Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

Michael Shonka Solar Thermal and Solar in the 80s

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, solar expert Michael Shonka is featured as the special guest. Broadcasting from Nebraska, Shonka shares his extensive experience in the solar industry, dating back to 1983. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the historical evolution of solar thermal systems, the impacts of past governmental incentives, and the differences in energy markets across regions. Shonka also discusses contemporary issues such as unethical solar sales practices and the importance of community solar projects. The episode provides valuable insights for both seasoned solar professionals and newcomers interested in solar thermal technology.

 

Topics covered:

Solar in the 80’s

Solar Hot Water

Tax Credit

Solar Thermal

Arco Solar

Digital Differential Controller

Solar Air System                                                        

Nuclear Energy

Unethical & Ethical Solar Sales

Bad Actors in the Industry

“Solar Bros”

North Facing System

Educating Consumers

Hydronic Heating

Radiant Floor Heating

Atmospheric Tank

Pressurized Tank

Buffer Tank

Avoiding Orphan Systems

Home Power Magazine

Solar Pro Magazine

Build it Solar www.builditsolar.com

Heat Exchangers

 

Reach out to Michael Shonka Here:

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/michael-shonka-6833b3

Website: www.solaromaha.com

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Maximizing Efficiency with the Power of AeroSeal with Jarrod Scott

Jared Scott discusses AeroSeal’s cutting-edge duct and building sealing technology, highlighting its role in improving energy efficiency, reducing air changes per hour (ACH), and enhancing indoor air quality. He explores the benefits for both new and existing buildings, as well as how AeroSeal’s innovations help solar companies improve customer retention and reduce cancellations. Tune in to learn about AeroSeal’s product advancements, its impact on sealing attics and crawlspaces, and its growing presence in the renewable energy industry.

 

Topics covered:

AeroSeal’s duct and building sealing technology

Reducing Air Changes per Hour (ACH) for Efficiency

Comparison with Traditional Sealing Methods

Sean’s Renewable Energy Training Center Project

Sealing Attics, Crawlspaces, and More

Using Fog to Detect Air Leaks

Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) & Ventilation

Compact AeroSeal Equipment Innovation

AeroSeal Crews Availability

How AeroSeal Helps Solar Companies Retain Customers

Importance of proper air sealing in energy efficiency

 

Find out more on:

Aeroseal Website: www.aeroseal.com

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

SNEC, World’s Largest Solar Event with Jenny Tong and Qun Wang

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean speaks with Qun Wang and Jenny Tong from SNEC about the upcoming SNEC conference in Shanghai, scheduled for June 11-13, 2025. They discuss the sheer scale of the event, which is expected to attract up to 700,000 attendees, making it the world's largest solar storage and renewable energy exposition. The trio dives into different aspects of SNEC, including scientific and industrial applications, international collaborations, and the rapidly evolving renewable energy sector in China. They also touch on practical logistics for international attendees and share personal experiences from previous conferences. An insightful episode for anyone interested in the latest advancements and future prospects in solar energy. It is not too late to go to SNEC.

 

American’s can go to China without a visa for 10 days as long as they transit through another country, which is how Sean is going.

 

Sean will have a stage at SNEC where he will be teaching solar and storage classes for 2 days at no cost, and additionally he will be podcasting. If you are going to be at SNEC and want to be interviewed on Sean’s podcast, please let us know.

 

Topics covered:

Overview of SNEC

Sean’s Involvement on SNEC

History and Growth of SNEC

Traveling to China with a 240-Hour Transit Visa

Shanghai Transportation

Cultural Exchange

Scientific Conferences features top solar scientists like Martin Green and AKI Weber

SNEC’s collaboration with Re+

U.S. solar market challenges

Tariffs on renewable energy

Manufacturing challenges in the US

Cost and growth of solar energy

Utility-Scale Solar Projects

Sean White’s staff going to SNEC for team building

Sean White bringing his mom to SNEC for Mother’s day!

 

Listen to Sean’s conversation with Madam Mi and Jenny here👇🏻

SNEC ES+ with Madame Mi and Jenny Tong (ES=Energy Storage)

SNEC Website: www.SNEC.org

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

InterSolar Industry Podcaster Roundup with Nico Johnson, Sean White, SolarSean Chris Crowell and Joe Ordia (Reposted courtesy SunCast)

Industry podcasters and a print media representative shared insights on the evolving energy landscape. They discussed innovative technologies like module-level storage and lightweight solar, the current uncertain industry sentiment, and emerging opportunities in battery storage and solar servicing amidst economic shifts.

Topics covered:

• New solar and storage technologies, including module-level batteries and lightweight modules, garnered attention for their innovative approaches.
• The industry is experiencing uncertainty and restructuring alongside emerging opportunities in service and battery sectors.‍
• Policy shifts and economic conditions are creating both challenges and driving the need for adaptation.

Reach out the Nico Johnson and other guests here:

Nico Johnson LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus/

SunCast Media LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/suncast-media/

SunCast Media Website: www.suncast.media/

Chris Crowell LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chris-crowell-b065729/

Solar Builder Magazine Website: www.solarbuildermag.com/

Joe Ordia LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joeordia/

Solar Surge Website: www.solarsurge.net/

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Solar DIY and Training Insights with Alex Rodriguez of Signature Solar

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean welcomes Alex Rodriguez, the Senior Manager of Learning and Development at Signature Solar. Together, they dive into a light-hearted and insightful conversation about the evolving field of solar energy, DIY solar projects, and the innovative products offered by Signature Solar. They explore topics ranging from the company's STEP program, which incentivizes career growth within the solar industry, to Alex's experiences with various solar products and customer projects. Additionally, Sean shares his unique experiences attending international climate conferences, underscoring the global significance of renewable energy. Whether you're a solar enthusiast or a professional in the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and engaging stories.

 

Topics covered:

Signature Solar www.signaturesolar.com

Sulfur Springs

Cattle Gas

NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

Signature Solar Reward for Getting NABCEP Certifications

Solar DIY = Solar Do It Yourself

Mini Split

Rapid Shutdown

UL 3741

EG4 = Energy Generation for Everyone www.eg4electronics.com

Victron Energy

Shore Power

Different Types of Transformers

Grid

Grounding and Bonding

Growatt www.growatt.com

Hybrid Inverter

Soulace www.soulace.com

SNEC

COP Conference = Conference of the Parties

NorCal Solar = the Northern California Solar Energy Association

Protesting

NREL = National Renewable Energy Labs

 

Reach out Alex Rodriguez here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alexandercrodriguez/ 

Signature Solar Website: www.signaturesolar.com

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Suncasting on the InterSolar Stage: Nico Johnson of Suncast interviews Sean White and discusses NABCEP, and the new Administration

Nico Johnson interviews Sean on the stage at InterSolar North America in San Diego. This podcast is reposted courtesy of Suncast. 

Sean White and Nico Johnson discuss the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and its significance in the solar industry. They emphasize how NABCEP certification enhances resilience, career value, and company success, especially during times of uncertainty. The benefits of attending the NABCEP conference for networking and technical knowledge are also highlighted. 

 

Topics covered: 

NABCEP certifications. 

Certification provides resilience and value for individuals and companies amidst industry fluctuations. 

The NABCEP conference offers networking, technical learning, and a unique community feel. 

 

See the original posting of this episode at www.suncast.media/guest/day-2-session-6-why-is-getting-nabcep-certified-even-more-important-with-the-new-administration

 

Reach out Nico Johnson and SunCast Media here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/suncast-media/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/suncast/posts/?feedView=all

SunCast Media Website: www.suncast.media/

Intersolar Website: www.intersolar.us/

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

 

Solar Saint Ward Bower gets interviewed by Bill Brooks and Sean White at the NABCEP Conference (released on Hermann Scheer’s Birthday)

Ward Bower pretty much invented the modern solar industry and the grid-tied inverter. Bill Brooks, who everyone knows is another one of the greatest solar minds of all time gives Sean a hand interviewing their friend Ward Bower. Ward has had a Forrest Gump type of experience in the solar industry, being there when everything happened. He saw the founding of NABCEP, the modern grid-tied inverter, he sits on many panels writing the codes that make solar safe. Ward and Bill have been working closely together on the National Electrical Code for decades. Sean First met Ward when he was recruited for a NABCEP committee and met at Sandia Labs in New Mexico.

 

Ward is the nicest person with a huge heart and deserves a lot more nice things to be said about him than what we are saying about him here.

 

For those of you listening to this podcast far in the future, after we are long gone, do your best to use this recording to make an AI version of Ward.

 

This podcast was recorded on the Suncast Media stage during NABCEP Conference in Reno in 2025!

 

Topics covered:

History of PV Industry = Photovoltaics

NEC = National Electrical Code

Ungrounded Systems

Power Conditioning Systems

Power Control Systems

Article 690

Line Commutated

Control Technologies

UL

IEEE = Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Microgrid

NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

Inverter with Rotating Equipment in it

 

Reach out to Ward Bower & Bill Brooks Here:

Ward Bower’s Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ward-bower

Bill Brooks’ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/bill-brooks

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

 

This podcast is a special release in honor of the godfather of the modern solar revolution Hermann Scheer. This is the second annual Hermann Scheer edition. To learn more about Mr. Scheer, listen to his friend Eicke Weber who was on this podcast exactly 1 year ago, which would have been Hermann Scheer’s 80^th Birthday. Today Hermann would have been 81.

 

Eicke Weber talks about Hermann Scheer:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eicke-weber-hermann-scheers-80th-bd-4-29-1944-scheer/id1441958371?i=1000653913046 

 

Hermann Scheer article:

https://rightlivelihood.org/the-change-makers/find-a-laureate/hermann-scheer/

Energy Saging with Erik Holvik of EnergySage

In this episode, we dive into ethical solar sales, industry trends, and consumer-first practices with Erik from EnergySage and Sean White. They explore how EnergySage connects customers with vetted installers—cutting out aggressive sales tactics—and discuss the platform’s mission to bring transparency to the solar market. The conversation also covers solar legislation, community solar, and the critical role of education and regulation in protecting both consumers and the industry. A must-listen for solar professionals and enthusiasts alike!

 

Topics Covered:

Solar Philippines

B2B (Business to business)

NABCEP Conference

Senator Fabian Donate

Solar Bros

Contractor’s License

Utah – Mecca of Solar Sales

Solar Consumer Certification

Solar sales ethics

NABCEP Certifications

Alaska

Ethical Pledge

Sales Channel – connecting homeowners and distributors

Heatspring Course – Introduction to Ethics and Solar Sales

NABCEP PV Technical Sales

Small medium business market

Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

VPP (Virtual Power Plant)

NEM (Net Energy Metering)

Community Solar

 

Reach out to Erick Holvik here:

Energy Sage Website: www.energysage.com

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Today is Earth Day, with Aidan Charron of EarthDay.org

Earth Day officially started on April 22 1970 and is officially recognized as April 22, but there are usually celebrations on different days of the week, such as SF Climate Week, which is this week! In this episode, we talk about important topics related to climate change and renewable energy. We explore the role of renewable sources like solar and wind, and how climate change impacts certain communities more than others. We share ideas for how you can make a difference this Earth Day and highlight career opportunities in the green energy field. Plus, we discuss the importance of standing up for the environment, taking legal action, and keeping up with global climate events.

 

If you are in the Bay Area, make sure to go to NorCal Solar’s party on Friday April 25^th, and find out more here at www.NorCalSolar.org/events

 

Topics covered:

Renewable energy sources

Divisions in society affecting views on climate change

Climate change and fairness for disadvantaged groups

Pollution and health risks from refineries

Sea level rise and storms affecting the Outer Banks, NC

The Wright Brothers' breakthrough in flight

Earth Day activities like recycling and contacting lawmakers

Organizing neighborhood cleanups

Inspiring others to protect the environment

Career opportunities in renewable energy

Becoming a leader in environmental work

Encouraging others to explore green energy careers

Renewable energy jobs without a college degree

Joining EarthDay.org and contributing

Global climate conferences and their impact

 

Reach out Aidan Charron here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aidancharron

Website: www.earthday.org

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

High School Senior Interviews Sean!

The tables have turned! Sean is getting interviewed by a High School Senior who had an assignment to interview someone, and the High Schooler was directed to Sean! Additionally, they went to the same High School, Northgate in Walnut Creek CA. Go Bronchos!

 

They discuss how Sean got started in renewable energy, the importance of renewable energy, the challenges and advancements in the solar industry, and even touch on comparisons between renewable and nuclear energy. Tune in to learn how everyday actions can contribute to a sustainable future. Don't miss Sean's insights on the evolving landscape of energy storage and the potential for a world run predominantly on renewable energy.

 

Topics covered:

PG&E = Pacific Gas and Electric

CCA = Community Choice Aggregation

Fidelity Roof Company

Stuart Wentworth

Quickmount

Used Solar

NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association

Recycling & Reusing Solar

Tariffs

Energy Prices<

CALSSA

Net Metering

Energy Storage

Batteries

Duck Curve

Wind Energy

Are the Materials for Solar Modules Harmful?

LFP = Lithium Iron Phosphate

NMC = Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Fossil Fuel

Nuclear Waste

Misconceptions About Renewable Energy

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean