The Solar PVcast

Hosted by Chris Palliser

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Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-CA

About the show

Powered by Shift & hosted by Chris Palliser, The Solar PVcast is a podcast exploring solar power and the role it plays in improving our lives and our planet.

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60 recent

October 13, 202621 min

Mapping BC’s Solar Potential: A New Open-Source Solar Map

For the first time, British Columbia’s solar potential has been mapped in a powerful new open-source tool. On this episode of The Solar PVcast , Chris sits down with Connor McGookin, Research Associate at UBC , to talk about the project and the team behind it. They discuss how the map was created, the many factors considered when estimating solar potential across BC, and why having this data readily available matters. Similar solar mapping tools exist elsewhere in the world, but BC has been missing this kind of resource. Now it's freely available for anyone to explore — from researchers and communities to policymakers and utilities like BC Hydro. It's an exciting new tool for solar education, planning and understanding just how much potential exists across the province. Explore the map: BC Solar Potential Map See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 6, 202636 min

Solar in the Yukon: Endless Summer Sun, But Is the Grid Ready?

What does solar look like north of 60? On this episode of The Solar PVcast , Chris chats with Sebastian Jones, Wildlife Analyst with the Yukon Conservation Society , about the opportunities — and challenges — facing solar energy in the Yukon. They dig into electricity rates, the need to modernize the territory's grid, the end of the Micro-generation Program and why solar adoption can move frustratingly slowly. Sebastian also shares his experience living off-grid and why he believes Yukoners need more ways to generate their own electricity, including emerging ideas like balcony solar. And despite its northern location, the Yukon has some fascinating advantages for solar: incredibly long summer days and cold temperatures that can help solar panels perform efficiently. The potential is there. So what's holding solar back in the Yukon? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 15, 202636 min

How Tariffs Are Impacting Solar in Canada

Tariffs, trade uncertainty, and changing global supply chains are once again shaking up Canada's solar industry—but if you've spent enough time in solar, unpredictability is nothing new. Chris is joined by Rob Milliken , Vice President of Business Development at Charge Solar, who brings 25 years of experience riding the “solar coaster.” They break down what tariffs and changing trade policies mean for solar equipment, pricing, installers, and ultimately Canadian homeowners and businesses—and why an industry built on constant change knows how to adapt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 8, 202630 min

Floating Solar: Testing the Future of PV on Water

On this episode of The Solar PVcast , Chris chats with Western University PhD researcher Koami Soulemane Hayibo about his hands-on research into floatovoltaics — floating solar PV systems. Koami shares insights from a year-long project exploring how floating solar is implemented, what makes it different from traditional ground or rooftop systems, what about the ducks, and why water-based solar could play an exciting role in the future of renewable energy. For More on the Project Here Here or Here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 10, 202617 min

BC Hydro's Net Billing Era Begins: The $5,000 Question

BC Hydro's transition to Net Billing is now official, with the new program launching July 1. In this episode, we sit down with Steve Unger, Lead, Microgrid Development at Shift, to recap the journey to get here, explain how Net Billing works, why BC Hydro made the change, and tackle the question many solar homeowners are asking: Should you keep the $5,000 rebate or pay it back to stay on Net Metering? Steve shares his perspective after reviewing a wide range of customer scenarios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 7, 202625 min

Plugging Into the Future: Balcony Solar in Canada

This week on the Solar PVcast, we sit down with Jonathan Maile , CEO of Skyblue Products , to explore the exciting world of balcony solar and what it could mean for the future of energy in Canada. From plug-and-play systems already transforming homes around the world to the policies and regulations still holding Canada back, we unpack where balcony solar currently stands — especially here in British Columbia — and how close we really are to seeing widespread adoption. We also take our best guess at timelines, discuss what needs to change, and why balcony solar could open the door for millions more people — including renters, condo owners, and urban Canadians — to finally live the solar life. It’s a fun, optimistic, and future-focused conversation about accessibility, innovation, and the next evolution of solar energy in Canada. Powered by Shift & hosted by Chris Palliser , The Solar PVcast is a podcast exploring solar power and the role it plays in improving our lives and our planet. For all your solar, BIPV and energy Storage needs visit shift.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 28, 202637 min

Building Better: Michael Quast on Passive House Canada

We sit down with Michael Quast , CEO of Passive House Canada , for a conversation that blends deep insight with plenty of laughs. We explore his journey into the role, the organization’s mission, and the upcoming conference shaping the industry. Along the way, we dig into the realities of Passive House adoption in Canada—politics, barriers, and momentum—while keeping things light, human, and optimistic about where high-performance building is headed. Powered by Shift & hosted by Chris Palliser , The Solar PVcast is a podcast exploring solar power and the role it plays in improving our lives and our planet. For all your solar, BIPV and energy Storage needs visit shift.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 13, 202630 min

Powering the Next Generation: Education Meets Renewable Energy

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Gander from Relay Education to explore what it really takes to educate the next generation about renewable energy. Ryan shares his journey, the evolution of energy awareness in schools and communities, and how Relay Education is making complex topics engaging and accessible. From hands-on experiments to surprising insights about whether kids or adults are more open to change, this conversation highlights the power of education in shaping a sustainable future. If you’re inspired by Relay’s work and want to support their mission, consider making a donation at www.relayeducation.com/donate . Powered by Shift & hosted by Chris Palliser , The Solar PVcast is a podcast exploring solar power and the role it plays in improving our lives and our planet. For all your solar, BIPV and energy Storage needs visit shift.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 1, 202633 min

Building Cool Things That Matter: Solar Boats & Rotating Houses

Join us for a conversation with Steve Arnold — serial entrepreneur, innovator, and the creative mind behind Canada’s most unforgettable sustainable experiences. From co‑founding Ride Solar — the team behind North America’s largest fully solar‑powered tour boat and solar‑electric party bike experiences — to dreaming up the world’s only rotating ocean‑view vacation accommodations at Around the Sea , Steve brings big ideas to life in uniquely fun and eco‑friendly ways. In this episode we explore: The story behind Ride Solar’s solar‑powered harbour cruises and pedal pub tours ☀️🚤🍻 How fun tourism and sustainability go hand‑in‑hand What it takes to innovate in the tourism & sustainability space The big dreams behind Canada’s rotating luxury vacation experience Why doing good for the planet doesn’t have to be boring Whether you love solar tech, entrepreneurship, or just good stories, this one delivers both inspiration and insight. P.S. - Check out their NEW yummy PEI lobster cones HERE ! Powered by Shift & hosted by Chris Palliser , The Solar PVcast is a podcast exploring solar power and the role it plays in improving our lives and our planet. For all your solar, BIPV and energy Storage needs visit shift.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 26, 202623 min

Canada's Path to Clean Energy

Join us as we sit down with Catherine Jeffery , a policy analyst at Clean Energy Canada , to explore the world of clean energy policy. Catherine shares what her role involves, the organization’s mission and goals, and her perspective on Canada’s transition to renewables. From how she got started in the field to why she loves the work she does, this conversation shines a light on the people shaping Canada’s sustainable energy future. Powered by Shift & hosted by Chris Palliser , The Solar PVcast is a podcast exploring solar power and the role it plays in improving our lives and our planet. For all your solar, BIPV and energy Storage needs visit shift.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.