Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

Host Sean White talks with solar engineer and educator Mike Nowicki about utility-scale solar projects, the ins and outs of professional engineering licenses, and the evolution of industry codes. They dive into PE registration, project design, and Mike’s experience teaching future engineers. A must-listen for anyone interested in the real-world challenges and opportunities in solar energy.   Topics covered: ACP = American Clean Power Utility Scale Solar Burns & Mcdonnell www.burnsmcd.com EPC = Engineering, Procurement, and Construction ESS = Energy Storage System ESOP = Employee Stock Ownership Program Solar Engineer PE = Professional Engineer NCEES = National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Certifications Licenses NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners NEC = National Electrical Code CMP = Code Making Panel NREL = National Renewable Energy Laboratory RE+ Conference PV and the NEC (Sean & Bill’s Book) Solar Power International = SPI Solar Professional Magazine Rapid Shutdown SSIF + Solar and Storage Industry Forum SEIA = Solar Energy Industries Association UL 3741 Clipping Battery DC Coupling AC Coupling Union Labor UBC = United Brotherhood of Carpenters IBEW = International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Backtracking Trackers Next Trackers Wayne State University Grid Short Circuit Fault Utility   Reach out to Mike Nowicki Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-p-nowicki Burns & Mcdonnell: www.burnsmcd.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 the Sean White Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean White interviews Ryan Jones, a NABCEP-certified solar professional who transitioned from the U.S. to a thriving career in Europe. The discussion covers Ryan's early experiences in the solar industry, his job at the now-defunct Lyra solar company, and his journey to living in Spain. They explore the challenges and rewards of working internationally, including visa issues, tax considerations, and the different electrical codes and standards. Ryan shares insights on becoming a digital nomad in the solar industry, the evolution of the European solar market with feed-in tariffs, and the drastic growth of solar capacity from 2007 to today. The episode offers valuable advice for anyone looking to take their solar career global.   Topics Covered: NABCEP PV Installer Exam = PV Installer Professional Exam Solyndra Solar Tubes Solar Power International = RE+ Stephen Colbert GCR Crystalline Silicon on tubes CIGS = Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide Solar Coaster Hans Josef-Fell Feed-in Tariff DC Power = Soligent Polar Bear Effect Digital Nomad Fully Remote Work Tax Implications NEC International Electro Technical Commission = IEC UL9540 Working Visa Malaga, Spain Gold Coast Intersolar   Reach out to Ryan Jones here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-jones-9426a211/   Website:  www.recurrentenergy.com/   Hans-Josef Fell Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hans-josef-fell-started-the-feed-in-tariff-the/id1441958371?i=1000715753971   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

Frank Haugwitz speaks the three main solar languages, Chinese, German, and English. Sean and Frank have known each other for many years, beginning when Frank was head of Intersolar Global Conference Development. They have worked together on most of the continents. Frank is an expert on solar manufacturing and development with a big focus on what's happening in China from a global perspective.   Topics covered: Climate Change Solar in China Feed-in Tariff Apricum – The Cleantech Advisory www.apricum-group.com Intersolar Sean and Frank’s Backstory Bidding Curtailment Clipping Coal Inverter ESS = Energy Storage System Forecasting Renewables Propaganda SNEC The Margin Political System Solar in Germany High Speed Trains Construction Speed Production Capacity Pollution Coal Plant in China Water Energy Wind Energy Inversion Layer US Embassy in China Politics and Society ISES = International Solar Energy Society Electric Vehicles in China Manufacturing Solyndra Bosch Solar Aleo Solar Carbon Capture Storage Clean Coal ASES = American Solar Energy Society NorCal Solar = The Northern California Solar Energy Association NorCal Solar Tours Catamaran Solar Coaster Half Moon Bay Farallon Islands Balcony Solar Guerilla Solar   Reach out to Frank Haugwitz Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/frank-haugwitz Apricum Solar: www.apricum-group.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/3hressbfc

Blair Reynolds and Emmitt Muckles rush the stage and crash the podcast with guest and best-selling author Greg Smith. This is a good podcast to get the video version of, so be sure to check this out on YouTube. There are plenty of jokes, such as Sean’s invention of PV modules with only positive terminals. The group shares stories and insights about the solar industry, the importance of community, and keeping a positive attitude at industry events. They discuss new technologies, the role of finance in solar adoption, and the future of training and standards. The conversation is filled with humor, camaraderie, and practical advice for solar professionals and newcomers alike.   Topics covered: The RE+ event and its growth Building community and mentorship in the solar industry The importance of positivity and fun at industry events The role of finance and FinTech in making solar accessible Battery technology trends and cost focus The impact of recent policy and manufacturing incentives Quality installations and customer education The future of training, NABCEP certification, and NEC updates Book recommendations from Greg Smith and Sean White Value of networking   Guests: • Greg Smith • Blair Reynolds • Emmitt Muckles   Special thanks to: Power Up Live stage, Wärtsilä, Suncast Media, and Nico Johnson   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/18hrpv          

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean is joined by Lukas Shield, the General Manager at REC Solar Hawaii. Lukas shares insights on Hawaii's progressive solar energy landscape, the differences between REC Solar and other solar companies, and REC Solar's focus on commercial and utility-scale projects involving microgrids and energy storage. The discussion covers Hawaii's renewable portfolio standards, challenges posed by unpredictable natural events like lava flows, and the shift toward grid-forming capabilities. Additionally, Sean and Lucas talk about the importance of adapting to policy changes, the benefits of in-person solar training in Hawaii, and their shared enthusiasm for surfing. Tune in for a comprehensive look at Hawaii's solar energy developments and innovations.   Topics Covered: REC Solar Hawaii Solar Training Center Canyon California  IPP = Independent Power Producer Burnham Energy Commercial and Industrial Solar Small Utility Scale CNI Microgrids Anti-islanding CS Solar and Storage Industry Forum Enphase inverter NESC = National Electricity Safety Code Interia Mauna Loa eruption RPS = Renewable Portfolio Standard 100% renewable by 2045 Kauai Island RE+ Hawaii = https://re-plus.events/hawaii/ Hawaii Energy Conference/Maui Energy Conference = www.hawaiienergyconference.com/ Reefer Plants = Refrigeration Plant PSPS = Power Safety Public Safety Surfing     Reach out to Lukas Shield Here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lukas-sheild-101b1163 REC Solar Hawaii: www.recsolar.com/commercial-solar-in-hawaii/   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/30hrpv

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, host Sean White converses with Daniel Dus from Clean Tech Industry Resources (CIR). They discuss CIR's innovative approach to development and construction management in the renewable energy sector, termed as 'development as a service' and 'construction as a service'. Daniel shares insights on large-scale solar projects, including a massive 30-gigawatt project, and how CIR commoditizes project development activities to provide efficient turnkey solutions worldwide. They also discussed industry challenges, the future of solar energy, and the importance of combating misinformation about climate change. Additionally, the episode touches on the upcoming Solar Fight Night event, aimed at promoting industry collaboration and fundraising for renewable energy causes.   Topics Covered: CIR = CleanTech Industry Resources DaaS = Development as a Service Construction Management/Construction Service  RE+ Las Vegas Power Up Live Stage 30 Gigawatts DevPC Model Turnkey systems engineering Sarnia, Ontario Canada Dubai Data room NTP = Notice to Proceed Data Integrity Specialist Dakota West Virginia Digital Twin Creation LiDAR NABCEP PV Associate Solar Fight Night Cleantechfactcheck.org Solarfightnight.org Run on Climate Joe Rogan Misinformation MIT World3 Model   Reach out to Daniel Dus here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danielrdus/ Website: www.cleantechir.com www.solarfightnight.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/ess

In this episode, Sean White talks with Wayne Feltman from VELUX about skylights and how they can help bring more daylight and fresh air into homes and buildings. They discuss the difference between solar PV and passive solar, and how skylights can make spaces brighter and more energy efficient. Wayne shares the history of VELUX, explains how modern skylights work including solar-powered and smart skylights and talks about the benefits of natural ventilation for better indoor air quality. The conversation also covers energy savings, new technology like app-controlled skylights, and tips for builders and homeowners.   Topics covered: VELUX company background and history Passive solar vs. solar PV Benefits of skylights for daylight and ventilation Energy efficiency and building envelopes Natural ventilation and indoor air quality Types of skylights (fixed, manual, solar-powered, smart) Fire safety and egress with skylights Solar-powered skylights and battery technology Smart skylight controls and app integration Shades and light control for skylights CO2 and humidity sensors for healthy homes Sustainability and electric vehicles at VELUX Energy savings and automation Skylight installation tips for builders and homeowners   Reach out to Wayne Feltman here: Email address: wayne.feltman@velux.com VELUX: www.veluxusa.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/10hress

In this episode, Sean White and Cesar Barbosa, CEO of Nu Life, break down the seven “re-”s of solar: Repurpose, Repower, Recycle, Repair, Refurbish, Retrofit, and Remediation. Discover how these strategies are shaping the future of solar projects, from giving panels a second life to tackling the challenges of decommissioning and sustainability.   Topics covered: Nu Life www.nulifepower.com PPA = Power Purchase Agreement Repurpose: Use old panels in a new place or application. Repower: Upgrade a system with new parts for better performance. Recycle: Break down panels to recover materials. Repair: Fix specific issues without major replacements. Refurbish: Restore used panels by repairing minor parts. Retrofit: Replace or upgrade components across a system. Remediation: Correct larger-scale problems to restore function. FabTech www.fabtech.net Decommissioning PV Cycle www.pvcycle.org Used Solar End of Life Utility Cesar Barbosa’s Articles www.linkedin.com/in/cesarbarbosa   Reach out to Jon Williams Here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cesarbarbosa Nu Life Website: www.nulifepower.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/pvcms

When a battery cell heats up a lot, it can propagate to its neighboring cell and usually they do propagate on the cell level and not the battery storage unit level, but Viridi Parente has figured out how to not have cell propagation and has gone through the UL 9540A fire testing to prove it. They are working on a residential battery that will be “listed and labeled for use in habitable spaces” which nobody has ever successfully done to the best of my knowledge. This means that you would not have to follow the 2024 International Residential Code (2021 IRC with different wording), which means they can put as much as they want in any room in a house, once this is a done deal, which will probably happen in the first quarter of 2026.   Here it is in the IRC: https://up.codes/viewer/mississippi/irc-2024/chapter/3/building-planning#R330.1   This is big news that could revolutionize energy storage.   Viridi Parente has two factories in historical places. The Ford Motor building in Richmond CA where Rosie the Riveter worked and was photographed during WW2 and also the other factory in Buffalo NY was a GM factory built in 1920 which was also building tanks for WW2, so besides kicking Nazi’s butts, these buildings will help with the modernization of the grid.   Jon and Sean also talk about virtual power plants (VPPs) and the internet of things (IoT). They cover how using energy storage can lead to a lot less current on wires and how you can run 40 houses on a single 200A service with the right amount of energy storage and coordination.   Topics covered: Viridi Parente www.viridiparente.com Nikola Tesla George Westinghouse AC = Alternating Current DC = Direct Current HVDC = High Voltage Direct Current Arc Lighting Electric AC Lighting Devil in the White City (Historical Fiction Book) Thomas Edison Battery Inverter Pack System UL Listing UL 9540A Preventing Cell to Cell Propagation Sewage Lift Station Rosie the Riveter Transmission And Distribution Deferral ESS = Energy Storage System Jigar Shah EV = Electric Vehicle Energy Density LFP = Lithium Iron Phosphate NMC = Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide Thermal Runaway Cheese Cloth Test IRC = International Residential Code VPP = Virtual Power Plant IoT = Internet of Things Balcony Solar 18650 Battery CSA = Canadian Standards Association EV Charging California Olympics Tax Credit Energy Revolution   Reach out to Jon Williams Here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jon-m-williams Viridi Parente 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 www.solarsean.com/sfev

Curious about how residential solar could actually get cheaper, and what’s holding it back? In this episode, host Sean White speaks with Ravi Mikkelsen, CEO of Atmos Financial, to explore the realities behind solar pricing, industry challenges, and how smarter financing can make solar accessible for more people. Whether you are a homeowner, industry professional, or simply curious about clean energy, this conversation offers valuable insights.   Topics covered: Atmos Financial www.joinatmos.com Grandma Maxing Solar Bros Transparency to Homeowners Tax Credit Atmosphere Financing Banks Credit Unions Loan / Lending Solar and Storage Grid Utility Battery C10 C46 Ravi Mikkelsen’s Origin Story Tesla AHJ = Authority Having Jurisdiction Standardization NEC = National Electrical Code Unethical Salespeople Equipment Cost DIY Solar Smarter E / Intersolar Balcony Solar   Reach out to Ravi Mikkelsen Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ravimikkelsen Atmos Financial: www.joinatmos.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/40hrpv