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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
21 hours ago
21 hours ago
In this episode, Sean White sits down with Matt Ward, President of Etica AG, to explore the fascinating world of battery immersion technology. Discover Etica AG’s approach to submerging lithium-ion batteries in dielectric oil to keep them cool and fire safe. From enhanced safety measures to potential applications across various industries, Matt provides an in-depth look at the benefits and future of this technology. Whether you’re an energy enthusiast or a tech novice, you won’t want to miss this enlightening conversation!
Topics covered:
Etica AG Battery Immersion Technology
Dielectric Oil
Thermal Runaway
ESS = Energy Storage System
UL9540
UL9540A
Cell to Cell Propagation
Liquid Cooling
Transformer Cooling
Batteries
BMS = Battery Management System
HVAC = Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
O&M = Operations and Maintenance
Etica www.etica.com
AGI www.agirepair.com
Power Cabinet
Reach out to Matt Ward Here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mattward-energy
Etica AG: www.eticaag.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
4 days ago
4 days ago
In this episode, Alex Zhu shares his journey in the solar industry, starting from his time at Suntech to founding ES Foundry, one of the few U.S.-based solar cell manufacturers. We dive into the technical aspects of solar cell production, from silicon wafers to screen printing silver, and discuss the challenges and opportunities of manufacturing solar cells in the United States. Learn about the importance of a stable industry policy, the intricacies of solar technology, and the future of solar manufacturing in America. Tune in to gain insights into the world of solar cells and discover how ES Foundry is empowering the solar industry in the U.S.
Topics discussed:
No wafer manufacturing in the USA
6 9s (99.9999% pure) silicon
Suntech
Suniva
Crystalline Silicon
Chemical etching
Texturing
PN Junction
Phosphorus Diffusion
Oxidation
Silicon Dioxide
Silicon Nitride
Screen Printing Silver
Bifacial solar cells
Aluminum Oxide
Monofacial solar cells
Semiconductor
PERC technology = Passive Emitter Rear Contact
Investment Tax Credit
45x = 4 cents a watt
ES = Empower Solar
SunPower
Reach out Alex Zhu here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alexzhu
ES Foundry Website: www.esfoundrycorp.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
6 days ago
6 days ago
Jeff Spies is organizing The Solar Roots Party which is set to be the fun event of the decade for the solar industry, and all are invited. Party with the solar legends that helped start the solar industry. There will be 2 viewings of the Solar Roots – The Pioneers of PV movie which was produced by Jeff Spies. Jeff is my favorite Solar historian, and he knows the history. Become part of history and have a great time doing it at this party.
Topics covered:
Overview of the documentary film, Solar Roots: The Pioneers of PV
AEE Solar www.test-shop.aeesolar.com
Birth of Solar Pioneer party
Filming the Solar Pioneers
Purpose of the film
Early PV Panel Costs
Origins of Solar Industry and Culture
Hippies and their solar story
Electrochemical Reaction
ARCO Solar Module Cell Evolution
ARCO 16-2000
ARCO 16-2300
Charge controller
Self regulating system
Lead acid battery
Edmond Becquerel
Albert Einstein
Solar Energy
Wisdom Hippie Magic
Solar Roots Party Details
Importance of solar educators
RE+ in Vegas www.re-plus.com
Solar Industry Market
Solar tax credit risk
Tax credit restrictions
Jeff’s Commitment to the Industry
Sean's Book Gets a Strong Endorsement
Find out more on:
Planet Plan Sets Website: www.planetplansets.com
Solar-Roots Website: www.solar-roots.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
In this episode, we’re joined by Mick McDaniel the Vice President and General Manager of Bila Solar to explore the operations at the Bila Solar Factory in Indianapolis. Mick provides an in-depth look into how the factory produces lightweight, flexible solar modules using domestic materials and traditional framed PV modules. He also discusses Bila Solar’s collaboration with ES Foundry, shedding light on the innovative practices taking place within the factory.
Topics covered:
Solar manufacturing factory in Indianapolis
Sean’s visit to the Bila Solar Factory
Joel Walsman and his contributions to the solar industry
Beginning of Bila Solar’s and partnership with ES Foundry
Bila Solar’s lightweight, flexible solar panels using aerospace polymer
Installation methods using adhesives on metal and membrane roofs
Relevance to rapid shutdown compliance and UL 3741 certification
Mention of traditional framed modules production alongside flexible panels
Lack of U.S. suppliers for thin, hardened solar glass
Importance of building a reliable U.S. supply chain under the IRA
Challenges importing equipment from China
Post-COVID delays in building and manufacturing permits
Comparison of old vs. modern solar factories
Clarification on “gigawatt” factory capacity
Sean’s Journey into the Solar Industry
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Law: Paul Fenn’s Role and Its Impact
Early solar industry figures: Stuart Wentworth, Bill Brooks, Ward Bower
Development of early solar inverters and U.S. code challenges
Ward Bower’s pioneering work on the modern grid-tie inverter at Sandia National Laboratories
Challenges with balcony solar installations and code requirements in the U.S. vs. Germany
Durability of flexibility solar modules
Find out more on:
Bila Solar Website: www.bilasolar.com
Click here to listen to the podcast with Sean, Bill Brooks, and Ward Bower
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Sunday May 25, 2025
Sunday May 25, 2025
In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, special guest Jacob Benzaquen shares his journey in the solar industry, highlighting how obtaining a NABCEP PV Design Specialist (PVDS) certification has significantly enhanced his career from kilowatts to megawatts. Sean and Jacob engage in a lively discussion covering Jacob's transition from residential to community solar, the importance of understanding solar regulations and codes, and the exciting prospects for larger commercial solar projects. They also dive into the evolving landscape of electric vehicles, sustainable energy technologies, and the impact of ethical practices in the solar industry. Join us for an insightful and motivating conversation about the future of solar energy and career growth in this dynamic field.
Topics covered:
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
PV Design Specialist
Sean’s PVDS exam prep class www.solarSEAN.com/PVDS
Community Solar
Virtual Net-metering
CCA = Community Choice Aggregation
Net-metering
Solar DIY
Off Grid
Tesla Powershare
EV = Electric Vehicle
EV Charging
Nissan Leaf
DC Fast Charging
Supercharge
CHAdeMO
Fermata Energy www.fermataenergy.com
Bidirectional Inverter
Battery
Bidirectional Charger
Tesla 1 Charger
J1772 / J plug
Charger Adaptors
Tesla Model S
Protest
Solar Bros
Door to Door Salespeople
Up in the Air
Liquidating
Pacific Lumber
Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters www.headwaterspreserve.org
Yuval Noah Harari
Reach out to Jacob Benzaquen Here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-benzaquen
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean speaks with Emmitt Muckles, a NABCEP Board Member, consumer advocate and host of the Billionaire Lifestyle Podcast. They discuss their unique history, the importance of consumer education in the solar industry, and efforts to combat scams and misinformation. Emmitt shares insights on proper installation, the role of fractional training, and his mission to ensure consumers are well-informed. Tune in for a blend of industry expertise and engaging anecdotes!
Topics covered:
GELT = Green Energy Leadership Training
$1 Houses in Detroit
Tax
Fronius www.fronius.com
Inverter
Training
Sunrun
Transformers
Car Amplifiers
Fractional Training
SnapNrack www.snapnrack.com
Chicago’s own Code Book
Henry Ford
Thomas Edison
Nicola Tesla
Electrocuting Elephants
Arc Flash
ESS = Energy Storage System
The Billionaire Lifestyle Podcast www.open.spotify.com
Bitcoin
Jefferson Electric www.jeffersonelectric.com
Joel Walsman www.linkedin.com/in/joel-walsman
Joel Walsman’s Youtube Channel www.youtube.com/@ElectricProAcademy
Agricultural Solar
Carpenters Union
Millwrights
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
Dam
IREC = Interstate Renewable Energy Council
CEU = Continuing Education Units
NEC = National Electrical Code = NFPA 70
IFC = International Fire Code
IRC = International Residential Code
Rapid Shutdown
NFPA
Tesla
EV = Electric Vehicle
EV Charging
Sue Pratt
CT = Current Transformer
Intersolar
Midwest Solar Expo
States of Beam
The Eleven Nations of America www.businessinsider.com
Solar Bros
NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association
Door to Door Salespeople
Tariff
Solar Generators
Battery
Nissan Leaf
AI = Artificial Intelligence
E-Bike = Electric Bicycle
SNEC
PVIP Photovoltaic Installation Professional
Reach out to Emmitt Muckles Here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/emmittmuckles
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Sunday May 18, 2025
Sunday May 18, 2025
Richard Walker, a returning citizen (formerly incarcerated) became a motivational speaker in prisons after he was released. He has helped people get their rights back after being released, including the right to vote and the right to run for office.
Richard operates a non-profit organization Bridging the Gap of Virginia www.btgva.org that helps people, including returning citizens, get solar training, get NABCEP credentials and get jobs. His organization relies upon grants and donations, so please help him in his important work.
Richard has an interesting story. When he got his right to vote back, he also got the right to run for public office, so he has ran a few times, just like Sean White has run for office 3 times. Here is Sean’s old candidate website: www.seanwhite.org.
Topics covered:
Richard’s Family History
Sean & Richard’s Classes
Dominion Energy
Dominion Energy Pipeline
Grants
Micro Grid
Community Solar
Fossil Fuels
Bridging The Gap in Virginia www.btgva.org
Returning Citizens
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners www.nabcep.org
Thriving Communities Grant
Losing and Restoring Rights
Alysa Liu figure skater World Champion!
Find out if your rights were restored:
www.restore.virginia.gov
Reach out to Richard Walker Here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/richard-walker
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
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
Sunday May 11, 2025
Sunday May 11, 2025
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
Sunday May 11, 2025
Sunday May 11, 2025
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