Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

whitehousesolar
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Jul 7, 2024 • 1h 12min

Kerim Baran and the 2nd coming of solaracademy.com

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
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Jun 30, 2024 • 1h

Paul Subzak on Utility-Scale Solar Engineering

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
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Jun 23, 2024 • 42min

Ed Rottmann, CEO Chroma Energy Group

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
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Jun 16, 2024 • 58min

Tony Diaz talks Roofing and Solar with Johan Alfsen

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
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Jun 9, 2024 • 23min

John Coffman: Solar-Wind Hybrid Trees, too good to be true?

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
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Jun 2, 2024 • 52min

Joe Marhamati of Sunvoy-The Ultimate Solar App

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
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May 26, 2024 • 53min

NorCal Solar 50 Years Party

Celebrating 50 Years with NorCal Solar: Insights, Innovations, and Impact   In this special episode, join Sean White at the 50th NorCal Solar Anniversary Party in Oakland, California. Sean captures the essence of this vibrant gathering, filled with pioneers, innovators, and advocates for solar and energy storage. Each conversation shines a light on the diverse contributions to the solar industry and environmental sustainability. As we celebrate 50 years of NorCal Solar, join us in exploring the future of solar energy, the importance of community, and the advancements in technological and environmental advocacy.   Topics covered and people I talked to:   BMO - Bank of Montreal Oliver Zahn of Climax Foods Check his cheese out on Colbert https://youtu.be/085iMEoqyAI?si=FiFriqxzYgFlLB5p&t=4m18s Claudia Wentworth Past President of ASES Tor "Solar Fred" Valenza or Probably True Solar Stories podcast Rosemary Howley past BOD NorCal Solar Carlo Federiconi past BOD NorCal Solar SEER - Solar Energy Expo and Rally Jim Augustyn BOD NorCal Solar 48 years ago and recently! Author of Solar Cat Book - www.solarcat.com Jerry Brown Kevin Gao Will Wiseman of Climatize - https://climatize.earth Investment Sean's www.solarcellregistry.com idea (anyone want to take it on). EPC Helix Electric Wallbox Chargers Franz Feuerherdt former NorCal BOD and of Solar4america PV manufacturing in California Elaine Hebert former NorCal Solar President ASES - American Solar Energy Society Tor Allen former NorCal BOD of RAHUS INSTITUTE www.rahus.org PG&E Urban Solar Energy Association Mass Bay Solar Energy Association NESEA New England Solar Energy Association NESEA Northeast Sustainable Energy Association California Energy Commission PV USA Siemens Solar Modules Ken Wu of International Ocean Film Foundation https://intloceanfilmfest.org Will Draven SF Climate Week Lana Suvorova 🕊 CEO ESGentle and New NorCal Solar Board Member John Min Saya Impact Kenny Warren of SunrunSun Run Sierra Fan Co-Founder of illu www.illu.works and New NorCal Solar Board Member Paper Cuts Greg Smith RTFM   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.HeatSpring.com/Sean
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May 19, 2024 • 53min

Johan Alfsen: Solar Rock Star

Johan Alfsen is the Senior DIrector of Training at K2 Systems. He was also the Director of Training at Quick Mount PV for 12 years. Johan started the Solar Battle of the Bands, the Solar Comedy Slam and seems to me that he must be in charge of the Solar Games at Intersolar. All super fun competitions.  Topics covered: Quick mount PV K2 and Everest www.k2-systems.com/en-us/ Solar battle of the bands Solar Comedy Slam competition at Intersolar Solar installer competition-Solar Games Warfield Theater Solar Siblings (Sister Jennifer Alfsen) Fidelity Roof Company www.fidelityroof.com Quality Solar Claudia Wentworth ASES www.ases.org NorCal Solar www.norcalsolar.org Nich Pak, Johan’s Solar Band member 111 Minna www.111minnagallery.com Intersolar www.intersolar.us Quick Mount Band Fronius Band Solar City Band Sun Power Band SMA Band Solectria Band “DC/AC” Hotel Utah CALSSA California Solar and Storage Association www.calssa.org RE+ www.re-plus.com Johan’s Band www.northernerband.com HeatSpring classes Brittany Heller Alex Heller Stand up comedy San Francisco Comedy College Rolls Battery Solar Games Intersolar Smarter E www.thesmartere.com (formerly Intersolar) Eicke Weber - Listen to Podcast with Eicke on 4/29/2024 Herman Scheer Fraunhofer Institute www.fraunhofer.de Solar tour Tesla tours Diversified www.divcom.com CSLB www.cslb.ca.gov K2 formerly known as Everest Company Century Roofing and Solar www.centuryroofandsolar.com Metal flashing Sealant based flashing and mounts “Goop and a prayer” was Johan’s quote Norcal Solar/ASES was first solar experience with Solar Homes Tour and the Wentworths Comp shingle roof in japan Asphalt shingle Asphalt impregnated underlayment Butyl Roofing Tim Montague's podcast www.cleanpowerhourpodcast.com Heatspring Classes SEIA Solar Energy Industry Association www.seia.org NYSERDA = New York State Research, Energy Research Development Association www.nyserda.ny.gov CALSSA formerly known CALSEA   You can find Johan Alfsen here: LinkedIn: Johan Alfsen Facebook: Sol Riders Instagram: 510Johan   Johan’s free HeatSpring class for NABCEP credit: www.heatspring.com/courses/k2-pro-certified-installer-training-composition-shingle-roofs   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
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May 12, 2024 • 47min

Richard Lawrence of IREC on Apprenticeships and More!

Richard Lawrence has a long history in the solar industry and is very knowledgeable in many areas (He was formerly the Executive Director of NABCEP among other things). Our main focus of this podcast was apprenticeship programs. This is a big deal, since to qualify for the Inflation Reduction Act 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for projects over 1MW, fulfilling the apprenticeship and prevailing wage standards are required.   Topics covered:   Richard Lawrence career: IREC Program Director currently 5 years irecusa.org IBTS 2 years - Institute for Building Technology and Safety NABCEP Executive Director 3.5 yrs< Solar (PV) Instructor Training Network Hudson Valley Community College Topics covered and questions answered: What is an apprenticeship? What is prevailing wage? Union vs. non-union Is prevailing wage different for different places? Right to work states (anti-union) Registered apprenticeship programs Unregistered apprenticeship programs< How does someone set up an apprenticeship program? Who to register an apprenticeship program with, like the DOL (Department of Labor) Local and federal programs IRA-apprenticeship - tax credits - pay workers prevailing wage 1MW and up 15% of labor hours requirement What is IREC doing for apprenticeship and What is IREC Drama with different unions and non-unions-everyone wants the work $200k/yr electrician cost Prevailing wage for small vs. large projects Can election results take away these benefits Veterans California C46 solar license and batteries Solar PV Instructor Training Network Hudson Valley Community College SPI NYSERDA www.nyserda.ny.gov Massachusetts Clean Energy Center www.masscec.com Burnham Energy AHJ Multi Junction Technology Apprenticeship programs. Solar Energy International Department of Energy www.energy.gov Larry Sherwood Soul Smart Program in Puerto Rico Zoning laws Donations Cod community college Non-Profit Organizations SEAC Sustainable Energy Action Committee www.sustainableenergyaction.org ANSI Standards Jane Weissman Solar ABC's www.solarabcs.org Solar ready veterans network John Kim American Battery Factory IBEW International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers www.ibew.org UBC United Brotherhood of Carpenters www.carpenters.org ITC Eike Weber Herman Scheer NREL www.nrel.gov   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
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May 5, 2024 • 54min

Cameron Fearey NABCEP PVIP talks about his NABCEP Experience

Cameron works and lives in New York where having a NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) helps you qualify for the NY State program that helps fund projects.   Here are some of the topics we discuss: NYSERDA = New York State Research, Energy Research Development Association www.nyserda.ny.gov NY Sun Program NABCEP Certifications Indent Builders www.indentbuilders.com IBEW = International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers www.ibew.org 3 Pathways Dobbs Ferry Best Investment is Education Heatspring Courses Bundles NFPA  855 NFPA  70 = National Electrical Code (NEC) IBC = International Building Code IFC = International Fire Code IRC = International Residential Code ICC = International Code Council NFPA 70E OSHA = Occupational Safety and Health Administration www.osha.gov NABCEP PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist (PVCMS) Exam NABCEP Energy Storage Installation Professional exam = ESIP NAPCEP Website www.nabcep.org Professional Directories Companies directory Spanish Class Tim Montague C&I = Commercial and Industrial Clean Power Hour www.cleanpowerhour.com NABCEP PV Technical Sales = PVTS NABCEP PV Installer Specialist Certification = PVIS NABCEP PV System Inspector Certification = PVSI FAA  Drone Pilot Class = Federal Aviation Administration https://www.heatspring.com/courses/nabcep-solar-pv-associate-faa-part-107-drone-pilot-exam-prep?aff_id=t3nlgw UL Certification 120 percent rule for backfeed breaker NEC 690 Photovoltaic Systems NEC 690.12 Rapid Shutdown Italian Class for NABCEP PV Associate Giulia Suriano< Check out his website and connect on LinkedIn: www.indentbuilders.com Linkedin: Cameron Fearey   Youtube Video Podcast:https://youtu.be/aoeex-QK3bw   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

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