67.6K
Downloads
282
Episodes
Sean White teaches solar and storage classes and seminars around the world and inside your home (online). He is known for helping people get NABCEP certified. This podcast contains an assortment of topics, with an emphasis on solar and storage technical knowledge. Up your game! Catch a photon! Save the planet! Learn more and go to www.solarSEAN.com
Episodes
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
In this episode Sean White is joined by Lishuo Pan, a PhD student at Brown University specializing in robotics and computer science. They talked about the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and solar energy, focusing on the challenges and innovations in solar panel maintenance and cleaning. The conversation covers the use of drones and robots in solar projects. Lishuo shares insights from his research on multi-robot systems and discusses the practical hurdles of bringing new technology to market.
Topics Covered:
Role of AI and robotics in solar energy
Drone applications for solar panel maintenance
Sensor technology for monitoring solar panel soiling
The job market and skills needed in the solar and AI industries
NABCEP certifications and professional directories
The impact of tax credits and policy on solar innovation
Real-world obstacles in solar panel cleaning and maintenance
Advice for startups and researchers entering the solar technology space
Reach out to Lishuo Pan here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lishuo-pan
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
In this episode of the Sean White Solar and Energy Storage podcast, Sean sits down with Joe Tassone, founder of onCORE, to explore the intersection of real estate and renewable energy. Joe dives into onCORE’s role in originating land for solar, battery, and EV projects across the US. They discuss the specifics of working with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), the challenges of utility interconnection, the evolving political landscape affecting the renewable industry, and how energy storage could solve current grid limitations. Whether you're an industry professional or an energy enthusiast, this podcast offers valuable insights into the future of renewable energy development and technology.
Topics Covered:
Project Origination Company
IPP = Independent Power Producer
Cell Towers
Originate land
Develop land
DG = Distributed Generation
National Grid
NextEra
Power Plants
Substation
The Big Beautiful Bill
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
Tax Credit
Vetted projects
Energy storage got spared from Trump
December 31, 2027
FEOC = Foreign Entity of Concern
Safe Harboring
Landlord assigned paper
Reach out to Joe Tassone here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-f-tassone-jr-a778a1190/
Website: www.oncoreorig.com/
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
Friday Oct 17, 2025
Friday Oct 17, 2025
Join host Sean White as he sits down with Blair Reynolds at the RE+ conference for an in-depth discussion on the latest innovations in solar manufacturing. This episode explores the development of flexible solar modules, the shift toward domestic production, and the impact of advanced materials on the future of solar energy. Learn how industry leaders are driving change, overcoming supply chain challenges, and setting new standards for sustainability and performance in the solar sector.
Topics Covered
Blair Society
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
Solar Living Institute
NABCEP Exam Committee
John Wiles
Acid
Marsupials
University of New South Wales
Crystals
Martin Green
Suntech
Dr. Shi Zhengrong
Bila Solar www.bilasolar.com
Flexible Solar
Cold Formed Rolling
Origami Solar www.origamisolar.com
Grid Forming Inverters
SMA Solar www.sma.de
UL 3741
Reach out to Blair Reynolds here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/blair-r
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Join host Sean White as he interviews Jason Evans, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at ProScore Technologies, about the transformative role of AI in workforce management for the renewable energy sector. Discover how ProScore’s innovative solutions streamline compliance with the Inflation Reduction Act, simplify onboarding for contractors and subcontractors, and support apprenticeship programs across the industry. This episode offers valuable insights into prevailing wage compliance, high-paying career opportunities, and the future of technology-driven workforce solutions in clean energy.
Topics Covered
ProScore Technologies
IRA = Inflation Reduction Act
Constructors and Subcontractors
Apprenticeship Program
Incentives
Tax Credits
E-Learning
EPC = Engineering, Procurement and Construction
AI = Artificial Intelligence
ASES = American Solar Energy Society
Big Beautiful Bill
Prevailing Wage
Davis-Bacon
ProScore Connect
Solar Apprenticeship Program
Reach out to Jason Evans here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jason-evans
Website: www.proscore.ai
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
In this episode of the Solar and Energy Storage podcast, hosts Sean White and Blair Reynolds provide a detailed discussion on grid forming inverters, the UL 3741 safety standard, and current developments in renewable energy technology. The conversation covers technical aspects of inverter operation, the significance of synthetic inertia for grid stability, and the practical implications of recent industry standards. The hosts also address the relationship between technological advancement and regulatory policy, offering insights relevant to professionals and stakeholders in the solar and energy storage sectors.
Topics Covered
Podcast with Greg smith (rushed by Blair and Emmit!)
Grid Forming Inverters
UL3741
SMA America https www.sma.de
Inverter
Rapid Shutdown
Osmosis
ESS = Energy Storage System
Grid
Inertia / Synthetic Inertia / Virtual Inertia
Backup System
Power Outage
Grid Tied Inverter
Anti-Islanding
Synchronous Grid Forming Technology
Inverter Based Resource
Standalone Inverter
Grid Forming Inverter Technology
ESIG = Energy Systems Integration Group
SunPower www.us.sunpower.com
Sollega
Iron Ridge
RayTray
National Electrical Code
Array Level Shutdown
FMEA = Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
NEC Article 690.12
Wire Management
Derek Solar Boy
Thin Film Solar
Standard First Solar Module
Perovskite
Reach out to Blair Reynolds here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/blair-r
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Host Sean White sits down with Emily Hwang of Yaskawa Solectria Solar at the RE+ event in Las Vegas to discuss the latest developments in utility-scale solar inverters. The conversation covers the design and maintenance of "mini central" inverters, Build America Buy America (BABA) compliance, and the integration of energy storage systems. Emily also shares her experiences in renewable energy and insights on industry certifications, providing practical perspectives for solar professionals and project developers.
Topics Covered
RE+
Yaskawa Solectria Solar www.solectria.com
Microplastic
Mini Central Inverter
Central Inverter
String Inverter
Pop and Swap Solution
The Jetsons and The Flintstones
Feed in Tariff
National Institute of Ecology
Bioethanol
Ethanol
Ethanol
NABCEP Exam Spanish Translation
NABCEP Exam Committee
Dave Click
John Wiles
Tony Diaz
Ward Bower
PVIP www.solarsean.com/pvip
ESIP www.solarsean.com/esip
BABA = Build America Buy America
FEOC = Foreign Entities of Concern
JTA = Job Task Analysis
Reach out to Emily Hwang here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhwang
Website: www.solectria.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Host Sean White talks with Ovanova co-founder Lester Crafton about the future of energy resilience and microgrids. Discover how portable energy trailers, solar, batteries, and EVs are transforming disaster response and community power. Learn why energy storage, cybersecurity, and local solutions matter more than ever. Real stories, technical insights, and a vision for a smarter, more resilient energy future, all in one episode.
Topics Covered
Ovanova www.ovanova.co
National Energy Emergency
EV = Electric Vehicle
Manufacturing
Energy Resilience
Microgrid
ESS = Energy Storage System
Inverter
PET = Portable Energy Technology
PET = Portable Energy Trailer
NEC = National Electrical Code
Generator
Internal Combustion Engine
Net metering
Battery Backup
Solar without Storage
Batteries
Bidirectional Electric Vehicle
Sigenergy
Voltage Architecture
EV Charging
Bitcoin Mining
Bitcoin Miner
Bitcoin Heating
Liquid Cooled Bitcoin Miner
Prepper
Solar Prepper
John Wiles
Wildfires
Electric Trailer
Hurricane Helene
Solar Trailers
EG4 Electronics
Hacking
Interconnection Agreement
NEC Article 624
Reactive Power
Power Factor
Utility
Dispatchable Energy Storage
Reach out to Lester Crafton here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lestercrafton
Website: www.ovanova.co
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ovanovasolar
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
In this episode, Sean White revisits the foundation of the podcast by reading and analyzing Article 690 of the newly released 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC). The session provides a detailed walkthrough of the article, discussing its application, key updates, and specific requirements for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems. The podcast covers various sections, including general and specific equipment requirements, wiring methods, grounding and bonding, and rapid shutdown protocols for PV systems. The episode also includes historical context, teaching experiences, and insights into the evolution of the NEC. Listeners can supplement their learning by taking advanced PV or energy storage classes offered by the host and co-author Bill Brooks.
Topics Covered:
NEC Article 690: Scope and System Types
690.2 Listing Requirements for PV Equipment
690.4 General Requirements for PV Systems
690.7 Maximum DC Voltage Calculations
690.8 Circuit Sizing and Equipment
690.9 Overcurrent Protection in PV Systems
690.12 Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems
690.13 Disconnecting Means for PV Systems
690.31 Wiring Methods and Materials
690.31(B) Identification and Grouping of Conductors
690.31 (C) Wires and Cables
690.32 Component Interconnections
690 Part V Grounding and Bonding
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Friday Oct 03, 2025
Friday Oct 03, 2025
In this lively episode, Sean White and special guest Shawn O'Brien, the CEO of NABCEP, discuss exciting updates and happenings in the solar energy world. They dive into the details of the upcoming NABCEP conference in Milwaukee, including its St. Patrick’s Day theme, technical sessions, and networking opportunities. Shawn O'Brien provides insights into new certifications and exams on the horizon, including the PV associate and Spanish language options. Tune in for a blend of fun and informative content straight from the Power Up Live Pro studio, presented by Terra Hive, with gratitude to RE Plus and Suncast Media.
Topics covered:
NABCEP Conference
Milwaukee Baird Center
St. Patrick’s Day
NABCEP Carribean
Subject Matter Experts
Live Online Proctoring
Energy Center, North Carolina
Mark Mrohs
Interplay Learning
Online Training
Online Simulation
New PV Associate Exam
JTA = Job Task Analysis
Operation and Maintenance Associate Technician
Amicus O&M Cooperative
Heatspring
Energy Storage Installation Professional
Spanish version of exam
PV Installation Professional
PV Design Specialist
PV Commissioner Maintenance Specialist
PV Installation Specialist
Operation Maintenance Associate Technician
French Translation
NABCEP Conference Registration Opens
NYSERDA = New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Grants
San Francisco Comedy College
Curtis Matthew
PV and NEC Book by Sean White and Bill Brooks
Reach out with Shawn O’Brien here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shawnwobrien/
Website: www.nabcep.org/
Previous Podcast with Shawn O’Brien:
NABCEP and Job Security featuring Shawn O’Brien President and CEO of NABCEP
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
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