

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast
whitehousesolar
Sean White teaches solar and storage classes and seminars around the world and inside your home (online). He is known for helping people get NABCEP certified. This podcast contains an assortment of topics, with an emphasis on solar and storage technical knowledge. Up your game! Catch a photon! Save the planet! Learn more and go to www.solarSEAN.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 29, 2025 • 45min
Rhymes, Resilience, and Renewable Power: The Story of Solar Steve Sherman
Engineer by day, rapper by night, Steve Sherman joins Sean to talk about his mission to put a battery in every home and the power of solar energy. From startup stories and global adventures to solar-themed rap tracks, this episode is packed with innovation, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.
Topics Covered
Superior Energy www.superiorenergysolar.com
Michigan
Lake Superior
Hell in Michigan
Steve’s Journey in the Solar Industry
Brian Hayden
Heatspring www.heatspring.com
EV =Electric Vehicles
ONE = Our Next Energy www.one.ai
Dual Chemistry Battery
LFP & NMC
PVIP = Photovoltaic Installation Professional
Entrepreneur
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
Battery
ESS = Energy Storage System
Utility
University of Michigan
Solar in Australia
What would be a good term for Solar and Storage all in one
Alternative Energy & Conventional Energy
Solar Steve Sherman’s Songs
Solar Cruisin
Interconnected
Reach out to Steve Sherman here:
Email: szsherman@gmail.com
Website: www.superiorenergysolar.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/pvip
www.solarsean.com/esip

Oct 27, 2025 • 45min
John Berger CEO of Otovo USA, and former CEO and Founder of Sunnova
In this episode, Sean White chats with John Berger, CEO of Otovo USA and former CEO of Sunnova, about the dynamic landscape of the solar industry. They discuss Otovo's focus on service, including rolling trucks, fixing systems, and creating virtual power plants (VPPs). John highlights the importance of modernizing regulations, expanding into the European market, and the integration of AI to enhance service efficiency. He also shares insights on addressing power bill hikes and the evolving role of batteries and EVs in the energy mix. Tune in to hear about the challenges and opportunities in the clean energy sector, and how Otovo is poised to lead the charge.
Topics discussed:
Sunnova
VPP = Virtual Power Plant
Service Business
Retail power
Deregulated = Consumer Choice
Europe
Sunnova
Dr. Shi Zhengrong
OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturing
Residential customers
NABCEP Certifications
NABCEP website
Storage in Solar vs Solar in Storage
Generators
AHJ = Authority Having Jurisdiction
Iron Curtain Mentality
AI Technologies
Robotics
Waymo
Sean White NABCEP Classes
Reach out to John Berger here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/john-berger-61042724
Website: www.otovo.ai
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/pvcms

Oct 26, 2025 • 1h 6min
ASES Chair Ben Luce talks about the American Solar Energy Society
Join Sean White in this engaging episode of the 'Sean White Solar and Energy Storage Podcast' as he converses with special guest Ben Luce, the chair of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). They share stories about the history and evolution of ASES, the significance of ASES conferences, and the essential role of education in advancing solar energy. Ben also shares insights on both domestic and international solar policy challenges, the impact of regulatory systems, and the pressing need for grassroots advocacy. Additionally, Ben highlights his dual role as a passionate musician with his band Sonic Vortex. Tune in to learn more about the dynamic world of solar energy and the integral efforts of ASES in shaping its future.
Topics Covered:
ASES = American Solar Energy Society
ISES = International Solar Energy Society
NorCal Solar =
E=mc2
Kinetic Energy
1954
Solar Cooking
NAEBRS = National Ambient Energy Building Research Symposium
Carly = ASES Executive Director
The ZEN Network = Zero Emission Network
ASES Membership
Fall Fundraiser
Donation = https://ases.site-ym.com/donations/
ASES Conference
COP = Conference of the Parties
Sinai Peninsula
Ra = Egyptian god of the sun
Dr. David Renné = President of ISES
Claudia Wentworth Award
Madam Mi
SNEC Conference
InterSolar Conference
Eicke Weber
CleanTech Business Club
Regulated Monopolies
NYSEIA = New York State Solar Energy Industries Association
Soft costs
Sonic Vortex
And as a special treat, we’ll be wrapping up this episode with a live performance of ‘Hyperion’ by Ben Luce of Sonic Vortex, recorded in February 2024. Stay tuned and enjoy the music!
Here’s the Hyperion YouTube link: https://youtu.be/Rb_sSfcb6yk?si=Jbkmi96TTdMdWUww
Reach out to Ben Luce here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ben-luce-588b1850
ASES Website: www.ases.org/
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

Oct 24, 2025 • 21min
Solar Celebrity Rudy Saporite of IBTS The Solar Games at RE+
Join host Sean White as he sits down with Rudy Saporite, Program Director at IBTS, to explore leadership in the solar and energy storage industry. Discover how IBTS sets the standard for quality, and compliance, and learn about the challenges and triumphs of ensuring safe, reliable solar installations across the nation. Rudy shares insights on industry best practices, the importance of third-party verification, and the collaborative spirit that drives progress in renewable energy.
Topics Covered
RE+
IBTS = Institute for Building Technology and Safety www.ibts.org
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
Burnham Energy
Inspection
ISO = International Organization for Standardization
Solar Games
Shawn O'Brien
Grid Alternatives All-Women Team
Reach out to Rudy Saporite here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-saporite
Website: www.ibts.org
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

Oct 22, 2025 • 30min
AI Solar Robots with Lishuo Pan Brown University Grad Student
In this episode Sean White is joined by Lishuo Pan, a PhD student at Brown University specializing in robotics and computer science. They talked about the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and solar energy, focusing on the challenges and innovations in solar panel maintenance and cleaning. The conversation covers the use of drones and robots in solar projects. Lishuo shares insights from his research on multi-robot systems and discusses the practical hurdles of bringing new technology to market.
Topics Covered:
Role of AI and robotics in solar energy
Drone applications for solar panel maintenance
Sensor technology for monitoring solar panel soiling
The job market and skills needed in the solar and AI industries
NABCEP certifications and professional directories
The impact of tax credits and policy on solar innovation
Real-world obstacles in solar panel cleaning and maintenance
Advice for startups and researchers entering the solar technology space
Reach out to Lishuo Pan here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lishuo-pan
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/40hress

Oct 19, 2025 • 45min
JRenewable Energy Development with Joe Tassone of onCORE: Surfing the waves in the renewable energy industry
In this episode of the Sean White Solar and Energy Storage podcast, Sean sits down with Joe Tassone, founder of onCORE, to explore the intersection of real estate and renewable energy. Joe dives into onCORE’s role in originating land for solar, battery, and EV projects across the US. They discuss the specifics of working with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), the challenges of utility interconnection, the evolving political landscape affecting the renewable industry, and how energy storage could solve current grid limitations. Whether you're an industry professional or an energy enthusiast, this podcast offers valuable insights into the future of renewable energy development and technology.
Topics Covered:
Project Origination Company
IPP = Independent Power Producer
Cell Towers
Originate land
Develop land
DG = Distributed Generation
National Grid
NextEra
Power Plants
Substation
The Big Beautiful Bill
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
Tax Credit
Vetted projects
Energy storage got spared from Trump
December 31, 2027
FEOC = Foreign Entity of Concern
Safe Harboring
Landlord assigned paper
Reach out to Joe Tassone here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-f-tassone-jr-a778a1190/
Website: www.oncoreorig.com/
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
www.solarsean.com
solarsean.com/58hress

Oct 17, 2025 • 24min
Solar Breakthroughs: Flexible Modules, U.S. Manufacturing, and Industry Legends at RE+
Join host Sean White as he sits down with Blair Reynolds at the RE+ conference for an in-depth discussion on the latest innovations in solar manufacturing. This episode explores the development of flexible solar modules, the shift toward domestic production, and the impact of advanced materials on the future of solar energy. Learn how industry leaders are driving change, overcoming supply chain challenges, and setting new standards for sustainability and performance in the solar sector.
Topics Covered
Blair Society
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
Solar Living Institute
NABCEP Exam Committee
John Wiles
Acid
Marsupials
University of New South Wales
Crystals
Martin Green
Suntech
Dr. Shi Zhengrong
Bila Solar www.bilasolar.com
Flexible Solar
Cold Formed Rolling
Origami Solar www.origamisolar.com
Grid Forming Inverters
SMA Solar www.sma.de
UL 3741
Reach out to Blair Reynolds here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/blair-r
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

Oct 15, 2025 • 26min
IRA Compliance with ProScore's Jason Evans
Join host Sean White as he interviews Jason Evans, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at ProScore Technologies, about the transformative role of AI in workforce management for the renewable energy sector. Discover how ProScore’s innovative solutions streamline compliance with the Inflation Reduction Act, simplify onboarding for contractors and subcontractors, and support apprenticeship programs across the industry. This episode offers valuable insights into prevailing wage compliance, high-paying career opportunities, and the future of technology-driven workforce solutions in clean energy.
Topics Covered
ProScore Technologies
IRA = Inflation Reduction Act
Constructors and Subcontractors
Apprenticeship Program
Incentives
Tax Credits
E-Learning
EPC = Engineering, Procurement and Construction
AI = Artificial Intelligence
ASES = American Solar Energy Society
Big Beautiful Bill
Prevailing Wage
Davis-Bacon
www.sam.gov
ProScore Connect
Solar Apprenticeship Program
Reach out to Jason Evans here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jason-evans
Website: www.proscore.ai
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

Oct 12, 2025 • 42min
Blair Reynolds Grid Forming and UL 3741
In this episode of the Solar and Energy Storage podcast, hosts Sean White and Blair Reynolds provide a detailed discussion on grid forming inverters, the UL 3741 safety standard, and current developments in renewable energy technology. The conversation covers technical aspects of inverter operation, the significance of synthetic inertia for grid stability, and the practical implications of recent industry standards. The hosts also address the relationship between technological advancement and regulatory policy, offering insights relevant to professionals and stakeholders in the solar and energy storage sectors.
Topics Covered
Podcast with Greg smith (rushed by Blair and Emmit!)
YouTube
Apple Podcast
Grid Forming Inverters
UL3741
SMA America https www.sma.de
Inverter
Rapid Shutdown
Osmosis
ESS = Energy Storage System
Grid
Inertia / Synthetic Inertia / Virtual Inertia
Backup System
Power Outage
Grid Tied Inverter
Anti-Islanding
Synchronous Grid Forming Technology
Inverter Based Resource
Standalone Inverter
Grid Forming Inverter Technology
ESIG = Energy Systems Integration Group
SunPower www.us.sunpower.com
Sollega
Iron Ridge
RayTray
National Electrical Code
Array Level Shutdown
FMEA = Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
NEC Article 690.12
Wire Management
Derek Solar Boy
Thin Film Solar
Standard First Solar Module
Perovskite
Reach out to Blair Reynolds here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/blair-r
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

Oct 10, 2025 • 22min
Mini-Central Inverters to NABCEP with Emily Hwang at RE+ Vegas
Host Sean White sits down with Emily Hwang of Yaskawa Solectria Solar at the RE+ event in Las Vegas to discuss the latest developments in utility-scale solar inverters. The conversation covers the design and maintenance of "mini central" inverters, Build America Buy America (BABA) compliance, and the integration of energy storage systems. Emily also shares her experiences in renewable energy and insights on industry certifications, providing practical perspectives for solar professionals and project developers.
Topics Covered
RE+
Yaskawa Solectria Solar www.solectria.com
Microplastic
Mini Central Inverter
Central Inverter
String Inverter
Pop and Swap Solution
The Jetsons and The Flintstones
Feed in Tariff
National Institute of Ecology
Bioethanol
Ethanol
NABCEP Exam Spanish Translation
NABCEP Exam Committee
Dave Click
John Wiles
Tony Diaz
Ward Bower
PVIP www.solarsean.com/pvip
ESIP www.solarsean.com/esip
BABA = Build America Buy America
FEOC = Foreign Entities of Concern
JTA = Job Task Analysis
Reach out to Emily Hwang here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhwang
Website: www.solectria.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/pvip
www.solarsean.com/esip


