Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

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/

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

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

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

Join Sean White and Will White as they dive into the latest in solar testing tools and equipment. Learn about the innovative devices from Fluke, their applications, and how advanced tools are revolutionizing the solar industry.

 

Topics covered:

Fluke www.fluke.com

Measuring Tools

IV Curve

Solmetric www.solmetric.com

Zep Solar

SnapNrack www.snapnrack.com

SunRun www.sunrun.com

RGS = Real Goods Solar

Tesla www.tesla.com

Vivint Solar www.vivint.com

Connecticut

Shade Analysis Tool

SunEye 360

IV Curve Tracers

EV = Electric Vehicle

Solaflect www.solaflect.com

NRG Systems www.nrgsystems.com

IR Camera

Infrared

Multimeter

Fluke’s New Tools

Ground Fault Location Tool

Electric Vehicle Tools

 

Reach out to Will White here:

Will’s Email: will.white@fluke.com

Will's Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/william-white

Fluke’s Website: www.fluke.com

 

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

Ben explains how Signature solar has a program to educate employees and give them raises based on passing NABCEP exams. They also have fun talking about the different cool products out there, such as a mini split that you can plug a string of Solar PV into, that will even work when the grid goes down.

 

Topics Covered:

Signature Solar www.signaturesolar.com

Mini Split and Window type Air Conditioning

PV System Disconnect

EG4 = Energy Generation for Everyone

NEC = National Electrical Code

Air Conditioner

Air Conditioning

Ductless System

NEM 2.0 Status

Signature Solar’s Program

Solar Photovoltaic Basics (Sean White’s Book)

PV and the NEC (Sean White and Bill Brook’s Book)

Signature Solar Batteries

UL 9540

Incentives for NABCEP taker and certified staff

Sulfur Springs

Certification for solar panel cleaners

 

Reach out to Benjamin Whillock here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-whillock

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

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:

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

• 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

 

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:

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:

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

 

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 24^th! 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

www.linkedin.com/in/shawnwobrien

 

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

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