- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Insights from B.D. Erickson II and TriSMART Solar CEO Mark Bench
The residential solar industry is entering one of the biggest transformations in its history.
While tax incentives may evolve, electricity demand continues to rise, battery technology is rapidly expanding, and homeowners are asking more questions than ever about power quality, energy independence, and long-term savings.
In a recent episode of The Current Truth Podcast, B.D. Erickson II sat down with Mark Bench, CEO of TriSMART Solar and President of the Residential Energy Association (REA), for an honest conversation about where the industry is headed—and why collaboration will shape the next generation of clean energy.
Whether you're considering installing solar panels, adding battery backup, or looking for ways to improve your home's electrical environment, this conversation offers valuable insights into what comes next.
Solar Isn't Going Anywhere
Despite recent headlines surrounding federal tax credit changes, one thing became abundantly clear throughout the discussion:
"Solar is here to stay. Batteries are absolutely here to stay." — Mark Bench
America's electrical demand is growing faster than ever.
Artificial intelligence, expanding data centers, EV charging, home electrification, and increasing utility demand are placing unprecedented strain on our electrical grid.
As electricity prices continue climbing, residential solar remains one of the most practical long-term investments homeowners can make.
According to Mark Bench:
"Solar is inevitably an important piece of our energy infrastructure."
For homeowners, that means investing in solar isn't simply about reducing electric bills anymore—it's about energy resilience, independence, and preparing for the future.
Why the Solar Industry Must Work Together
One of the biggest themes throughout the podcast was collaboration.
Historically, solar companies competed aggressively with one another.
Today, leaders throughout the industry are realizing that sharing knowledge ultimately benefits homeowners and strengthens the entire market.
As Mark explains:
"We have to get collaborative—not just survive, but thrive in the new environment we're dealing with."
That philosophy ultimately led to the creation of the Residential Energy Association (REA), where competing installers openly share best practices, improve safety standards, discuss policy, and elevate customer experiences.
B.D. Erickson adds:
"At some point you have to be willing to be vulnerable, share some of your trade secrets, and stop seeing other people as threats."
This collaborative mindset ultimately results in:
Better solar installations
Improved customer service
Stronger consumer protection
Better contractor education
Higher quality workmanship
Solar Is Only One Piece of the Energy Conversation
One particularly interesting topic centered around something many homeowners never consider:
Power Quality.
Most people think solar simply produces "clean energy."
However, renewable energy generation and electrical quality aren't necessarily the same thing.
B.D. explains:
"Solar is clean because it's renewable. It isn't necessarily clean as it relates to the quality of electricity."
Modern solar systems rely on inverters that convert DC electricity into usable AC power.
Like many modern electronics, these systems can introduce:
High-frequency electrical noise
Harmonics
Dirty electricity
Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
These electrical disturbances may impact sensitive electronics, overall power quality, and contribute to what's commonly referred to as dirty electricity.
Why Energy Management Is Becoming Essential
As more homes install:
Solar panels
Battery storage
EV chargers
Smart appliances
Heat pumps
Home automation systems
…the electrical environment inside our homes becomes increasingly complex.
That's where advanced energy management technologies begin to play an important role.
Mark shared that TriSMART Solar has spent significant time evaluating SATIC's technology:
"My team did a deep dive on your product. They like it. We believe in it."
He continued:
"It's just a matter of being educated and making sure you come up with a plan to implement it."
Rather than viewing energy management as an optional upgrade, more solar professionals are beginning to see it as an important part of designing higher-performing homes.
Clean Energy Should Also Mean Cleaner Electricity
As renewable technologies continue evolving, homeowners are asking better questions.
Not only:
How much electricity will I produce?
But also:
What's the quality of that electricity?
How can I reduce electrical noise?
Can I improve power quality throughout my home?
Will my sensitive electronics perform better?
How can I make my home healthier?
These conversations are becoming increasingly common as awareness around electrical environments continues to grow.
For homeowners interested in learning more about improving overall power quality, reducing dirty electricity, and optimizing modern electrical systems, SATIC Shield provides advanced whole-home energy management solutions designed specifically for today's increasingly electrified homes.
👉 Learn more at: https://www.saticshield.com
Why Integrity Still Wins
One of the most refreshing parts of the discussion was Mark's honesty.
After nearly two decades in solar, he openly admitted mistakes are inevitable.
What separates great companies isn't perfection—it's accountability.
"You're going to make mistakes. I've made mistakes. I'm a human being."
Earlier in the interview, he shared another principle that has guided TriSMART's growth:
"When we've made a mistake, I've always tried to bring the level of integrity I'd want if it were my own grandma."
That mindset has helped TriSMART Solar become one of Texas' most respected residential solar companies.
The Future Belongs to Energy Companies
One fascinating observation was how the industry itself is changing.
Solar companies are no longer simply installing panels.
They're becoming complete energy companies.
Today's homeowners increasingly want:
Solar generation
Battery backup
Energy storage
Smart electrical management
Improved power quality
Lower utility bills
Greater energy independence
As Mark explains:
"Most installation companies are now becoming energy companies that are attaching solar."
That shift represents one of the biggest opportunities facing homeowners over the next decade.
Looking for Solar in Texas?
If you're located in Texas and considering residential solar, battery storage, or a complete home energy solution, TriSMART Solar has completed more than 17,000 residential solar installations and continues to be recognized as one of the industry's most trusted installers.
Learn more about TriSMART Solar at:
Looking Beyond Solar? Optimize Your Home's Electrical Environment
Installing solar panels is only part of building a smarter, more efficient home.
As electrical demand continues to increase from AI, EV charging, smart homes, and battery storage, improving power quality becomes increasingly important.
SATIC Shield's whole-home energy management technology helps homeowners address dirty electricity while supporting cleaner, more efficient electrical systems.
Discover more about improving your home's electrical environment:
Final Thoughts
The future of residential energy isn't just about generating more electricity.
It's about generating better electricity.
It's about collaboration instead of competition.
It's about protecting homeowners while advancing technology responsibly.
Most importantly, it's about creating homes that are more efficient, more resilient, and better prepared for the rapidly changing energy landscape.
As Mark Bench perfectly summarized:
"People are willing to share. You just have to be willing to ask."
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