

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

Nov 10, 2024 • 38min
Solar Innovations with Brit Heller
They delve into Brit's journey in the solar industry, exploring her experiences from door-to-door solar sales to her work on community solar projects and farm management. The conversation highlights the vital need for more women in solar and the innovative courses offered by Heatspring. Join us for a mix of valuable insights, captivating stories, and plenty of laughs!
Topics covered:
Brit’s role in HeatSpring as the Director of Program Management
PVIP = PV Installation Professional
ESIP = Energy Storage Installation Professional
Solar Roadways
PVTS = PV Technical Sales
Solar Sales
Taylor Jackson of HeatSpring Solar Sales Class
Americorps
Grid Alternatives Solar Corp Fellowship Program
Community Solar Gardens
Brit’s hostel in Chile
Sun Bottle Farms
Women to do Solar
Siblings in Solar Industry
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
HeatSpring involvement in NABCEP
NABCEP Conferences
Reach Brittany Heller here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-heller
HeatSpring.: www.heatspring.com
Email: brit@heatspring.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Nov 3, 2024 • 49min
Greg Smith Battery Powered Home and NABCEP ESIP
In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy storage podcast, I'm excited to welcome back my long-time friend and industry expert, Greg Smith. We dive into his book, The Battery Powered Home, and explore the NABCEP ESIP certification, along with a wide range of topics in solar and energy storage technologies. Greg shares some valuable insights from his experiences during the peak of the lockdown and his work with companies like SMA, Sonnen, and Tigo. We also talked about practical tips for new installers, the importance of reading manuals, and share some funny stories from our careers.
Topics covered:
Greg Smith's book
- The Battery-Powered Home: Foolproof Grid-Tied Lithium Storage
SM Sunny Island 5048U
Tokelau Island
Greg Smith Working with various companies
RTFM = Read the F_N Manual
Advice for Solar Industry Newcomers
CCA = Community Choice Aggregation
ATS = Automatic Transfer Switch
Tigo Ei Inverter
Net metering
NABCEP ESIP
Funny Solar model images
NABCEP PVIP
NABCEP JTA committee
NFPA 855
Ward Bower
Sean White as the first to pass NABCEP ESIP exam
Greg Smith's barbecue and personal stories
Check him out here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gregsmith007
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@SnarkySolarGuy
Website: www.snarkysolarguy.com
Amazon: The Battery-Powered Home: Foolproof Grid-Tied Lithium
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Oct 27, 2024 • 56min
Solar for Women with Riley Neugebauer
In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, host Sean White has an engaging conversation with Riley Neugebauer, a renowned solar influencer and installer. Riley shares her journey into the solar industry, the founding of her organization 'Solar for Women,' and her insights on the challenges women face in the solar trades. They also discuss her role as a residential electrician, the social aspects of the solar community, and the future of solar technology and policy.
Topics Covered:
Solar for Women
Facebook www.facebook.com/SolarForWomen
Website www.solarforwomen.com
Instagram www.instagram.com/solarforwomen
ASES conference
Riley's Background
Red Cloud Renewable www.redcloudrenewable.org
Women in the Solar Industry
Namaste Solar
Website www.namastesolar.com
Linkedin www.linkedin.com/company/namaste-solar
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
Electricians
Derek the Solar boi www.solarboi.com
O&M = operations and maintenance
Flashing and butyl
Tesla Powerwall
DaVinci Shingles
MCI = mid Circuit Interrupter
Rapid Shutdown
UL 3741
Increasing Module size
NREL = National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Solar tile
The Future
Question and answer for Sean
Check out Riley here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/riley-neugebauer
Solar for Women: www.solarforwomen.com
Namaste: www.namastesolar.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/riley.neugebauer
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@solarinstallergirl
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Oct 20, 2024 • 1h 27min
Tim Townsend 1980s Solar, PVUSA and more!
Sean White hosts Tim Townsend in an extensive discussion on the historical and technical evolution of solar energy. They delve into Arco Solar's pioneering work in the 1980s, the PVUSA project, and personal anecdotes that bring to life the early days of the solar industry. The conversation also explores the practicalities of solar energy systems, from degradation rates to the enduring reliability of older and newer modules. Tim shares insights earned from decades in the field, peppered with amusing and thought-provoking stories, including a scare involving a stray bullet at the PVUSA site.
Topics Covered:
PG&E = Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PVUSA = Photovoltaics for Utility Systems Applications.
Eclipse
Arco Solar
Off grid
On grid
AEE Solar
Real Goods Solar
Carrizo Solar
Grid-tie Inverter
History of Solar
Led Acid Battery
33 cell modules and 36 cell modules
System Sizing and Site Analysis
Darren Bouton
SCE = Southern California Edison
Radio Shack Science Kit
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
PVUSA test conditions
EPRI = Electric Power research Institute
NREL = National Renewable Energy Laboratory
M660
NOCT = Nominal Operating Cell Temperature
VOC = Open Circuit Voltage
NMOT + Nominal Module Operating Temperature
CEC = California Energy Commission test conditions
AC = Rating
Evergreen solar
PVUSA Testing Center (near a target range)
PVUSA Testing Center Tour
NREL Performance and Reliability Workshop
PV Degradation
Reach Tim Townsend here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tim-townsend
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Oct 13, 2024 • 53min
Energy Storage and Beyond: Wayne Garrett on Viridi’s Tech, Partnerships, and Military Uses
In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean White interviews Wayne Garrett, Chief Commercial Officer for Viridi. They discuss Viridi's innovative energy storage solutions, including their use of LG 18650 cells, passive cooling technology, and applications in microgrids and commercial settings. They also touch on Viridi's partnerships, particularly with Sunbelt and potential connections to construction equipment. Additionally, Garrett shares insights about their military applications, emphasizing the importance of silent and efficient battery systems in tactical scenarios.
Topics covered:
Microgrids
Microgrid training
Viridi Parente www.viridiparente.com
Energy Storage
Solar on Traffic lights
Scalable systems
Battery Management Systems
Lithium Ion Batteries
Passive Cooling
Active Cooling
NMC = Nickel Magnesium Cobalt
LG 18650
LFP = Lithium Iron Phosphate
First Fail safe Lithium Ion Battery System
UL 9540A
ESS = Energy Storage System
Phenolic plate
Sunbelt
Parallelable
Battery System
Hybrid Cars
EV = Electric Vehicle
EV Charging Station
Bobcat
Battery Energy Storage Systems
VPP = Virtual Power Plant
AI = Artificial Intelligence
Wayne Garrett Army Background
Energy Storage System Benefits for Military use
Reach Wayne Garrett here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-garrett
Viridi: www.viridiparente.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Oct 6, 2024 • 46min
Powering Success: The Energy Consulting Edge with Jessica Harris
Join Sean White on this episode of the Solar and Energy Storage Podcast as he sits down with Jessica Harris, President of Harris Energy Solutions. They explore Jessica’s role in shaping her company’s focus on energy consulting versus engineering, and what sets them apart. Discover her approach to establishing a successful consulting firm, and the role of energy modeling in her work. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of energy consulting and the future of sustainable practices.
Topics Covered:
Harris Energy Solutions: www.hesconnect.com
PE = Professional Engineer
Difference between Energy Engineering and Consulting
Title 24 laws in California
C&I = Commercial and Industrial
NABCEP PVDS
Energy Modelling in Equest – Jessica Harris’ Heatspring class www.heatspring.com/courses/energy-modeling-in-equest
VRF = Variable Refrigerant Flow
HERS Rater = Home Energy Rating System Rater
Energy Audit
Solar Incentives
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency: www.dsireusa.org
NYSERDA = New York State Energy Research and Development Authority: www.nyserda.ny.gov
CPS Energy
Strategies in building and expanding a successful Company
Decarbonization
Heat Pumps
HeatSpring
Different types of companies
Reach Jessica Harris here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-harris
Harris Energy Solutions: www.hesconnect.com
Heatspring: www.heatspring.com/courses/energy-modeling-in-equest
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Sep 29, 2024 • 36min
Unlocking the Secrets of Illumine-I's Success
Illumine – I is a pioneering solar engineering firm driving innovation and efficiency in renewable energy solutions. CEO and illumine – I’s co-founder, Nithish Sairam discusses his journey, the challenges of the renewable energy sector, and the innovative approaches Illumine-I is bringing to the table.
Here are some of the topics discussed:
Arizona
Entrepreneurship vs working in Corporate Industry
Stanford Seed Program
Illumine – I
Tesla
NextEra
Surfing
British Wiring Standards
Illumine-I’s Services and Market Focus
Introducing IVE
Formula Race Cars<
Analyzing the Wind flow over meteor crater
Strategies in handling small and large scale projects
Reach Nithish Sairam here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nithish-sairam-26358156
Illumine-i.: www.illuminei.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Sep 22, 2024 • 48min
Selling a Solar Company, with Herve Billiet
In this engaging episode, Sean White welcomes back Herve Billiet, who shares insights from his recent experience selling his company Ipsun Solar. They discuss the intricacies of selling a business, the evolution of the solar industry, and delve into Herve's current venture, Sunvoy. The conversation also touches on the importance of efficient business management, leveraging AI for business operations, and the importance of thorough preparations when selling a company.
Topics covered:
Selling your company
Sunvoy www.sunvoy.com
Ipsun www.ipsunsolar.com
B corp
C corp
S corp
NABCEP www.nabcep.org
Zepp Solar
Solar City/Tesla
Joe Marhamati
Broker
Stock deal no asset deal
Non-compete regulation
AI = Artificial Intelligence
EPC = Engineering Procurement Construction
EBITDA = Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization
White House Energy Incorporated
SaaS = Software as a Service
Sunvoy API = Application Programming Interface
Q&A for Sean White
Matt Pace
Arco Solar Modules
Jeff Spies
Solar Roots Movie
Ezra Auerbach www.linkedin.com/in/ezra-a
Ward Bowers
1954 Bell Labs Solar
Bill Brooks www.linkedin.com/in/bill-brooks
NEC = National Electrical Code
Article 690 Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
705.13 Energy Management System
Check Herve out at:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/hervebilliet
Sunvoy: www.sunvoy.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean ’ s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Sep 15, 2024 • 50min
Perch's CEO Bruce Stewart
Perch Energy is a leading community solar service provider dedicated to making renewable energy accessible and equitable. We support solar project owners and subscribers by offering services that maximize ROI, including subscriber acquisition, lifecycle management, and expert guidance on local regulations. Our mission is to connect everyone—renters, homeowners, businesses, and municipalities—to community solar projects, ensuring that all can benefit from clean energy.
Bruce Stewart is a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience driving business growth and transformation across various industries. Formerly President of Direct Energy Home, he played a key role in its successful sale to NRG for $3.6 billion and achieved significant operational improvements. Bruce’s expertise spans telecommunications, technology, and energy sectors, where he emphasizes data-driven decision-making and customer experience.
Topics covered in this podcast include:
The current landscape of community solar in the U.S.
Benefits and challenges of community solar versus traditional utilities.
State-specific community solar programs and the potential for legislative change.
Accessibility of solar energy for low-income individuals and renters.
The interplay between community solar, rooftop solar, and energy storage solutions.
Core Values:
p
purposeful
We're passionate about making clean energy access easier and more rewarding
e
entrepreneurial
We're visionary disruptors, challenging the status quo, unafraid to fail forward
r
respectful
We treat our planet, our customers and each other with humility and respect
c
collaborative
We value each other's contributions and work inclusively to make things better
h
honest
We communicate openly, act transparently and promote environmental justice
Reach Bruce Stewart here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/brucestewart
Perch energy Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/perchenergy
Perch energy website: www.perchenergy.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking
Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Sep 14, 2024 • 29min
SNEC ES+ with Madame Mi and Jenny Tong (ES=Energy Storage)
SNEC is by far the largest Renewable Energy conference in the world with a half-million people attending, and SNEC has also branched out with a conference that is just for Energy Storage and will happen soon in Shanghai
SNEC ES: Energy Storage Conference and Exhibition:
September 24-27 2024
https://es.snec.org.cn
Also go to the other SNEC conference and exhibition:
June 10-13 2025
https://pv.snec.org.cn/?locale=en-US
We talk about coming to SNEC ES+ and learning how the ES industry works and what it takes to make a factory in the US, and how you can learn to build and efficient factory in the US and create American jobs! Praise the Inflation Reduction Act!
I have known Madame Mi for 19 years and she is a good friend. I have seen her go from someone leading a small conference to a conference that is bigger than many cities. Jenny Tong is Madame Mi's daughter and has helped translate some of the conversation. Both are good friends.
In this podcast we also talk about the history of SNEC to where it is now.
This big SNEC show floor is 380,000 square meters = 4.3 million square feet = 71 football fields = 54 acres and then there is a lot more space than the exhibition!
Jenny is now taking Sean's Energy Storage Boot Camp class on Heatspring and you should too!
www.heatspring.com
To learn more and become super successful like Madame Mi, go to www.solarSEAN.com


