Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

In this milestone 200th episode, Sean White shares the evolution of his podcast and reflects on his journey in the solar industry. Starting from his days as a radio DJ, he chronicles how he transitioned to producing online solar classes and eventually podcasting. Sean highlights key moments and guests on the show, including industry pioneers like Ward Bower, Bill Brooks and Mark Mrohs. He recounts his engagements at various conferences and the benefits of continuous learning and education in the rapidly expanding solar industry. Sean emphasizes the importance of balancing fun with education and the impact of making incremental changes in policies affecting the industry. Looking forward, he expresses optimism about the future of solar energy and his podcast.   Topics discussed: Radio DJ National Electrical Code Radio 690 Article 690 NABCEP Certified D1 Water License Fake Advertisements A Prairie Home Companion SunCast Media RE+ Stage Johan Alfsen = founder of Solar Battle of the Bands Ward Bower = Godfather of Solar Mark Mrohs Bill Brooks San Francisco Comedy College Press pass SEIA = Solar Energy Industry Association Feed-in Tariff (FIT) American Clean Power Trevor Noah  Solar Coaster   Trevor Noah audio clip courtesy of SunCast Media YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0neVALfl6zQ&t=1981s    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, we hang out with Madeline Acri at the NABCEP Conference in Reno and hear the wild story of how she went from walking 800 miles to becoming a go-to expert in solar and storage. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from the solar world, what’s changing in the industry, and where it’s all headed. If you’re into clean energy or just love a good journey you’ll want to hear this one.   Topics covered: Intersolar EV = Electric vehicle Solar Coaster 800 Miles Walk: The Arizona Trail BLM = Bureau of Land Management Transmission Sungrow www.en.sungrowpower.com Inverter ESS = Energy Storage System Applications Engineer Rapid Shutdown Array Boundary Bill Brooks Tigo Transmitter UL 3741 Wire Management Derek Solarboi Subarray Gap MPP = Maximum Power Point Tracking IV Curve Karaoke at the NABCEP conference www.linkedin.com   Reach out to Madeline Acri Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-acri Sungrow Website: www.en.sungrowpower.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Join Sean White in a conversation with special guest Johan Alfsen as they explore the history and impact of the Solar Battle of the Bands. They discuss the event's beginnings, standout moments, and how it has shaped the solar industry emphasizing the community spirit and remarkable talent that define it. You'll also hear about upcoming happenings, behind-the-scenes stories, and the unique connection between music lovers and solar professionals. This is an episode full of fun and valuable insights you won't want to miss!   Topics covered: SBOB = Solar Battle of the Bands Semicon NABCEP Conference = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Conference History of SBOB Solar Bands Effect of Covid Solar Fight Club Jerry Garcia Warfield Jeff Spies CALSSA = California Solar and Storage Association www.calssa.org SnapnRack www.snapnrack.com Sunrun www.sunrun.com Solar Coaster Sean O’Brien SBOB Timeline NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association ASES = American Solar Energy Society InterSolar   Reach out to Johan Alfsen Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/johan-alfsen SnapnRack Website: www.snapnrack.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 sits down with Matt Ward, President of Etica AG, to explore the fascinating world of battery immersion technology. Discover Etica AG’s approach to submerging lithium-ion batteries in dielectric oil to keep them cool and fire safe. From enhanced safety measures to potential applications across various industries, Matt provides an in-depth look at the benefits and future of this technology. Whether you’re an energy enthusiast or a tech novice, you won’t want to miss this enlightening conversation!   Topics covered: Etica AG Battery Immersion Technology Dielectric Oil Thermal Runaway ESS = Energy Storage System UL9540 UL9540A Cell to Cell Propagation Liquid Cooling Transformer Cooling Batteries BMS = Battery Management System HVAC = Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning O&M = Operations and Maintenance Etica www.etica.com AGI www.agirepair.com Power Cabinet   Reach out to Matt Ward Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mattward-energy Etica AG: www.eticaag.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, Alex Zhu shares his journey in the solar industry, starting from his time at Suntech to founding ES Foundry, one of the few U.S.-based solar cell manufacturers. We dive into the technical aspects of solar cell production, from silicon wafers to screen printing silver, and discuss the challenges and opportunities of manufacturing solar cells in the United States. Learn about the importance of a stable industry policy, the intricacies of solar technology, and the future of solar manufacturing in America. Tune in to gain insights into the world of solar cells and discover how ES Foundry is empowering the solar industry in the U.S.   Topics discussed: No wafer manufacturing in the USA 6 9s (99.9999% pure) silicon Suntech Suniva Crystalline Silicon Chemical etching Texturing PN Junction Phosphorus Diffusion Oxidation Silicon Dioxide Silicon Nitride Screen Printing Silver Bifacial solar cells Aluminum Oxide Monofacial solar cells Semiconductor PERC technology = Passive Emitter Rear Contact Investment Tax Credit 45x = 4 cents a watt ES = Empower Solar SunPower   Reach out Alex Zhu here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alexzhu  ES Foundry Website: www.esfoundrycorp.com    Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Jeff Spies is organizing The Solar Roots Party which is set to be the fun event of the decade for the solar industry, and all are invited. Party with the solar legends that helped start the solar industry. There will be 2 viewings of the Solar Roots – The Pioneers of PV movie which was produced by Jeff Spies. Jeff is my favorite Solar historian, and he knows the history. Become part of history and have a great time doing it at this party.   Topics covered: Overview of the documentary film, Solar Roots: The Pioneers of PV AEE Solar www.test-shop.aeesolar.com Birth of Solar Pioneer party Filming the Solar Pioneers Purpose of the film Early PV Panel Costs Origins of Solar Industry and Culture Hippies and their solar story Electrochemical Reaction ARCO Solar Module Cell Evolution ARCO 16-2000 ARCO 16-2300 Charge controller Self regulating system Lead acid battery Edmond Becquerel Albert Einstein Solar Energy Wisdom Hippie Magic Solar Roots Party Details Importance of solar educators RE+ in Vegas www.re-plus.com Solar Industry Market Solar tax credit risk Tax credit restrictions Jeff’s Commitment to the Industry Sean's Book Gets a Strong Endorsement   Find out more on: Planet Plan Sets Website: www.planetplansets.com Solar-Roots Website: www.solar-roots.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, we’re joined by Mick McDaniel the Vice President and General Manager of Bila Solar to explore the operations at the Bila Solar Factory in Indianapolis. Mick provides an in-depth look into how the factory produces lightweight, flexible solar modules using domestic materials and traditional framed PV modules. He also discusses Bila Solar’s collaboration with ES Foundry, shedding light on the innovative practices taking place within the factory.   Topics covered: Solar manufacturing factory in Indianapolis Sean’s visit to the Bila Solar Factory Joel Walsman and his contributions to the solar industry Beginning of Bila Solar’s and partnership with ES Foundry Bila Solar’s lightweight, flexible solar panels using aerospace polymer Installation methods using adhesives on metal and membrane roofs Relevance to rapid shutdown compliance and UL 3741 certification Mention of traditional framed modules production alongside flexible panels Lack of U.S. suppliers for thin, hardened solar glass Importance of building a reliable U.S. supply chain under the IRA Challenges importing equipment from China Post-COVID delays in building and manufacturing permits Comparison of old vs. modern solar factories Clarification on “gigawatt” factory capacity Sean’s Journey into the Solar Industry Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Law: Paul Fenn’s Role and Its Impact Early solar industry figures: Stuart Wentworth, Bill Brooks, Ward Bower Development of early solar inverters and U.S. code challenges Ward Bower’s pioneering work on the modern grid-tie inverter at Sandia National Laboratories Challenges with balcony solar installations and code requirements in the U.S. vs. Germany Durability of flexibility solar modules   Find out more on: Bila Solar Website: www.bilasolar.com   Click here to listen to the podcast with Sean, Bill Brooks, and Ward Bower   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, special guest Jacob Benzaquen shares his journey in the solar industry, highlighting how obtaining a NABCEP PV Design Specialist (PVDS) certification has significantly enhanced his career from kilowatts to megawatts. Sean and Jacob engage in a lively discussion covering Jacob's transition from residential to community solar, the importance of understanding solar regulations and codes, and the exciting prospects for larger commercial solar projects. They also dive into the evolving landscape of electric vehicles, sustainable energy technologies, and the impact of ethical practices in the solar industry. Join us for an insightful and motivating conversation about the future of solar energy and career growth in this dynamic field.   Topics covered: NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners PV Design Specialist Sean’s PVDS exam prep class www.solarSEAN.com/PVDS Community Solar Virtual Net-metering CCA = Community Choice Aggregation Net-metering Solar DIY Off Grid Tesla Powershare EV = Electric Vehicle EV Charging Nissan Leaf DC Fast Charging Supercharge CHAdeMO Fermata Energy www.fermataenergy.com Bidirectional Inverter Battery Bidirectional Charger Tesla 1 Charger J1772 / J plug Charger Adaptors Tesla Model S Protest Solar Bros Door to Door Salespeople Up in the Air Liquidating Pacific Lumber Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters www.headwaterspreserve.org Yuval Noah Harari   Reach out to Jacob Benzaquen Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-benzaquen   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 speaks with Emmitt Muckles, a NABCEP Board Member, consumer advocate and host of the Billionaire Lifestyle Podcast. They discuss their unique history, the importance of consumer education in the solar industry, and efforts to combat scams and misinformation. Emmitt shares insights on proper installation, the role of fractional training, and his mission to ensure consumers are well-informed. Tune in for a blend of industry expertise and engaging anecdotes!   Topics covered: GELT = Green Energy Leadership Training $1 Houses in Detroit Tax Fronius www.fronius.com Inverter Training Sunrun Transformers Car Amplifiers Fractional Training SnapNrack www.snapnrack.com Chicago’s own Code Book Henry Ford Thomas Edison Nicola Tesla Electrocuting Elephants Arc Flash ESS = Energy Storage System The Billionaire Lifestyle Podcast www.open.spotify.com Bitcoin Jefferson Electric www.jeffersonelectric.com Joel Walsman www.linkedin.com/in/joel-walsman Joel Walsman’s Youtube Channel www.youtube.com/@ElectricProAcademy Agricultural Solar Carpenters Union Millwrights NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Dam IREC = Interstate Renewable Energy Council CEU = Continuing Education Units NEC = National Electrical Code = NFPA 70 IFC = International Fire Code IRC = International Residential Code Rapid Shutdown NFPA Tesla EV = Electric Vehicle EV Charging Sue Pratt CT = Current Transformer Intersolar Midwest Solar Expo States of Beam The Eleven Nations of America www.businessinsider.com Solar Bros NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association Door to Door Salespeople Tariff Solar Generators Battery Nissan Leaf AI = Artificial Intelligence E-Bike = Electric Bicycle SNEC PVIP Photovoltaic Installation Professional   Reach out to Emmitt Muckles Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/emmittmuckles   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Richard Walker, a returning citizen (formerly incarcerated) became a motivational speaker in prisons after he was released. He has helped people get their rights back after being released, including the right to vote and the right to run for office.   Richard operates a non-profit organization Bridging the Gap of Virginia www.btgva.org that helps people, including returning citizens, get solar training, get NABCEP credentials and get jobs. His organization relies upon grants and donations, so please help him in his important work.   Richard has an interesting story. When he got his right to vote back, he also got the right to run for public office, so he has ran a few times, just like Sean White has run for office 3 times. Here is Sean’s old candidate website: www.seanwhite.org.   Topics covered: Richard’s Family History Sean & Richard’s Classes Dominion Energy Dominion Energy Pipeline Grants Micro Grid Community Solar Fossil Fuels Bridging The Gap in Virginia www.btgva.org Returning Citizens NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners www.nabcep.org Thriving Communities Grant Losing and Restoring Rights Alysa Liu figure skater World Champion!   Find out if your rights were restored: www.restore.virginia.gov   Reach out to Richard Walker Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/richard-walker   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean