What Solar Installers Need To Know (by Sunvoy)

Most solar companies hit a ceiling and never break through. Geoff Mirkin did, building Solar Energy World into a $100M business and taking it all the way to a successful exit. In this episode, he gets real about what actually drives growth: disciplined operations, strong teams, smart lead gen (without the junk), and a customer experience that compounds over time. They dig into sales management, margins, cash flow, and what buyers really look for when it’s time to sell. If you want to build a company that runs without you...and is actually worth something at the end...this is the playbook.

From racing solar cars to running a renewable energy conglomerate, Ismaël Ben-Al-Lal has seen every phase of this industry up close. In this episode, he calls out what’s changed (and what hasn’t): how customers actually buy today, why pricing strategy matters more than ever, and where tech is quietly reshaping energy businesses. They also get into the real stuff—culture, leadership, and what goes wrong (or right) during M&A. If you’re trying to build something that lasts in solar, this one hits different!

Nathan Charles from Enphase joins Hervé to unpack the next phase of solar: where hardware innovation, software intelligence, and system integration converge. They discuss how customer feedback is directly shaping product development, from the IQ9 platform to the shift from silicon to GaN, and what that means for performance, efficiency, and scalability. The conversation also explores the growing role of EV charging, battery storage, and AI-driven energy management, alongside emerging codes and installation innovations like meter collars that reduce friction in deployment. For solar leaders, this is a strategic look at how evolving technology will redefine system design, installer workflows, and long-term customer value.

Reeves Clippard from A&R Solar joins Hervé to talk about what it really takes to play the long game in solar. They get into strategy, shifting policies, and why companies that think beyond installs—into storage, microgrids, and long-term customer relationships—are the ones that last. If you’re navigating market swings and trying to build something durable, this episode hits on where the industry is headed and how to stay ahead of it.

Distributors don’t just move boxes, they shape markets. In this episode, Hervé sits down with Hamza Arshad from Greentech to talk about what’s really happening at the distribution level: product selection, installer feedback loops, supply chain issues, and why HVAC integration is becoming part of the solar conversation. They get into shifting consumer behavior, market trends, and how installers who stay close to their distributors tend to stay ahead of the curve. If you want to understand where the puck is moving—not just where it is—this one’s worth your time.

If your financing model is weak, your solar business is weak, period. In this episode, Hervé Billiet sits down with Mike Gilroy, CEO of Sungage Financial, to break down how financing has evolved, why de-risking deals is non-negotiable, and how the wrong loan product can quietly kill your margins. They dive into consultative selling, training reps properly, and why the companies that win in this market aren’t just great at installs—they’re financially disciplined from day one.

Micah, CFO of Allterra Solar, joins the show to talk through the real trade-offs solar companies are facing right now—and the deliberate choices they’ve made to stay healthy. He explains why Altera steered clear of TPO, doubled down on residential, and how they manage backlogs, commissioning mistakes, and sales alignment without breaking cash flow. From distributor relationships and O&M as a growth lever to the role Amicus plays behind the scenes, this episode is packed with practical insight for operators who care about margins, not just megawatts!

This episode takes a sharp left turn from spreadsheets and installs...and honestly, that’s the point. Luis Arreaza, Founder & Advisor in Total Human Development, opens up about time spent alone in the desert and how stepping away from noise, titles, and expectations can force you to confront who you actually are. It’s a raw conversation about identity beyond work, why success doesn’t always equal fulfillment, and how practices like mindfulness, coaching, and meditation can change how you lead, live, and show up every day.

In this episode, Hervè speaks with Erik Holvik, Director of Corporate Development and Strategy at EnergySage, about how the solar market is evolving and what installers need to do to keep up. Erik breaks down EnergySage’s role in connecting homeowners with contractors, why diversifying into heat pumps and other energy solutions matters, the real challenges contractors face as the market shifts, and more.

In this standout episode, Joe Marhamati sits down with Boaz Sofier (one of the real veterans of the solar industry) for a conversation every solar CEO should hear. Boaz walks through his path from the wild Y2K days to running major solar organizations, and why he ultimately shifted his focus to fixing the one thing that makes or breaks an installation company: culture. What follows is part solar origin story, part executive masterclass, and a surprisingly honest look at how leaders, teams, and companies actually grow — and why the hardest work in solar has nothing to do with the hardware.

Clinton O’Neill jumps in to unpack what Virtual Power Plants actually are and why they matter. He breaks down how VPPs connect solar, storage, and software to make the grid smarter and more reliable, and why this shift opens big doors for installers. If you’re not already thinking about how to partner with utilities and play in this space, this episode might just change that.

In this episode, Herve Billiet sits down with Jerónimo Lozano, CEO of SolarYou, to dive into the fast-evolving solar market in Spain. Jerónimo shares how SolarYou went from startup to standout, breaking down their pricing strategy, tech stack, and customer-first mindset. If you're curious about scaling in a competitive market, leveling up client experience, or where solar in Spain is headed next—this one’s packed with insight.

Jan Rippingale, CEO of Blu Banyan, dives into what it really takes to run a tight solar operation, from cash flow and culture to adapting when the market throws curveballs. She shares why she built on NetSuite, how to simplify software without sacrificing power, and the signs of a well-run solar company. If you care about leadership, resilience, and building systems that scale, Jen brings the goods in this episode.