Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

Solar journey and Industry Insights with Matt Hirsch

Matt Hirsch is a writer and has been writing about the solar industry before there was a modern solar industry in California. Sean and Matt shoot the breeze and find out they crossed paths a few different times in the industry, when Matt was writing about the birth of solar CCAs in California in the 1990s and writing about Sean’s friend Paul Fenn, who got Sean into solar. Matt and Sean were both affiliated with Photon Magazine and now they are both hanging out in Berkeley and hanging out at NorCal Solar events.

 

Matt Hirsch is the Chief Marketing Officer of TerraCurrent

 

Topics covered:

Terra Current www.terracurrent.com

Photon Magazine www.photon.info

Grounding and electrical current flow

Single Wire Earth Return

Sean White’s creative songs to promote NABCEP certification

NorCal Solar = Northern California Solae www.norcalsolar.org

CALSSA  = California Solar and Storage Association www.calssa.org

ASES = American Solar Energy Society www.ases.org

Solar Coaster

Challenges in solar policy and public perception

Bundesnetzagentur

Net metering

Starlink

FIT = Feed in Tariff

Grid defection

Paul Fenn

CCA = Community Choice Aggregation

Ava Community Energy www.avaenergy.org

Sean’s Journey in the Solar Industry

Life and Politics in Berkeley, California

SEIA = Solar Energy Industry Association www.seia.org

IREC = Interstate Renewable Energy Counsil www.irecusa.org

SEAC = Sustainable Energy Action Committee www.sustainableenergyaction.org

Planet Plan Sets www.planetplansets.com

Solar Roots Party [Register now]

 

Reach out to Matt Hirsch on:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbhirsch

Terra Current Website: www.terracurrent.com

 

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

Wilson Betances: Apprenticeship Program with HeatSpring

Sean met Wilson at the RE+ Texas Conference and they hit it off. Wilson also does training and just started an apprenticeship program on HeatSpring.

 

Check it out!

https://www.heatspring.com/electrical

 

Topics covered:

NCCER = National Center for Construction Education and Research www.nccer.org

Energizeus www.energizeus-edu.today        www.energizeus.today

RE+ Vegas

Blue Collar & White Collar

Training Roof

SunPower www.sunpower.com

Mark Mrohs

Infinite Solar

Feed in Tariff

Solar Coaster

San Francisco Comedy College

Ontario Solar Academy

Texas Trade Technical

Skill Trades

Apprenticeship

License & Certification

NEC = National Electrical Code

JTA = Job Task Analysis

IRA = Inflation Reduction Act

IBEW = International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

ABC = Associated Builders and Contractors

NorCal Solar = The Northern California Solar Energy Association www.norcalsolar.org

Journeyman Card

Contractor’s License

FAA = Federal Aviation Administration www.faa.gov

Drone Certificate

SEIA = Solar Energy Industry Association www.seia.org

Curriculum
Interstellar

LMS = Learning Management System

Reach out to Wilson Batances Here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/energizeus

Enrgizeus Instagram: www.instagram.com/energize_us_edu

Energizeus Websites: www.energizeus-edu.today                 www.energizeus.today

 

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

The Merging of Central and String Inverters

Join us for an exciting episode as we talk with Madeline Acri from SunGrow at the RE+ Texas conference. Learn about the latest in central and string inverters, cool energy storage ideas, and creative ways to help the planet. From the fun side of solar tech to the future of clean energy, this episode is full of insights and a touch of humor. Tune in for a great look into the world of renewables!

 

Topics covered:

Sungrow

Central Inverter

String Inverter

MPP = Maximum Power Point

MPPT = Maximum Power Point Tracking

DC to DC Converter

Fuse Grounded Inverter

Non-Isolated Inverter

Grounded and Ungrounded

NEC = National Electrical Code

Bipolar Solar Circuit

Floating Array

PID = Potential Induced Degradation

Solar Power at Nighttime

Nicola Tesla and Thomas Edison

SNEC

Distribution System

Geomagnetic Reversal

Solar Roadways

BIPV = Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Solar Window

Balcony Solar

Solar Recycling

Hydrogen Electrolyzer

Wind Energy

Oil and Gas

ESS = Energy Storage System

EV = Electric Vehicle

EV Charging

Vehicle to Grid Adaption

Feed in Tariff

Dual Glass Modules

Tesla

Elon Musk

Electric Bobcat

Ideas to Save the Planet

The Boy who Harnessed the Wind

Space Junk

Dyson Sphere

Reach out to Madeline Acri Here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-acri

Sungrow Website: www.sungrowpower.com

 

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

Fox Swim of Aurora Solar

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean talks with Fox Swim from Aurora Solar about the latest trends and issues in the solar industry. They cover topics like corporate personhood, solar tariffs, the future of solar technology, and the complexities of modern utility rate structures. They also touch upon the ethical responsibilities of solar salespeople, the evolving landscape of energy storage and virtual power plants, and the impact of recent legislative changes on the industry. This episode offers helpful updates and perspective.

 

Topics covered:

Aurora Solar www.aurorasolar.com

Software tool

Liquidation

Ford versus Dodge

Shareholder Supremacy

Corporate Personhood

B Corp

EV = Electric Vehicles

VPP = Virtual Power Plant
NorCal Solar = The Northern California Solar Energy Association www.norcalsolar.org

Inverter

Utility

Smart Grid

Microgrids

European Market

Intersolar and Smarter E

Tariff

Solar Bros

Reach out to Fox Swim Here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/fox-swim

Aurora Solar: www.aurorasolar.com

 

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

Ethical Solar Sales with Rob Mueller

Rob Mueller teaches a free Ethics in Solar Sales class on HeatSpring. Dive into the world of ethical solar sales with Sean White and Rob Mueller from Revision Energy! Learn about tackling shady practices, industry insights, and how an ethics course can reshape solar sales for the better. Packed with essential tips and insider stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the solar industry! Help us save the solar industry from a potential shady reputation.

 

Topics covered:

Introduction to Ethics in Solar Sales Course www.heatspring.com/courses/introduction-to-ethics-in-solar-sales

Ethics in Solar Sales

NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners www.nabcep.org

Revision Energy www.revisionenergy.com

Solar Bros

Value Based Sales

Amicus Buyers Group

NorCal Solar = The Northern California Solar Energy Association

Door to Door Salespeople

Bad Actors

 

Reach out to Rob Mueller Here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/robertandrewmueller

 

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

200th Episode!!!

In this milestone 200th episode, Sean White shares the evolution of his podcast and reflects on his journey in the solar industry. Starting from his days as a radio DJ, he chronicles how he transitioned to producing online solar classes and eventually podcasting. Sean highlights key moments and guests on the show, including industry pioneers like Ward Bower, Bill Brooks and Mark Mrohs. He recounts his engagements at various conferences and the benefits of continuous learning and education in the rapidly expanding solar industry. Sean emphasizes the importance of balancing fun with education and the impact of making incremental changes in policies affecting the industry. Looking forward, he expresses optimism about the future of solar energy and his podcast.

 

Topics discussed:

Radio DJ

National Electrical Code

Radio 690

Article 690

NABCEP Certified

D1 Water License

Fake Advertisements

A Prairie Home Companion

SunCast Media

RE+ Stage

Johan Alfsen = founder of Solar Battle of the Bands

Ward Bower = Godfather of Solar

Mark Mrohs

Bill Brooks

San Francisco Comedy College

Press pass

SEIA = Solar Energy Industry Association

Feed-in Tariff (FIT)

American Clean Power

Trevor Noah 

Solar Coaster

 

Trevor Noah audio clip courtesy of SunCast Media YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0neVALfl6zQ&t=1981s 

 

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

Did Engineer Madeline Acri of Sungrow walk 800 Miles to the NABCEP Stage in Reno?

In this episode, we hang out with Madeline Acri at the NABCEP Conference in Reno and hear the wild story of how she went from walking 800 miles to becoming a go-to expert in solar and storage. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from the solar world, what’s changing in the industry, and where it’s all headed. If you’re into clean energy or just love a good journey you’ll want to hear this one.

 

Topics covered:

Intersolar

EV = Electric vehicle

Solar Coaster

800 Miles Walk: The Arizona Trail

BLM = Bureau of Land Management

Transmission

Sungrow www.en.sungrowpower.com

Inverter

ESS = Energy Storage System

Applications Engineer

Rapid Shutdown

Array Boundary

Bill Brooks

Tigo Transmitter

UL 3741

Wire Management

Derek Solarboi

Subarray Gap

MPP = Maximum Power Point Tracking

IV Curve

Karaoke at the NABCEP conference www.linkedin.com

 

Reach out to Madeline Acri Here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-acri

Sungrow Website: www.en.sungrowpower.com

 

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

Banding Together Under the Sun with Yohan Alfsen

Join Sean White in a conversation with special guest Johan Alfsen as they explore the history and impact of the Solar Battle of the Bands. They discuss the event's beginnings, standout moments, and how it has shaped the solar industry emphasizing the community spirit and remarkable talent that define it. You'll also hear about upcoming happenings, behind-the-scenes stories, and the unique connection between music lovers and solar professionals. This is an episode full of fun and valuable insights you won't want to miss!

 

Topics covered:

SBOB = Solar Battle of the Bands

Semicon

NABCEP Conference = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Conference

History of SBOB

Solar Bands

Effect of Covid

Solar Fight Club

Jerry Garcia

Warfield

Jeff Spies

CALSSA = California Solar and Storage Association www.calssa.org

SnapnRack www.snapnrack.com

Sunrun www.sunrun.com

Solar Coaster

Sean O’Brien

SBOB Timeline

NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association

ASES = American Solar Energy Society

InterSolar

 

Reach out to Johan Alfsen Here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/johan-alfsen

SnapnRack Website: www.snapnrack.com

 

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

Submerged Battery Cooling: Etica AG’s Battery Tech

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

Solar Cells Made in the USA with ES Foundry's Alex Zhu

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