

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast
whitehousesolar
Sean White teaches solar and storage classes and seminars around the world and inside your home (online). He is known for helping people get NABCEP certified. This podcast contains an assortment of topics, with an emphasis on solar and storage technical knowledge. Up your game! Catch a photon! Save the planet! Learn more and go to www.solarSEAN.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2024 • 50min
Perch's CEO Bruce Stewart
Perch Energy is a leading community solar service provider dedicated to making renewable energy accessible and equitable. We support solar project owners and subscribers by offering services that maximize ROI, including subscriber acquisition, lifecycle management, and expert guidance on local regulations. Our mission is to connect everyone—renters, homeowners, businesses, and municipalities—to community solar projects, ensuring that all can benefit from clean energy.
Bruce Stewart is a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience driving business growth and transformation across various industries. Formerly President of Direct Energy Home, he played a key role in its successful sale to NRG for $3.6 billion and achieved significant operational improvements. Bruce’s expertise spans telecommunications, technology, and energy sectors, where he emphasizes data-driven decision-making and customer experience.
Topics covered in this podcast include:
The current landscape of community solar in the U.S.
Benefits and challenges of community solar versus traditional utilities.
State-specific community solar programs and the potential for legislative change.
Accessibility of solar energy for low-income individuals and renters.
The interplay between community solar, rooftop solar, and energy storage solutions.
Core Values:
p
purposeful
We're passionate about making clean energy access easier and more rewarding
e
entrepreneurial
We're visionary disruptors, challenging the status quo, unafraid to fail forward
r
respectful
We treat our planet, our customers and each other with humility and respect
c
collaborative
We value each other's contributions and work inclusively to make things better
h
honest
We communicate openly, act transparently and promote environmental justice
Reach Bruce Stewart here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/brucestewart
Perch energy Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/perchenergy
Perch energy website: www.perchenergy.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking
Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Sep 14, 2024 • 29min
SNEC ES+ with Madame Mi and Jenny Tong (ES=Energy Storage)
SNEC is by far the largest Renewable Energy conference in the world with a half-million people attending, and SNEC has also branched out with a conference that is just for Energy Storage and will happen soon in Shanghai
SNEC ES: Energy Storage Conference and Exhibition:
September 24-27 2024
https://es.snec.org.cn
Also go to the other SNEC conference and exhibition:
June 10-13 2025
https://pv.snec.org.cn/?locale=en-US
We talk about coming to SNEC ES+ and learning how the ES industry works and what it takes to make a factory in the US, and how you can learn to build and efficient factory in the US and create American jobs! Praise the Inflation Reduction Act!
I have known Madame Mi for 19 years and she is a good friend. I have seen her go from someone leading a small conference to a conference that is bigger than many cities. Jenny Tong is Madame Mi's daughter and has helped translate some of the conversation. Both are good friends.
In this podcast we also talk about the history of SNEC to where it is now.
This big SNEC show floor is 380,000 square meters = 4.3 million square feet = 71 football fields = 54 acres and then there is a lot more space than the exhibition!
Jenny is now taking Sean's Energy Storage Boot Camp class on Heatspring and you should too!
www.heatspring.com
To learn more and become super successful like Madame Mi, go to www.solarSEAN.com

Sep 11, 2024 • 39min
RE+ Power Up Live Stage With Bill Brooks and Johan Alfsen
This is a bootleg copy of a live podcast that RE+ and Nico Johnson of Suncast were nice enough to let us perform.
The published title is:
Soothsaying / Keeping Solar Jobs Fun and Cool
Predict the future of the industry with AI, VPPs V2X and our future Codes and Standards wish list with Sean White and Bill Brooks of Brooks Engineering. Afterwards, Sean and Johan Alfsen of K2 Systems will discuss making solar education and the industry fun and cool.
This podcast is a blast!
Power Up Live:www.re-plus.com/poweruplive
Suncast YouTube Channel where it was posted live:www.youtube.com/suncastmedia
Youtube Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/skc7_FUSwyA
Get your fun and future looking solar knowledge at www.solarSEAN.com

Sep 8, 2024 • 57min
Mark Berger: CP Product and Program Management at Fluence
Fluence is one of the big names in Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Mark Berger explains what Fluence is, the relationship between Fluence, Siemens and AES.
Topics covered:
Siemens/AES
AES = Applied Energy Services
TX grid-what makes it unique?
ERCOT = Electric Reliability Council of Texas www.ercot.com
AC vs DC coupled (interconnected)
LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
EV battery vs ESS battery
UL 9540 and A
Thermal runaway-propagation
Sizes of different products
Beyond fire test
AI Bidding Software-Mosaic
Working with Oi l and Gas industry in TX
Duck curve
Fluence Ultrastack
Grid forming inverters
2.2GWh of batteries
BMS = Battery Management Systems
IRA manufacturing
Cube vs. Cuboid (rectangular cube/container)
AI and VPPs
Is Fluence hardware and software
Product and Program Management in Fluence
Fluence Dictionary Definitions:
flu·ence1
/ˈflo͞oəns/
mysterious, magical, or hypnotic "you've put the fluence onme, haven't you?"
The number of radiant-energy particles emitted from or incident on a surface in a given period of time, divided by the area of the surface.
The best ESS company!
The energy of a laser pulse per unit area
The energydensity from an optical source impingent on a sample
The Latijn word fluere, meaning"to flow"
Reach Mark Berger here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/markberger-hou
Suncast: www.fluenceenergy.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Sep 1, 2024 • 42min
Dave Maher: Digital Security, CTO Intertrust
David Maher has over 30 years of experience in secure computing and is responsible for Research and Development at Intertrust. In addition, he is currently President of Seacert Corporation, a certificate authority for the Internet of Things, President of WhiteCryption Corporation, a developer of application security software, and Co-chairman of the Marlin Trust Management Organization which oversees the world’s only independent digital rights management ecosystem. Before joining Intertrust in 1999, Maher was chief scientist for AT&T Secure Communications Systems, Head of the Secure Systems Research Department, and security architect for AT&T’s Internet services platform. After joining Bell Labs in 1981, he developed secure communications, information vending, and e-commerce systems. He was Chief Architect for AT&T’s STU-III secure voice, data, and video products used by the White House and Department of Defense for top-secret communications. In 1992, Maher became a Bell Labs Fellow in recognition of his accomplishments in communications security. Maher holds dozens of patents in secure computing; has published papers in the fields of mathematics and computer science; and has consulted with the National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment. Maher holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from Lehigh University. He has taught electrical engineering, mathematics, and computer science at several institutions.
CTO of Intertrust Dave Maher, was recently selected to join the nation’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) stakeholders to participate in a Department of Commerce initiative established by NIST. Dave can discuss the electric demands of AI and what innovative energy resource will save the electric grid.
Topics:
VPP = Virtual Power Plants
AI Safety Institute Consortium
Using AI to optimize energy systems
Hash Functionality
Blockchain
Bitcoin
Satoshi Nakamoto
Hal Finney
Stuart Haber
Diffie–Hellman
Soviet Union
Transatlantic cable
US-UK wartime communications
Secure Systems Design
Cyber attack prevention
Data Communication
Digital Communication
Zero Trust Architectures
Quantum Computing
Operational Technology Systems
SCADA = Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
TEIA = Trusted Energy Interoperability Alliance
GCHQ = Government Communications Headquarters
NSA = National Security Agency
Asset Protection
Dual Use Technologies
Check him out here:
Dave’s email address: dpm@intertrust.com
Intertrust Website: https://www.intertrust.com
TEIA Website: https://www.trusted-energy.org
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Aug 25, 2024 • 39min
TR Ludwig Brooklyn Solar Canopies
In an urban environment, it can be difficult to find roof space for installing solar. One method is to jack up your solar system, so that it is above all the “junk” on the roof, such as air conditioners and heat pumps.
TR Ludwig had a solar installation company, Brooklyn Solar Works, which developed a solution. He has also adopted this solar canopy technology to work on the ground, which is a great place where you can park your car and mount your EV charger.
TR is also on the board of NYSEIA and is currently treasurer.
In this podcast we also talked about:
Electric Boats
Brooklyn Solar Works
Brooklyn Solar Canopy Company
Canopy Design/Structure
Height requirement for pathways under solar canopies
Canopy Installation (Attachments)
Rooftop Canopy and Carport Canopy
Tilt Rack
UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
NYSEIA: New York Solar Energy Industry Association www.nyseia.org
NYSERDA: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority www.nyserda.ny.gov
NYC and the 2008 NEC
Net Metering 3
NABCEP
Amicus Solar Cooperative www.amicussolar.com
What happens to the solar industry if Trump gets elected?
New York City Solar Canopies
Reach TR Ludwig here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/trludwig
Brooklyn Solar Canopy Co.: www.brooklynsolarcanopy.com
Brooklyn Solar Works: www.brooklynsolarworks.com
EMO Electric: www.emoelectric.co
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Aug 18, 2024 • 1h 3min
Michael Bahtiarian: Diving deep into Solar Sounds
In this episode of the Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean White sits down with Michael Bahtiarian, an expert in acoustics and noise control engineering. They delve into the intricacies of sound in various environments, from solar and battery energy storage sites to wind turbines and submarines. They explore the science behind sound measurement, noise regulation, and innovative solutions for noise reduction. They also share personal anecdotes and discuss the broader implications of noise on human health and environmental impact. Whether you're a sound enthusiast or a professional in the energy sector, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of acoustics.
Topics covered:
Solar and powerplant sounds
Inverters
Noise Ordinances
Decibels
Earplugs
Mike’s profession
Sound Barriers
Decibel levels
The Big Dig
TTS = Temporary Threshold Shift
Salesforce
Wind Shear
Nikola Tesla
SBSP = Space based solar power
Pile drivers
Construction noises
Infrasonic sound
Renewable Energy - Wind
Transmitting energy with sound
SBSP = Space Based Solar Power
O&M = Operation and Maintenance
Noise Cancellation
Noise underwater (Submarine)
How noise and sound acoustics affects every field
Acentech www.acentech.com
Institute of Noise Control Engineering
BBN = Bolt Beranek and Newman Inc.
INCE Institute of Noise Control Engineering www.inceusa.org/
Reach Michael Bahtiarian here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbahtiarian
Acentech linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/acentech/
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Aug 11, 2024 • 55min
Nico Johnson: Unveiling the Solar Industry's Stories and Innovations
In this engaging episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean White interviews Nico Johnson, the renowned solar podcaster behind Suncast with over 700 episodes. They delve into Nico's journey in the solar industry, key moments from his podcasting career, and his passion for storytelling.
Their conversation spans topics from networking in unexpected places to the evolution of the solar industry. Nico shares insights on podcast preparation, storytelling techniques like the five T's, and the exciting potential of digital archiving. This episode is full of valuable tips and inspirational anecdotes for anyone interested in the solar industry and podcasting.
Topics covered:
NABCEP www.nabcep.org
Suncast www.mysuncast.com
Fidelity Roof Company www.fidelityroof.com
Stuart Wentworth
Conergy
EnZinc www.linkedin.com/company/enzinc
Michael Burz www.linkedin.com/in/michael-burz
Rechargeable Lead Acid Batteries
AltE Store www.altestore.com
Sascha Deri www.linkedin.com/in/sascha-deri
Real Goods
Digital Archiving
Hart Akerson
Hart Transverter
NorCal Solar www.norcalsolar.org
Jigar Shah www.linkedin.com/in/jigarshahdc
Alpha Brain
ASES = American Solar Energy Society www.ases.org
ISES = International Solar Energy Society www.ises.org
Storytelling Tactics
Nextracker www.nextracker.com
Daniel Shugar www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-shugar
Lead Acid Batteries
The five Ts
Lisa Ann Pinkerton www.linkedin.com/in/lisaannpinkerton
Earthlings Podcast www.earthlingspodcast.com
Technical Communication
John Engel www.linkedin.com/in/johnengelboise
Renewable Energy World www.renewableenergyworld.com
Lex Fridman www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman
Dwarkesh Patel www.youtube.com/@DwarkeshPatel
Valence: Content that Connects: www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence
Reach Nico Johnson here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus
Suncast: www.mysuncast.com
Youtube Video Podcast: www.youtube.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Aug 4, 2024 • 45min
Ezra Auerbach: NABCEP PV Technical Sales Certification and PV in the 1980s until now.
In this conversation with Ezra Auerbach, we cover a lot of topics, especially solar sales, and ethics. Ezra is especially passionate about ethical solar and storage sales practices. Ezra and Sean both teach NABCEP PV Technical Sales (PVTS) classes.
Ezra also has lived off-grid on an Island on the West Coast of Canada for 50+ years. He started his first solar company in 1986.
Most people know him for his involvement with NABCEP, including being there at the founding of NABCEP and especially his time running NABCEP as the Executive Director from 2009 to 2013. Ezra is still active with NABCEP, and I still see him around at various conferences and events. Perhaps you do too!
Topics Covered:
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
Microgrids
Virtual Power Plants = VPP
Energy Storage Systems = ESS
SEIA = Solar Energy Industry Association
NABCEP ESIP = Energy Storage Installation Professional certification
Net-Metering
California Net-Metering policy (NEM 2.0 and NEM 3.0)
California Solar Initiative
Jeff Spies (see Sean’s podcast with Jeff 4/28/2024)
EA = Energy Alternatives www.energyalternatives.ca/
Solar Thermal
NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association
Scanifly
LiDAR = Light Detection And Ranging
EV = Electric Vehicle
SMA solar = System Mess and Anlagentchnik<
Reach Ezra Auerbach here:
Ezra’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ezra-a-4905123b/
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Jul 28, 2024 • 47min
Sierra Fan Solar Upskilling from Myanmar to Silicon Valley
In this episode, Sean White is joined by Sierra Fan, co-founder of cleantech software platform Illu (www.illu.works) and fellow board member of NorCal Solar. They discuss everything from the importance of nature education for children to the balance of pollutant vs carbon mitigation in Chinese regulatory policy to the difficulties of running a microgrid installation crew in Myanmar. Finally, they dig deep into the new software technology that Sierra is building at Illu and why ongoing digital tools are a critical component for the buildout of the new clean energy workforce in the US and beyond.
Topics Covered:
Climate Change
Pollution
Carbon Emission
Greenhouse Gas
Climate Deniers
Global Warming
Silicon Valley Highschool
Henry M Gunn Highschool
An Inconvenient Truth www.wikipedia.org/An_Inconvenient_Truth
SunPower Foundation www.sunpower.com/foundation
One Million Lights Philippines www.onemillionlights.org
Sacha Baron Ali G www.youtube.com
Illu www.illu.works
Benefits of Illu
Check out Sierra Fan here:
Sierra Fan Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sierrafan/
Illu Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/illuworks/
Illu www.illu.works
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean