Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

In this episode, Sean White talks with Seth Frader-Thompson, President of EnergyHub, about virtual power plants (VPPs) and the future of distributed energy. They discuss what VPPs are, how they work, and their potential to transform the electric grid by pooling together devices like batteries, electric vehicles, and smart thermostats. Seth explains the role of EnergyHub in enabling utilities and customers to participate in VPPs, shares real-world examples of customer savings, and explores the growing impact of electric vehicles and bidirectional charging. The conversation also covers the challenges and opportunities of integrating new technology, the importance of software and APIs, and tips for homeowners and installers interested in joining VPP programs.   Topics covered: VPP = Virtual Power Plant How VPPs work and their benefits for the grid Bitcoin Mining DERMS = Distributed Energy Resource Management System Customer participation and incentives in VPP programs Connected Solutions API = Application Programming Interface V2G = Vehicle to Grid V2H = Vehicle to House V2X = Vehicle to Everything Interconnection challenges and grid modernization EnergyHub’s platform EVSE = Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Tips for homeowners and installers on joining VPPs The evolving role of inverters and smart devices   Reach out EnergyHub and Seth Frader-Thompson here: Website: www.energyhub.com Seth’s LinkedIn Account: www.linkedin.com/in/frader   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/ess

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage podcast, host Sean White converses with James Showalter, the founder and CEO of EG4. They discuss EG4’s innovative mini splits and energy storage solutions, including their impact in the solar industry and the future of residential batteries. James shares insights into their partnership with LG for American-supplied cells, their significant progress in the energy storage market, and the inception and growth of EG4 and Signature Solar. They discuss the technical and regulatory aspects of private energy generation, aiming to make solar energy more accessible and cost-effective. Tune in to learn about the journey of EG4 and their mission to revolutionize renewable energy storage.   Topics Covered: EG4 = Energy Generation for Everyone Sulfur Spring Off-Grid System FlexBOSS 18 inverter UL3141 Inverter Interconnection Agreement Private Energy Generation Energy Storage at homes 10 cents per kilowatt hour Standardized margin Signature Solar Net-Metering Iceberg Signature eBay DIY Solar Projects   Reach out to James Showalter here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/james-showalter-9a0599156  X: @EG4James  Website: www.eg4electronics.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.solarsean.com www.solarsean.com/pvip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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