Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

Funnest Podcast Ever! with Aaron Nichols of This Week in Solar Podcast

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

www.heatspring.com/sean

www.solarsean.com/pvip

www.solarsean.com/esip

Solar Manufacturing and Market Dynamics: An Expert Discussion with Nabih Cherradi at RE+

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

• Apple podcast
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Pandora
• Podbean

 

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

www.heatspring.com/sean

www.solarsean.com/pvip

www.solarsean.com/esip

ISES, ASES, And A Hundred Plus Years of Solar Experience With Drs. David Renee and Paulette Middleton

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

www.heatspring.com/sean

www.solarsean.com/pvip

www.solarsean.com/esip

Khanti Munro of ConnectDER and the meter service adapter revolution

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

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

www.heatspring.com/sean

www.solarsean.com/pvsi

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