizing your savings.

December 17, 2025Episode 1244 min

Let's Talk Solar O&M with Amicus

Send us Fan Mail Most people are told solar is “set it and forget it.” We pull back the curtain on why that myth costs owners money, risks safety, and jeopardizes warranties—and what smart O&M looks like when it’s done right. With guest Amanda Bybee, CEO of Amicus O&M Cooperative, we explore the full life of a solar asset from turn‑on to decommissioning, and the simple steps that keep arrays producing at their potential.

October 31, 2025Episode 1130 min

Let's Talk Commercial Solar Deadlines

Send us Fan Mail Commercial solar is on the clock. Ralph and Ben sit down with Harmon Electric COO Dan King to explain how businesses can still lock in up to a 30% federal tax credit — but only if they act before the year-end safe harbor deadline. We cover: • Why residential solar is basically sold out for this year’s tax credit, but commercial is not • How “safe harbor” works (5% down, documented equipment, contract) • Why waiting until January triggers new FIAC rules, higher prices, and limited supply • Real numbers: a $1M solar project can mean ~$300K in tax credit If you’re a business owner thinking about solar, this is the window.

September 27, 2025Episode 1031 min

Let's Give You a Solar Industry Update

Send us Fan Mail With federal tax credit deadlines fast approaching, the Harmon Solar team delivers honest insights on what homeowners can realistically expect when it comes to installation timelines. We also dive into the supply chain crunch on domestic panels, major shifts in solar financing, and the comeback of leasing — with fixed rates as low as 9¢ per kilowatt hour, nearly half the cost of today’s utility power. Plus, Ralph and Ben introduce new active monitoring services designed to protect homeowners by detecting issues before they impact monthly bills.

August 6, 2025Episode 956 min

Let's Talk with Prevost Law Firm

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what happens when those too-good-to-be-true solar promises fall apart? In this eye-opening conversation with attorney Neil Prevost, we pull back the curtain on the solar industry's shadowy side. Whether you're exploring solar options or already experiencing problems with your system, this conversation provides essential insights that could save you from becoming another cautionary tale.

July 14, 2025Episode 849 min

Let's Talk Deceptive Sales Tactics

Send us Fan Mail Navigating the solar marketplace can feel like walking through a minefield of misleading claims and high-pressure tactics. From "free solar" promises to salespeople pretending to represent your utility company, deceptive practices have unfortunately become commonplace in an industry that should be focused on transparency and sustainability. Ralph and Ben draw from years of frontline experience to expose the most common solar sales deceptions.

July 9, 2025Episode 723 min

Let's Talk Some Breaking News: ITC Update

Send us Fan Mail In this breaking news episode, we dive into the just-signed energy bill that eliminates this significant financial incentive for homeowners after December 31, 2025. We unpack what this means for different types of solar customers. While those considering leases can breathe easy (that tax credit continues through 2027), cash buyers and those planning to finance their systems face a rapidly closing window of opportunity. Beyond consumer impacts, we examine how this transition will reshape the solar industry itself.

June 16, 2025Episode 653 min

Let's Talk to a Tax Professional

Send us Fan Mail Confused about how solar affects your taxes? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode, tax expert Bill Spahr pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood aspects of going solar – the tax implications. When salespeople throw around terms like "tax rebate" instead of "tax credit," it's more than just semantics – it could mean thousands of dollars of difference in your expectations. Bill breaks down exactly what the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is, how it works, and why you need to understand your tax liability before making solar decisions.