Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

Sodium Batteries with Antonio Baclig (Smart Dude) of Inlyte Energy at RE+

Join host Sean White and Inlyte Energy CEO Antonio Baclig as they discuss the science, innovation, and commercial potential of sodium metal chloride batteries. Learn how these safe, abundant, and recyclable batteries could transform grid-scale energy storage and support the transition to sustainable power. This episode offers valuable insights for professionals and enthusiasts interested in renewable energy, battery technology, and the future of large-scale energy solutions.

 

Topics Covered

Inlyte Energy www.inlyteenergy.com

Sodium Metal Chloride

ESS = Energy Storage System

Batteries

Iron

Silicon

Lithium

Hydrogen

Sodium

Potassium

Science Engineering

Ceramic Membrane

Beta Lumina

Sodium Metal

Lithium Ion & Lithium Metal

Anode & Cathode

Dendrites

Liquid Metal

Sodium Sulfur Battery

British Rail

Vehicle Battery

Yi Cui

Amprius

Silicon-Based Anode

NMC = Nickel Manganese Cobalt

EV = Electric Vehicles

Manufacturing

Ceramic

Separator

 

Reach out to Antonio Baclig here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com

Website: www.inlyteenergy.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/pvip

www.solarsean.com/esip

Tom McCalmont, Engineer CEO Paired Power, 25yr Solar and Storage Force

How is solar power changing the way we charge electric vehicles? Join host Sean White and Tom McCalmont, CEO of Paired Power, as they reveal the latest breakthroughs in solar-powered EV charging, microgrids, and clean energy innovation. Discover how deployable solar solutions and vehicle-to-grid technology are making EV charging smarter, more reliable, and accessible for everyone. With 25 years of industry experience, Tom shares real-world stories and a positive vision for the future. If you care about clean energy or electric vehicles, this episode will show you why EV charging will never be the same again!

 

Topics Covered

McCalmont Engineering

ReGrid Power

Real Goods Solar

ESS = Energy Storage System

Micro Grid

EV = Electric Vehicle

EV Charging

20% Solar Vehicle Paint

Paired Power www.pairedpower.com

Micro Grid EV Charging

V2G = Vehicle to Grid

V2X = Vehicle to Everything

Battery

Grid

PairPHNXX

PairTree

PairFleet

Pairiscope

EV Charger Reliability

Broken EV Chargers

CALSSA = California Solar & Storage Association

 

Reach out to Tom McCalmont here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tom-mccalmont

Website: www.pairedpower.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/pvip

www.solarsean.com/esip

Unboxing Arco Solar Module with Jeff Spies

Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MCd3-kJNa_s

 

In this episode, Sean White is joined by Jeff Spies and Deep Patel for a hands-on unboxing and deep dive into vintage Arco Solar modules from the early 1980s. The team shares the history, technology, and quirks of these classic solar panels, sharing stories and technical insights along the way.

Key Topics Covered:

• The origins of Arco Solar Module
• Differences between various Arco models (M51, 16-2000, 16-2300)
• Carrizo Solar Power Plant
• Cell degradation
• Reason of encapsulant browning
• Evolution of module design.
• The importance of cell count for charging 12V lead-acid batteries and the move from 33 to 36 cells.
• Unboxing and examining the modules’ physical features, including junction boxes, grounding, and serial numbers.

Reach out to Jeff Spies here:
Email: jeff.spies@planetplansets.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-spies

Website: www.planetplansets.com

 

Reach out to Deep Patel here:

Email: dpatel@gogreensolar.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/deeppatel

Website: www.gogreensolar.com

 

Check out the podcast with Don Bilinski here:

• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/arco-solar-with-don-bilinski-remembering-russ-campbell/id1441958371?i=1000736949407  
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nurs9Ucszro  
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3K1MTsZRImkuBXnirG17V6?si=PeV-q4L9SEGUc2R-Ge_RPw&nd=1&dlsi=4f52b0250ec64be2   
• Pandora:  https://www.pandora.com/podcast/sean-whites-solar-and-energy-storage-podcast/arco-solar-with-don-bilinski-remembering-russ-campbell/PE:1320680210?part=ug-desktop&corr=95823540019819880  
• Podbean: https://whitehousesolar.podbean.com/e/arco-solar-with-don-bilinski-and-russ-cambell/  

 

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

Community Solar with CJ Colavito of Standard Solar at RE+

In this episode, Sean White sits down with CJ Colavito, General Manager of Integrated Project Teams at Standard Solar. They dive deep into the world of distributed generation, community solar, and the evolving landscape of solar policy in the United States. The conversation also touches on industry anecdotes, the impact of policy on solar markets, and the future of solar technology and supply chains.

 

Topics Covered:

Standard Solar’s story

CNI = Commercial and Industrial

Growth of distributed generation and community solar

Policy impacts in California and Texas

Utility-scale vs. distributed generation

FEOC = Foreign Entity of Concern policy

Advances in solar module efficiency

U.S. and China solar manufacturing

The role of quality and engineering in project longevity

 

Reach out to CJ Colavito here:

Website: www.standardsolar.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cjcolavito

 

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

Battery Systems and Software in Modern Energy with Peter Gruenbaum (Smart Scientist)

Join host Sean White as he interviews Peter Gruenbaum, an energy software engineer and instructor, about the real-world role of software in battery systems and modern energy markets. Discover how batteries are managed, how software enables market participation, and why understanding these systems is crucial for the future of renewable energy. Perfect for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, energy storage, and education.

 

Topics Covered

SDK Bridge www.sdkbridge.com

Software Engineering

Batteries

Richard Swanson

Swanson’s Law

Moore’s Law

Physics

Software

Peter’s Career

Boeing www.boeing.com

Spectro Lab www.spectrolab.com

Multi-Junction Concentrated Solar

Gallium Antimonide

Permafrost

ISO = Independent Service Operator

ERCOT = Electric Reliability Council of Texas

ESS = Energy Storage System

VPP = Virtual Power Plant

Frequency Response

Energy Market

Demand Charge

Peak Shaving

AI = Artificial Intelligence

Coding

Programming

Peter Gruenbaum’s Heatspring Class www.heatspring.com/courses/introduction-to-software-for-battery-systems

 

Reach out to Peter Gruenbaum here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/pgruenbaum

 

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/pvip

www.solarsean.com/esip

Arco Solar with Don Bilinski Remembering Russ Campbell

In this episode, Sean White had a fun chat with Don Bilinski, the Enterprise Business Development Manager at Kinect Solar. They recount a serendipitous meeting at a solar conference and delve into the fascinating history of solar modules. Don shares anecdotes about industry pioneer Russ Campbell, who significantly contributed to the development of early solar modules, right down to the quirky design of junction boxes inspired by a Dodge Dart gas cap. They also discuss the evolution of solar technology from its infancy at Bell Labs to the large-scale utility projects of today, highlighting milestones and challenges in the journey. Don reveals an exciting upcoming unboxing of vintage Arco solar modules, stored for nearly 40 years. This episode is a treasure trove of solar history, technological evolution, and engaging stories from industry veterans.

 

Topics Covered:

Arco Solar Modules

Bell Labs

Silicon coating

Plexiglass

Russ Campbell

Crystalline Silicon Solar Module 1954

Solar World

Lauren Carson

Johnny Carson

Solar Universe

IPPs = Independent Power Producer

EPCs =

Coda Energy

Utility Scale

JBox M51

Dodge Dart gas cap

Paul Fenn

Community Choice Aggregation

Fidelity Roof Company

Schüco Solar

Women in Solar

 

Reach out to Don Bilinski

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/don-bilinski-ab288158/

Website: www.kinectsolar.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/pva

257s Scott Rosenberg at RE+ (Tom Edison connection)

In this episode Sean is joined by Scott Rosenberg, CEO and co-founder of 257. They discuss the origins of 257, named after the historic site of Thomas Edison’s first power plant and dive into the future of residential electrification. Scott shares how 257 uses AI and data science to profile every home in the U.S., helping energy providers and installers identify which homes are ready for solar, storage, heat pumps, and other upgrades. Sean and Scott also touch on the role of electric vehicles as distributed energy storage, the importance of policy and utility planning, and the need for dynamic, responsive grids. Scott introduces the “Pink” platform, a chat-based tool for residential energy intelligence, and shares insights on industry trends and the evolving solar landscape.

 

Topics Covered:

Story behind 257

AI and data-driven residential electrification

Customer acquisition in solar and storage

Electric Vehicles and Energy Storage

Utility and Policy Challenges

The “Pink” platform for energy intelligence

Industry trends in solar and storage

The impact of policy on solar adoption

 

Reach out to Scott Rossenberg here:

Website: www.257.co

 

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

Storage Without Solar and Consumer Friendly Leasing with Greg Field Solar Home Realtor

Discover how the solar industry is being transformed by innovative, consumer-friendly leasing models and cutting-edge energy storage solutions. Join host Sean White and expert guest Greg Field as they reveal new ways homeowners can benefit from solar and battery storage without the pitfalls of traditional leases. Learn about the latest trends, ethical practices, and the future of renewable energy in this must-listen episode for anyone interested in smarter, fairer solar solutions.

 

Topics Covered

Greg’s Background

Unethical Solar Salespeople

Solar Hot Water

Net Metering

ESS = Energy Storage System

Batteries

Lease

APS = Arizona Public Service www.aps.com

Real Estate

Participate Energy www.participate.energy

BBB = Big Beautiful Bill

Participate Energy’s Synthetic Cash Option

Door Knockers

Tax Credit

Battery Only Solution

Storage Without Solar

Homeowners

Utility

Tesla

 

Reach out to Greg Field here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/solar-home-realtor/

 

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/pvip

www.solarsean.com/esip

Data Centers, Solar Energy and the AI Boom with Matias Sigal of REplace

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage podcast, Sean welcomes back Matias Sigal for a fascinating discussion on the rapid developments in the solar industry. Matias talks about the booming demand for data centers in the U.S., driven by the rise of AI and tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta. The conversation dives into the synergies between data centers and renewable energy, the challenges of grid access, and the evolving landscape of mergers and acquisitions in renewable projects. Sean and Matias also explore the innovative use of waste heat from data centers and touch on the future role of nuclear and geothermal energy. Tune in to learn how the industry is adapting post-COVID and making the best out of changing circumstances.

 

Topics Covered:

Online Training

One Big Beautiful Bill

Energy Demand Increase

Mega Data Centers

Google

Amazon

Meta

Space-based Solar Energy

Bitcoin Hot Tubs

Bitcoin Miners

Hyperscale data center

Solar thermal

Floating solar

Waste heat

M&A = Mergers and Acquisitions

PPAs = Purchase Power Agreement

Nuclear Power Plant

PJM

Renewable Energy Developers

AI

Loss of tax credits

Sean White and Matias Sigal Podcast “Solar Project Development Software with Matias Sigal, Founder of Replace” released last February 20, 2024

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solar-project-development-software-with-matias-sigal/id1441958371?i=1000645978678

 

Reach out to Matias Sigal here:

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

Website: www.renewableenergy.place/

 

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

Off-Grid and Grid Backup with Jesse Faircloth at RE+

In this episode, Sean White sits down with Jesse Faircloth, founder of PVIT and off-grid engineering expert, to explore the world of off-grid living, homesteading, and the evolving landscape of solar and battery technology. They discuss the challenges and rewards of building self-sufficient homesteads, the role of PVIT in empowering rural communities, and the innovations making off-grid systems more accessible than ever. Jesse shares real-world stories from his work in Moab, Utah, insights on battery recycling, and tips for anyone interested in starting their own off-grid journey. The conversation also covers the importance of community engagement, the future of energy storage, and how technology is reshaping rural life.

 

Topics covered:

Off-grid living and homesteading

PVIT (Photovoltaics and Integrated Technologies)

Solar energy systems: grid-tied vs. off-grid

Battery storage and recycling

Rural innovation and community empowerment

Homestead Hybrid

Navigating permitting and infrastructure challenges

The impact of electric vehicles and bidirectional charging

Community solar projects and public land use

Tips for aspiring homesteaders and off-grid enthusiasts

The evolving role of technology in self-sufficiency

 

Reach out Jesse Faircloth here:

Email: jesse@pvit.solar

Website: www.homesteadhybrid.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/18hrpv