Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

In this episode, Sean White is joined by Jeff Spies and Deep Patel for a hands-on unboxing and deep dive into vintage Arco Solar modules from the early 1980s. The team shares the history, technology, and quirks of these classic solar panels, sharing stories and technical insights along the way. Key Topics Covered: The origins of Arco Solar Module Differences between various Arco models (M51, 16-2000, 16-2300) Carrizo Solar Power Plant Cell degradation Reason of encapsulant browning Evolution of module design. The importance of cell count for charging 12V lead-acid batteries and the move from 33 to 36 cells. Unboxing and examining the modules’ physical features, including junction boxes, grounding, and serial numbers. Reach out to Jeff Spies here: Email: jeff.spies@planetplansets.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-spies Website: www.planetplansets.com   Reach out to Deep Patel here: Email: dpatel@gogreensolar.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/deeppatel Website: www.gogreensolar.com   Check out the podcast with Don Bilinski here: • Apple Podcast • Youtube • Spotify • Pandora • Podbean    Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean www.solarsean.com/pvsi

In this episode, Sean White sits down with CJ Colavito, General Manager of Integrated Project Teams at Standard Solar. They dive deep into the world of distributed generation, community solar, and the evolving landscape of solar policy in the United States. The conversation also touches on industry anecdotes, the impact of policy on solar markets, and the future of solar technology and supply chains.   Topics Covered: Standard Solar’s story CNI = Commercial and Industrial Growth of distributed generation and community solar Policy impacts in California and Texas Utility-scale vs. distributed generation FEOC = Foreign Entity of Concern policy Advances in solar module efficiency U.S. and China solar manufacturing The role of quality and engineering in project longevity   Reach out to CJ Colavito here: Website: www.standardsolar.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cjcolavito   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at: www.heatspring.com/sean www.solarsean.com/30hrpv

Join host Sean White as he interviews Peter Gruenbaum, an energy software engineer and instructor, about the real-world role of software in battery systems and modern energy markets. Discover how batteries are managed, how software enables market participation, and why understanding these systems is crucial for the future of renewable energy. Perfect for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, energy storage, and education.   Topics Covered SDK Bridge www.sdkbridge.com Software Engineering Batteries Richard Swanson Swanson’s Law Moore’s Law Physics Software Peter’s Career Boeing www.boeing.com Spectro Lab www.spectrolab.com Multi-Junction Concentrated Solar Gallium Antimonide Permafrost ISO = Independent Service Operator ERCOT = Electric Reliability Council of Texas ESS = Energy Storage System VPP = Virtual Power Plant Frequency Response Energy Market Demand Charge Peak Shaving AI = Artificial Intelligence Coding Programming Peter Gruenbaum’s Heatspring Class www.heatspring.com/courses/introduction-to-software-for-battery-systems   Reach out to Peter Gruenbaum here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/pgruenbaum   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean www.solarsean.com/pvip www.solarsean.com/esip

In this episode, Sean White had a fun chat with Don Bilinski, the Enterprise Business Development Manager at Kinect Solar. They recount a serendipitous meeting at a solar conference and delve into the fascinating history of solar modules. Don shares anecdotes about industry pioneer Russ Campbell, who significantly contributed to the development of early solar modules, right down to the quirky design of junction boxes inspired by a Dodge Dart gas cap. They also discuss the evolution of solar technology from its infancy at Bell Labs to the large-scale utility projects of today, highlighting milestones and challenges in the journey. Don reveals an exciting upcoming unboxing of vintage Arco solar modules, stored for nearly 40 years. This episode is a treasure trove of solar history, technological evolution, and engaging stories from industry veterans.   Topics Covered: Arco Solar Modules Bell Labs Silicon coating Plexiglass Russ Campbell Crystalline Silicon Solar Module 1954 Solar World Lauren Carson Johnny Carson Solar Universe IPPs = Independent Power Producer EPCs = Coda Energy Utility Scale JBox M51 Dodge Dart gas cap Paul Fenn Community Choice Aggregation Fidelity Roof Company Schüco Solar Women in Solar   Reach out to Don Bilinski LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/don-bilinski-ab288158/ Website: www.kinectsolar.com/    Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean www.solarsean.com/pva

In this episode Sean is joined by Scott Rosenberg, CEO and co-founder of 257. They discuss the origins of 257, named after the historic site of Thomas Edison’s first power plant and dive into the future of residential electrification. Scott shares how 257 uses AI and data science to profile every home in the U.S., helping energy providers and installers identify which homes are ready for solar, storage, heat pumps, and other upgrades. Sean and Scott also touch on the role of electric vehicles as distributed energy storage, the importance of policy and utility planning, and the need for dynamic, responsive grids. Scott introduces the “Pink” platform, a chat-based tool for residential energy intelligence, and shares insights on industry trends and the evolving solar landscape.   Topics Covered: Story behind 257 AI and data-driven residential electrification Customer acquisition in solar and storage Electric Vehicles and Energy Storage Utility and Policy Challenges The “Pink” platform for energy intelligence Industry trends in solar and storage The impact of policy on solar adoption   Reach out to Scott Rossenberg here: Website: www.257.co   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at: www.heatspring.com/sean www.solarsean.com/ESIP

Discover how the solar industry is being transformed by innovative, consumer-friendly leasing models and cutting-edge energy storage solutions. Join host Sean White and expert guest Greg Field as they reveal new ways homeowners can benefit from solar and battery storage without the pitfalls of traditional leases. Learn about the latest trends, ethical practices, and the future of renewable energy in this must-listen episode for anyone interested in smarter, fairer solar solutions.   Topics Covered Greg’s Background Unethical Solar Salespeople Solar Hot Water Net Metering ESS = Energy Storage System Batteries Lease APS = Arizona Public Service www.aps.com Real Estate Participate Energy www.participate.energy BBB = Big Beautiful Bill Participate Energy’s Synthetic Cash Option Door Knockers Tax Credit Battery Only Solution Storage Without Solar Homeowners Utility Tesla   Reach out to Greg Field here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/solar-home-realtor/   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean www.solarsean.com/pvip www.solarsean.com/esip

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage podcast, Sean welcomes back Matias Sigal for a fascinating discussion on the rapid developments in the solar industry. Matias talks about the booming demand for data centers in the U.S., driven by the rise of AI and tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta. The conversation dives into the synergies between data centers and renewable energy, the challenges of grid access, and the evolving landscape of mergers and acquisitions in renewable projects. Sean and Matias also explore the innovative use of waste heat from data centers and touch on the future role of nuclear and geothermal energy. Tune in to learn how the industry is adapting post-COVID and making the best out of changing circumstances.   Topics Covered: Online Training One Big Beautiful Bill Energy Demand Increase Mega Data Centers Google Amazon Meta Space-based Solar Energy Bitcoin Hot Tubs Bitcoin Miners Hyperscale data center Solar thermal Floating solar Waste heat M&A = Mergers and Acquisitions PPAs = Purchase Power Agreement Nuclear Power Plant PJM Renewable Energy Developers AI Loss of tax credits Sean White and Matias Sigal Podcast “Solar Project Development Software with Matias Sigal, Founder of Replace” released last February 20, 2024 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solar-project-development-software-with-matias-sigal/id1441958371?i=1000645978678   Reach out to Matias Sigal here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/matiassigal/ Website: www.renewableenergy.place/   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.solarsean.com www.solarsean.com/esip

In this episode, Sean White sits down with Jesse Faircloth, founder of PVIT and off-grid engineering expert, to explore the world of off-grid living, homesteading, and the evolving landscape of solar and battery technology. They discuss the challenges and rewards of building self-sufficient homesteads, the role of PVIT in empowering rural communities, and the innovations making off-grid systems more accessible than ever. Jesse shares real-world stories from his work in Moab, Utah, insights on battery recycling, and tips for anyone interested in starting their own off-grid journey. The conversation also covers the importance of community engagement, the future of energy storage, and how technology is reshaping rural life.   Topics covered: Off-grid living and homesteading PVIT (Photovoltaics and Integrated Technologies) Solar energy systems: grid-tied vs. off-grid Battery storage and recycling Rural innovation and community empowerment Homestead Hybrid Navigating permitting and infrastructure challenges The impact of electric vehicles and bidirectional charging Community solar projects and public land use Tips for aspiring homesteaders and off-grid enthusiasts The evolving role of technology in self-sufficiency   Reach out Jesse Faircloth here: Email: jesse@pvit.solar Website: www.homesteadhybrid.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean www.solarsean.com/18hrpv

In this episode, Sean White talks with Seth Frader-Thompson, President of EnergyHub, about virtual power plants (VPPs) and the future of distributed energy. They discuss what VPPs are, how they work, and their potential to transform the electric grid by pooling together devices like batteries, electric vehicles, and smart thermostats. Seth explains the role of EnergyHub in enabling utilities and customers to participate in VPPs, shares real-world examples of customer savings, and explores the growing impact of electric vehicles and bidirectional charging. The conversation also covers the challenges and opportunities of integrating new technology, the importance of software and APIs, and tips for homeowners and installers interested in joining VPP programs.   Topics covered: VPP = Virtual Power Plant How VPPs work and their benefits for the grid Bitcoin Mining DERMS = Distributed Energy Resource Management System Customer participation and incentives in VPP programs Connected Solutions API = Application Programming Interface V2G = Vehicle to Grid V2H = Vehicle to House V2X = Vehicle to Everything Interconnection challenges and grid modernization EnergyHub’s platform EVSE = Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Tips for homeowners and installers on joining VPPs The evolving role of inverters and smart devices   Reach out EnergyHub and Seth Frader-Thompson here: Website: www.energyhub.com Seth’s LinkedIn Account: www.linkedin.com/in/frader   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean www.solarsean.com/ess

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage podcast, host Sean White converses with James Showalter, the founder and CEO of EG4. They discuss EG4’s innovative mini splits and energy storage solutions, including their impact in the solar industry and the future of residential batteries. James shares insights into their partnership with LG for American-supplied cells, their significant progress in the energy storage market, and the inception and growth of EG4 and Signature Solar. They discuss the technical and regulatory aspects of private energy generation, aiming to make solar energy more accessible and cost-effective. Tune in to learn about the journey of EG4 and their mission to revolutionize renewable energy storage.   Topics Covered: EG4 = Energy Generation for Everyone Sulfur Spring Off-Grid System FlexBOSS 18 inverter UL3141 Inverter Interconnection Agreement Private Energy Generation Energy Storage at homes 10 cents per kilowatt hour Standardized margin Signature Solar Net-Metering Iceberg Signature eBay DIY Solar Projects   Reach out to James Showalter here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/james-showalter-9a0599156  X: @EG4James  Website: www.eg4electronics.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.solarsean.com www.solarsean.com/pvip