Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

In this conversation with Ezra Auerbach, we cover a lot of topics, especially solar sales, and ethics. Ezra is especially passionate about ethical solar and storage sales practices. Ezra and Sean both teach NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) classes.   Ezra also has lived off-grid on an Island on the West Coast of Canada for 50+ years. He started his first solar company in 1986.   Most people know him for his involvement with NABCEP, including being there at the founding of NABCEP and especially his time running NABCEP as the Executive Director from 2009 to 2013. Ezra is still active with NABCEP, and I still see him around at various conferences and events. Perhaps you do too!   Topics Covered: NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Microgrids Virtual Power Plants = VPP Energy Storage Systems = ESS SEIA = Solar Energy Industry Association                                                                                                      NABCEP ESIP = Energy Storage Installation Professional certification Net-Metering California Net-Metering policy (NEM 2.0 and NEM 3.0) California Solar Initiative Jeff Spies (see Sean’s podcast with Jeff 4/28/2024) EA = Energy Alternatives www.energyalternatives.ca/ Solar Thermal NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association Scanifly LiDAR = Light Detection And Ranging EV = Electric Vehicle SMA solar = System Mess and Anlagentchnik<   Reach Ezra Auerbach here: Ezra’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ezra-a-4905123b/   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

In this episode, Sean White is joined by Sierra Fan, co-founder of cleantech software platform Illu (www.illu.works) and fellow board member of NorCal Solar. They discuss everything from the importance of nature education for children to the balance of pollutant vs carbon mitigation in Chinese regulatory policy to the difficulties of running a microgrid installation crew in Myanmar. Finally, they dig deep into the new software technology that Sierra is building at Illu and why ongoing digital tools are a critical component for the buildout of the new clean energy workforce in the US and beyond.   Topics Covered: Climate Change Pollution Carbon Emission Greenhouse Gas Climate Deniers Global Warming Silicon Valley Highschool Henry M Gunn Highschool An Inconvenient Truth www.wikipedia.org/An_Inconvenient_Truth SunPower Foundation www.sunpower.com/foundation One Million Lights Philippines www.onemillionlights.org Sacha Baron Ali G www.youtube.com Illu www.illu.works Benefits of Illu Check out Sierra Fan here: Sierra Fan Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sierrafan/ Illu Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/illuworks/ Illu www.illu.works   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Matthew is the Communications Lead at the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub ( MACH2). As one of the leading figures in the hydrogen energy sector, he recently delivered a compelling Opening Keynote at the North American Hydrogen Summit 2024, highlighting the transformative potential of green and pink hydrogen in achieving significant environmental goals.   1. Green and Pink Hydrogen Initiatives:Explore how MACH2 plans to integrate green and pink hydrogen into its operations and the broader implications for the energy industry. 2. Environmental Impact: Delve into MACH2’s ambitious goal to reduce up to 25 million Metric Tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and criteria pollutants per year through innovative hydrogen solutions. 3. Hydrogen Hub Development:Gain insights into the progress and challenges of developing one of the seven hydrogen hubs across the United States and the role of MACH2 in this nationwide effort. 4. Future of Clean Energy: Discuss the broader vision for the hydrogen economy in the U.S. and how MACH2's initiatives align with national and global sustainability goals.   This interview presents a rare and exclusive opportunity to gain insights into the future of hydrogen energy directly from a key leader in the field. Matt Krayton’s expertise and insights will provide invaluable perspectives on how clean hydrogen solutions can drive significant environmental and economic benefits.   Topics covered include: Hydrogen colors and definitions Green hydrogen Blue Hydrogen Turquoise Hydrogen Yellow hydrogen Brown hydrogen and black hydrogen (coal) Pink hydrogen (nuclear) Orange hydrogen Grey hydrogen (most common) SMR = Steam Methane Reformation Hydrogen hub Smart pipe Sensors Using existing methane (natural gas) pipe Re-sleeving Retooling Refurbishing IRA = Inflation Reduction Act Ammonia NH3 Hydrogen H2 Methane CH4 Lithium Ion Batteries EV = Electric Vehicle Climate Change Amtrak Bipartisan Infrastructure Law   Reach Matthew Krayton here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkrayton/ Publitics Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/publitics-solutions-llc/ Influence IQ: www.influenceiq.publitics.com/   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Christopher has and has had many roles in the solar and storage industry. Currently he is a consultant and has fractional leadership roles in various companies, such as Kevala. Christopher was also the CEO and COO of Blue Planet, which is pioneer in using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) lithium-ion batteries. Christopher has worked with SEPA and Seneca Environmental. Christopher Johnson takes things off the plate of busy CEOs. He lives and works in San Francisco, the climate tech capital of the world!   Topics Covered: Kevala www.kevala.com Blue Planet www.blueplanetenergy.com Tesla Distributed Energy Ford F150 Bidirectional EVs California 100% EVs by 2035 Clean Energy Buyers Association www.cebuyers.com NorCal solar www.norcalsolar.com Rice University Batteries AI = Artificial Intelligence Seneca Nation EV = Electric Vehicle SEPA = Smart Electric Power Association www.sepapower.com SEIA = Solar Energy Industry Association www.seia.com RE+ www.re-plus.com VPPA = Virtual Power Purchase Agreement Tesla Powerwall NEM = Net Energy Metering Bidirectional Electric Vehicle   Reach Christopher Johnson here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/enlighten/   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by takingSean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Back in the 2009/2010 Ontario FIT era, Sean was teaching classes for the Ontario Solar Academy and the Solar Coaster ended that job and the Ontario Solar Academy, however Sean discovered 14 years later that solaracademy.com has a 2nd live and Kerim is posting videos on the site. This podcast can also be seen on YouTube and on solaracademy.com. Kerim is an entrepreneur with a passion for renewable energy and a history of many things.   Kerim founded Civic Solar and sold it to CED Greentech Kerim is the Managing Director of Enki Solar Investments   Topics covered: Kerim Baran www.linkedin.com Ontario Solar academy Nico Johnson www.linkedin.com Civic Solar CED Greentech Solar Academy solaracademy.com Feed-in tariff  HeatSpring www.heatspring.com Infinite solar Jacob Travis CCA = Community Choice Aggregation   Paul Finn History of Solar Industry Sean White’s background Stuart Wentworth Quick mount PV HeatSpring courses and bundles www.heatspring.com/sean NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioner www.nabcep.com NorCal solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association www.norcalsolar.org ASES = American Solar Energy Society www.ases.com   Check Kerim out at solaracademy.com and at www.linkedin.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

This podcast episode, hosted by Sean White, features an extensive conversation with Paul Subzak about solar energy and energy storage. Recorded in Orinda, California, Sean and Paul discuss a range of topics from utility-scale solar projects to the technical details of electrical infrastructure, including wire sizing and inverters. They also delve into the impacts of regulatory aspects on renewable energy projects and explore the future of solar technology and practical field implementation. Both Sean, with his solar education background, and Paul, with his engineering experience, offer deep insights into the current trends and future directions of the renewable energy industry.   Topics covered: Paul Subzak www.linkedin.com DG = Distributed generation Clear sky Solar Impulse Inverters Trunk bus Power outage and brownouts Recloser IPC = Insulation Piercing Connector IPP = Independent Power Producer Aluminum and copper wire AHJ = Authority Having Jurisdiction Copper Clad Steel CYME www.cyme.com/software/cymcap/ Solar and energy storage Small Grid Interconnect Utility Scale Solar Projects Grid interconnect application NESC = National Electrical Safety Code High Voltage DC DG = Distribution Grid Transmission Grid Grounding Overcurrent Protection String inverters vs. Central inverters Transmission lines Grid following inverters Grid forming inverters Spinning reserves IBR = Inverter Based Resource MPPT = Maximum Power Point Tracking TE Connectivity Frequency regulation Geothermal Heat Pumps Transmission lines Solar in Texas and California DC and AC wire Duct banks ERCOT = Electric Reliability Council of Texas www.ercot.com NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy www.norcalsolar.org ASES = American Solar Energy Society www.ases.org ISES - International Solar Energy Society www.ises.org   Reach Paul Subzak here: Conductor Power: www.conductorpower.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com   Youtube Video Podcast: www.youtube.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by takingSean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

In this episode Sean White welcomes Ed Rottman, CEO of Chroma Energy Group, for a comprehensive discussion on renewable energy, particularly focusing on solar power and energy storage developments. They delve into Ed's background, Chroma Energy Group's operations, and the intricacies of distributed generation, utility scale storage, and the evolution of the solar industry. The conversation also covers innovative trends like agrivoltaics and bifacial photovoltaics, the impact of AI on renewable energy, and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including workforce development and infrastructure investments.   Topics Covered:   Chroma Energy Group www.chromaenergygroup.com Stowers Machinery Caterpillar Dealer www.stowerscat.com MDA = Missile Defense Agency www.mda.mil Booz Allen Hamilton www.boozallen.com Conservative Climate Caucus www.conservativeclimatecaucus.com Inflation Reduction Act TVA = Tennessee Valley Authority www.tva.com Al Gore www.algorewiki.com LPS = Local Power Companies  EPC = Engineering Procurement and Construction www.epc.com ACP = American Clean Power www.cleanpower.com AI technology  RE+ in Texas C&I = Commercial and Industrial DG = Distributed Generation Paul Subzak Electric Vehicle People against solar energy Agrivoltaics Fencing Bifacial PV Monofacial PV Nellis Solar Power Plant 14 megawatt (MW) Utility Scale Storage Projects EMS = Energy Management Systems Climate Week NorCal Solar www.norcalsolar.org SaaS = Software as a Service AI = Artificial Intelligence Impacts on how renewable energy does in the future   You can reach Ed Rottmann here: Ed Rottmann www.linkedin.com/in/edward-rottmann/  Chroma Energy Group www.chromaenergygroup.com Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

In this podcast, Sean White is joined by Tony Diaz, a seasoned roofer and solar expert, and Johan Alfson, a solar installation specialist. They dig deep into the evolution of solar roofing techniques, discussing early practices, industry standards, and the importance of quality installations. The conversation covers the challenges of maintaining roofing integrity, the impact of using modern materials like butyl, and the need for continuous education and proper business practices in the solar industry. They emphasized the value of quality over speed and cheap methods and highlighted the necessity for industry standards and certifications.   Topics Covered:   Stuart Wentworth Claudia Wentworth Ezra Quickmount PV Goop in a prayer Unirac www.unirac.com K2 www.k2-systems.com Rooftech www.rooftech.com Comp Shingle Roofs Bernoulli effect Metal Flashing Butyl roof DirecTV www.directv.com SnapNrack www.snapnrack.com O&M NABCEP www.nabcep.org Golden pledge warranty GAF roofing www.gaf.com Pitch Pocket RE+ Northern California Sales training Crap Solar on Facebook  Solar Hall of Shame NABCEP Conference NRCA = National Roofing Contractors Association www.nrca.net RISE = Roof Integrated Solar Energy SCI Jeff Spies Richard Lawrence   Check them out here: Facebook: Century Roof & Solar  Instagram: @centuryroofandsolar LinkedIn: Century Roof And Solar No Utility Bills Inc: www.noutilitybills.com Century Roof and Solar: www.centuryroofandsolar.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by takingSean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Sean White talks to John Coffman from Commercial Solar about the innovative hybrid power tree. This new technology combines solar and wind energy. John shares insights about the design, engineering, and potential of these hybrid power trees, which are being manufactured in the Philippines. They also discuss partnerships, financing options, and the advantages of combining solar and wind power. Tune in to learn more about this exciting development in green technology.   Topics Covered:   Martin Navales Commercial Solar www.commercialsolar.biz Hybrid Power tree Solind Technology Corporation www.solindtechcorp.com Maxeon solar cells Sun Power www.us.sunpower.com Sunpower vs. Maxeon difference SKEPS www.skeps.com Primus wind turbine Enphase Battery System UL 61730 Solar Windows Colored Solar Artistic Solar Solar Roadways Paint on Solar Smart Flowers Works at night Solar Tree description: PV-7.5 and 8kW- Wind-turbine is 13ft up   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by takingSean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

In this episode, Sean White hosts Joe Marhamati, the visionary behind Sunvoy, as they explore the revolutionary solar and energy storage solutions reshaping the industry. From discussing Sunvoy's innovative customer portal and fleet management app to delving into wider topics like the impact of solar on the grid, the program offers insightful discussions on the future of energy. Join us as we uncover the intersections of technology, sustainability, and business in the solar sector.   Topics covered:   Joe Marhamati www.linkedin.com/in/marhamati/ SUNVOY www.sunvoy.com Ipsun solar www.ipsunsolar.com Lex Friedman White Label US Department of Energy www.energy.gov President Office of Sustainability Support and the Office of the Loan Programs. Jigar Shah www.linkedin.com/in/jigarshahdc/ NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Herve Billiet www.linkedin.com/in/hervebilliet/ Herve Billiet on Sean White's podcast  SaaS = Software as a Service CRM = Customer Relationship Management API = Application Programming Interface Rapid Shutdown B Corp = Benefit corp SREC = Solar renewable energy certificate Hubspot SunCRM www.suncrm.solar Salesforce IRS = Internal Revenue Service Largest PV Plant in the US Electric Vehicles The first large scale commercial solar thermal plants Nevada CSP = Concentrated Solar Power Tesla Revenge of the electric car Solyndra vs Solar module Question and answer for Sean White Infinite Solar Bill Brooks www.linkedin.com/in/bill-brooks-6782616/ derek the solarboi www.solarboi.com derek the solarboi on Sean White's podcast   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by takingSean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean