

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

Jul 21, 2024 • 53min
Matthew Krayton: Hydrogen Energy Storage
Matthew is the Communications Lead at the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub ( MACH2). As one of the leading figures in the hydrogen energy sector, he recently delivered a compelling Opening Keynote at the North American Hydrogen Summit 2024, highlighting the transformative potential of green and pink hydrogen in achieving significant environmental goals.
1. Green and Pink Hydrogen Initiatives:Explore how MACH2 plans to integrate green and pink hydrogen into its operations and the broader implications for the energy industry.
2. Environmental Impact: Delve into MACH2’s ambitious goal to reduce up to 25 million Metric Tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and criteria pollutants per year through innovative hydrogen solutions.
3. Hydrogen Hub Development:Gain insights into the progress and challenges of developing one of the seven hydrogen hubs across the United States and the role of MACH2 in this nationwide effort.
4. Future of Clean Energy: Discuss the broader vision for the hydrogen economy in the U.S. and how MACH2's initiatives align with national and global sustainability goals.
This interview presents a rare and exclusive opportunity to gain insights into the future of hydrogen energy directly from a key leader in the field. Matt Krayton’s expertise and insights will provide invaluable perspectives on how clean hydrogen solutions can drive significant environmental and economic benefits.
Topics covered include:
Hydrogen colors and definitions
Green hydrogen
Blue Hydrogen
Turquoise Hydrogen
Yellow hydrogen
Brown hydrogen and black hydrogen (coal)
Pink hydrogen (nuclear)
Orange hydrogen
Grey hydrogen (most common)
SMR = Steam Methane Reformation
Hydrogen hub
Smart pipe
Sensors
Using existing methane (natural gas) pipe
Re-sleeving
Retooling
Refurbishing
IRA = Inflation Reduction Act
Ammonia NH3
Hydrogen H2
Methane CH4
Lithium Ion Batteries
EV = Electric Vehicle
Climate Change
Amtrak
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Reach Matthew Krayton here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkrayton/
Publitics Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/publitics-solutions-llc/
Influence IQ: www.influenceiq.publitics.com/
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Jul 14, 2024 • 51min
Christopher Johnson Climate Tech Consultant
Christopher has and has had many roles in the solar and storage industry. Currently he is a consultant and has fractional leadership roles in various companies, such as Kevala. Christopher was also the CEO and COO of Blue Planet, which is pioneer in using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) lithium-ion batteries. Christopher has worked with SEPA and Seneca Environmental. Christopher Johnson takes things off the plate of busy CEOs. He lives and works in San Francisco, the climate tech capital of the world!
Topics Covered:
Kevala www.kevala.com
Blue Planet www.blueplanetenergy.com
Tesla
Distributed Energy
Ford F150
Bidirectional EVs
California 100% EVs by 2035
Clean Energy Buyers Association www.cebuyers.com
NorCal solar www.norcalsolar.com
Rice University
Batteries
AI = Artificial Intelligence
Seneca Nation
EV = Electric Vehicle
SEPA = Smart Electric Power Association www.sepapower.com
SEIA = Solar Energy Industry Association www.seia.com
RE+ www.re-plus.com
VPPA = Virtual Power Purchase Agreement
Tesla Powerwall
NEM = Net Energy Metering
Bidirectional Electric Vehicle
Reach Christopher Johnson here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/enlighten/
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by takingSean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Jul 7, 2024 • 1h 12min
Kerim Baran and the 2nd coming of solaracademy.com
Back in the 2009/2010 Ontario FIT era, Sean was teaching classes for the Ontario Solar Academy and the Solar Coaster ended that job and the Ontario Solar Academy, however Sean discovered 14 years later that solaracademy.com has a 2nd live and Kerim is posting videos on the site. This podcast can also be seen on YouTube and on solaracademy.com. Kerim is an entrepreneur with a passion for renewable energy and a history of many things.
Kerim founded Civic Solar and sold it to CED Greentech
Kerim is the Managing Director of Enki Solar Investments
Topics covered:
Kerim Baran www.linkedin.com
Ontario Solar academy
Nico Johnson www.linkedin.com
Civic Solar
CED Greentech
Solar Academy solaracademy.com
Feed-in tariff
HeatSpring www.heatspring.com
Infinite solar
Jacob Travis
CCA = Community Choice Aggregation
Paul Finn
History of Solar Industry
Sean White’s background
Stuart Wentworth
Quick mount PV
HeatSpring courses and bundles www.heatspring.com/sean
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioner www.nabcep.com
NorCal solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association www.norcalsolar.org
ASES = American Solar Energy Society www.ases.com
Check Kerim out at solaracademy.com and at www.linkedin.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Jun 30, 2024 • 1h
Paul Subzak on Utility-Scale Solar Engineering
This podcast episode, hosted by Sean White, features an extensive conversation with Paul Subzak about solar energy and energy storage. Recorded in Orinda, California, Sean and Paul discuss a range of topics from utility-scale solar projects to the technical details of electrical infrastructure, including wire sizing and inverters. They also delve into the impacts of regulatory aspects on renewable energy projects and explore the future of solar technology and practical field implementation. Both Sean, with his solar education background, and Paul, with his engineering experience, offer deep insights into the current trends and future directions of the renewable energy industry.
Topics covered:
Paul Subzak www.linkedin.com
DG = Distributed generation
Clear sky
Solar Impulse
Inverters
Trunk bus
Power outage and brownouts
Recloser
IPC = Insulation Piercing Connector
IPP = Independent Power Producer
Aluminum and copper wire
AHJ = Authority Having Jurisdiction
Copper Clad Steel
CYME www.cyme.com/software/cymcap/
Solar and energy storage
Small Grid Interconnect
Utility Scale Solar Projects
Grid interconnect application
NESC = National Electrical Safety Code
High Voltage DC
DG = Distribution Grid
Transmission Grid
Grounding
Overcurrent Protection
String inverters vs. Central inverters
Transmission lines
Grid following inverters
Grid forming inverters
Spinning reserves
IBR = Inverter Based Resource
MPPT = Maximum Power Point Tracking
TE Connectivity
Frequency regulation
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Transmission lines
Solar in Texas and California
DC and AC wire
Duct banks
ERCOT = Electric Reliability Council of Texas www.ercot.com
NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy www.norcalsolar.org
ASES = American Solar Energy Society www.ases.org
ISES - International Solar Energy Society www.ises.org
Reach Paul Subzak here:
Conductor Power: www.conductorpower.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com
Youtube Video Podcast: www.youtube.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by takingSean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Jun 23, 2024 • 42min
Ed Rottmann, CEO Chroma Energy Group
In this episode Sean White welcomes Ed Rottman, CEO of Chroma Energy Group, for a comprehensive discussion on renewable energy, particularly focusing on solar power and energy storage developments. They delve into Ed's background, Chroma Energy Group's operations, and the intricacies of distributed generation, utility scale storage, and the evolution of the solar industry. The conversation also covers innovative trends like agrivoltaics and bifacial photovoltaics, the impact of AI on renewable energy, and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including workforce development and infrastructure investments.
Topics Covered:
Chroma Energy Group www.chromaenergygroup.com
Stowers Machinery Caterpillar Dealer www.stowerscat.com
MDA = Missile Defense Agency www.mda.mil
Booz Allen Hamilton www.boozallen.com
Conservative Climate Caucus www.conservativeclimatecaucus.com
Inflation Reduction Act
TVA = Tennessee Valley Authority www.tva.com
Al Gore www.algorewiki.com
LPS = Local Power Companies
EPC = Engineering Procurement and Construction www.epc.com
ACP = American Clean Power www.cleanpower.com
AI technology
RE+ in Texas
C&I = Commercial and Industrial
DG = Distributed Generation
Paul Subzak
Electric Vehicle
People against solar energy
Agrivoltaics
Fencing Bifacial PV
Monofacial PV
Nellis Solar Power Plant 14 megawatt (MW)
Utility Scale Storage Projects
EMS = Energy Management Systems
Climate Week
NorCal Solar www.norcalsolar.org
SaaS = Software as a Service
AI = Artificial Intelligence
Impacts on how renewable energy does in the future
You can reach Ed Rottmann here:
Ed Rottmann www.linkedin.com/in/edward-rottmann/
Chroma Energy Group www.chromaenergygroup.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Jun 16, 2024 • 58min
Tony Diaz talks Roofing and Solar with Johan Alfsen
In this podcast, Sean White is joined by Tony Diaz, a seasoned roofer and solar expert, and Johan Alfson, a solar installation specialist. They dig deep into the evolution of solar roofing techniques, discussing early practices, industry standards, and the importance of quality installations. The conversation covers the challenges of maintaining roofing integrity, the impact of using modern materials like butyl, and the need for continuous education and proper business practices in the solar industry. They emphasized the value of quality over speed and cheap methods and highlighted the necessity for industry standards and certifications.
Topics Covered:
Stuart Wentworth
Claudia Wentworth
Ezra
Quickmount PV
Goop in a prayer
Unirac www.unirac.com
K2 www.k2-systems.com
Rooftech www.rooftech.com
Comp Shingle Roofs
Bernoulli effect
Metal Flashing
Butyl roof
DirecTV www.directv.com
SnapNrack www.snapnrack.com
O&M
NABCEP www.nabcep.org
Golden pledge warranty
GAF roofing www.gaf.com
Pitch Pocket
RE+ Northern California
Sales training
Crap Solar on Facebook
Solar Hall of Shame
NABCEP Conference
NRCA = National Roofing Contractors Association www.nrca.net
RISE = Roof Integrated Solar Energy
SCI
Jeff Spies
Richard Lawrence
Check them out here:
Facebook: Century Roof & Solar
Instagram: @centuryroofandsolar
LinkedIn: Century Roof And Solar
No Utility Bills Inc: www.noutilitybills.com
Century Roof and Solar: www.centuryroofandsolar.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by takingSean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Jun 9, 2024 • 23min
John Coffman: Solar-Wind Hybrid Trees, too good to be true?
Sean White talks to John Coffman from Commercial Solar about the innovative hybrid power tree. This new technology combines solar and wind energy. John shares insights about the design, engineering, and potential of these hybrid power trees, which are being manufactured in the Philippines. They also discuss partnerships, financing options, and the advantages of combining solar and wind power. Tune in to learn more about this exciting development in green technology.
Topics Covered:
Martin Navales
Commercial Solar www.commercialsolar.biz
Hybrid Power tree
Solind Technology Corporation www.solindtechcorp.com
Maxeon solar cells
Sun Power www.us.sunpower.com
Sunpower vs. Maxeon difference
SKEPS www.skeps.com
Primus wind turbine
Enphase Battery System
UL 61730
Solar Windows
Colored Solar
Artistic Solar
Solar Roadways
Paint on Solar
Smart Flowers
Works at night
Solar Tree description:
PV-7.5 and 8kW-
Wind-turbine is 13ft up
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by takingSean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Jun 2, 2024 • 52min
Joe Marhamati of Sunvoy-The Ultimate Solar App
In this episode, Sean White hosts Joe Marhamati, the visionary behind Sunvoy, as they explore the revolutionary solar and energy storage solutions reshaping the industry. From discussing Sunvoy's innovative customer portal and fleet management app to delving into wider topics like the impact of solar on the grid, the program offers insightful discussions on the future of energy. Join us as we uncover the intersections of technology, sustainability, and business in the solar sector.
Topics covered:
Joe Marhamati www.linkedin.com/in/marhamati/
SUNVOY www.sunvoy.com
Ipsun solar www.ipsunsolar.com
Lex Friedman
White Label
US Department of Energy www.energy.gov
President Office of Sustainability Support and the Office of the Loan Programs.
Jigar Shah www.linkedin.com/in/jigarshahdc/
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
Herve Billiet www.linkedin.com/in/hervebilliet/
Herve Billiet on Sean White's podcast
SaaS = Software as a Service
CRM = Customer Relationship Management
API = Application Programming Interface
Rapid Shutdown
B Corp = Benefit corp
SREC = Solar renewable energy certificate
Hubspot
SunCRM www.suncrm.solar
Salesforce
IRS = Internal Revenue Service
Largest PV Plant in the US
Electric Vehicles
The first large scale commercial solar thermal plants
Nevada
CSP = Concentrated Solar Power
Tesla
Revenge of the electric car
Solyndra vs Solar module
Question and answer for Sean White
Infinite Solar
Bill Brooks www.linkedin.com/in/bill-brooks-6782616/
derek the solarboi www.solarboi.com
derek the solarboi on Sean White's podcast
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by takingSean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

May 26, 2024 • 53min
NorCal Solar 50 Years Party
Celebrating 50 Years with NorCal Solar: Insights, Innovations, and Impact
In this special episode, join Sean White at the 50th NorCal Solar Anniversary Party in Oakland, California. Sean captures the essence of this vibrant gathering, filled with pioneers, innovators, and advocates for solar and energy storage. Each conversation shines a light on the diverse contributions to the solar industry and environmental sustainability. As we celebrate 50 years of NorCal Solar, join us in exploring the future of solar energy, the importance of community, and the advancements in technological and environmental advocacy.
Topics covered and people I talked to:
BMO - Bank of Montreal
Oliver Zahn of Climax Foods Check his cheese out on Colbert https://youtu.be/085iMEoqyAI?si=FiFriqxzYgFlLB5p&t=4m18s
Claudia Wentworth Past President of ASES
Tor "Solar Fred" Valenza or Probably True Solar Stories podcast
Rosemary Howley past BOD NorCal Solar
Carlo Federiconi past BOD NorCal Solar
SEER - Solar Energy Expo and Rally
Jim Augustyn
BOD NorCal Solar 48 years ago and recently! Author of Solar Cat Book - www.solarcat.com
Jerry Brown
Kevin Gao
Will Wiseman of Climatize - https://climatize.earth
Investment
Sean's www.solarcellregistry.com idea (anyone want to take it on).
EPC
Helix Electric
Wallbox Chargers
Franz Feuerherdt former NorCal BOD and of Solar4america PV manufacturing in California
Elaine Hebert former NorCal Solar President
ASES - American Solar Energy Society
Tor Allen former NorCal BOD of RAHUS INSTITUTE www.rahus.org
PG&E
Urban Solar Energy Association
Mass Bay Solar Energy Association
NESEA New England Solar Energy Association
NESEA Northeast Sustainable Energy Association
California Energy Commission
PV USA
Siemens Solar Modules
Ken Wu of International Ocean Film Foundation https://intloceanfilmfest.org
Will Draven
SF Climate Week Lana Suvorova 🕊 CEO ESGentle and New NorCal Solar Board Member
John Min
Saya Impact
Kenny Warren of SunrunSun Run
Sierra Fan Co-Founder of illu www.illu.works and New NorCal Solar Board Member
Paper Cuts
Greg Smith
RTFM
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.HeatSpring.com/Sean

May 19, 2024 • 53min
Johan Alfsen: Solar Rock Star
Johan Alfsen is the Senior DIrector of Training at K2 Systems. He was also the Director of Training at Quick Mount PV for 12 years. Johan started the Solar Battle of the Bands, the Solar Comedy Slam and seems to me that he must be in charge of the Solar Games at Intersolar. All super fun competitions.
Topics covered:
Quick mount PV
K2 and Everest www.k2-systems.com/en-us/
Solar battle of the bands
Solar Comedy Slam competition at Intersolar
Solar installer competition-Solar Games
Warfield Theater
Solar Siblings (Sister Jennifer Alfsen)
Fidelity Roof Company www.fidelityroof.com
Quality Solar
Claudia Wentworth
ASES www.ases.org
NorCal Solar www.norcalsolar.org
Nich Pak, Johan’s Solar Band member
111 Minna www.111minnagallery.com
Intersolar www.intersolar.us
Quick Mount Band
Fronius Band
Solar City Band
Sun Power Band
SMA Band
Solectria Band “DC/AC”
Hotel Utah
CALSSA California Solar and Storage Association www.calssa.org
RE+ www.re-plus.com
Johan’s Band www.northernerband.com
HeatSpring classes
Brittany Heller
Alex Heller
Stand up comedy
San Francisco Comedy College
Rolls Battery
Solar Games Intersolar
Smarter E www.thesmartere.com (formerly Intersolar)
Eicke Weber - Listen to Podcast with Eicke on 4/29/2024
Herman Scheer
Fraunhofer Institute www.fraunhofer.de
Solar tour
Tesla tours
Diversified www.divcom.com
CSLB www.cslb.ca.gov
K2 formerly known as Everest
Company Century Roofing and Solar www.centuryroofandsolar.com
Metal flashing
Sealant based flashing and mounts
“Goop and a prayer” was Johan’s quote
Norcal Solar/ASES was first solar experience with Solar Homes Tour and the Wentworths
Comp shingle roof in japan
Asphalt shingle
Asphalt impregnated underlayment
Butyl Roofing
Tim Montague's podcast www.cleanpowerhourpodcast.com
Heatspring Classes
SEIA Solar Energy Industry Association www.seia.org
NYSERDA = New York State Research, Energy Research Development Association www.nyserda.ny.gov
CALSSA formerly known CALSEA
You can find Johan Alfsen here:
LinkedIn: Johan Alfsen
Facebook: Sol Riders
Instagram: 510Johan
Johan’s free HeatSpring class for NABCEP credit: www.heatspring.com/courses/k2-pro-certified-installer-training-composition-shingle-roofs
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean