The Solar PVcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What happens when one podcast meets another? We chat with David Dodge of Green Energy Futures about how he got started, the stories that stuck with him, and how the clean energy space has changed over time. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at podcasting, storytelling, and the future of green energy. 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.

Thinking about going solar? Start here. In this rapid-fire episode, we answer the 15 most asked solar questions in under 10 minutes — from costs and savings to net billing, batteries, winter performance, and outages. No fluff, no jargon — just clear, practical answers. If solar’s on your mind, this episode will get you halfway there. 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.

What does it really mean to build an energy-positive home — and is it actually affordable? In this episode, we sit down with Stéphane Doise , founder of CORE We Care , to explore how passive design, solar energy, and thoughtful construction can create homes that are healthier, more efficient, and truly future-proof. We unpack the key differences between North American and European building approaches, the real costs behind high-performance homes, and why designing for long-term comfort and durability may be the smartest investment you can make. If you’re building a forever home — or rethinking how we live — this conversation will change how you see the future of housing. 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.

What happens when you pair clean driving with clean energy? Julian Sale ( Motorize EV ) and Glenn Garry ( Victoria EV Association ) sit down to talk EV myths, shifting global trade news, and why charging your vehicle with sunshine might be the smartest move you can make. Solar and EVs aren’t just compatible—they’re unstoppable. Recorded before the EV news or Rebates from Feb 4th, 2026. Stay tuned perhaps we'll update how that is going in relation to solar adoption in a future episode! 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.

The conversation delves into the proposed transition from net metering to net billing in British Columbia, exploring the implications for solar energy users and the role of the BC Utilities Commission . Steve Unger , an intervener in the process, discusses the complexities of the rate application, the various stakeholders involved, and the recent revelation of a significant math error by BC Hydro that has shifted the dynamics of the discussion. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a holistic understanding of the benefits of solar energy and the importance of fair energy policies. Correction: At 14:36 and 28:26 in the episode, the figure mentioned should be $1.4B, not the number originally stated. 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.

Recorded live at the Solar Nova Scotia's Solar Summit in Halifax, this episode features a wide-ranging conversation with Phil McKay from the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) . We discuss CanREA’s goals, what’s coming next for the organization, and the current state of solar in Canada. It’s an energizing, forward-looking discussion about collaboration, momentum, and why the future of solar in Canada is bright. Phil brings clarity, optimism, and deep insight into where our industry 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.

Join us for another episode of The Solar PVcast, recorded live from Solar Nova Scotia's Atlantic Canada Solar Summit! Tune in to hear Rob Milliken , VP of Business Development at Charge Solar share his experience, industry insights, and what’s ahead for solar in Canada! Catch the episode through our link in bio! 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.

It’s another episode of The Solar PVcast, powered by Shift , recorded live at Solar Nova Scotia's Atlantic Canada Solar Summit in Halifax! Tune in for an exciting and insightful conversation with Lian Si from Longi Solar , taking a closer look at Back Contact (BC) panel technology. This standout technology improves efficiency, enhances aesthetic design, and sets a new standard for solar performance. Get a look at it here as well! Catch the episode through the link in bio! 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.

The Solar PVcast, powered by Shift , was live on location at Solar Nova Scotia's Atlantic Canada Solar Summit in Halifax! Check out this fun and inspiring conversation with August Holder , an environmental engineering student at Dalhousie University and a member of the Dalhousie Solar Car Team. Their team is building and racing a solar-powered car from the ground up — an ambitious project filled with innovation, challenge, and a whole lot of passion. Tune in to hear their story and what it takes to bring a solar car to life. Link in bio! 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.

In this episode of The Solar PVcast , host Chris Palliser is joined by renowned climate scientist, former Green Party leader, and former BC MLA Dr. Andrew Weaver . Now a proud solar user himself, Dr. Weaver shares what inspired him to make the switch, the new conversations he's having with neighbours, and what he loves most about generating his own clean power. We also look back on his impactful political career, including his role in shaping CleanBC , collaborating with then-Premier John Horgan, and his hopes for Canada's direction in the next federal election. From policy to personal action, and even a few words about his book, Dr. Weaver gives us a powerful reminder of why solar will play a crucial role in Canada’s clean energy future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we explore the power of agrivoltaics with Jason Bradley from Sun Cycle Farms . By harnessing the principles of bio-mimicry, Sun Cycle is revolutionizing sustainable farming—blending solar energy with agriculture to create a more efficient and resilient system. We discuss the farm’s origins, its innovative approach, and the incredible benefits of integrating solar with food production. Tune in to learn how agrivoltaics is shaping the future of energy and farming! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we sit down with David Brushett , Chair of Solar Nova Scotia , to explore the past, present, and future of solar energy in the province. We discuss some of the big wins Solar Nova Scotia has achieved in moving the industry forward and how they’ve become a trusted voice—even advising the provincial government on solar policy. Dave also shares how his passion for renewable energy began, the role efficiency plays, and what’s next for Nova Scotia’s solar future. Whether you're a homeowner, business, or solar enthusiast, this episode offers key insights into the province’s evolving solar landscape! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.