Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

Leo Ma, Founder and CEO of RoboForce, discusses the groundbreaking robotic solutions his company is offering to automate labor-intensive solar tasks. He highlights how these robots enhance worker safety and efficiency, addressing industry labor shortages. The conversation dives into the future of robotics in solar energy, debunking myths about job loss and showcasing opportunities for new roles. Modern innovations like LiDAR technology and AI integration are examined, painting an exciting picture of how RoboForce is transforming the landscape of industrial labor.

Eric Haskell, founder and CEO of Sagebrush Energy, dives into Reno's vibrant solar industry and clean tech scene. He shares insights on the NABCEP conference and the transformational impact of local legislation on residential solar. Listeners will discover fascinating topics like lithium mining, Tesla's Gigafactory, and even the quirky culture of Reno, complete with wild horses and Elvis weddings. Whether it's the outdoor adventures or the future of energy storage, Eric's engaging stories make this a must-listen for anyone intrigued by renewable energy.

Shawn O’Brien is probably well known by most of our audience, since we talk more about technical PV and storage topics, than any podcast I know of. If you have even been to a solar conference in the USA, you probably have been in the presence of Shawn and Sean, perhaps both at the same time!   We are leading up to the NABCEP conference in Reno next week, the week of March 24th! Be sure to be there and you can also take Sean’s PV Associate class at the conference, so sign up here: https://www.heatspring.com/courses/nabcep-pv-associate-training-live-from-the-2025-nabcep-ce-conference?aff_id=t3nlgw Or for the NABCEP Conference, go to www.nabcep.org   Sean will also be there podcasting at the NABCEP conference along with famous podcaster Nico Johnson of Suncast, so check it out!   Topics Covered: Job Security Different NABCEP Certifications Non-PV and ESS Certifications-Wind and Solar Thermal< Most NABCEP Letters after your name Certifications vs. licenses vs. credentials PVO&M Associate Credential Emeritus status Retired status Board eligible status Online testing = virtual testing environment NABCEP Certified Locator Unethical solar salespeople NABCEP Code of Ethics NABCEP Company Accreditation NABCEP ANSI Accreditation JTA = Job Task Analysis IREC and NCCER using PVIP JTA PVIP JTA is open source   Check out Shawn O’Brien here: www.nabcep.org/about-us/nabcep-staff-members www.linkedin.com/in/shawnwobrien   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Vince Ambrose, CCO of Franklin Whole Home, explores advanced energy storage solutions, including AC/DC coupling, grid-forming capabilities, and VPP integration. He gets into battery chemistries, installation processes, and the advantages of Franklin's products for homeowners and installers.   Topics covered: Overview of Franklin Whole Home Comparison to Tesla Powerwall Functionality of the Energy Storage System (ESS) Whole-Home Backup Energy Cost Savings Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) & Grid Interaction Future of Energy Storage & EV Growth Franklin Whole Home's VPP Participation EV Integration with Energy Storage Future of EV and Grid Integration Microgrid Interconnect Devices Battery Chemistry & Safety Battery Type & Construction Franklin’s AC & DC Coupled Battery Systems Compatibility with Inverters FranklinWH’s Distribution & Certification Requirements System Connectivity & Networking   Learn more about Franklin WH at: www.franklinwh.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Perovskite is a type of thin film PV that can be layered on top of silicon cells to get more power! Caelux makes perovskite on glass that can be used as the glass of a traditional PV module. Charlie gets into how perovskite is made and how it works, all the way to the band gap.   Topics covered: What is a Perovskite How Perovskite Crystals Form Transparent conductors Matching Perovskite and Silicon Technologies Temperature Coefficients Two-Terminal Tandem vs. Four-Terminal Tandem Reverse Bias Solar Cells as LEDs in Reverse Space-Based Solar Technologies Perovskite Panel Development & Market Entry History & Development of Perovskite Solar Cells Industry Insights & Personal Experiences   Reach out Charlie here: www.caelux.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com (http://www.solarSEAN.com) and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean (http://www.heatspring.com/sean)

In this episode, Sean White interviews Jordan Harris, CEO of Yotta Energy, at the Inter Solar conference in San Diego. They discuss Yotta  Energy's innovative energy storage systems, their thermal management, UL certification process, and the benefits of integrating storage seamlessly with solar installations. Listen in for insights into future-proofing solar storage solutions and the fascinating origin story of Yotta Energy.   Topics covered: Intersolar Yotta Energy Battery ESS = Energy Storage System Yotta = 10^24 Yotta Block Ballast Battery LFP = Lithium Iron Phosphate Ballasted System Inverters Sean’s Red Neck Shaman? (Stay tuned!) Yotta’s Battery Thermal Management Lead Acid Battery   Reach out Jordan Harris here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-harris Yotta Energy Website: www.yottaenergy.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Saad Youssefi is the co-author of Energy Storage Basics, with Sean   In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean interviews Saad Youssefi, the CEO of Batteryze. They talk about Batteryze technology, working with US labs, USAID, and solar and storage in Africa. They discuss Saad's journey in the renewable energy sector, his experience working with solar and battery technologies, and the innovative work being done at Batteryze to improve battery safety and performance. They also explore the geopolitical aspects of renewable energy and the challenges and opportunities in developing countries, particularly in Africa. Along the way, you'll hear fascinating insights into the future of energy storage, electric vehicles, and the potential for sustainable energy solutions worldwide. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation!   Topics covered: Batteryze www.batteryze.com Saad’s Background EON www.eon.com EPC = Engineering, procurement and construction Utility Scale Solar Utility Battery ESS = Energy Storage System Energy Storage Basics (Sean’s and Saad’s Book) DNV www.dnv.com Elon Musk Idaho National Lab Nuclear Battery Testing 2030 Estimation Internal Short EV = Electric Vehicle Thermal Runaway BMS = Battery Management System NASA Batch Testing Landfill EOL Batteries = End of Life Batteries Battery Recycling Battery on Landfills Swissnex www.swissnex.org Swiss Watch Industry Dendrites Lithium Metal AI = Artificial Intelligence USAID = United States Agency for International Development Trump Administration Belt and Road of China Initiative USIDFC = United States International Development Finance Corporation Bribery and Corruption Fertility rate Immigration   Reach out Saad Youssefi here: Email: saad@batteryze.com Batteryze: www.batteryze.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Take a trip to the summer of 2025, since Gerrit Barnard is in Cape Town South Africa (Where it is now summertime). He is the Director of Sales for EMEA (Europe Middle East Africa) for C&D Technologies / Trojan Battery Company. Trojan is well known by people in the solar and storage industry for a long time and many old-timers used Trojan L16 batteries for their first PV system, back when grid-tied PV was a dream, illegal or both.   Trojan has become one (merger/bought by) C&D Technologies, who has also been making batteries for a long time, especially in the more industrial applications.   Trojan and C&D mostly specialize in reliable lead-acid systems, but also make golf cart batteries that use the lithium-ion technology. There are many people still using lead-acid batteries and when you listen to this podcast, you will know why, and you will likely use NEC Article 480 Stationary Standby Batteries (formerly Storage Batteries) rather than Article 706 Energy Storage Systems.   Remember that although lead tastes good, it is more filling🤣   (Don’t taste lead, they say it was the downfall of the Roman Empire, since it was used to sweeten wine and made those emperors go nuts).   Topics covered: EMEA = Europe Middle East and Africa C&D Technologies www.cdtechno.com Trojan Battery www.trojanbattery.com Lithium-Ion Battery Lead-Acid Battery EV = Electric Vehicles Golf Carts Battery Recycling (98% – 99%) SOC = Stated of Charge DOD = Depth of Discharge Equalization on Sealed Batteries Sealed Lead Acid Batteries World Changers Academy SMA Solar Technology Cape Town Climate Reality Project Battery Manufacturing of C&D Article 706 = Energy Storage Systems Article 480 = Storage Batteries/Stationary Standby Batteries Nuclear Power Plant Trojan 2,460 Amp Hour Cell Battery Bumi Hills Safari Lodge Megawatt Hour Lead-Acid Battery System ESCOM Utility Inverter Anti-Islanding Distilled Water for Batteries Intersolar in Munich Smarter E   Reach out Gerrit Barnard here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gerrit-barnard C&D Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/c&d-technologies C&D Website: www.cdtechno.com Trojan Battery Website: www.trojanbattery.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 episode, Sean White welcomes Paul Frischer, the president and head of technology at GO-OPV, for a thought-provoking discussion on the revolutionary technology of organic printed semiconductors. Paul delves into the origins, operation, and potential applications of this groundbreaking technology that promises zero-emission power generation from carbon-based materials. They explore topics such as the differences between printed semiconductors and traditional silicon-based solar cells, the intricacies of quantum mechanics in energy production, and the future potential for commercial deployment. Tune in to learn how this innovative approach could reshape the energy landscape and lead to more sustainable solutions.   Topics covered: Printed Semiconductors Fossil Fuel Organic Silicon Semiconductors Carbon Silicon Zero Emission Graphite C₆₀ = Carbon 60 Buckminster Fuller Fullerene CH4 = Methane OLED = Organic Light-Emitting Diode. P3HT = Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Konarka = www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konarka< PET = Polyethylene Terephthalate Printing POE = Power over the Ethernet GO-OPV ORENgE Mecho Shade www.mechoshade.com Inverter Organic Printed Film Window Shade Passive Solar Naphthalene Petroleum Quantum Mechanics Quantum Space Automated Printed Semiconductor Window Shade Non-Silicon Photovoltaics Technology Nanotechnology Battery Climate Chamber Test     Reach out Paul Frischer here: ORENgE Power: www.orengepower.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 episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean sits down with John-Ross Cromer, head of training at Sol-Ark, to dive deep into the world of solar inverters and battery storage solutions. They discuss the evolution of hybrid inverters, the significance of UL 9540 revisions, and the impact of the 2023 NEC on solar installations. John shares insights into Sol-Ark's all-in-one inverter technology, the importance of battery choice, and the exciting growth potential in the commercial solar market. They also touch on practical tips for solar project design, future trends in solar and battery integration, and the transformative potential of 100% daytime solar energy. Whether you're a seasoned solar professional or a newcomer, this episode is packed with valuable information and industry insights. Tune in to learn more!   Topics covered: Sol-Ark www.sol-ark.com Inverter Fortress Power www.fortresspower.com Hybrid Inverter All in One Inverter Schneider Grid Net Metering Transformer Tesla Powerwall EV = Electric Vehicle EV to Home Bi-directional EV EV Charging Microinverter ESS = Energy Storage System NEC = National Electrical Code DC ESS = Direct Current Energy Storage System AC ESS = Alternating Current Energy Storage System UL 9540 UL 9540 Revisions Briggs and Stratton www.energy.briggsandstratton.com Simpliphi Microgrid Utility Battery UL 1741 Converter PCS = Power Control System EMS = Energy Management System Supply Side Connection Load Side Connection Off Grid System High Voltage Three-phase Inverter MID Panels Commercial Market Lemon Battery Lemonade Decommissioning plan DC to DC Converters DC to DC Conversion Support Team Battery Choice Rapid Shutdown Battery Heating System Container Batteries Inverter Based Country/Grid? 100% Solar Solar Learning Curve Fluor www.fluor.com Utility Market Demand Charges PVBatts www.pvbatts.com   Reach out John-Ross Cromer  here: Sol-Ark: www.sol-ark.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/john-cromer Webinar: www.shop.sol-ark.com/webinars   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean