Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

In this episode, Sean White talks with Brooklynite Neil Hurlock about his path to earning the NABCEP PV Associate certification. They cover his classroom experience, the role of mentorship, and what it’s like starting out in solar at a young age. Along the way, Neil shares a bit of New York perspective and the motivation that keeps him moving forward in the clean energy field.

 

Topics covered:

Neil’s path to solar certification

Apex Technical School experience

NABCEP PV Associate exam preparation and strategies

The role of mentorship and teaching in clean energy

Building community and connections

The importance of studying and self-motivation

New York City culture and traditions (including chopped cheese!)

The future of solar and clean energy innovation

Overcoming challenges and adapting to change

Public transportation, urban life, and sustainability

The impact of technology on daily life

Opportunities in the solar industry for new generations

The value of credentials and ongoing education

Policy, tax credits, and industry trends

Personal growth, mindset, and positive thinking

 

Reach out to Neil Hurlock Here:

NABCEP Professional Directory: www.directories.nabcep.org

 

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

www.heatspring.com/sean

www.solarsean.com/pva

The American Solar and Energy Society (ASES) has a new editor in chief Jacob Yang. Jacob brings fresh ideas and enthusiasm to solar today, learn how you can write articles and get involved with ASES, Jacob Knows all the answers.

 

Note: This podcast was recorded during Jacob Yang's time as Editor-in-Chief of Solar Today.

 

Topics covered:

ASES = American Solar and Energy Society

SBSP = Space Based Solar Power

Solar Today Magazine

Minnesota

Prairie Home Companion

Solar Educating

Cesar Barbosa

RE+

ASES Conference

National Solar Tour

NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association

ASES Membership

Podcast with Cesar Barbosa

• Apple Podcast
• Spotify
• YouTube
• Pandora
• Podbean

 

Reach out to Jacob Yang here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jacobjuancarlosyang

Email: jlundy@ases.org

 

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

 

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage podcast, Sean welcomes the legendary Bill Brooks for an engaging conversation. They discuss their recent class, reminisce about their friend John “Gino” Espino, and his unexpected passing, sharing reflections on friendship and the impact John had on the solar industry. They also humorously tackle the topic of 'cancel culture' with the 'John Gino Espino Uncancelled Award.' The episode wraps up with insights into the new 2026 NEC and 2029 National Electrical Codes, making it a mix of heartfelt memories, industry insights, and lighthearted banter.

 

Topics Covered

John “Gino” Espino

SPI = now RE+

Sean and Bill Brooks Class

North Dakota

Alaska

RE+ Alaska

NEP

Racking

Sailing

Cancelled

Dave Chappelle

John Espino Uncancelled Award in RE+

Comedy

23 Me Test

Birthright Citizenship

2026 NEC

Proposals for 2029 Code

 

Get to know John “Gino” Espino here:

John “Gino” Espino LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnespino/

Go Fund Me

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-carole-and-sons-after-johns-passing

 

Reach out to Bill Brooks here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bill-brooks-6782616/

Website: www.brooksolar.com

 

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

 www.heatspring.com/sean

www.solarsean.com/pvsi

Join Sean White as he talks with Guy Vandendungen, CTO of Perpetuum Energy, about the latest trends in solar and energy storage across Europe. They discuss real-world challenges like negative energy pricing, grid constraints, battery technology, and the future of decarbonization for industry. Whether you’re in the solar business or just curious about how Europe is leading the energy transition, this episode is packed with practical insights and global perspectives.

 

Topics covered:

PerPetum Energy www.perpetumenergy.com

SNEC

Global Energy Storage and Battery Council

Guy’s Career Background

Energy Transition

Wind Energy

Solar Prices

Levelized Cost of Energy

Negative Pricing in Europe

Grid

European Union and European Economic Area

European Market

US Market

ESS = Energy Storage System

AFRR = Automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve

Solar and Energy Storage Market

Battery

Frequency Regulation

Solar in China

European organizations for transmission system operators

Grid Underutilization

Bifacial PV

Vertical PV

Solar Panel as Fence

Solar Price Decrease

Solar Industry Evolution

EV = Electric Vehicle

Vehicle to Grid

Vehicle to Home

Decarbonization as a Service

Carbon Market

ETS = Emission Trade System

Cooperation Across Borders

Nuclear Energy

Oil and Gas

Electric Planes and Helicopter

 

Reach out to Guy Vandendungen here:

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

 

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

In this episode Sean is joined by Gil Hough, Executive Director of the Tennessee Solar & Storage Association. Broadcasting live from the Power Up Live Pro Studio at RE+, Sean and Gil explore the unique landscape of solar and storage in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) region. Gil shares the history and structure of TVA, the challenges and opportunities in the seven-state territory, and the rapid growth of solar and storage in Tennessee. The conversation covers TVA’s integrated resource planning and the upcoming Tennessee Solar + Storage Conference.

 

Topics Covered:

The New Deal

TVA = Tennessee Valley Authority

TVA’s seven-state territory

Tennessee Solar + Storage Conference

TVA’s (IRP) Integrated Resource Plan

Solar and storage market growth

2025 Tennessee Valley Solar + Storage Conference (October 28-30, 2025)

LPCs = Local Power Companies

FERC = Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

TVA’s River management

SEIA = Solar Energy Industries Association

SEPA = Smart Electric Power Alliance

TenneSEIA = Tennessee Solar Energy Industries Association

501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations

NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association

Nonprofit vs. business association roles

Lobbying and policy advocacy

 

Reach out to Gil Hough and TenneSEIA here:

Website: www.tenneseiasolar.com

Conference registration: www.tenneseiasolar.com/conference

 

Register for my Tenneseia class here 👇🏻
www.tenneseiasolar.com/conference

 

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

www.heatspring.com/sean
www.solarsean.com/ESIP

Host Sean White talks with solar engineer and educator Mike Nowicki about utility-scale solar projects, the ins and outs of professional engineering licenses, and the evolution of industry codes. They dive into PE registration, project design, and Mike’s experience teaching future engineers. A must-listen for anyone interested in the real-world challenges and opportunities in solar energy.

 

Topics covered:

ACP = American Clean Power

Utility Scale Solar

Burns & Mcdonnell www.burnsmcd.com

EPC = Engineering, Procurement, and Construction

ESS = Energy Storage System

ESOP = Employee Stock Ownership Program

Solar Engineer

PE = Professional Engineer

NCEES = National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying

Certifications

Licenses

NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

NEC = National Electrical Code

CMP = Code Making Panel

NREL = National Renewable Energy Laboratory

RE+ Conference

PV and the NEC (Sean & Bill’s Book)

Solar Power International = SPI

Solar Professional Magazine

Rapid Shutdown

SSIF + Solar and Storage Industry Forum

SEIA = Solar Energy Industries Association

UL 3741

Clipping

Battery

DC Coupling

AC Coupling

Union Labor

UBC = United Brotherhood of Carpenters

IBEW = International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Backtracking

Trackers

Next Trackers

Wayne State University

Grid

Short Circuit

Fault

Utility

 

Reach out to Mike Nowicki Here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-p-nowicki

Burns & Mcdonnell: www.burnsmcd.com

 

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

 

In this episode of the Sean White Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean White interviews Ryan Jones, a NABCEP-certified solar professional who transitioned from the U.S. to a thriving career in Europe. The discussion covers Ryan's early experiences in the solar industry, his job at the now-defunct Lyra solar company, and his journey to living in Spain. They explore the challenges and rewards of working internationally, including visa issues, tax considerations, and the different electrical codes and standards. Ryan shares insights on becoming a digital nomad in the solar industry, the evolution of the European solar market with feed-in tariffs, and the drastic growth of solar capacity from 2007 to today. The episode offers valuable advice for anyone looking to take their solar career global.

 

Topics Covered:

NABCEP

PV Installer Exam = PV Installer Professional Exam

Solyndra

Solar Tubes

Solar Power International = RE+

Stephen Colbert

GCR

Crystalline Silicon on tubes

CIGS = Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide

Solar Coaster

Hans Josef-Fell

Feed-in Tariff

DC Power = Soligent

Polar Bear Effect

Digital Nomad

Fully Remote Work

Tax Implications

NEC
International Electro Technical Commission = IEC

UL9540

Working Visa

Malaga, Spain

Gold Coast

Intersolar

 

Reach out to Ryan Jones here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-jones-9426a211/  

Website:  www.recurrentenergy.com/

 

Hans-Josef Fell Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hans-josef-fell-started-the-feed-in-tariff-the/id1441958371?i=1000715753971

 

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

www.heatspring.com/sean

www.solarsean.com/40hress

Frank Haugwitz speaks the three main solar languages, Chinese, German, and English. Sean and Frank have known each other for many years, beginning when Frank was head of Intersolar Global Conference Development. They have worked together on most of the continents. Frank is an expert on solar manufacturing and development with a big focus on what's happening in China from a global perspective.

 

Topics covered:
Climate Change
Solar in China
Feed-in Tariff
Apricum – The Cleantech Advisory www.apricum-group.com
Intersolar
Sean and Frank’s Backstory
Bidding
Curtailment
Clipping
Coal
Inverter
ESS = Energy Storage System
Forecasting
Renewables
Propaganda
SNEC
The Margin
Political System
Solar in Germany
High Speed Trains
Construction Speed
Production Capacity
Pollution
Coal Plant in China
Water Energy
Wind Energy
Inversion Layer
US Embassy in China
Politics and Society
ISES = International Solar Energy Society
Electric Vehicles in China
Manufacturing
Solyndra
Bosch Solar
Aleo Solar
Carbon Capture Storage
Clean Coal
ASES = American Solar Energy Society
NorCal Solar = The Northern California Solar Energy Association
NorCal Solar Tours
Catamaran
Solar Coaster
Half Moon Bay
Farallon Islands
Balcony Solar
Guerilla Solar

 

Reach out to Frank Haugwitz Here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/frank-haugwitz
Apricum Solar: www.apricum-group.com

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at 
www.heatspring.com/sean
www.solarsean.com/3hressbfc

Blair Reynolds and Emmitt Muckles rush the stage and crash the podcast with guest and best-selling author Greg Smith. This is a good podcast to get the video version of, so be sure to check this out on YouTube. There are plenty of jokes, such as Sean’s invention of PV modules with only positive terminals. The group shares stories and insights about the solar industry, the importance of community, and keeping a positive attitude at industry events. They discuss new technologies, the role of finance in solar adoption, and the future of training and standards. The conversation is filled with humor, camaraderie, and practical advice for solar professionals and newcomers alike.

 

Topics covered:

The RE+ event and its growth

Building community and mentorship in the solar industry

The importance of positivity and fun at industry events

The role of finance and FinTech in making solar accessible

Battery technology trends and cost focus

The impact of recent policy and manufacturing incentives

Quality installations and customer education

The future of training, NABCEP certification, and NEC updates

Book recommendations from Greg Smith and Sean White

Value of networking

 

Guests:

• Greg Smith

• Blair Reynolds

• Emmitt Muckles

 

Special thanks to:

Power Up Live stage, Wärtsilä, Suncast Media, and Nico Johnson

 

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

www.heatspring.com/sean

www.solarsean.com/18hrpv

 

 

 

 

 

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean is joined by Lukas Shield, the General Manager at REC Solar Hawaii. Lukas shares insights on Hawaii's progressive solar energy landscape, the differences between REC Solar and other solar companies, and REC Solar's focus on commercial and utility-scale projects involving microgrids and energy storage. The discussion covers Hawaii's renewable portfolio standards, challenges posed by unpredictable natural events like lava flows, and the shift toward grid-forming capabilities. Additionally, Sean and Lucas talk about the importance of adapting to policy changes, the benefits of in-person solar training in Hawaii, and their shared enthusiasm for surfing. Tune in for a comprehensive look at Hawaii's solar energy developments and innovations.

 

Topics Covered:

REC Solar Hawaii

Solar Training Center Canyon California

 IPP = Independent Power Producer

Burnham Energy

Commercial and Industrial Solar

Small Utility Scale

CNI Microgrids

Anti-islanding

CS Solar and Storage Industry Forum

Enphase inverter

NESC = National Electricity Safety Code

Interia

Mauna Loa eruption

RPS = Renewable Portfolio Standard

100% renewable by 2045

Kauai Island

RE+ Hawaii = https://re-plus.events/hawaii/

Hawaii Energy Conference/Maui Energy Conference = www.hawaiienergyconference.com/

Reefer Plants = Refrigeration Plant

PSPS = Power Safety Public Safety

Surfing

 

 

Reach out to Lukas Shield Here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lukas-sheild-101b1163

REC Solar Hawaii: www.recsolar.com/commercial-solar-in-hawaii/

 

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

www.heatspring.com/sean

www.solarsean.com/30hrpv