Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

Solar for Women with Riley Neugebauer

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, host Sean White has an engaging conversation with Riley Neugebauer, a renowned solar influencer and installer. Riley shares her journey into the solar industry, the founding of her organization 'Solar for Women,' and her insights on the challenges women face in the solar trades. They also discuss her role as a residential electrician, the social aspects of the solar community, and the future of solar technology and policy.

 

Topics Covered:

Solar for Women

• Facebook www.facebook.com/SolarForWomen
• Website www.solarforwomen.com
• Instagram www.instagram.com/solarforwomen

ASES conference

Riley's Background

Red Cloud Renewable www.redcloudrenewable.org

Women in the Solar Industry

Namaste Solar

• Website www.namastesolar.com
• Linkedin www.linkedin.com/company/namaste-solar

NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

Electricians

Derek the Solar boi www.solarboi.com

O&M = operations and maintenance

Flashing and butyl

Tesla Powerwall

DaVinci Shingles

MCI = mid Circuit Interrupter

Rapid Shutdown

UL 3741

Increasing Module size

NREL = National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Solar tile

The Future

Question and answer for Sean

 

Check out Riley here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/riley-neugebauer

Solar for Women: www.solarforwomen.com

Namaste: www.namastesolar.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/riley.neugebauer

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@solarinstallergirl

 

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

Tim Townsend 1980s Solar, PVUSA and more!

Sean White hosts Tim Townsend in an extensive discussion on the historical and technical evolution of solar energy. They delve into Arco Solar's pioneering work in the 1980s, the PVUSA project, and personal anecdotes that bring to life the early days of the solar industry. The conversation also explores the practicalities of solar energy systems, from degradation rates to the enduring reliability of older and newer modules. Tim shares insights earned from decades in the field, peppered with amusing and thought-provoking stories, including a scare involving a stray bullet at the PVUSA site.

Topics Covered:

PG&E = Pacific Gas and Electric Company

PVUSA = Photovoltaics for Utility Systems Applications.

Eclipse

Arco Solar

Off grid

On grid

AEE Solar

Real Goods Solar

Carrizo Solar

Grid-tie Inverter

History of Solar

Led Acid Battery

33 cell modules and 36 cell modules

System Sizing and Site Analysis

Darren Bouton

SCE = Southern California Edison

Radio Shack Science Kit

NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

PVUSA test conditions

EPRI = Electric Power research Institute

NREL = National Renewable Energy Laboratory

M660

NOCT = Nominal Operating Cell Temperature

VOC = Open Circuit Voltage

NMOT + Nominal Module Operating Temperature

CEC = California Energy Commission test conditions

AC = Rating

Evergreen solar

PVUSA Testing Center (near a target range)

PVUSA Testing Center Tour

NREL Performance and Reliability Workshop

PV Degradation

 

Reach Tim Townsend here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tim-townsend

 

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

 

Energy Storage and Beyond: Wayne Garrett on Viridi’s Tech, Partnerships, and Military Uses

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean White interviews Wayne Garrett, Chief Commercial Officer for Viridi. They discuss Viridi's innovative energy storage solutions, including their use of LG 18650 cells, passive cooling technology, and applications in microgrids and commercial settings. They also touch on Viridi's partnerships, particularly with Sunbelt and potential connections to construction equipment. Additionally, Garrett shares insights about their military applications, emphasizing the importance of silent and efficient battery systems in tactical scenarios.

 

Topics covered:

Microgrids

Microgrid training

Viridi Parente www.viridiparente.com

Energy Storage

Solar on Traffic lights

Scalable systems

Battery Management Systems

Lithium Ion Batteries

Passive Cooling

Active Cooling

NMC = Nickel Magnesium Cobalt

LG 18650

LFP = Lithium Iron Phosphate

First Fail safe Lithium Ion Battery System

UL 9540A

ESS = Energy Storage System

Phenolic plate

Sunbelt

Parallelable

Battery System

Hybrid Cars

EV = Electric Vehicle

EV Charging Station

Bobcat

Battery Energy Storage Systems

VPP = Virtual Power Plant

AI = Artificial Intelligence

Wayne Garrett Army Background

Energy Storage System Benefits for Military use

 

Reach Wayne Garrett here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-garrett

Viridi: www.viridiparente.com

 

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

Powering Success: The Energy Consulting Edge with Jessica Harris

Join Sean White on this episode of the Solar and Energy Storage Podcast as he sits down with Jessica Harris, President of Harris Energy Solutions. They explore Jessica’s role in shaping her company’s focus on energy consulting versus engineering, and what sets them apart. Discover her approach to establishing a successful consulting firm, and the role of energy modeling in her work. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of energy consulting and the future of sustainable practices.

Topics Covered:

Harris Energy Solutions: www.hesconnect.com
PE = Professional Engineer
Difference between Energy Engineering and Consulting
Title 24 laws in California
C&I = Commercial and Industrial
NABCEP PVDS
Energy Modelling in Equest – Jessica Harris’ Heatspring class www.heatspring.com/courses/energy-modeling-in-equest
VRF = Variable Refrigerant Flow
HERS Rater = Home Energy Rating System Rater
Energy Audit
Solar Incentives
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency:  www.dsireusa.org
NYSERDA = New York State Energy Research and Development Authority: www.nyserda.ny.gov
CPS Energy
Strategies in building and expanding a successful Company
Decarbonization
Heat Pumps
HeatSpring
Different types of companies

Reach Jessica Harris here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-harris
Harris Energy Solutions: www.hesconnect.com
Heatspring: www.heatspring.com/courses/energy-modeling-in-equest

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

Unlocking the Secrets of Illumine-I's Success

Illumine – I is a pioneering solar engineering firm driving innovation and efficiency in renewable energy solutions. CEO and illumine – I’s co-founder, Nithish Sairam discusses his journey, the challenges of the renewable energy sector, and the innovative approaches Illumine-I is bringing to the table.

Here are some of the topics discussed: 

Arizona

Entrepreneurship vs working in Corporate Industry

Stanford Seed Program

Illumine – I

Tesla

NextEra

Surfing

British Wiring Standards

Illumine-I’s Services and Market Focus

Introducing IVE

Formula Race Cars<

Analyzing the Wind flow over meteor crater

Strategies in handling small and large scale projects

 

Reach Nithish Sairam here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nithish-sairam-26358156

Illumine-i.: www.illuminei.com

 

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

Selling a Solar Company, with Herve Billiet

In this engaging episode, Sean White welcomes back Herve Billiet, who shares insights from his recent experience selling his company Ipsun Solar. They discuss the intricacies of selling a business, the evolution of the solar industry, and delve into Herve's current venture, Sunvoy. The conversation also touches on the importance of efficient business management, leveraging AI for business operations, and the importance of thorough preparations when selling a company.

 

Topics covered:

Selling your company
Sunvoy www.sunvoy.com
Ipsun www.ipsunsolar.com
B corp
C corp
S corp
NABCEP www.nabcep.org
Zepp Solar
Solar City/Tesla
Joe Marhamati
Broker
Stock deal no asset deal
Non-compete regulation
AI = Artificial Intelligence
EPC = Engineering Procurement Construction
EBITDA = Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization
White House Energy Incorporated
SaaS = Software as a Service
Sunvoy API = Application Programming Interface
Q&A for Sean White
Matt Pace
Arco Solar Modules
Jeff Spies
Solar Roots Movie
Ezra Auerbach www.linkedin.com/in/ezra-a
Ward Bowers
1954 Bell Labs Solar
Bill Brooks www.linkedin.com/in/bill-brooks
NEC = National Electrical Code
Article 690 Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
705.13 Energy Management System

Check Herve out at:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/hervebilliet
Sunvoy: www.sunvoy.com

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

Perch's CEO Bruce Stewart

Perch Energy is a leading community solar service provider dedicated to making renewable energy accessible and equitable. We support solar project owners and subscribers by offering services that maximize ROI, including subscriber acquisition, lifecycle management, and expert guidance on local regulations. Our mission is to connect everyone—renters, homeowners, businesses, and municipalities—to community solar projects, ensuring that all can benefit from clean energy.

 

Bruce Stewart is a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience driving business growth and transformation across various industries. Formerly President of Direct Energy Home, he played a key role in its successful sale to NRG for $3.6 billion and achieved significant operational improvements. Bruce’s expertise spans telecommunications, technology, and energy sectors, where he emphasizes data-driven decision-making and customer experience.

 

Topics covered in this podcast include:

• The current landscape of community solar in the U.S.
• Benefits and challenges of community solar versus traditional utilities.
• State-specific community solar programs and the potential for legislative change.
• Accessibility of solar energy for low-income individuals and renters.
• The interplay between community solar, rooftop solar, and energy storage solutions.

Core Values:

p

purposeful

We're passionate about making clean energy access easier and more rewarding

e

entrepreneurial

We're visionary disruptors, challenging the status quo, unafraid to fail forward

r

respectful

We treat our planet, our customers and each other with humility and respect

c

collaborative

We value each other's contributions and work inclusively to make things better

h

honest

We communicate openly, act transparently and promote environmental justice

 

Reach Bruce Stewart here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/brucestewart

Perch energy Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/perchenergy

Perch energy website: www.perchenergy.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 ES+ with Madame Mi and Jenny Tong (ES=Energy Storage)

SNEC is by far the largest Renewable Energy conference in the world with a half-million people attending, and SNEC has also branched out with a conference that is just for Energy Storage and will happen soon in Shanghai

 

SNEC ES: Energy Storage Conference and Exhibition:

September 24-27 2024

https://es.snec.org.cn

 

Also go to the other SNEC conference and exhibition:

June 10-13 2025

https://pv.snec.org.cn/?locale=en-US

 

We talk about coming to SNEC ES+ and learning how the ES industry works and what it takes to make a factory in the US, and how you can learn to build and efficient factory in the US and create American jobs! Praise the Inflation Reduction Act!

 

I have known Madame Mi for 19 years and she is a good friend. I have seen her go from someone leading a small conference to a conference that is bigger than many cities. Jenny Tong is Madame Mi's daughter and has helped translate some of the conversation. Both are good friends.

 

In this podcast we also talk about the history of SNEC to where it is now.

 

This big SNEC show floor is 380,000 square meters = 4.3 million square feet = 71 football fields = 54 acres and then there is a lot more space than the exhibition!

 

Jenny is now taking Sean's Energy Storage Boot Camp class on Heatspring and you should too! 

 

www.heatspring.com

 

To learn more and become super successful like Madame Mi, go to www.solarSEAN.com

 

RE+ Power Up Live Stage With Bill Brooks and Johan Alfsen

This is a bootleg copy of a live podcast that RE+ and Nico Johnson of Suncast were nice enough to let us perform.

The published title is:

Soothsaying / Keeping Solar Jobs Fun and Cool

Predict the future of the industry with AI, VPPs V2X and our future Codes and Standards wish list with Sean White and Bill Brooks of Brooks Engineering. Afterwards, Sean and Johan Alfsen of K2 Systems will discuss making solar education and the industry fun and cool.

 

This podcast is a blast!

 

Power Up Live:www.re-plus.com/poweruplive

 
Suncast YouTube Channel where it was posted live:www.youtube.com/suncastmedia

 

Youtube Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/skc7_FUSwyA

 

Get your fun and future looking solar knowledge at www.solarSEAN.com

Mark Berger: CP Product and Program Management at Fluence

Fluence is one of the big names in Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Mark Berger explains what Fluence is, the relationship between Fluence, Siemens and AES.

Topics covered:

Siemens/AES

AES = Applied Energy Services

TX grid-what makes it unique?

ERCOT = Electric Reliability Council of Texas www.ercot.com

AC vs DC coupled (interconnected)

LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)

EV battery vs ESS battery

UL 9540 and A

Thermal runaway-propagation

Sizes of different products

Beyond fire test

AI Bidding Software-Mosaic

Working with Oi l and Gas industry in TX

Duck curve

Fluence Ultrastack

Grid forming inverters

2.2GWh of batteries

BMS = Battery Management Systems

IRA manufacturing

Cube vs. Cuboid (rectangular cube/container)

AI and VPPs

Is Fluence hardware and software

Product and Program Management in Fluence

Fluence Dictionary Definitions:

flu·ence¹

/ˈflo͞oəns/

1. mysterious, magical, or hypnotic "you've put the fluence onme, haven't you?"
2. The number of radiant-energy particles emitted from or incident on a surface in a     given period of time, divided by the area of the surface.
3. The best ESS company!
4. The energy of a laser pulse per unit area
5. The energydensity from an optical source impingent on a sample

6. The Latijn word fluere, meaning"to flow"

Reach Mark Berger here:

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/markberger-hou

Suncast: www.fluenceenergy.com

 

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