Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

In this episode, Sean White welcomes Bernadette Del Chiaro, a prominent figure in the solar industry. Bernadette discusses her current role as the Senior Vice President of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and her extensive background in the field, including her tenure as the executive director of the California Solar and Storage Association. The conversation dives into EWG's mission and Bernadette's recent projects, including a lawsuit against the California Public Utilities Commission over net metering policies and promoting balcony solar systems. The episode highlights the importance of distributed generation, rooftop solar, and the legal and policy challenges facing the solar industry in California. Sean and Bernadette also touch on the political influence of investor-owned utilities and the future of energy policy.   Topics Covered: CALSSA = California Solar and Storage Association Distributed generation EWG = Environmental Working Group Public Utilities Commission and California Net-Metering Balcony Solar Plug-in and play systems Neighborhood sharing program Lawsuit Load growth Million Solar Roof Initiative 2006   Reach out to Bernadette Del Chiaro here: LinkedIn:   www.linkedin.com/in/bernadette-del-chiaro-7598706/  Email:  bernadette@ewg.org   Website: www.ewg.org Rooftop Solar Defense Fund Campaign: www.act.ewg.org/a/ewg-solar   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 us as we explore the future of energy storage with Antonio Baclig, CEO of Inlyte Energy. Discover how reinventing batteries—especially sodium-based technology—could transform the grid, make renewable energy more reliable, and reduce dependence on global supply chains. We break down battery basics, discuss the challenges and opportunities in battery innovation, and touch on the broader impact for climate and society. Whether you’re an energy enthusiast or just curious about what powers tomorrow, this episode offers fresh insights and inspiration for anyone interested in the next big leap in clean energy.   Topics Covered Inlyte Energy www.inlyteenergy.com Battery Solid State Battery Battery Chemistry Antonio’s Career Background ESS = Energy Storage System Chemistry Sodium Metal Battery Grid Storage Anodes & Cathodes Alkaline Batteries Three Electrode Batteries Quantum Mechanics Intercolation Dendrites Batteries for Airplane EV Charging = Electric Vehicle Charging Electrochemical Potential Nominal Volt Chemical Bonds Bill Gates’ Three Tough Truths About Climate Change Global Climate   Reach out to Antonio Baclig here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-baclig Inlyte Energy: www.inlyteenergy.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

Celebrate a century of innovation with “100 Years of Energy.” Host Sean White interviews Laurie Oswald, Chief Commercial Officer at Trojan Battery Company, to uncover how Trojan evolved from a lead-acid battery pioneer to a leader in lithium technology. Discover real-world stories from off-grid Alaska to global markets, the secrets behind batteries that last decades, and how customer feedback drives Trojan’s innovation. Whether you’re into energy, technology, or inspiring business journeys, this episode offers powerful insights into the past, present, and future of energy storage.   Topics Covered C&D Trojan www.cdtrojan.com ESS = Energy Storage System Battery LSEV = Low Speed Electric Vehicle EV = Electric Vehicle Trojan Batteries Lead-Acid VS Lithium ion Battery Longevity NEC = National Electrical Code Float Charge Off Grid   Reach out to Laurie Oswald here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ldoswald C&D Trojan www.cdtrojan.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

Discover how solar power is changing the game for cities, businesses, and your wallet. Host Sean White sits down with Michael Chanin, CEO of Cherry Street Energy, to reveal the secrets behind affordable, no-upfront-cost solar electricity. From the company’s unique origin story to real talk about industry myths, workforce training, and building a legacy business, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and practical advice. Whether you’re a solar skeptic or a clean energy fan, you’ll learn how the future of power is being built, one community at a time. Tune in and get energized!   Topics Covered Cherry Street Energy www.cherrystreet.com Heatspring www.heatspring.com/instructors/sean-white NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners  www.nabcep.org Marketplace Education IREC = Interstate Renewable Energy Council Unethical Solar Salespeople Supply and Demand Utility Coal Fossil Fuel Solar Coaster Combustion Car EV = Electric Vehicle HVAC = Heating, Ventilation, And Air Conditioning   Reach out to Michael Chanin here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchanin Website: www.cherrystreet.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

Join host Sean White as he interviews Dr. Laura Ward, a leading expert in power electronics, on the evolution of electrical grids from traditional synchronous machines to advanced smart grids. This episode explores the critical role of grid forming inverters in stabilizing renewable energy systems, their technical advantages, and real-world applications in microgrids and urban infrastructure. Dr. Ward shares insights from her research and professional experience, offering a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in modernizing the grid for a sustainable, resilient energy future. Ideal for professionals and enthusiasts in energy, engineering, and policy.   Topics Covered Grid Forming Inverter Grid Following Inverter Synchronous Machines Droop Coefficients Ancillary Services Microgrid Grid Grid Forming Inverter Policy   Reach out to Laura Ward here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drlaura-ward Instagram: www.instagram.com/stem.laurandre   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

Join host Sean White as he interviews Mark Jacobs, a renewable energy marketing expert, about creative ways to make solar energy and electric vehicles part of mainstream American culture. Discover the story behind a unique solar-themed jigsaw puzzle, learn about the EV Math campaign helping rural communities save money with electric vehicles, and hear how Twende Solar brings clean energy to underserved areas worldwide. With engaging stories, humor, and practical insights, this episode highlights the power of creativity and community in driving the clean energy transition. Perfect for anyone interested in sustainability, innovation, and positive social impact.   Topics Covered Solar Marketing Jigsaw Puzzle Twende Solar www.twendesolar.org EV = Electric Vehicle EV Math Range Anxiety Free Supercharging for Life Rural Community AI = Artificial Intelligence Artificial Smoke and Sound for Electric Vehicles Self-Reliance and Independence Creative Marketing Portland Puzzle Company   Reach out to Mark Jacobs here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/markjacobs   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

Join jokester Sean White as he interviews Aaron Nichols, research and policy specialist at Exact Solar and creator of "This Week in Solar." Discover Aaron’s unique journey from teaching and traveling to working in solar and learn how he’s making solar news accessible through engaging communication. The episode covers the evolution of solar industry messaging, strategies for reaching diverse audiences, and the importance of storytelling in marketing and public outreach. Whether you’re a solar professional or just curious about the industry, this episode offers practical insights, real-world experiences, and a fresh perspective on solar news and careers.   Topics Covered Grid Alternatives Aaron’s Career Cougars Circus girls This Week in Solar www.exactsolar.substack.com/podcast Podcast Public Speaking Stage Fright Exact Solar www.exactsolar.com Infinite Solar NEC = National Electrical Code EPC = Engineering Procurement and Construction Circus Copywriting Writing Burning Man Suncast Communication Strategies Utility   Reach out to Aaron Nichols here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-nichols Exact Solar: www.exactsolar.com This Week in Solar Substack: www.exactsolar.substack.com/podcast This Week in Solar YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekInSolar   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

Join host Sean White and solar industry leader Nabih Cherradi for an expert discussion on the explosive growth of solar manufacturing, global market dynamics, and the future of clean energy. Recorded live at RE+, this episode explores why solar keeps beating projections, the role of policy and innovation, and offers practical advice for new entrants. Discover why the future of solar is brighter than ever!   Topics Covered Desert Technologies www.desert-technologies.com Solar in Antarctica Policies Solar in the Past Feed-in Tariff Supply and Demand Solar Market Incentives Factory Polysilicon Investment What Creates Jobs in the Solar Industry Module Manufacturing CapEx Workforce Sustainable Jobs Africa Workforce and Market Potential Podcast in SNEC Conference Apple podcast YouTube Spotify Pandora Podbean   Reach out to Nabih Cherradi here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nabih-cherradi Website: www.desert-technologies.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

Join host Sean White as he interviews Dr. David Renee and Dr. Paulette Middleton, leaders in atmospheric science and renewable energy. Explore the evolution of solar energy, the impact of organizations like ISES and ASES, and the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. This episode highlights the importance of community, workforce development, and effective communication in advancing sustainable energy. Gain professional insights and historical context on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of solar and renewable energy worldwide.   Topics Covered ISES = International Solar Energy Society www.ises.org ASES = American Solar Energy Society www.ases.org NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association www.norcalsolar.org Atmospheric Sciences Climate David’s Career NREL = National Renewable Energy Laboratory Early Days in Solar Industry Wind Energy SERI = Solar Energy Research Institute President Jimmy Carter CALSA = California Storage Association IRENA = International Renewable Energy Agency COP Conference Fossil Fuel Solar Today Magazine www.ases.org/solartoday Workforce Development Oil and Gas Industry Utility Off Grid Panorama Pathways www.panoramapathways.net Aspen Hill Films   Reach out to David & Paulette here: David’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dave-renne Paulette’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paulette-middleton Panorama Pathways: www.panoramapathways.net   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 welcomes Khanti Munro, Senior Product Manager at ConnectDER, to talk about meter socket adapters (MSAs) and their role in the evolving world of distributed energy resources (DERs). Khanti shares his journey in the solar industry, his mentorship under industry legend Johnny Weiss, and his hands-on experience with solar installations and product innovation   Topics Covered: Introducing ConnectDER MSA = Meter Socket Adapter MBA = Meter Base Adapter DER = Distributed Energy Resources EV = Electric Vehicle California Rule 21 Rule 31 UL 1741 UL 414 UL 3141 ESS = Energy Storage Systems Supply Side Connection MSA, EV MSA with load management, Islander for whole-house backup RTFM = Read the F_N Manual Integration of MSAs with inverters and storage systems from SolarEdge, Franklin, Lunar, and EcoFlow The challenges and rewards of product development and patenting in the solar industry Practical advice for installers Stories from the field, including working with Bernie Sanders   Reach out to Khanti Munro here: Email: kmunro@connectder.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/khantimunro Website: www.connectder.com   Check out the latest Greg Smith’s podcast here: www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/greg-smith-the-snarky-solar-guy-and-best-selling-author   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