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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
5 days ago
5 days ago
If you are a solar installer, it may be a good time to upgrade your usefulness with a NABCEP certification, before the robots come for your job!This episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast features a live discussion at the Intersolar in North America San Diego. Sean interviews the team behind RoboForce, a cutting-edge robotic solution designed to automate labor-intensive tasks on solar farms and beyond. Discover the capabilities of these intelligent robots, their potential to revolutionize industrial labor, and the future of robotics in challenging environments. Tune in to learn about the technological advancements and industry insights from the experts driving this innovation. This episode was recorded with video of everyone standing next to the robot, which you can see on YouTube. You can see links to every episode at www.solarSEAN.com/podcast
Topics covered:
Topics covered:
RoboForce www.roboforce.ai
Intro to RoboForce
What the Robot is and What is it Capable of
AI = Artificial Intelligence
OSHA = Occupational Safety and Health Administration
AI/Robots taking over Jobs
Autonomy
LiDAR = Light Detection and Ranging
RoboForce World-Class Supporters
Reach out to RoboForce here:
- Myron Scholes = Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics
- Gary Rieschel = World-Class Venture Capitalist
- Carnegie Mellon University = World-Class AI Robotics Institution
Reach out to RoboForce here:
RoboForce Website: www.roboforce.ai
Linkedin Leo Ma: www.linkedin.com/in/biaoma
Linkedin Dan Zhao: www.linkedin.com/in/dan-zhao
Linkedin Veeral Hardev: www.linkedin.com/in/veeralhardev
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Reno local Eric Haskell, the founder and CEO of Sagebrush Energy, let’s us in on the Reno solar industry and what to do besides hanging out with the brains of the solar industry at the big NABCEP conference in Reno. They cover everything from the booming clean tech scene and solar power in Reno to wild horses and must-visit spots around the city, including the battery Megafactory. Eric shares insightful details about the local solar market, the benefits of Nevada's legislative changes, and even his experiences with international companies like PopSockets and Allbirds. Whether you're attending the conference or simply curious about renewable energy and modern tech in Reno, this episode is packed with valuable information and engaging stories that you won’t want to miss!
Topics covered:
Topics covered:
NABCEP Conference
Sagebrush Energy www.sagebrushenergy.com
Burning Man
Solar in RenoEV = Electric Vehicle
Tesla Giga Factory
Lithium Mine in Nevada
Zero State Income Tax
Tesla Semi Truck
Battery Recycling
Red Wood Materials
Lithium Mining
Solar in RenoCasinos
Must-visit Spots of Reno
Marriage and Divorce in Reno
Elvis Wedding
GSR = Grand Sierra Resort
Outdoor Activities in Reno
Sagebrush Energy
Residential Solar Market
Net Metering and Time of Use
ESS = Energy Storage System
Wildfire Risk in Reno
PG&E = Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Battery Attach Rate in RenoBatteries
Wild Horses in Reno Nevada
PopSockets
Riley Neugebauer of Solar for Women www.solarforwomen.com (listen to her podcast here too)
Allbirds
California and Nevada
SNEC
Intersolar in Munich
Battle Born Batteries
Climate Change
Senate Bill 293
Residential SolarDoor to Door Sales
New Mission of NorCal SolarSolar Coaster
Solar Sales and Install
Sagebrush Financial www.sagebrushfinancial.com
Reach out Eric Haskell here:
Reach out Eric Haskell here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/erick-haskell
Website: www.sagebrushenergy.com
Sagebrush Financing: www.sagebrushfinancial.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Shawn O’Brien is probably well known by most of our audience, since we talk more about technical PV and storage topics, than any podcast I know of. If you have even been to a solar conference in the USA, you probably have been in the presence of Shawn and Sean, perhaps both at the same time!
We are leading up to the NABCEP conference in Reno next week, the week of March 24th! Be sure to be there and you can also take Sean’s PV Associate class at the conference, so sign up here: https://www.heatspring.com/courses/nabcep-pv-associate-training-live-from-the-2025-nabcep-ce-conference?aff_id=t3nlgw
Or for the NABCEP Conference, go to www.nabcep.org
Sean will also be there podcasting at the NABCEP conference along with famous podcaster Nico Johnson of Suncast, so check it out!
Topics Covered:
Job Security
Different NABCEP Certifications
Non-PV and ESS Certifications-Wind and Solar Thermal<
Most NABCEP Letters after your name
Certifications vs. licenses vs. credentials
PVO&M Associate Credential
Emeritus status
Retired status
Board eligible status
Online testing = virtual testing environment
NABCEP Certified Locator
Unethical solar salespeople
NABCEP Code of Ethics
NABCEP Company Accreditation
NABCEP ANSI Accreditation
JTA = Job Task Analysis
IREC and NCCER using PVIP JTA
PVIP JTA is open source
Check out Shawn O’Brien here:
www.nabcep.org/about-us/nabcep-staff-members
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Vince Ambrose, CCO of Franklin Whole Home, explores advanced energy storage solutions, including AC/DC coupling, grid-forming capabilities, and VPP integration. He gets into battery chemistries, installation processes, and the advantages of Franklin's products for homeowners and installers.
Topics covered:
Overview of Franklin Whole Home
Comparison to Tesla Powerwall
Functionality of the Energy Storage System (ESS)
Whole-Home Backup
Energy Cost Savings
Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) & Grid Interaction
Future of Energy Storage & EV Growth
Franklin Whole Home's VPP Participation
EV Integration with Energy Storage
Future of EV and Grid Integration
Microgrid Interconnect Devices
Battery Chemistry & Safety
Battery Type & Construction
Franklin’s AC & DC Coupled Battery Systems
Compatibility with Inverters
FranklinWH’s Distribution & Certification Requirements
System Connectivity & Networking
Learn more about Franklin WH at:
www.franklinwh.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Perovskite is a type of thin film PV that can be layered on top of silicon cells to get more power! Caelux makes perovskite on glass that can be used as the glass of a traditional PV module. Charlie gets into how perovskite is made and how it works, all the way to the band gap.
Topics covered:
What is a Perovskite
How Perovskite Crystals Form
Transparent conductors
Matching Perovskite and Silicon Technologies
Temperature Coefficients
Two-Terminal Tandem vs. Four-Terminal Tandem
Reverse Bias
Solar Cells as LEDs in Reverse
Space-Based Solar Technologies
Perovskite Panel Development & Market Entry
History & Development of Perovskite Solar Cells
Industry Insights & Personal Experiences
Reach out Charlie here:
www.caelux.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com (http://www.solarSEAN.com) and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean (http://www.heatspring.com/sean)
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
In this episode, Sean White interviews Jordan Harris, CEO of Yotta Energy, at the Inter Solar conference in San Diego. They discuss Yotta Energy's innovative energy storage systems, their thermal management, UL certification process, and the benefits of integrating storage seamlessly with solar installations. Listen in for insights into future-proofing solar storage solutions and the fascinating origin story of Yotta Energy.
Topics covered:
Intersolar
Yotta Energy
Battery
ESS = Energy Storage System
Yotta = 10^24
Yotta Block
Ballast Battery
LFP = Lithium Iron Phosphate
Ballasted System
Inverters
Sean’s Red Neck Shaman? (Stay tuned!)
Yotta’s Battery Thermal Management
Lead Acid Battery
Reach out Jordan Harris here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-harris
Yotta Energy Website: www.yottaenergy.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Saad Youssefi is the co-author of Energy Storage Basics, with Sean
In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean interviews Saad Youssefi, the CEO of Batteryze. They talk about Batteryze technology, working with US labs, USAID, and solar and storage in Africa. They discuss Saad's journey in the renewable energy sector, his experience working with solar and battery technologies, and the innovative work being done at Batteryze to improve battery safety and performance. They also explore the geopolitical aspects of renewable energy and the challenges and opportunities in developing countries, particularly in Africa. Along the way, you'll hear fascinating insights into the future of energy storage, electric vehicles, and the potential for sustainable energy solutions worldwide. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation!
Topics covered:
Batteryze www.batteryze.com
Saad’s Background
EON www.eon.com
EPC = Engineering, procurement and construction
Utility Scale Solar
Utility
Battery
ESS = Energy Storage System
Energy Storage Basics (Sean’s and Saad’s Book)
DNV www.dnv.com
Elon Musk
Idaho National Lab
Nuclear
Battery Testing
2030 Estimation
Internal Short
EV = Electric Vehicle
Thermal Runaway
BMS = Battery Management System
NASA Batch Testing
Landfill
EOL Batteries = End of Life Batteries
Battery Recycling
Battery on Landfills
Swissnex www.swissnex.org
Swiss Watch Industry
Dendrites
Lithium Metal
AI = Artificial Intelligence
USAID = United States Agency for International Development
Trump Administration
Belt and Road of China Initiative
USIDFC = United States International Development Finance Corporation
Bribery and Corruption
Fertility rate
Immigration
Reach out Saad Youssefi here:
Email: saad@batteryze.com
Batteryze: www.batteryze.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Take a trip to the summer of 2025, since Gerrit Barnard is in Cape Town South Africa (Where it is now summertime). He is the Director of Sales for EMEA (Europe Middle East Africa) for C&D Technologies / Trojan Battery Company. Trojan is well known by people in the solar and storage industry for a long time and many old-timers used Trojan L16 batteries for their first PV system, back when grid-tied PV was a dream, illegal or both.
Trojan has become one (merger/bought by) C&D Technologies, who has also been making batteries for a long time, especially in the more industrial applications.
Trojan and C&D mostly specialize in reliable lead-acid systems, but also make golf cart batteries that use the lithium-ion technology. There are many people still using lead-acid batteries and when you listen to this podcast, you will know why, and you will likely use NEC Article 480 Stationary Standby Batteries (formerly Storage Batteries) rather than Article 706 Energy Storage Systems.
Remember that although lead tastes good, it is more filling🤣
(Don’t taste lead, they say it was the downfall of the Roman Empire, since it was used to sweeten wine and made those emperors go nuts).
Topics covered:
EMEA = Europe Middle East and Africa
C&D Technologies www.cdtechno.com
Trojan Battery www.trojanbattery.com
Lithium-Ion Battery
Lead-Acid Battery
EV = Electric Vehicles
Golf Carts
Battery Recycling (98% – 99%)
SOC = Stated of Charge
DOD = Depth of Discharge
Equalization on Sealed Batteries
Sealed Lead Acid Batteries
World Changers Academy
SMA Solar Technology
Cape Town
Climate Reality Project
Battery Manufacturing of C&D
Article 706 = Energy Storage Systems
Article 480 = Storage Batteries/Stationary Standby Batteries
Nuclear Power Plant
Trojan 2,460 Amp Hour Cell Battery
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Megawatt Hour Lead-Acid Battery System
ESCOM Utility
Inverter
Anti-Islanding
Distilled Water for Batteries
Intersolar in Munich
Smarter E
Reach out Gerrit Barnard here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gerrit-barnard
C&D Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/c&d-technologies
C&D Website: www.cdtechno.com
Trojan Battery Website: www.trojanbattery.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
In this episode, Sean White welcomes Paul Frischer, the president and head of technology at GO-OPV, for a thought-provoking discussion on the revolutionary technology of organic printed semiconductors. Paul delves into the origins, operation, and potential applications of this groundbreaking technology that promises zero-emission power generation from carbon-based materials. They explore topics such as the differences between printed semiconductors and traditional silicon-based solar cells, the intricacies of quantum mechanics in energy production, and the future potential for commercial deployment. Tune in to learn how this innovative approach could reshape the energy landscape and lead to more sustainable solutions.
Topics covered:
Printed Semiconductors
Fossil Fuel
Organic
Silicon Semiconductors
Carbon
Silicon
Zero Emission
Graphite
C₆₀ = Carbon 60
Buckminster Fuller
Fullerene
CH4 = Methane
OLED = Organic Light-Emitting Diode.
P3HT = Poly(3-hexylthiophene)
Konarka = www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konarka<
PET = Polyethylene Terephthalate
Printing
POE = Power over the Ethernet
GO-OPV
ORENgE
Mecho Shade www.mechoshade.com
Inverter
Organic Printed Film Window Shade
Passive Solar
Naphthalene
Petroleum
Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Space
Automated Printed Semiconductor Window Shade
Non-Silicon Photovoltaics Technology
Nanotechnology
Battery
Climate Chamber Test
Reach out Paul Frischer here:
ORENgE Power: www.orengepower.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean sits down with John-Ross Cromer, head of training at Sol-Ark, to dive deep into the world of solar inverters and battery storage solutions. They discuss the evolution of hybrid inverters, the significance of UL 9540 revisions, and the impact of the 2023 NEC on solar installations. John shares insights into Sol-Ark's all-in-one inverter technology, the importance of battery choice, and the exciting growth potential in the commercial solar market. They also touch on practical tips for solar project design, future trends in solar and battery integration, and the transformative potential of 100% daytime solar energy. Whether you're a seasoned solar professional or a newcomer, this episode is packed with valuable information and industry insights. Tune in to learn more!
Topics covered:
Sol-Ark www.sol-ark.com
Inverter
Fortress Power www.fortresspower.com
Hybrid Inverter
All in One Inverter
Schneider
Grid
Net Metering
Transformer
Tesla Powerwall
EV = Electric Vehicle
EV to Home
Bi-directional EV
EV Charging
Microinverter
ESS = Energy Storage System
NEC = National Electrical Code
DC ESS = Direct Current Energy Storage System
AC ESS = Alternating Current Energy Storage System
UL 9540
UL 9540 Revisions
Briggs and Stratton www.energy.briggsandstratton.com
Simpliphi
Microgrid
Utility
Battery
UL 1741
Converter
PCS = Power Control System
EMS = Energy Management System
Supply Side Connection
Load Side Connection
Off Grid System
High Voltage
Three-phase Inverter
MID Panels
Commercial Market
Lemon Battery
Lemonade Decommissioning plan
DC to DC Converters
DC to DC Conversion
Support Team
Battery Choice
Rapid Shutdown
Battery Heating System
Container Batteries
Inverter Based Country/Grid?
100% Solar
Solar Learning Curve
Fluor www.fluor.com
Utility Market
Demand Charges
PVBatts www.pvbatts.com
Reach out John-Ross Cromer here:
Sol-Ark: www.sol-ark.com
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/john-cromer
Webinar: www.shop.sol-ark.com/webinars
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean