In this episode, we’re joined by Mick McDaniel the Vice President and General Manager of Bila Solar to explore the operations at the Bila Solar Factory in Indianapolis. Mick provides an in-depth look into how the factory produces lightweight, flexible solar modules using domestic materials and traditional framed PV modules. He also discusses Bila Solar’s collaboration with ES Foundry, shedding light on the innovative practices taking place within the factory.

Topics covered:
Solar manufacturing factory in Indianapolis
Sean’s visit to the Bila Solar Factory
Joel Walsman and his contributions to the solar industry
Beginning of Bila Solar’s and partnership with ES Foundry
Bila Solar’s lightweight, flexible solar panels using aerospace polymer
Installation methods using adhesives on metal and membrane roofs
Relevance to rapid shutdown compliance and UL 3741 certification
Mention of traditional framed modules production alongside flexible panels
Lack of U.S. suppliers for thin, hardened solar glass
Importance of building a reliable U.S. supply chain under the IRA
Challenges importing equipment from China
Post-COVID delays in building and manufacturing permits
Comparison of old vs. modern solar factories
Clarification on “gigawatt” factory capacity
Sean’s Journey into the Solar Industry
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Law: Paul Fenn’s Role and Its Impact
Early solar industry figures: Stuart Wentworth, Bill Brooks, Ward Bower
Development of early solar inverters and U.S. code challenges
Ward Bower’s pioneering work on the modern grid-tie inverter at Sandia National Laboratories
Challenges with balcony solar installations and code requirements in the U.S. vs. Germany Durability of flexibility solar modules

Find out more on:
Bila Solar Website: www.bilasolar.com

Click here to listen to the podcast with Sean, Bill Brooks, and Ward Bower

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

PV Made in America! Bila Solar with Mick McDaniel