Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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