Insurance Experts Reveal: Why YOUR Premiums Doubled—But You Never Filed a Claim

In our 19th episode, host William Grant sits down with Joey Olson and Zak Edmonds of Country Financial to talk about one of the most important — and misunderstood — parts of homeownership: insurance. The conversation dives into how rising costs, storm damage, and inflation are reshaping premiums across Illinois, and why trusted, local relationships still matter more than ever.

Listeners will learn how to properly insure solar systems, what’s driving rate increases, how deductibles really work, and why both industries — solar and insurance — are rooted in education, transparency, and community.

Highlights:

  • Why premiums and payouts are rising nationwide
  • How local agents protect homeowners from being “nickel-and-dimed”
  • The right way to insure solar and roofing systems after hail or storm damage
  • The importance of reviewing policies every 3–5 years
  • How Sun Collectors and Country Financial share a “local first” philosophy
  • Community connection: Peoria families, farms, and small businesses helping each other thrive

👉 Subscribe for more local solar stories & energy insights: youtube.com/@suncollectors
#SunCollectors #SolarPowerHour #GoSolar

Connect with our guests:

The Solar Power Hour Podcast is produced by Sun Collectors, a veteran-owned solar company based in Peoria, Illinois, helping local families, farms, and businesses achieve energy independence through education and community engagement.

Buying Out Businesses at 28 | How He’s Building a Local Empire

In this episode of the Solar Power Hour, William Grant sits down with Ben Wilson, owner of Wilson Services of Central IL, to talk about what it really takes to build and sustain a business in Central Illinois.

Together they dive into:

  • The realities of entrepreneurship — from mowing lawns at age nine to leading a 44-employee company.
  • How community involvement and long-term customer relationships fuel growth more than advertising ever could.
  • The business challenges facing service companies today — from labor shortages and employment gaps to skyrocketing material costs.
  • The process of business acquisitions, seller financing, and what it means to keep Peoria’s legacy companies local.
  • How strong community partnerships and people-first culture can future-proof any business.

This episode of Solar Power Hour blends business wisdom with local pride as William Grant and Ben Wilson unpack the intersection of entrepreneurship, community, and integrity. It’s a grounded, eye-opening conversation about building teams, navigating costs, fighting misinformation, and keeping business in the hands of those who care about their community.

Connect with our Guest:

👉 Subscribe for more local solar stories & energy insights: youtube.com/@suncollectors

#SunCollectors #SolarPowerHour #gosolar

The Solar Power Hour Podcast is produced by Sun Collectors, a veteran-owned solar company based in Peoria, Illinois, helping local families, farms, and businesses achieve energy independence through education and community engagement.

Inflation Unpacked: How Rising Costs Shape Our Community

In this episode of the Solar Power Hour, William Grant sits down with Alex Carmona, Peoria City Councilman to talk about life, leadership, and the real challenges communities face. From his journey into local leadership to the rising costs of energy and everyday living, this conversation blends personal stories with practical insights.

Together they dive into:

  • The power of focusing less on politics and more on people—building stability through honest conversations and community-driven solutions.
  • How local stories and personal responsibility shape bigger issues like energy, cost of living, and future opportunities.

Solar power is just one piece of a bigger picture tied to Peoria’s future, city council decisions, and the broader push for renewable energy. With inflation, workforce shortages, and regulation shaping daily life, this episode shows why strong leadership, free market ideas, and community investment matter more than ever.

👉 Subscribe for more local solar stories & energy insights: youtube.com/@suncollectors

Connect with our Guest:

#SunCollectors #SolarPowerHour #GoSolar

Why Your Power Bill Could Double Again in 2025 (And How To Offset It)

September 17, 2025 34:51

Are power rates about to double again in 2025? In this episode of The Solar Power Hour, hosts William Grant and Austin Bare break down why Illinois power costs keep rising, what rate negotiations in January and June could mean for your bills, and how solar + batteries can help offset the damage.

We’ll cover:

  • Why winter rates dip but annual bills keep climbing
  • How Ameren’s delivery fees & mandated charges have multiplied 5–7×
  • The federal tax credit situation vs. remaining state/utility incentives
  • What Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing could mean for your family
  • Battery strategies: 1 vs 2+ units, backup hours, and peace of mind
  • Why waiting for “the right time” often costs more in the long run
  • Commercial solar surge in 2025 and how it may affect residential timelines
  • Inflation, property values, and why high power bills can devalue your home

Don’t let rising rates decide your future — lock in your power costs and keep your money where it belongs.

Get ready to get Shine with Solar! Check out these resources for more information:

Solar + Sports: How the Rivermen and Sun Collectors Power Peoria

August 20, 2025 36:31

In this episode of The Solar Power Hour, hosts William Grant and Austin Bare sit down with Andrew Cohen of the Peoria Rivermen—a longtime fan favorite, front office leader, and now a proud solar customer with Sun Collectors.

Together they dive into:

  • The Rivermen’s record-breaking attendance and exciting promotions for the upcoming season (including Disney Night and specialty jerseys).
  • How community partnerships between local businesses and the Rivermen fuel both hockey and hometown growth.
  • Andrew’s personal journey to going solar—what convinced him to make the switch, how his system is overproducing, and the real savings he’s seeing on his electric bills.
  • Why owning solar beats leasing, including real estate value boosts and long-term financial control.
  • The ambassador program—how happy customers like Andrew are helping spread the word and earning rewards.
  • A look at Rivermen championship rings, team legacy, and what fans can expect from the upcoming season.

It’s an energetic, community-driven conversation that connects hockey fans, homeowners, and solar advocates—showing how sports and sustainability team up to create real wins for Central Illinois.

Get ready to get Shine with Solar! Check out these resources for more information:

Power Shift: How Policy Is Polluting Energy Economics

August 7, 2025 39:41

As controversial policies continue to shape the future of solar, we explore the complex and often contentious relationship between politics, energy policy, and the power that fuels our daily lives. From simple energy economics to an executive order poised to send us back to the stone age, we’ll break down how these forces influence the cost of energy, the pace of clean technology adoption, and the options available to consumers.

Here’s what we cover:

  • One Big Beautiful Bill: Economic implications that are changing everything — and not in a good way.
  • Executive Order Impact: The push to replace renewables with coal, nuclear, and lithium mines — and the harsh language being used to manipulate public opinion.
  • Beat the Deadline: The true impact of the shortened FITC* timeline.
  • What “Placed in Service” Means: Why understanding this definition is key to securing your incentive.
  • 100% US-Made Panels Do Not Exist: The global supply chain reality and how it affects domestic production and retail costs.
  • Economic Pressures: 30% average Ameren bill increases, higher costs of goods, and supply chain disruptions.
  • Ownership Models: Direct ownership vs. third-party ownership — and why local service matters to avoid becoming a “Stranded Customer.”
  • Fun Facts & Technology Milestones: Global demand and solar capacity and California’s groundbreaking successes with renewable energy.

The future of solar isn’t just a question of technology — it’s a race against political headwinds, shrinking incentives, and rising utility rates. Decisions made in Washington are already shaping the cost and accessibility of clean energy in your backyard. For those ready to take control of their power bills and lock in long-term savings, the opportunity is here — but the clock is ticking.

Are you ready to get Solar Empowered? Check out these resources for more details on recent solar policy changes affecting your energy freedom:

Homeowner Updates for Solar Tax Credits: July 2025 Executive Order: https://suncollectors.solar/july25-solar-tax-incentives-il-homeowners/

How the One Big Beautiful Bill Threatens Illinois Solar Progress—and What You Can Do: https://suncollectors.solar/one-big-beautiful-bill-illinois-solar-progress/

* Not all customers are eligible for the FITC.

The Knock That Opens Countless Doors

July 31, 2025 36:45

What if one friendly knock on your door could help you lower your electric bill — or even spark your next career move? In this episode, our guest speaker, Fabian Witte, pulls back the curtain on the day-to-day life, challenges, and rewards of working on the front lines of the solar industry. Whether you’re a homeowner curious about going solar or someone looking for a fast-paced career in door-to-door solar sales, this conversation is packed with insights, stories, and advice you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • What Junior Solar Consultants do and why their role is essential in helping homeowners understand the benefits of solar.
  • Why door-to-door is the most powerful and effective method of building trust and connecting with local communities.
  • The top 5 reasons homeowners set solar appointments (and what they want to know most).
  • The most pleasant and surprising moments in the field that make the job worthwhile.
  • Valuable skills and knowledge gained from the job that benefit both career and personal growth.
  • What it’s like to represent a local solar company at community and networking events.
  • How to stay optimistic and motivated in a challenging sales role.
  • How to handle rejection at the door and turn it into an opportunity.
  • The most important message consultants want homeowners to understand about going solar.

Whether you’re considering solar panels for your home or exploring a career as a Junior Solar Consultant, this episode will show you how one knock can open countless doors — for homeowners, for consultants, and for the future of clean energy.

🎧 Listen now to learn about the people, purpose and power behind door-to-door outreach, then visit our website to take the next step in your solar journey!

One Big Ugly Utility Bill

June 17, 2025 34:46

Following the House’s passing of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” we’ll analyze the economic impact on consumers, utility companies, and the solar industry alike, should the bill become law.

  • 2025 Deadline & Elimination: Heightened sense of urgency and concern amongst consumers as potential policy changes hang in the balance, notably the accelerated deadline to claim the 30% solar tax credit before its proposed repeal.
  • Retroactive Bans & Restrictions:  How new legislation could jeopardize the economic viability of many solar projects and facilities, especially those that rely heavily on leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), leading to a significant loss of jobs across the industry and catastrophic consequences for existing and future consumers.
  • Up to 50% Utility Bill Increase: Breakdown of the huge spike in cost per kilowatt-hour and higher delivery charges implemented with the transition to summer pricing.

Weathering the Storm

June 17, 2025 40:20

These days, going solar is just as much about peace-of-mind as it is about savings. After a short hiatus, we’re back to examine the impact of new import tariffs on solar companies, consumers and the energy industry as a whole and our plan to adapt to the challenges ahead.

  • Import Tariffs: Present and projected effects of residual instability on supply chains, businesses and utilities locally and across the globe.
  • Energy Storage Systems: Why solar batteries and generators have shifted from an option to a necessity and recent updates to Ameren’s Distributed Generation (DG) Smart Inverter Rebates.
  • A Day In the Life of a Solar Consultant: How our unique sales approach aligns with our mission and values and is ultimately designed to serve our customers and community.

For more information, check out the resources below:

When, Where & How

April 16, 2025 31:37

In celebration of National Solar Day & Einstein’s birthday, our hosts widen their lenses, taking a look at the concept and uses of solar throughout time and space.

These are some of the topics up for discussion.

  • Albert Einstein’s role in the development of solar energy
  • Origin and annihilation of common misconceptions
  • Geographical and weather-related applications
  • Solar backup solutions, overproduction and interconnection

Solar for Realtors

April 16, 2025 38:16

By special request, we’re stepping up to help real estate agents navigate the solar playing field. Homes with solar panels can be a faster, more lucrative sell if you have all the facts, so this episode covers everything realtors need to know about solar.

Hot topics:

  • Impact of solar panels on property value
  • Transfer of ownership
  • Sales tips and resources

How to Choose the Right Solar Company

April 16, 2025 35:25

In this industry, one thing is certain: not all solar companies are the same. As a consumer, how do you tell the difference? In this episode, we’ll cover the dos, don’ts and red flags to look out for when choosing a solar company.

  • How to determine if solar makes sense for your situation (just because a company will install it doesn’t mean they should)
  • How to vet a solar company — tips, resources and other helpful information
  • Why ownership is almost always in your best interest
  • All of your options — including those the salesperson didn’t pitch

Whether you want to know enough to be dangerous before that salesperson walks in the room or you just want to avoid solar scams and fly-by-night companies, this episode is for you.

Repairing the Reputation of Solar

April 16, 2025 36:25

After introducing the new Sun Collectors mission statement, our hosts answer the following questions in detail.

  • Why does the reputation of solar need to be repaired?
  • Why are solar companies going out of business?
  • Why do system owners still need a solar service provider after installation?
  • What does it mean to “do solar the right way?”
  • Why did our customers choose a local business over a bigger business?

Then, Will and Austin share their stories, why they care about solar and our community, and what keeps them going.

Realistic Expectations

April 16, 2025 29:52

In an effort to give current and future solar adopters some peace of mind, our hosts break down the facts and give us their take on important considerations surrounding:

  • Effects of the current political climate on solar legislation and funding
  • Ties between the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
  • Balancing renewable energy and finite resources to satisfy demand in the long-term
  • Illinois Shines and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)
  • Utility rates, time-based pricing and demand response programs

Shaping the Industry

April 16, 2025 19:15

After a quick recap of last year, goals for 2025, and a shoutout to our local hockey team, the Peoria Rivermen, we’ll give you an overview of what we learned at D2D Con 9 and hone in on some key points that will help shape the solar industry in the year to come, such as:

  • Stepping up to service “stranded customers” through Illinois Shines
  • Industry-wide efforts to highlight good companies and weed out the bad
  • Reinforcement of practices and beliefs we have attributed to our success
  • Product and policy updates put into effect this year
  • How these changes have and will continue to impact solar savings potential

CASA Community Feature

April 16, 2025 43:06

In our first Community Feature, we are joined by special guest, Pamela Perrilles, Executive Director of CASA of the 10th Judicial Circuit in Peoria, IL to discuss:

  • A brief overview of CASA’s mission, goals and progress to date
  • What it’s like to volunteer at CASA and how to get involved
  • Upcoming events and donation opportunities
  • William’s personal story and why he “fell in love” with this organization
  • Impact stories from Sun Collectors Merry and Bright Christmas 2024

To learn more about CASA and how you can help change a child’s story, call (309) 669-2939 or visit https://casaofthetenth.org/

Solar Savings 101

April 16, 2025 33:49

In our experience, money is often top-of-mind for consumers, which makes it even more important to address. Let’s tackle these topics head on:

  • The ever increasing cost of electricity
  • Changes to legislation and funding
  • Illinois solar incentives and rebates

How Solar Works

April 16, 2025 24:52

In this episode of Solar Power Hour, we’ll provide a high level overview of how the ins and outs of solar and discuss the evolution and future of solar from a consumer standpoint. You’ll get our take on important topics such as:

  • The process of going solar
  • How solar systems produce power
  • Production goals and usage options
  • Technology, incentives and pricing
  • System longevity, warranties, and service

Genesis

April 15, 2025 45:32

In our pilot episode, we’ll introduce ourselves, our show and the incredible power of solar energy. Here’s what to expect:

  • Meet your hosts, Sun Collectors’ very own William Grant and Austin Bare.
  • Enjoy the Sun Collectors origin story, our journey thus far, and our plans for the future.
  • Get an overview of how we plan to use our platform to serve our community.