Solar Disruption Theory Podcast

Step inside some of the most forward-thinking minds in solar today. The Solar Disruption Theory Podcast explores a deeper side of solar as Freedom Forever CRO, Chad Towner, sits down with industry leaders, Freedom Family, solar activists, and more!

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Latest episode

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Driving Solar’s Future and Education w/ Jake Hess

EP 15
48m
03/28/2025

Jake Hess, founder of Solar Con and The Morning Energy Show, joins the podcast to talk about his journey from door-knocker to industry leader. He shares how his drive to educate solar professionals led to the creation of Solar Academy and how Solar Con became a powerful platform for connection and growth. Jake reflects on the industry’s recent challenges, the rising focus on sales compliance, and his vision for a more sustainable future in solar. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about resilience, impact, and what’s next for solar in 2025.
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Driving Solar’s Future and Education w/ Jake Hess

EP 15
48m
03/28/2025
Jake Hess, founder of Solar Con and The Morning Energy Show, joins the podcast to talk about his journey from door-knocker to industry leader. He shares how his drive to educate solar professionals led to the creation of Solar Academy and how Solar Con became a…
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The Road Ahead for Solar w/ Brett Bouchy

EP 14
42m
03/28/2025
The solar industry is facing unprecedented challenges, from shifting political landscapes to tightening capital markets and accelerating consolidation. In this episode, Brett Bouchy and Chad Towner break down what’s happening behind the scenes—why financing stability is crucial, how domestic content requirements are evolving, and why redlines…
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Compete, Evolve, and Lead w/ Justin Wolf

EP 13
47m
12/30/2024
Justin Wolf, former CEO of Meraki Solar and now VP at Solar Pros, joins Chad to discuss his evolution in the solar industry. From his roots in alarm sales to leading a solar powerhouse, Justin shares how his competitive spirit, strategic market moves, and belief in…
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Building a Bright Future w/ Aparna Mohla

EP 12
58m
12/30/2024
Aparna Mohla, VP of Corporate Partnerships at Give Power, shares her incredible journey from growing up in Mumbai, India, to becoming a trailblazer in the solar industry. From her early days at SolarCity to transformative work with Give Power, Aparna talks about her “why” for clean…
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How to Survive Solar w/ Riley Traveller

EP 11
45m
12/13/2024
Chad and Riley Traveller, CEO of Boundless Energy, dive into the ups and downs of the solar industry, from financial roadblocks to the energy arms race across the globe. Riley shares insights on thriving in tough times, the importance of customer relationships, and why solar remains…
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Revolutionizing Solar Sales w/ Christopher Melink & Kameron Gray

EP 10
47
12/13/2024
Divisional VPs Chris Melink and Kameron Gray from Solar Pros share how they smashed growth records and aligned with Freedom Forever’s vision. With Brett Bouchy’s relentless commitment, they forged a partnership that changed everything. Tune in to hear their insights on overcoming challenges, why alignment is…
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From Trials to Triumph w/ Tyler Jackson (Part 2)

EP 9
22min
12/04/2024
In this powerful episode, Chad Towner and Tyler Jackson share personal stories of resilience and optimism. Tyler reflects on his battle with cancer, his daughter Sloan’s life-changing diagnosis, and how positivity shaped their journeys. From business plans during chemo to celebrating Sloan’s progress, this conversation highlights…
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Rewriting the Solar Playbook w/ Tyler Jackson (Part 1)

EP 8
38m
11/25/2024
In this compelling episode, Chad sits down with Tyler Jackson, President at Solar Pros and a key figure in the solar industry. With 21 years of friendship and shared experiences, Tyler and Chad reflect on the highs and lows of door-to-door sales, from selling alarms to…
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Riding the Solar Wave w/ Aaron Weymann

EP 7
52m
11/20/2024
We dive deep with Aaron Weymann as he shares his journey from being a standout soccer player to becoming a leader in the solar industry. He shares how his determination to create a better life for his family led him to solar, and how he’s thrived…
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Building Success and Purpose in Solar w/ Kiley Powell

EP 6
45m
11/20/2024
In this episode, Freedom Forever’s President of Sales, Kiley Powell, shares insights from his 23-year journey in door-to-door sales and how his vision and purpose have driven his success. He discusses why joining Freedom Forever aligned with his values, the importance of building strong relationships, and…
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Building Trust in Solar w/ Chris Collins and Tim Trefren

EP 4
43m
11/20/2024
We sat down with founders Chris Collins and Tim Trefren to introduce Recheck, a verification platform that builds trust in the solar industry by ensuring ID verification in sales. They discuss the industry’s biggest challenge—lack of trust—and how Recheck helps good sales reps thrive. They also…
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Mastering the D2D Game w/ Aaron Lee

EP 5
55m
11/01/2024
In this electrifying episode, host Chad Towner sits down with Aaron Lee, a door-to-door sales veteran and VITL’s co-founder. Aaron shares his journey from his upbringing in Provo, UT, and the unconventional success behind VITL. Don’t miss his powerful advice on perseverance, leadership, and the importance…
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Navigating Solar Finance w/ GoodLeap’s Paul Stephan

EP 3
43m
10/18/2024
In this episode, Paul Stephan, Chief Business Development Officer at GoodLeap, shares his remarkable journey from building his own financial company to becoming a leader in solar finance. Paul discusses the exciting new relationship between GoodLeap and Freedom Forever and reflects on his passion for disrupting…
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Thriving in a Shifting Market w/ Boundless Energy’s Riley Traveller and Jay Pelletz

EP 2
60m
10/15/2024
In this episode, we talk with Riley Traveller, CEO of Boundless Energy, and President Jay Pelletz about their powerful partnership with Freedom Forever. Riley offers bold market predictions and explains how their companies are thriving despite industry challenges. Jay emphasizes the importance of trust and communication,…
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Rising Through Solar’s Toughest Year w/ Brett Bouchy

EP 1
41m
10/04/2024
In this season’s first episode, CEO Brett Bouchy discusses the solar industry’s challenges in 2024. He shares strategies for lowering costs, gaining market share, and how to navigate the transition away from NEM. Brett also offers bold predictions for 2025, insights on domestic content, and why…
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Financing the Clean Energy Movement w/ Mosaic’s Patrick Moore

EP 506
58 MIN
01/20/2024
From Naval pilot and Pentagon analyst to CEO of solar financing giant, Mosaic, Patrick Moore is no stranger to risky situations. In this episode, Moore takes us into the world of solar financing, breaking down ever-changing interest rates, misconceptions around dealer fees, and how finance companies…
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Read Your Sales Contract!

EP 505
31 MIN
01/13/2024
What is the cost of “loyalty?” In solar sales, it could cost you up to 60% of your sales commission. In this episode of the Solar Disruption Theory, CEO Brett Bouchy talks about how many installers and sales organizations take advantage of sales reps’ misconceptions of…
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Protect Your Money w/ Paykeeper’s Kelly Curtis

EP 504
37 MIN
01/05/2024
In this electrifying episode, we dive into the dynamic realm of solar escrow with Kelly Curtis, the CEO and mastermind behind Paykeeper. From Curtis’ unique experience in construction financing emerges a solution for solar cash projects and more. Tune in to explore how Paykeeper’s innovative approach…
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Solar Wars: The Battle for California’s Energy Future w/ CALSSA

EP 503
67 MIN
12/29/2023
While California is widely known for its support and love for solar, a perplexing decision like NEM 3 raises questions about the influence of power companies and the ongoing battle against utility monopolies. Bernadette del Chiaro and Brad Heavner from CALSSA (California Solar and Storage Association),…
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A Solar Industry Odyssey w/ Danny Rubin

EP 502
39 min
12/22/2023
Danny Rubin has been riding the solar-coaster since 2007 and has experienced it all, from being a self-proclaimed “not very good” installer to selling solar, to now being Freedom Forever’s VP of Field Operations. Having witnessed the evolution of the industry over the last 16 years…
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Navigating Solar’s Turbulent Year and Charting the Course Ahead w/ Brett Bouchy

EP 501
52 min
12/15/2023
2023 marked a year of chaos for solar, with rising interest rates and a “reckoning” for many installers. Despite the challenges, Freedom Forever’s commitment to operations and game-changing software, LIGHTSPEED, created a reliable platform to sell solar. Growth remains steadfast, and new markets are continuously opening…
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10 days on, 20 days off with a direct sales legend!

EP 411
1hr 2min
06/23/2023
Solar Disruption Theory host Chad Towner reunites with his first ever sales manager, CEO of VITL, Tyler Bastian. Learn the secrets to the disruptive 10/20 sales model and how VITL is bringing uncommon energy to the industry and to homes across the country!
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Behind the Scenes of the Inflation Reduction Act with SEIA’s Abby Ross Hopper and John Smirnow: Part 2

EP 410
36 min
02/27/2023
In part 2 of this special edition episode with SEIA, Abby and John break down the government’s new incentives and how that will change the future of solar. With the increasing complexity of foreign imports and supply chain limitations, it’s clear that we need to grow…
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Behind the Scenes of the Inflation Reduction Act with SEIA’s Abby Ross Hopper & John Smirnow: Part 1

EP 409
37 min
02/18/2023
On part one of this special edition two part episode of the Solar Disruption Theory podcast, we’re honored to be joined by SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association. Abigail Ross Hopper, CEO and John Smirnow, SVP of Supply Chain and Sustainability, give us a behind-the-scenes look…
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The Future of Net Metering + Solar in California with Philip Shen

EP 408
58min
01/13/2023
On December 15, 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously voted to eliminate the state’s solar net energy metering (NEM) program and replaced it with a “Net Billing Tariff.” Join us for part two of Senior Research Analyst Philip Shen’s Solar Disruption Theory episode as…
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The Financial Side of Solar with Philip Shen

EP 407
45 min
12/16/2022
Panel price changes and a growing popularity of PPAs over loans are just some of the financial shifts Philip Shen, MD & Senior Research Analyst, expects us to see in the coming year. Tune in to hear this solar industry veteran from ROTH Capital Partners break…
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Disrupting the Solar Sales Stack with Brett Bouchy

EP 406
42 min
12/09/2022
We’re no strangers to disruption, and Freedom Forever CEO Brett Bouchy is ready to shake things up by disrupting the solar sales stack. What’s his philosophy behind this change? “Be a light in the industry and do what’s right, not what’s easy. When you focus on…
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Moving at LIGHTSPEED – Creating a CRM Software Custom-Built for Solar with Zach Bloom

EP 405
52 min
12/02/2022
Welcome to Tech-mecula! In this episode, we sit down with Freedom Forever’s very own Zach Bloom, to see how he and his team turned over 1,200 standard operating procedures into the first CRM software custom-built for solar, which we call LIGHTSPEED. Tune in to see how…
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“Adult Solar” with Boundless Inc’s Riley Traveller & Jay Pelletz

EP 404
41 min
11/19/2022
In our latest episode, we sit down with Boundless Inc., CEO Riley Traveller and President Jay Pelletz to hear how they managed to break yet another company sales record… in OCTOBER. Their recipe for success? Leadership. The culture at Boundless focuses on growing leaders and never…
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Breaking into Solar after Serving – How the Military Prepared Max Britton for the Industry

EP 403
47 Min
11/11/2022
On this special Veteran’s Day episode, we sit down with Sunder Energy CEO, Max Britton, to unlock his military background and how it prepared him to take on the solar industry. Tune in to see how Max’s leadership and empowerment of others has grown Sunder into…
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Solving the Panel Supply Chain Crisis – the Freedom Module Origin Story with Henry Ka

EP 402
41 min
11/04/2022
One year ago, an unprecedented shortage of solar panels rocked the US installation market. Get the inside scoop on how Freedom Forever prevailed during this crisis, how the Freedom Forever module came to be, and a glimpse into the future of panel adders.
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Brett’s History and the Future of Renewable Energy

EP 401
45 min
10/21/2022
Welcome to Season 4 of Solar Disruption Theory! We’re kicking things off with Freedom Forever’s very own Brett Bouchy. On this episode, learn more about his journey from stock broker to solar CEO, and why he believes in a future built on renewable energy.
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Powering the Future with Aurora Solar

EP 304
50 min
12/20/2021
In this episode, we sat down with Aurora Solar’s co-founder and COO, Sam Adeyemo, to talk about their disruptive platform, Sales Mode AI.
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The Future of Solar Policy

EP 17
39min
11/19/2021
On this week’s episode of Solar Disruption Theory, we sat down with Freedom Forever’s Policy Director to discuss the future of solar and what you can do to help curb the climate crisis. You won’t want to miss this episode!
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David Bywater

EP 16
29 min
09/27/2021
We sat down with Vivint CEO, David Bywater, to talk about his background in solar and technology, the future of the smart home, and our new strategic partnership. You won’t want to miss this episode!
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Billy Parish Returns

EP 15
39 min
09/01/2021
For our very first episode of Solar Disruption Theory, we sat down with Mosaic CEO, Billy Parish to talk about humble beginnings, the evolution of solar loan performance, and the future of solar energy. In today’s episode, he returns to give us an update on all…
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Defending California Solar with CALSSA

EP 14
54 min
06/02/2021
Sean and Jules sit down with California Solar & Storage (CALSSA) Executive Director Bernadette Del Chiaro for an eye-opening conversation about the attack on California solar by the utilities. Bernadette is the heart and soul of CALSSA and has led the successful effort to preserve solar-friendly…
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Earth Day 2021

EP 13
23Min
04/22/2021
It’s Earth Day and we’ve got something special that we’ve put together for you. In honor of this special day, we’ll be talking about ways you can get involved at home to support this wonderful planet. We’ve got the tools to help you succeed in your…
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Dream Corps: Justice, Tech and Green for All

EP 12
50Min
03/15/2021
This month, Sean and Jules had an eye-opening conversation with Michelle Romero, National Director at Dream Corps, Green For All. The Green For All program fights for a world that is green for all, not green for some. Michelle shed light on the clean air crisis,…
202

Knowledge is Power – Education is Key

EP 11
59Min
02/25/2021
In this episode, we sat down with Luke Rowan Co-Founder at EdApp Microlearning, and Freedom Forever’s Director of Internal Communications, EJ Dayrit. We had an in-depth discussion about corporate learning and the importance of education in business. We also discuss President Biden’s plan for combatting climate…
201

Solar Advocacy for the Whole Family!

EP 10
1H 4M
02/25/2021
New Year, New Season! Solar advocacy through organizations like Solar United Neighbors (SUN) has been instrumental in creating legislative change and protecting the rights of solar users. Anya Schoolman, Executive Director of SUN joins us to kick of 2021 and Season 2 of the Solar Disruption…
109

Taking the Lead with Modernize

EP 9
60Min
02/25/2021
For this episode we are joined by co-founder of Modernize Home Services, Chris Pallatroni! Modernize Home Services has the goal to offer the best resources to bring your home upgrades to life by providing quality educational content to inspire ideas, and by connecting you with their…
108

Why We Work Safe

EP 8
56Min
02/25/2021
In the latest episode, we discuss safety, quality and compliance with a couple of our Freedom Forever rockstars: Quality Assurance Manager, Drew Dunlap and Matt Yantos who recently joined the Freedom Forever Family in the role of Director of Environmental Health and Safety. Tune in and…
107

Teaming up with the Solar Rights Alliance

EP 7
46Min
02/25/2021
Sean and Jules sat down for an inspiring conversation with Dave Rosenfeld who is the Executive Director of the Solar Rights Alliance. Dave has been a community organizer for over twenty years and believes people power is the best way to overcome special interests. To learn…
106

Freedom Forever, Coast to Coast

EP 6
47Min
02/25/2021
Welcome to Episode 6! In this episode, Sean and Jules are joined by VP of Field Operations, Brian Eglsaer. Brian brings his expertise to the table to discuss Freedom Forever’s expansion across the nation. Plus we talk about recruiting, safety and the processes that allow Freedom…
105

Exploring the Customer Journey

EP 5
1H 23M
02/25/2021
We’re back! In this episode, we are joined by Freedom Forever’s VP of Marketing, Julianne Ribarits. We talk with “Jules” about all things marketing and why the user experience is important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus we go behind the scenes of Freedom Forever’s first-ever infomercial…
104

Solar from all Sides of the Table

EP 4
1H 7M
02/25/2021
In our latest episode we sat down with visionary, Eric White with Dividend Finance. Eric discusses his unique view point, his thoughts on the industry and what he sees for the future of solar. Eric shares many of the same views as Freedom Forever when it…
103

The Kanye West of Solar Finance

EP 3
50Min
02/25/2021
We really kicked it into high gear with this episode! We had the chance to sit down with the man that helped make “No money down” famous, Jigar Shah. This solar leader, influencer and entrepreneur blew our minds as he shared his thoughts on selling solar…
102

Laying the Foundation

EP 2
54Min
02/25/2021
In episode two, Tanguy Serra blew our minds with his vast knowledge of leading the biggest solar lender in the nation, the history of solar, and adoption in non-solar states. With Tanguy’s experience from Wallstreet to CIO at Loanpal, we knew we just had to get…
101

The Disruption Starts Now

EP 1
42Min
02/25/2021
For our very first episode of Solar Disruption Theory, we sat down with Mosaic CEO, Billy Parish to talk about humble beginnings, the evolution of solar loan performance and the future of solar energy. With as much knowledge packed into one audio, we really came out…

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