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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
Dec 18, 2025
Dec 18, 2025
36 min
In this episode, Sean White welcomes Bernadette Del Chiaro, a prominent figure in the solar industry. Bernadette discusses her current role as the Senior Vice President of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and her extensive background in the field, including her tenure as the executive director of the California Solar and Storage Association. The conversation dives into EWG's mission and Bernadette's recent projects, including a lawsuit against the California Public Utilities Commission over net metering policies and promoting balcony solar systems. The episode highlights the importance of distributed generation, rooftop solar, and the legal and policy challenges facing the solar industry in California. Sean and Bernadette also touch on the political influence of investor-owned utilities and the future of energy policy.
Topics Covered:
CALSSA = California Solar and Storage Association
Distributed generation
EWG = Environmental Working Group
Public Utilities Commission and California
Net-Metering
Balcony Solar
Plug-in and play systems
Neighborhood sharing program
Lawsuit
Load growth
Million Solar Roof Initiative 2006
Reach out to Bernadette Del Chiaro here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bernadette-del-chiaro-7598706/
Email: bernadette@ewg.org
Website: www.ewg.org
Rooftop Solar Defense Fund Campaign: www.act.ewg.org/a/ewg-solar
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Dec 17, 2025
Dec 17, 2025
1hr 4 min
Join us as we explore the future of energy storage with Antonio Baclig, CEO of Inlyte Energy. Discover how reinventing batteries—especially sodium-based technology—could transform the grid, make renewable energy more reliable, and reduce dependence on global supply chains. We break down battery basics, discuss the challenges and opportunities in battery innovation, and touch on the broader impact for climate and society. Whether you’re an energy enthusiast or just curious about what powers tomorrow, this episode offers fresh insights and inspiration for anyone interested in the next big leap in clean energy.
Topics Covered
Inlyte Energy www.inlyteenergy.com
Battery
Solid State Battery
Battery Chemistry
Antonio’s Career Background
ESS = Energy Storage System
Chemistry
Sodium Metal Battery
Grid Storage
Anodes & Cathodes
Alkaline Batteries
Three Electrode Batteries
Quantum Mechanics
Intercolation
Dendrites
Batteries for Airplane
EV Charging = Electric Vehicle Charging
Electrochemical Potential
Nominal Volt
Chemical Bonds
Bill Gates’ Three Tough Truths About Climate Change
Global Climate
Reach out to Antonio Baclig here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-baclig
Inlyte Energy: www.inlyteenergy.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Dec 17, 2025
Dec 17, 2025
24 min
Celebrate a century of innovation with “100 Years of Energy.” Host Sean White interviews Laurie Oswald, Chief Commercial Officer at Trojan Battery Company, to uncover how Trojan evolved from a lead-acid battery pioneer to a leader in lithium technology. Discover real-world stories from off-grid Alaska to global markets, the secrets behind batteries that last decades, and how customer feedback drives Trojan’s innovation. Whether you’re into energy, technology, or inspiring business journeys, this episode offers powerful insights into the past, present, and future of energy storage.
Topics Covered
C&D Trojan www.cdtrojan.com
ESS = Energy Storage System
Battery
LSEV = Low Speed Electric Vehicle
EV = Electric Vehicle
Trojan Batteries
Lead-Acid VS Lithium ion
Battery Longevity
NEC = National Electrical Code
Float Charge
Off Grid
Reach out to Laurie Oswald here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ldoswald
C&D Trojan www.cdtrojan.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Dec 14, 2025
Dec 14, 2025
36 min
Discover how solar power is changing the game for cities, businesses, and your wallet. Host Sean White sits down with Michael Chanin, CEO of Cherry Street Energy, to reveal the secrets behind affordable, no-upfront-cost solar electricity. From the company’s unique origin story to real talk about industry myths, workforce training, and building a legacy business, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and practical advice. Whether you’re a solar skeptic or a clean energy fan, you’ll learn how the future of power is being built, one community at a time. Tune in and get energized!
Topics Covered
Cherry Street Energy www.cherrystreet.com
Heatspring www.heatspring.com/instructors/sean-white
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners www.nabcep.org
NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners www.nabcep.org
Marketplace
Education
IREC = Interstate Renewable Energy Council
Unethical Solar Salespeople
Supply and Demand
Utility
Coal
Fossil Fuel
Solar Coaster
Combustion Car
EV = Electric Vehicle
HVAC = Heating, Ventilation, And Air Conditioning
Reach out to Michael Chanin here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchanin
Website: www.cherrystreet.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Dec 12, 2025
Dec 12, 2025
18 min
Dr. Laura A. Ward is a leading contributor to the global shift from inertia-dominated, mechanically driven power systems to inverter-based, high-renewable smart grids. She bridges advanced power electronics theory with practical, data-driven roadmapping to deploy resilient microgrids at scale.
As the global grid pivots away from fossil generation, the industry is confronting a core question: how do we maintain stability without the physical inertia of synchronous machines? In this RE+ episode, host Sean White speaks with Dr. Laura A. Ward—IEEE Senior Member and Energy Innovator Fellow at the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), mentored by Thomas Bartholomew in the Clean Energy Division—about the transition from inertia-based power systems to “virtual” stability enabled by inverter-based resources and smart-grid controls.
Dr. Ward breaks down the high-stakes engineering behind Grid Forming (GFM) inverters, the technical bridge that allows renewable energy to go from simply "following" the grid to actively "forming" it. Whether you are curious about the physics of droop coefficients or the policy hurdles of DC grid modernization, this conversation provides a masterclass in building a resilient, decarbonized future.
Dr. Ward breaks down the high-stakes engineering behind Grid Forming (GFM) inverters, the technical bridge that allows renewable energy to go from simply "following" the grid to actively "forming" it. Whether you are curious about the physics of droop coefficients or the policy hurdles of DC grid modernization, this conversation provides a masterclass in building a resilient, decarbonized future.
Key Insights Include:
- The Physics of Stability: Why losing traditional synchronous machines creates a "stability gap" and how inverters fill it.
- GFM vs. GFL: A deep dive into the technical advantages of Grid Forming over Grid Following technology.
- Urban Infrastructure: Adopting and applying 21st-century standards (like IEEE 1547) to complex, high-density city grids.
- Microgrid Resiliency: How autonomous control allows local grids to survive during wider system outages.
Dr. Ward’s work is anchored in her unique ability to provide insights and influence decision-making through recommendations on best practices. While many focus on either the adoption of IEEE 1547-2018 or the scalability analysis of Grid-Forming inverters using software—work she did under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Bayne at Texas Tech University—Dr. Ward has unified them through the validation of the scalable Self-synchronized Universal Droop Controller (SSUDC), providing a mathematical and practical foundation for a carbon-neutral grid.
Dr. Ward’s influence is solidified by her rigorous data-driven approach, featured in major repositories and journals:
- OSTI Office of Scientific and Technical Information (Department of Energy): Modeling and Evaluation of Microgrids with Grid-Forming Inverter Technology (Focus on SSUDC algorithms). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su16052148
- Technical Roadmaps: Authoring the transition strategies for DOEE and utilities moving from 20th-century synchronous machine reliance to 21st-century power electronics. ArcGIS StoryMap technical report:https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/cca0d8ca348c452787e70759035aaa97
- The Physics of Stability: Why losing traditional synchronous machines creates a "stability gap" and how inverters fill it.
- GFM vs. GFL: A deep dive into the technical advantages of Grid Forming over Grid Following technology.
- Urban Infrastructure: Adopting and applying 21st-century standards (like IEEE 1547) to complex, high-density city grids.
- Microgrid Resiliency: How autonomous control allows local grids to survive during wider system outages.
Dr. Ward’s work is anchored in her unique ability to provide insights and influence decision-making through recommendations on best practices. While many focus on either the adoption of IEEE 1547-2018 or the scalability analysis of Grid-Forming inverters using software—work she did under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Bayne at Texas Tech University—Dr. Ward has unified them through the validation of the scalable Self-synchronized Universal Droop Controller (SSUDC), providing a mathematical and practical foundation for a carbon-neutral grid.
Dr. Ward’s influence is solidified by her rigorous data-driven approach, featured in major repositories and journals:
- OSTI Office of Scientific and Technical Information (Department of Energy): Modeling and Evaluation of Microgrids with Grid-Forming Inverter Technology (Focus on SSUDC algorithms). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su16052148
- Technical Roadmaps: Authoring the transition strategies for DOEE and utilities moving from 20th-century synchronous machine reliance to 21st-century power electronics. ArcGIS StoryMap technical report:https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/cca0d8ca348c452787e70759035aaa97
Connect with Dr. Ward:
Professional: www.linkedin.com/in/drlaura-ward
Research: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4550-1581
Public Engagement: @stem.laurandre (Instagram)
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Dec 11, 2025
Dec 11, 2025
33 min
Join host Sean White as he interviews Mark Jacobs, a renewable energy marketing expert, about creative ways to make solar energy and electric vehicles part of mainstream American culture. Discover the story behind a unique solar-themed jigsaw puzzle, learn about the EV Math campaign helping rural communities save money with electric vehicles, and hear how Twende Solar brings clean energy to underserved areas worldwide. With engaging stories, humor, and practical insights, this episode highlights the power of creativity and community in driving the clean energy transition. Perfect for anyone interested in sustainability, innovation, and positive social impact.
Topics Covered
Solar Marketing
Jigsaw Puzzle
Twende Solar www.twendesolar.org
EV = Electric Vehicle
EV Math
Range Anxiety
Free Supercharging for Life
Rural Community
AI = Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Smoke and Sound for Electric Vehicles
Self-Reliance and Independence
Creative Marketing
Portland Puzzle Company
Reach out to Mark Jacobs here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/markjacobs
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Dec 7, 2025
Dec 7, 2025
42 min
Join jokester Sean White as he interviews Aaron Nichols, research and policy specialist at Exact Solar and creator of "This Week in Solar." Discover Aaron’s unique journey from teaching and traveling to working in solar and learn how he’s making solar news accessible through engaging communication. The episode covers the evolution of solar industry messaging, strategies for reaching diverse audiences, and the importance of storytelling in marketing and public outreach. Whether you’re a solar professional or just curious about the industry, this episode offers practical insights, real-world experiences, and a fresh perspective on solar news and careers.
Topics Covered
Grid Alternatives
Aaron’s Career
Cougars
Circus girls
This Week in Solar www.exactsolar.substack.com/podcast
Podcast
Public Speaking
Stage Fright
Exact Solar www.exactsolar.com
Infinite Solar
NEC = National Electrical Code
EPC = Engineering Procurement and Construction
Circus
Copywriting
Writing
Burning Man
Suncast
Communication Strategies
Utility
Reach out to Aaron Nichols here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-nichols
Exact Solar: www.exactsolar.com
This Week in Solar Substack: www.exactsolar.substack.com/podcast
This Week in Solar YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekInSolar
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Dec 5, 2025
Dec 5, 2025
36 min
Join host Sean White and solar industry leader Nabih Cherradi for an expert discussion on the explosive growth of solar manufacturing, global market dynamics, and the future of clean energy. Recorded live at RE+, this episode explores why solar keeps beating projections, the role of policy and innovation, and offers practical advice for new entrants. Discover why the future of solar is brighter than ever!
Topics Covered
Desert Technologies www.desert-technologies.com
Solar in Antarctica
Policies
Solar in the Past
Feed-in Tariff
Supply and Demand
Solar Market
Incentives
Factory
Polysilicon
Investment
What Creates Jobs in the Solar Industry
Module Manufacturing
CapEx
Workforce
Sustainable Jobs
Africa Workforce and Market Potential
Podcast in SNEC Conference
Reach out to Nabih Cherradi here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nabih-cherradi
Website: www.desert-technologies.com
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Dec 3, 2025
Dec 3, 2025
53 min
Join host Sean White as he interviews Dr. David Renee and Dr. Paulette Middleton, leaders in atmospheric science and renewable energy. Explore the evolution of solar energy, the impact of organizations like ISES and ASES, and the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. This episode highlights the importance of community, workforce development, and effective communication in advancing sustainable energy. Gain professional insights and historical context on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of solar and renewable energy worldwide.
Topics Covered
ISES = International Solar Energy Society www.ises.org
ASES = American Solar Energy Society www.ases.org
NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association www.norcalsolar.org
Atmospheric Sciences
Climate
David’s Career
NREL = National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Early Days in Solar Industry
Wind Energy
SERI = Solar Energy Research Institute
President Jimmy Carter
CALSA = California Storage Association
IRENA = International Renewable Energy Agency
COP Conference
Fossil Fuel
Solar Today Magazine www.ases.org/solartoday
Workforce Development
Oil and Gas Industry
Utility
Off Grid
Panorama Pathways www.panoramapathways.net
Aspen Hill Films
Reach out to David & Paulette here:
David’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dave-renne
Paulette’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/paulette-middleton
Panorama Pathways: www.panoramapathways.net
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at
Nov 30, 2025
Nov 30, 2025
34 min
In this episode, Sean White welcomes Khanti Munro, Senior Product Manager at ConnectDER, to talk about meter socket adapters (MSAs) and their role in the evolving world of distributed energy resources (DERs). Khanti shares his journey in the solar industry, his mentorship under industry legend Johnny Weiss, and his hands-on experience with solar installations and product innovation
Topics Covered:
Introducing ConnectDER
MSA = Meter Socket Adapter
MBA = Meter Base Adapter
DER = Distributed Energy Resources
EV = Electric Vehicle
California Rule 21
Rule 31
UL 1741
UL 414
UL 3141
ESS = Energy Storage Systems
Supply Side Connection
MSA, EV MSA with load management, Islander for whole-house backup
RTFM = Read the F_N Manual
Integration of MSAs with inverters and storage systems from SolarEdge, Franklin, Lunar, and EcoFlow
The challenges and rewards of product development and patenting in the solar industry
Practical advice for installers
Stories from the field, including working with Bernie Sanders
Reach out to Khanti Munro here:
Email: kmunro@connectder.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/khantimunro
Email: kmunro@connectder.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/khantimunro
Website: www.connectder.com
Check out the latest Greg Smith’s podcast here:
www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/greg-smith-the-snarky-solar-guy-and-best-selling-author
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at