Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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