Join Sean White as he talks with John Perlin, a well-known historian and author, about the history of solar energy and how it connects to human progress. John shares stories from his books and career, touching on everything from ancient solar use to the role of forests in shaping our world. It’s a laid-back, insightful episode for anyone into solar, history, or just learning something new.   Topics covered: Intersolar Eicke Weber UC Berkley Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems Smarter E Hermann Scheer Hans Josef Fell Feed in Tariff NREL = National Renewable Energy Laboratory International Solar Energy Society University of California Santa Barbara Monty Python Keeling Curve Solar Water Heater Roman, Greek & China History Heliocaminus Photovoltaic History Bell Labs Calvin Fuller Daryl Chapin Gerald Pearson Becquerel Thermodynamics Albert Einstein Solar Selenium Photovoltaic Solid-State Solar Cell Pier 39 Fisherman’s Wharf UC Berkeley Alumni Camp Barrington Hall` Lexicon The Wood Age Literature The Great Valves of Roam Marcus Vitruvius Pollio Ship Solar Thermal Iron Horses Coal & Charcoal UCC Monitor USS Monitor CSS Virginia (USS Merrimack) John Ericsson A Golden Thread: 2,500 Years of Solar Architecture and Technology From Space to Earth: The Story of Solar Electricity Let It Shine: The 6,000-Year Story of Solar Energy A Forest Journey: The Role of Trees in the Fate of Civilization Patagonia Eike Webber (Herman Scheer 80th Birthday) Podcast www.podcasts.apple.com   Reach out to John Perlin Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/john-perlin Website: www.aforestjourney.com John Perlin’s books: http://aforestjourney.com/     Links to John Perlin’s book reviews:Let It Shine: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/seven-of-the-greatest-solar-stories-over-the-millennia    A Forest Journey:https://botany.one/2023/05/perlins-potentially-perfect-plants-and-people-publication/   https://time.com/6969478/forests-human-history/   https://news.mongabay.com/2024/10/interview-with-john-perlin/     Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

In this podcast Dan Lotano, GoodLeap’s Chief Operating Officer, talks about the Treasury guidance that is good news, because it offers a smooth glidepath, rather than a hard landing.   This podcast was recorded on August 15, 2025 at 11AM Pacific.   Additionally, we talk about GoodLeap and their involvement with virtual power plants (VPPs), solar and storage financing, home energy, the GoodLeap app, Connecticut Green Bank and a lot more.

Join host Sean White as he welcomes Stephanie Choi Brookes of Emtel Energy USA to discuss a revolutionary new approach to energy storage. Discover how graphene technology could reshape the future of power and hear stories from the front lines of innovation. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about what’s next in solar and storage!   Topics covered: Solid State Graphene Based Electrostatic Storage Emtel Energy USA www.emtelenergyusa.com Masdar Capacitor Super Capacitor Graphene ESS = Energy Storage System Energy Density LDES = Long Duration Energy Storage Li-ion battery = Lithium-ion Battery Battery Silicon Diamond Industrial Diamond Waste-based graphene Utility Duke Energy  Dominion Energy www.dominionenergy.com Con Edison www.coned.com EPRI = Electric Power Research Institute www.epri.com EMWALL Wall Mounted ESS C&I Commercial and Industrial EV = Electric Vehicle EV Charging   Reach out to Stephanie Choi Brookes Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-choi-brookes Emtel Energy USA: www.emtelenergyusa.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

In this episode, Sean White talks with Paul Warley, CEO of Ascent Solar Technologies, about the latest advances in solar panels for space. They cover how thin-film solar technology is changing satellite design, why weight and flexibility matter in orbit, and what makes space solar different from panels used on Earth. Paul also shares insights on manufacturing, industry trends, and the future of solar power in space. If you’re interested in solar energy, satellites, or new technology, this episode has something for you.   Topics covered: Ascent Solar Mark Mrohs Space X Starlink Project Kuiper Space Station Gallium Arsenide CIGS = Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Thin Film Watts per Weight VS Watts per Square meter Solar in Space Satellite LEO = Low Earth Orbit Crystalline Silicon ASES Conference = American Solar Energy Society Conference Geosynchronous Orbit Hubble Space Telescope Concentrated Solar SBSP = Space-Based Solar Power Vanguard 1 Sputnik Sesna 150 Solar Cooling in Space NASDAQ = National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations NASDAQ: ASTI = Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. Moon   Reach out to Paul Warley Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/paul-warley   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

In this episode, recorded at the SNEC Conference in Shanghai, the world’s largest solar and energy storage event, Sean meets with Dr. Stefan Kaufmann, former member of the German Parliament and Hydrogen Commissioner for the German government. Dr. Kaufman is now a consultant in the private sector and co-head of the hydrogen sector of the Clean Tech Business Club. They discussed the power of international collaboration through the Clean Tech Business Club. How hydrogen is transforming the industries: steel, shipping, aviation and more. The challenges and opportunities of transporting and storing hydrogen and why ammonia is the key for global hydrogen logistics.   Topics Covered: Hydrogen Economy German Parliament CleanTech Business Club Hans Josef-Fell Green Party = Conservative Party Tomasz Slusarz Hydrogen Plants Hydrogen in Mobility Sector Green Molecule Green Hydrogen Ammonia Fertilizers Shipping the sunshine Compressed hydorgen Natural Gas Pipeline Synthetic Aviation Fuel   You can reach Dr. Stefan Kaufmann here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-stefan-kaufmann    Website: www.cleantechbusiness.club/   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

In this episode, Sean White interviews Kirk Edelman, CEO of SolMicrogrid, who brings a unique perspective with a business degree and an electrical engineering degree. They dive into the intricacies of microgrids, energy as a service (EaaS), and the future of renewable energy. Topics include the unique business model of SolMicrogrid, the role of batteries in energy storage, the impact of community choice aggregation, demand response programs, and new initiatives like the Energy as a Service Partners Program. They also discuss energy tariffs, load shedding, peak demand management, and more.   Topics covered: SolMicrogrid www.solmicrogrid.com SaaS = Software as a Service EaaS = Energy as a Service Microgrid Resiliency Grid IEEE = Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers MID = Microgrid Interconnect Device SDG&E = San Diego Gas & Electric PG&E = Pacific Gas and Electric Battery ESS = Energy Storage System SMA Inverter Peak Demand Utility Tariff NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Energy Charge Demand Charge DER = Distributed Energy Resources Array to Microgrid CCA = Community Choice Aggregation PPA = Power Purchase Agreement C&I = Commercial and Industrial Morgan Stanley JP Morgan Incentives AHJ = Authorities Having Jurisdiction Demand Response Program Duck Curve Trackers Energy as a Service Partners Program Microgrid Knowledge Conference EEI = Edison Electric Institute Edison Electric Institute Key Accounts Reach out to Kirk Edelman Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com SolMicrogrid www.solmicrogrid.com Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

In this episode, Sean interviews Grant Gunnison, founder, and CEO of Zero Homes. They discuss Grant's innovative company, which aims to simplify home upgrades and electrification for homeowners through a seamless digital platform. The conversation covers topics including nomadic lifestyles, the future of solar and energy storage, privacy concerns, and Grant's background in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT. They also touch upon Grant's previous work with NASA on space systems and the potential impacts of advanced home-energy solutions.   Topics covered: Zero Homes SNEC RE+ = Renewable Energy Plus AWEA = American Wind Energy Association ACP = American Clean Power Rooftop Solar Utility Scale Solar Grid Net Metering Democracy Elon and Trump Spat Home Upgrades Digitized Home Homeowners and Contractors NASA = National Aeronautics and Space Administration Flat Earth Outbound Salesperson Laser Communication Terminal Earth Imaging NPS = Net Promoter Score Smart Panels Smart Home Grid Defection Natural Gas Batteries Fossil Fuel Electrifying Homes Starlink Zero Homes App Android www.play.google.com Zero Homes App IOS apps.apple.com   Reach out to Grant Gunnison Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/grantgunnison Zero Homes Website: www.zerohomes.io   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean<br/ >

In this episode of the Sean White Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, recorded at the world's largest solar and storage conference, SNEC, host Sean White interviews Willis Ren, the marketing director for Osda Solar. They discuss the history and growth of Osda Solar, which was founded in 2009, and its extensive manufacturing capabilities including PV cells, modules, and energy storage systems. The conversation delves into the global reach of Osda Solar, their focus on markets like MENA, Southeast Asia, and Brazil, and their ability to provide both OEM, OBM and ODM services. He also explains different inverter types and their applications from residential to utility-scale projects, and the particularities of balcony solar markets in different regions.   Topics Covered: Osda Solar Growth of SNEC Osta Solar's Global Reach and Product Range Manufacturing and Production Capacity Introduction to OEM and Branding Explaining  OEM, OBM, and ODM Original Equipment Manufacturer = manufacturer for another company and put their label on it Original Brand Manufacturer = you put your own label Original Design Manufacturer = OEM plus design Residential and Commercial (C&I) Inverters MENA = Middle East and North Africa Manufacturing Capacity Definition = How much you can manufacture if operating 24/7/365 in a year Manufacturing Processes and Capabilities Inverters and Product Range Balcony Solar Market   Reach out to Willis Ren here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/WillisRen Website: www.osdasol.com.cn/en/  Facebook: www.facebook.com/OSDA2009   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean Getting a NABCEP certification gives you job security.

In this episode, Sean White talks with Ignacio Carellan, founding director of Inverter Advisor, a company dedicated to helping large-scale solar projects avoid costly inverter failures. They explore the growing importance of grid-forming inverters, the role of reliability testing, and key considerations when designing utility-scale systems. With insights from real-world projects across the US, Europe, and Australia, this episode highlights what it takes to build more resilient solar infrastructure.   Topics covered: Grid Forming Inverter Grid Following Inverter Inverter Advisor www.inverteradvisor.com HeatSpring Classes Utility-Scale Inverters String Inverters Central Inverters NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Solyndra MPPT = Maximum Power Point Tracking PCB = Printed Circuit Board Spanish BlackoutStand-alone Inverter Synthetic Inertia ESIG = Energy Systems Integration Group www.youtube.com/@energysystemsintegrationgroup ERCOT = Electric Reliability Council of Texas Smarter E / Intersolar NEC = National Electrical Code PCB = Printed Circuit Board System Availability Reliability Testing Tropical Climates Root Cause Analysis LCOE = Levelized Cost of Energy Tariffs Inverter Warranty Microinverter Three-Phase Systems   Reach out to Ignacio Carellan Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ignacio-carellan Website: www.inverteradvisor.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Avery Dennison makes solar tape!  In this episode, Jenna Miles talks about how their specialty tapes are finding new roles in solar panel manufacturing, helping with things like ease of installation, cleaner production, and design flexibility. It's a look at how materials from outside the solar world are quietly contributing to innovation in the industry.   Topics covered: Avery Dennison Labels Solar Tape Foam Tape Adhesive and Carrier PSA = Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Acrylic Based Adhesive Solvent Based Adhesive Solar DIY Solar Made in America   Reach out to Jenna Miles Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-golic-miles Website: www.averydennison.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Sean White and special guest Stephen Smith, CEO of Solvida Energy Group, talked about what’s going on in the solar world today, including tax credits, market changes, and new ideas helping the industry grow. They also touch on policy shifts and how solar is spreading around the world.   Key Topics: History of the investment tax credit (ITC) Impact of losing the investment tax credit  (ITC) Politics behind solar incentives Rising electricity prices and grid reliability issues Statistics on solar adoption in Australia Issues with tax equity and financing Project acceleration at the end of the year Executive orders affecting solar industry How the Industry Handles Political Shifts China’s Influence on the Solar Industry California and New Jersey rebates German Feed in Tariff Recycling of batteries and other minerals Encouragement for the solar industry   Reach out Stephen Smith here: Solvida Design Website: www.solvidadesign.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephenjsmithjr   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Bossong, executive director of the Sun Day Campaign and a clean energy advocate who’s been active since the very first Earth Day in 1970. With over 50 years of experience pushing for renewable energy solutions, Ken shares stories from the early solar movement, the rise of wind and solar power, and why nuclear might not be the climate solution some think it is. From his time in the Peace Corps to working with Ralph Nader, Ken has seen the evolution of energy policy up close and he’s not slowing down.   Topics covered: Sun-Day Campaign Earth Day Podcast with Aidan Charron of Earthday.org www.podcasts.apple.com Fossil Fuels Nuclear Power Solar Price Utility Solar and Wind Natural Gas Coal Climate Change Nuclear Waste ESS = Energy Storage System Decentralized Systems Smarter E Rooftop Solar Transmission Nuclear Fusion & Nuclear Fission Peace Corps Energy Policy Chernobyl Fallout Offshore Wind   Reach out to Ken Bossong Here: Email: sun-day-ampaign@hotmail.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Sean welcomes Ben Batchelder, Multi-Family Engineering Manager at Aspen Power, for an in-depth conversation about the solar energy industry. They discuss Ben’s career journey, from his early days at Sunlight and Power to his current role. Topics include the evolution of solar technology, the distinction between residential and commercial solar projects, the significance of energy storage, and innovative solutions in the field. Ben also shares fascinating experiences from his time working in Antarctica and highlights the importance of designing for the long term in solar energy projects.   Topics covered: SLP = Sunlight and Power www.sunlightandpower.com C&I = Commercial and Industrial SatCon Technology Corp SNEC www.snec-pv.com SolarEdge www.solaredge.com/us UL 3741, Rapid Shutdown, and Firefighter Safety Legacy Systems Power Garden Sean’s Solar Training Center Recycling old modules Solar thermal vs. PV Decline of solar hot water Pool thermal systems Ben’s experience in Antarctica Life at McMurdo Station Shift to large-scale PV NEM 3.0 and electricity rates Demand charges and storage Energy monitoring strategies PPAs and system ownership Site visits and real-world issues Bad solar practices in the industry Aspen Power Solar Long-term design mindset Find out more on: Aspen Power Solar Website: www.aspenpower.com Episode with Michael Shonka: www.podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/michael-shonka-solar-thermal-and-solar-in-the-80s/id1441958371?i=1000708495417   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean interviews Nabih Cherradi, a longtime industry expert with over 34 years of experience. The interview takes place at the SNEC conference in Shanghai, the world's largest solar and storage event. Nabih discusses his extensive career, including his PhD work, involvement in manufacturing solar panels, and his current projects in Saudi Arabia. They also touch on the impact of new technologies like simultaneous translation earbuds and the global expansion of solar energy. The conversation highlights the importance of local manufacturing in the solar industry and the positive future trends for solar energy deployment.>   Topics Covered: SNEC China Intersolar Germany 34 years in the industry Dessert Technology Madam Mi Blockchain Technology Simultaneous Translator Tool GPS CTO = Chief Technology Officer Yingli Solar   Reach out Nabih Cherradi here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nabih-cherradi-b9b4157 Empowersun Website: www.empowersun.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Thresh power can analyze a lot of data at once for large solar projects and then answer queries about those projects. Meet Mark Grozen-Smith, founder and CEO of Thresh Power. Learn about practical solutions for energy project diligence, how AI is changing the industry, and what’s ahead for large-scale solar and wind projects.   Topics covered: Thresh Power www.threshpower.com Automated Diligence AI = Artificial Intelligence Interconnection 9 Zero www.9zero.com Wind Energy Lease Climate Industry EV = Electric Vehicle Grid Data Center Cryptocurrency AI Training and Inference Toyota Prius   Reach out to Mark Grozen-Smith Here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/grozensmith Website: www.threshpower.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Join Sean White and Greg Smith, the Snarky Solar Guy, as they talk about the ups and downs of solar energy and battery storage. They cover everything from dealing with unexpected weather to the latest updates in the solar world. This episode has honest conversations, useful tips, and a look at what Greg’s working on next. Tune in for a fun mix of jokes, know-how, and real stories from two solar pros.   Topics covered: NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Tax Credits Greg Smith’s YouTube Channel www.youtube.com The Big Beautiful Bill www.youtube.com Solar Bros ITC = Investment Tax Credits Door-to-Door Salespeople Tariff Oil and Gas Incentives SMA Sonnen Energy TIGO Energy Hofbräuhaus Greg Smith’s Books O&M = Operations and Management Curriculum Codes Rapid Shutdown IRC = International Residential Code IFC = International Fire Code NEC = National Electrical Code Inverter Short Circuit MPPT = Maximum Power Point Tracking AC Coupling and DC Coupling VPP Virtual Power Plant Lumen Panels Home Automation Connected Home AI = Artificial Intelligence Defecting from the Grid Off Grid Solar Balcony Solar Mini Splits   Reach out to Greg Smith Here: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregsmith007/  Tigo Energy: www.tigoenergy.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

In this episode of the Sean White Solar and Energy Storage Podcast, Sean White is joined by two of his good friends, both named Juan Carlos, in Shanghai. The discussion revolves around their experiences in the solar industry, particularly in Panama, where they have implemented solar and storage systems. They share their journey of achieving NABCEP certification, their choice of microinverters for Panama’s conditions, and the benefits of net metering. The conversation also touches upon attending various conferences and a factory visit in Shanghai, and their plans for solar technology in Panama. Sean highlights the importance of ethical practices in the solar industry and emphasizes gradual policy changes.   Topics Discussed: Solar and Storage NABCEP Certification Las Vegas Computer-based exam Juan Carlos Microinverters Solar Bros Ethical Sales Casco Viejo San Jose Island Hacienda Delmar C250 Enphase Yingli Solar Modules PV Technical Sales Net Metering Policy Change Shanghai Maglev train = Magnetic Levitation Train Microinverter Glasses with thin film BIPV Racks Panama Canal   Solar in Panama with Juan Andrés Navarro of NSolar Podcast Link: www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solar-in-panama-with-juan-andre-s-navarro-of-nsolar/id1441958371?i=1000685533681     Reach out Juan Carlos Navarro Barb & Juan Carlos Arango de Dianous here: Juan Carlos Navarro Barb LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/juan-carlos-navarro-barb Juan Carlos Arango de Dianous LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/juan-carlos-arango-de-dianous NSolar Website: www.nsolar.net     Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean.

Sean interviews JP DZahr, an expert in digital marketing with experience at Microsoft, Boeing, and the banking industry. JP shares his journey from corporate marketing to creating niche market platforms for the solar industry. They go through topics like pay-per-click advertising, geotargeting, and generating leads through content-rich platforms. JP explains how solar companies can minimize costs and maximize revenue by leveraging Google's AdSense program and organic traffic. Whether you're a solar installer or a marketer, this episode is packed with valuable insights on optimizing solar marketing strategies.   Topics covered: JP Dzhar background Pre-press Lawinfo www.lawinfo.com PPC = Pay-per-click Geotargeting Information platform AdSense Permutations and Combinations AI-generated articles for ad pages Solar Bros Door Knockers Tax Credits Lead generator Looky-loo Researcher Buyer Generating income using Google Ads Trolling the Spammers   Find out more on: The World of Codes Website: www.theworldofcode.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Sean talks to himself like a crazy person about the Big Bad Bill and why we should stay optimistic and kick fossil fuels ass!   One way of compensating for anything that the government throws at you is to work hard and make yourself irreplaceable. One way of doing this is proving yourself invaluable with a NABCEP certification.   With or without tax credits, solar, storage and wind will kick fossil fuels behind.   Topics Covered: Solar Industry’s Resilience Soft Costs and Complexity Job Security and Layoffs Solar Coaster Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Net Meetering in California Call to Action   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

Sean talks with Navdeep Martin, CEO and co-founder of Flypower, at the American Clean Power (ACP) Clean Power 25 conference in Pheonix. Flypower is leveraging AI to enhance renewable energy projects. Navdeep, a former speaker at the big NorCal Solar event recently in Oakland, discusses Fly Power's mission to streamline the process of securing permits and overcoming community resistance by analyzing public data. They dive into how AI can optimize renewable energy site selection and community engagement, the hurdles faced by solar and wind energy developers, and how AI innovations enhance decision-making. They also touch on the social dynamics and opposition from various groups towards renewable projects, how developers can navigate these challenges, and the broader significance of renewable energy adoption.   Topics discussed: NorCal Solar 50th Anniversary Flypower AI Clean Power  Conference = Clean Power 25 Wind Industry CIA Community Resistance Data Centers Trevor Noah at ACP Analyzing Commissioners Public available data Census AI based Perplexity Gemini Cloud ChatGPT Deepseek Allies Cancel culture Teddy Kennedy   Reach out Navdeep Martin here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/navdeepmartin/ Website: www.flypower.io   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean.