Factor This

The reality of residential solar

Factor This

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The U.S. residential solar industry has seen better days.

 Electricity bill credits in rooftop solar-saturated states like California are a fraction of what they once were. Tariffs have made components more expensive, just as federal tax credits are set to sunset. Anti-renewables legislation is casting a long and dark shadow, and a series of bankruptcies among established names in the space has cast further doubt on whether the dollars and cents still make dollars and sense.

But at least one man thinks residential solar can reach a point of profitability. In fact, he's actively proving it.

TJ Rogers, the CEO of SunPower, has led an illustrious career in the solar and semiconductor space. An outspoken free-market evangelist, Rodgers possesses a clear vision of what he believes an American home solar company should be. In this episode of the Factor This podcast, Rodgers shares his recipe for success with host Paul Gerke, detailing the challenges and opportunities in the market. Topics of discussion include:

  • The acquisition of SunPower and its plans for the future
  • SunPower's path to profitability and the company's lean, quality-focused approach
  • Tariffs, subsidies, and their impact on industry efficiency
  • The potential of virtual power plants and microgrids

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