Podcasts about nabcep

Stanislav Kvochak, a commercial project engineer at Exact Solar, about solar energy projects at nuclear power plants, particularly focusing on the Chernobyl site. Stanislav shared his experience visiting Chernobyl in 2016 as part of a company tour, describing the decommissioning process and the presence of a 1-megawatt solar installation that continues to operate there. They discussed how Ukraine's energy landscape has shifted due to the war, with increased focus on decentralized solar and energy storage systems, and Stanislav explained safety procedures for working in radioactive areas including dosimeter monitoring and security protocols during air raid alerts. The conversation also covered Ukraine's historical reliance on nuclear power, current solar installations across the country, and recent developments including Ukraine's contract with Holtec International for small modular reactors. Topics Covered Solar Chernobyl Project Chernobyl Nuclear Plant History New Safe Confinement Chernobyl During the Russia-Ukraine War Ukraine's Grid Resilience Through Solar Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant                                                                  Solar at Nuclear Sites SMR = Small Modular Reactor   Reach out to Stanislav Kvochak here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stas-kvochak/ Website: www.linkedin.com/company/exactsolar/ Email: stanislav.kvochak@exactsolar.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/esip

Aaron Thurlow, Chief Commercial Officer at Caelux, about the company's perovskite solar technology. Aaron shared his career journey from working at SunPower during its rise to market dominance to his current role at Caelux, where they are developing double-power-layer solar modules that can increase efficiency by 3% absolute (from 24% to 27%) while providing cost benefits including a 20% reduction in levelized cost of energy for utility-scale projects. They discussed the technical aspects of perovskite technology, including how it captures different parts of the solar spectrum that crystalline silicon cannot, and its potential applications in space, residential, and commercial markets. Aaron emphasized that efficiency remains the single biggest lever for driving down overall system costs and enabling 24/7 solar power through reduced storage requirements, positioning Caelux 's technology as a key enabler for the industry's continued growth and the transition to more distributed and localized manufacturing Topics Covered Caelux Commercial Readiness SunPower Market Launch Power Optimizer Origins Solar Efficiency History Solar Cost Reduction 24/7 Solar Future Localized Manufacturing Perovskite Dick Swanson Solar Glass Thin Film Space Based Solar Triple Junction Cells Silicon Efficiency Limits Energy Storage Integration CapEx = Capital Expenditure BIPV = Building-Integrated Photovoltaics HJT = Heterojunction Technology TopCon = Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact DC = Direct Current NREL = National Renewable Energy Laboratory EV = Electric Vehicle   Reach out to Aaron Thurlow here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronthurlow Website: www.caelux.com Email: aaron.thurlow@caelux.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/esip

In this episode we have Shawn Shaw, founder and CEO of Camelot Energy Group, discussing energy storage and renewable energy development. Shawn explained how Camelot helps investors, asset owners, and project developers build reliable clean energy projects, highlighting challenges with community resistance to renewable energy installations including over 200 energy storage moratoria across the United States. The conversation covered technical aspects of energy storage safety, with Shawn sharing that commercial and utility-scale batteries experience fires at approximately 0.3% per year, similar to residential house fires, and discussing how safety standards have improved significantly since incidents like the Moss Landing fire. They also explored historical perspectives on energy storage, from medieval mill ponds to modern battery technology, and discussed how energy storage benefits extend beyond renewable energy integration to improving grid reliability regardless of energy source. Shawn mentioned his recent book publication on energy storage systems by the International Code Council and his work training professionals through Heat Spring platform, while both participants agreed to potentially collaborate on future podcast episodes covering the history of energy storage Topics Covered Camelot Energy Group www.camelotenergygroup.com Moss Landing Incident Thermal Runaway History of Energy Camelot Name Origin King Arthur Inspiration Medieval Energy Storage Mill Pond History Genghis Khan Energy Firefighter Training Project Development Investor Decision-Making Clean Energy Mission Big Bang Philosophy Electricity Bill Costs Grid Infrastructure Overbuilding BESS = Battery Energy Storage System AHJ = Authority Having Jurisdiction UL 9540A Reach out to Shawn Shaw here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shawnshawpe Website: www.camelotenergygroup.com Email: shawn.shaw@camelotenergygroup.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/esip

This podcast interview featured Maxim Kosenko, CEO and founder of Axentum, discussing their innovative technology for autonomous solar installation for AI data centers. Maxim explained their system uses flat, zero-degree tilt solar panels with pre-assembled PV modules and battery packs (2- 3 kWh per module) connected in strings to create 0.9-megawatt DC clusters that can be installed by four-person teams in under two hours, enabling installation of a gigawatt-scale project within a month using approximately 12 teams. The system eliminates traditional tracking systems, uses ballasted mounting instead of piles, and includes integrated battery storage and power electronics, resulting in a levelized cost of electricity around $50 per megawatt hour (5 cents per kilowatt hour) and potentially dropping the cost five times lower than current solar options for data centers.   Topics Covered Axentum www.axentum.com Autonomous Solar Installation AI Data Centers Megawatts per hour Installation Robot ESS = Energy Storage System Flat Panel Design Integrated Battery Storage Robot Deployment Installation Speed Wind Resistance Design Vegetation Prevention Labor Reduction Gas Turbine Shortage Solar vs Turbines Gigawatt Scale Buildout Power Electronics Embedded   Reach out to Maxim Kosenko here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/maxkosenko Website: www.axentum.com Email: m@axentum.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

The most expensive mistakes on a solar project usually aren't made during the install. They're made long before anyone arrives on site.Greg Smith has spent nearly two decades helping installers avoid those mistakes. As one of the solar industry's most respected trainers and educators, and the author of a practical guide to energy storage, he's helped thousands of professionals understand what it takes to build reliable solar and storage systems that perform as intended long after the installation is complete.In this live conversation from the NABCEP conference, Greg and Nico Johnson explore why communication has become the industry's number one service call, how better system design prevents costly callbacks, and why setting realistic homeowner expectations is just as important as selecting the right equipment. Along the way, Greg shares the simple disciplines that separate installers who are constantly troubleshooting from those who build systems that simply work.Expect to learn:

Arilla Barnes, founder and CEO of Energy IoT Open Source, discussing open-source energy solutions and microgrid technology. Arilla explained how her organization creates turnkey solutions for microgrids using open-source software, firmware, and hardware to enable energy access and control for communities, with a current demonstration lab at Informal Spaces in Oakland featuring a 5.8 kilowatt solar carport, battery storage, and hybrid inverter systems. They discussed challenges with electric vehicle bi-directional charging, regulatory barriers to energy sharing between homes, and the potential for distributed data centers using renewable energy. Arilla shared her work with Linux Foundation Energy projects including LF Hyphae and LF Open Leader, and expressed interest in collaborating on a demonstration project at Sean's solar training center property   Topics Covered Energy IoT Open Source www.eiot.energy IOT = Internet of Things SunSpec Alliance Open Source Open Energy Lab EV = Electric Vehicle Micro-Grid Grid Net-Metering Utility Bidirectional EV Charging Market Open Source Computer Technology Data Center Hydro Pump ESS = Energy Storage System Biofuel Bidirectional EV Charging Linux Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading Virtual Power Plants Energy Asset Ownership   Reach out to Arila Barnes here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/arilabarnes Website: www.eiot.energy Email: arila@eiot.energy   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/esipexam

Victoria Stulgis, President of Black Bear Energy, discusses the complexities of deploying solar on commercial real estate portfolios. The conversation covers landlord-tenant split incentives, third-party ownership structures, hosted community solar models, and how policy shapes market opportunity across states like New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Illinois. Black Bear Energy's role as an owner's representative in helping institutional real estate investors navigate and scale renewable energy adoption is also examined.   Topics Covered Black Bear Energy www.blackbearenergy.com ESS = Energy Storage System Battery Storage ASES = American Solar Energy Society Real Estate Solar Commercial Solar Landlord Tenant Incentives Hosted Community Solar Solar Policy Impact Portfolio Scale Distributed Solar Net-Metering B-Corps REC = Renewable Energy Certificate SREC = Solar Renewable Energy Certificate   Reach out to Victoria Stulgis here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/victoriastulgis Website: www.blackbearenergy.com Email: vstulgis@blackbearenergy.com Black Bear Email: info@blackbearenergy.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/pvipexam

Sean Tygrett, Chief Operating Officer of Carbon Enfo, discusses how his company's platform Brytr aggregates Solar Renewable Energy Certificates from small-scale residential and commercial solar producers and tokenizes them on the Cardano blockchain. The conversation covers SREC market mechanics, the $1.4 billion in uncollected voluntary certificates, blockchain-based provenance verification, and an innovative eco-loyalty model that enables corporate buyers to purchase SRECs directly from their own customers.   Topics Covered SREC = Solar Renewable Energy Certificate SREC Mechanics API = Application Programming Interface Blockchain Cardano NFT = Non-Fungible Token API Data Collection Producer Aggregation Voluntary SREC Market Corporate Carbon Reduction Eco-Loyalty Model Greenwashing Prevention Brytr Platform Inverter   Reach out to Sean Tygrett here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/seantygrett Website: www.carbonenfo.io Email: stygrett@carbonenfo.io   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

Dan Fletcher, Co-Founder and Head of Ecosystems at dcbel, joins Sean White to explore the technical and commercial realities of residential energy management - including what it means to run a true private grid at home. Topics include DC home charging, on-device energy optimization, vehicle-to-grid integration, UL 1741 SB certification, virtual power plants, compatible EV models, and California's Redwoods incentive program.   Topics Covered DCBEL www.dcbel.energy Home Energy Station Solar Integration EV = Electric Vehicle Bidirectional EV Charging EV Charging Battery Inverter ESS = Energy Storage System DC Home Charging Energy optimization Solar integration Battery storage Vehicle-to-grid REDWDS program = Responsive, Easy Charging Products with Dynamic Signals Program VGIC = Vehicle-Grid Integration Council UL Listing Utility VPP = Virtual Power Plant Code Data Center Distributed Energy Bitcoin Mining V2G = Vehicle to Grid   Podcast with Dan Fletcher | Part 1 Apple podcast YouTube Spotify Pandora Podbean   Reach out to Dan Fletcher here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fletcherdan Website: www.dcbel.energy Email: flora@ink-co.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean http://solarsean.com/sfev

President of Blue Water Battery Logistics, LLC.They discussed the company's business of handling surplus and recycling batteries, solar panels, and other energy equipment. Steve explained how Blue Water handles various battery types including LFP (lithium iron phosphate) and NMC (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide), with recycling values ranging from $2 per pound to 10-20 cents per pound depending on the material and volume. They covered the process of battery recycling, including refurbishing used EV batteries and the challenges with consumer electronic batteries ending up in landfills. Steve also discussed the company's expansion plans, hiring 20 additional employees, and their business model of finding reuse or recycling solutions for surplus energy equipment rather than sending it to landfills.   Topics Covered Bluewater www.bluewaterbattery.com Pirates Battery Market Battery recycling, Reusing, Refurbishing, Repowering EV = Electric Vehicle Utility-scale storage V2G = Vehicle to Grid Battery management Solar surplus Transformer rehoming Cost reduction Second-life markets Clean energy supply 170' sailboat! Reach out to Steve Feinberg here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/steve-feinberg Website: www.bluewaterbattery.com/ Email: sfeinberg@bluewaterbattery.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/esip

Plug-in solar legalization, large solar company closures, and the One Big Bogus Bill are examined in this episode. Aaron Nichols and Sean White bring decades of combined industry experience to each topic, covering state-level policy developments, market consolidation, and the potential impact of shifting federal tax credit structures on solar businesses and homeowners.   This podcast was stolen from Aaron Nichols. I dare you Aaron, sue me! It's mine now. I am this week in solar!   Topics Covered This week in Solar www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekInSolar Plug-in Solar BBB = Big Beautiful Bill Tax Credit DIY Solar Balcony Solar No Permits (Plug-in Solar) Water Heating Solar Companies Going Bankrupt Solyndra Ray Kurzweil Evolution of Solar The Future Space Based Solar Moon   Reach out to Aaron Nichols here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-nichols This week in Solar: www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekInSolar Email: aaron.nichols@exactsolar.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pva

This podcast episode featured Sean White's interview with Heather Newport, Director of Community Relations at Aileron, a Chicago-based community engagement and public affairs firm that works on renewable energy projects across the United States. Heather discussed the challenges of community opposition to renewable energy projects, particularly battery energy storage facilities, explaining that concerns often stem from misinformation, fear of the unknown technology, and distrust of developers rather than the actual safety of the technology. They explored how Aileron helps developers navigate community relations through early engagement, stakeholder outreach, and relationship building with local officials and residents, emphasizing the importance of listening to community concerns and providing transparent, authentic information about project safety and benefits.   Topics Covered Aileron Communications www.aileroninc.com Airplane Aileron Community Engagement in Public Affairs Politics Polarization ESS = Energy Storage System EV = Electric Vehicle Moss Landing Battery Data Center NIMBY = Not in my backyard Erin Brockovich   Reach out to Heather Newport here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/heathermonaghan Website: www.aileroninc.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvipexam

Dan Fletcher, Co-Founder and Head of Ecosystems at dcbel, discusses Ara - the company's integrated home energy station combining solar, battery storage, bidirectional EV charging, and grid connectivity in a single device designed to give homeowners greater control over their own energy supply. The conversation covers how vehicle-to-home technology works, its role in reducing grid stress during peak hours, virtual power plant integration, and the California Redwoods program. dcbel's approach removes redundant power conversion hardware, improving efficiency and lowering the cost of achieving genuine residential energy independence.   Topics Covered DCBEL www.dcbel.energy Decibel Home Energy Solar Integration ESS = Energy Storage System Battery Storage Nissan Leaf EV = Electric Vehicle EV Charging Bidirectional EV Charging Vehicle-to-Home Grid REDWOODS Program Energy Efficiency Residential Energy Power Conversion Distributed Energy Utility VPP = Virtual Power Plant CEC = California Energy Commission Queen's University   Reach out to Dan Fletcher here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fletcherdan Website: www.dcbel.energy   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean http://solarsean.com/sfev

Millions of solar systems installed between 2010 and 2018 are approaching inverter end-of-life, creating a $3 billion repowering market. GoodWe Sales Manager Manny Aponte breaks down what repowering actually involves, why functional panels rarely need replacing, how modern inverters improve system performance, and where energy storage fits into the upgrade conversation. Recorded at the 2026 NABCEP Conference in Milwaukee.   Topics Covered NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Vanguard 1 satellite GoodWe www.goodwe.com Repowering Inverter GE = General Electric White Labeling OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer VPP = Virtual Power Plant ESS = Energy Storage System   John Berger Episode Apple podcast YouTube Spotify Pandora Podbean Cesar Barbosa Episode Apple podcast YouTube Spotify Pandora Podbean Reach out to Manny Aponte here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mannyaponte Website: www.goodwe.com Email: mannyaponte@goodwe.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean http://solarsean.com/esipexam

Bruce Anderson, CEO of 247Solar, explains how concentrated solar power using air and ceramic pellets can deliver reliable electricity around the clock. Unlike photovoltaic systems, 247Solar heats air to 1,000 degrees Celsius, stores that energy in insulated ceramic pellet silos, and uses a modified turbine to generate power at night. The system pairs with daytime solar PV, requires no exotic materials, and eliminates the need for battery backup.   Topics Covered 247Solar www.247solar.com 24 Hours Solar Energy Solar Hot Air 1,800°F/1000°C Air Heat Transfer Solar Thermal  Molten Salt ESS = Energy Storage System< Turbine Mechanics Environmental Safety Ceramic Pellets   Reach out to Bruce Anderson here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bruceanderson Website: www.247solar.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/esipexam

Recorded at the NABCEP conference, solar educator Sean White and Rudy Saporite discuss the InterSolar Solar Games, a competitive installation event where certified teams race to complete a 4 kW rooftop system under timed, judged conditions. They also explore solar education strategies, the carbon lifecycle of renewable energy systems, and the importance of safety and code compliance in professional solar installation.   Topics Covered Solar Nerds Solar Education Code Trees EV = Electric Vehicle ICE = International Combustion Engines Flat Earth Solar Games InterSolar Rack Learning Curve Battery   Reach out to Rudy Saporite here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-saporite Website: www.ibts.org Email: rsaporite@gmail.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pva

Eric Partyka, Director of Business Development at Standard Solar, explains how community solar works and why it matters. The conversation covers how renters, low-income households, and small businesses can subscribe to solar energy without rooftop panels, which states have adopted community solar programs and why others have not, and how utility deregulation shaped today's market. Standard Solar operates commercial projects ranging from one to five megawatts across more than twenty states.   Topics Covered Standard Solar www.standardsolar.com Standard Oil Oil Community Solar Utility DG = Distributed Generation Fossil Fuel   Sean's trips: Going back to two dimensions Only land owners should vote Trickle down economics Rich people rights   Reach out to Eric Partyka here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eric-partyka Email: eric.partyka@standardsolar.com Website: www.standardsolar.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvipexam

Recorded live at the NABCEP 2026 conference, Sean White and Brian Hayden discuss the current state of NABCEP credentials, including updates to the PV Associate, the ESIP (Energy Storage Installation Professional), and the upcoming OMAT (Operation and Maintenance Associate Technician credential. They also cover Spanish language exam availability, the history and growth of HeatSpring as an online renewable energy education platform, and the expanding role of operations and maintenance in the solar industry as installed systems continue to age.   Topics Covered HeatSpring www.heatspring.com NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners www.nabcep.org Sean's Training Impact JTA = Job Task Analysis PV Associate ESIP = Energy Storage Installation Professional Spanish Exams and AI OMAT = Operations & Maintenance Associate Technician HeatSpring Origin Story BPI = Building Performance Institute Building Performance Online to In Person Training Practice Exam PVCMS = PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist   Reach out to Brian Hayden here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brianfhayden HeatSpring: www.heatspring.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/40hrpv

David Taylor, Solutions Expert at Anker Innovations, discusses the Anker Solix E10, a modular home energy storage system scalable from 6 to 90 kilowatt hours. The conversation covers solar compatibility, smart panel integration, generator pairing, and time-of-use optimization. Taylor also addresses installation options for both DIY homeowners and licensed electricians, portable power stations, and Anker's broader expansion from mobile charging into the residential energy storage market.   Topics Covered Anker Solix www.ankersolix.com Anker Solix E10 Anker Innovations Battery Solar DIY Inverter Off Grid & On Grid EMS = Energy Management System PCS = Power Control System Back Feeding the Grid Ul Listing DC = Direct Current AC = Alternating Current Balcony Solar Plug-in Solar EV = Electric Vehicle EV = Charging PPS = Portable Power Station   Reach out to David Taylor here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-taylor Website: www.ankersolix.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/esipexam

Gwendoly Espe, Product Manager at Yaskawa Solectria Solar, discusses the technical and commercial advantages of DC-coupled solar-plus-storage systems at utility scale. The conversation covers DC versus AC coupling architecture, energy harvest optimization through clipping recovery, and Yaskawa's American-manufactured PVS 500 inverter solution. Additional topics include NABCEP-accredited training programs, FEOC compliance, and the growing role of solar storage in powering data centers and supporting grid stability.   Topics Covered Yaskawa Solectria Solar www.solectria.com Inverter Converter DC Coupling AC Coupling Energy Yield DC = Direct Current AC = Alternating Current Utility Scale Solar Utility Grid Microgrid Ercot DER = Distributed Energy Resources AI = Artificial Intelligence ESS = Energy Storage System Data Center Recharge with Solectria FEOC = A Foreign Entity of Concern   Reach out to Gwendoly Espe here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyespe Website: www.solectria.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/esipexam

Dylan Rupp, Director of Marketing at EG4 Electronics, discusses the company's acquisition of Outback Power and plans to continue manufacturing its legacy product line. The conversation also covers EG4's current battery pricing at $260 per kilowatt hour, the upcoming XR 60 all-in-one energy storage system, UL 9540A safety certification, and why technical knowledge matters in solar sales.   Topics Covered EG4 www.eg4electronics.com Outback www.outbackpower.com ASES = American Solar Energy Society Solar Marketing Solar Salespeople Inverter Battery ESS = Energy Storage System XR60 UL 9540 UL 9540 A UL Listing Code   Podcast with James Showalter Apple Podcast YouTube Spotify Pandora Podbean   Reach out to Dylan Rup here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-a-rup Website: www.eg4electronics.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvtsexam

Arnold Andrade and Stephan Engel of Engel Electric, a San Antonio-based solar and electrical contracting company, sit down with Sean White at the 2026 NABCEP Conference to discuss microgrid design, energy storage, and hybrid inverter technology. The conversation also covers the rise of DIY solar in Texas and a large-scale off-grid ranch retrofit currently underway, featuring four hybrid inverters and 120 kWh of battery storage.   Topics Covered Engel Electric www.engelelectrictx.com Microgrid Grid Off-Grid Utility Candle Power DIY Solar Inverter Tech Support NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners ASES Conference = American Solar Energy Society Conference Batteries ESS = Energy Storage System Retrofitting Educating Customers   Reach out to Stephan Engel and Arnold Andrade here: Engel Electric: www.engelelectrictx.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvipexam

Professional engineer and sailor Marc Lopata discusses two decades of solar development across the Caribbean, focusing on off-grid microgrid design for privately owned islands in The Bahamas. Topics include achieving 90% diesel offset, hurricane survivability engineering, utility-scale solar for small island communities, and the economic case for solar in markets independent of tax credits. Marc also covers his role on the NABCEP conference education committee and maintenance standards for commercial PV systems.   Topics Covered Bahamas Sailboat Off-Grid Marc Lopata's Career Diesel Offsetting Utility Grid Net-Metering Haines Alaska Battery Data Center Distributed Energy Bitcoin NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners NABCEP Conference Solar Builder Magazine Microgrid Boat Solar Hurricane Preventative Maintenance Hurricane Survivabilty ISO 2859   Reach out to Marc Lopata here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marc-lopata-pe   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvcmsexam

Recorded at the NABCEP Conference, this episode features a conversation between Sean White and Marlene Brown, a solar energy educator and advocate with over three decades of experience. Topics include the grassroots origins of the photovoltaic industry, early off-grid solar installations, international solar development work in Vietnam and the Solomon Islands, and Marlene's ongoing efforts to increase women's technical participation in the renewable energy sector.   Topics Covered ASES = American Solar Energy Society Breaking Bad Johnny Weiss Colorado Mountain College Solar back in the days DIY Solar Passive Tracker Steve Baer Vietnam Solomon Islands Jeff Spies Off-Grid NABCEP Women in Solar Podcast with Johnny Weiss and Terence Parker Apple podcast YouTube Spotify Podbean   Podcast with Ward Bower Apple podcast YouTube Spotify Podbean   Reach out to Marlene Brown here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marlene-brown   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvipexam  

Turning lemons into lemonade after a plane full of solar professionals was diverted to Chicago due to a blizzard, Travis and Sean podcasted the entire Lyft ride to the NABCEP conference in Milwaukee. Montana Solar founder Travis Jordan breaks down the company's patented high-clearance ground-mount racking system. Topics include the chain-hoist lifting mechanism, agrivoltaic applications, installation methods across remote and extreme terrain, and a lifelong background in off-grid solar dating back to the 1970s.   Topics Covered Montana Solar www.mtsolar.us Montana Evel Knievel Robbie Knievel Chain-Hoist Lifting System Off-Grid Solar Racking Agrivoltaics Montana Solar Racking DPW Solar Pile Driving Battery Africa Seasonal Tilt Change Alaska Cattle Voltaic   Reach out to Travis Jordan here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mtsolar Montana Solar: www.mtsolar.us   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvipexam  

Bruce Anderson, CEO of 247 Solar, details his company's concentrated solar technology that delivers round-the-clock clean electricity without combustion or emissions. The system uses heliostats to heat air to 1,800°F, stores that thermal energy in ceramic pellets, and converts it to electricity via a modified turbine. Paired with solar PV during daylight hours, the solution addresses intermittency at a commercial scale, with the first deployment underway in India.   Topics Covered 247 Solar www.247solar.com 24 Hours Solar Energy 1,800°F / 1000°C Air Solar Thermal Air Pressure Compressed Air ESS = Energy Storage System Natural Gas Fossil Fuel Molten Sault   Reach out to Bruce Anderson here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bruceanderson Website: www.247solar.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/esipexam

Jason Sharp, CEO of Namaste Solar, discusses the company's worker-owned cooperative model, where employees hold equal ownership and elect the board of directors. The conversation covers solar installation practices in Colorado, electrical apprenticeship programs, the evolving role of energy management systems and meter collars, distributed energy policy, and the future of bidirectional EV charging and balcony solar. Sharp also addresses how cooperative ownership fosters safety, accountability, and fair compensation across the solar industry.   Topics Covered Namaste Solar www.namastesolar.com Worker-owned Company Flashing Snow Tax Credit Snowy Roof Installation Safety Home Power Magazine Jason Sharpe's Background EV = Electric Vehicle EV Charger Solar Universe NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Apprenticeship Program IEC = Independent Electrical Contractors Electrical License IBEW = International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Prevailing Wage Amicus Solar Cooperative Business ESOP = Employee Stock Ownership Plan ASES = American Solar Energy Society Evolution of the Industry Bidirectional EV Politics Oil and Gas Utility ESS = Energy Storage System Grid California Fire Off Grid Market Fossil Fuel Distributed Energy Demand Charge Peak Demand Code Evolution EMS = Energy Management System PMS = Power Management System PCS = Power Control System UL 916 UL 3141 Meter Collar Balcony Solar Plugin Solar COSSA = Colorado Solar and Storage Association Why Republicans Love Solar Podcast Apple Podcast YouTube Spotify Podbean Podcast with Riley Neugebauer Apple Podcast YouTube Spotify Podbean   Reach out to Jason Sharpe here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jason-sharpe Namaste Solar: www.namastesolar.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/esipexam

From Intersolar San Diego, this conference-end wrap-up takes a tour through the world's solar and energy conferences — from SNEC in Shanghai to ASES in Austin, Texas. Learn which events are worth your time, how the solar industry has shifted from Germany to China, and why building a global network matter. Whether you're chasing NABCEP credits or your first industry connection, conferences might be the most underrated career move in solar.   Topics Covered: Intersolar San Diego Intersolar Munich, Germany SNEC PV Power and ES Expo ASES Conference in Texas NorCal Solar Party German Feed-in-Tariff Hans-Josef Fell RE+ Las Vegas RE+ North California Intersolar Middle East Intersolar India Intersolar Bangalore COP = Conference of Parties OSSIA = Oregon Solar + Storage Industries Association CALSSA = California Solar and Storage Association TenneSEIA Gil Hough   Hans-Josef Fell podcast: https://www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hans-josef-fell-started-the-feed-in-tariff-the/id1441958371?i=1000715753971    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/pvace 

Sungrow's Power Stack 2.0 represents a shift in commercial and industrial energy storage, from backup power to a scalable, revenue-generating financial asset. This episode explores the system's specifications, deployment flexibility, and real-world applications including demand charge reduction, EV charging support, and grid resilience. Topics also include market trends across key U.S. states, the investment tax credit, and the emerging role of grid-forming inverters.   Topics Covered Sungrow www.sungrowpower.com Inverter Battery Storage ESS = Energy Storage System SLAC = Stanford Linear Accelerator Center C&I = Commercial and Industrial Grid Market Sungrow PowerStack Sungrow Power Titan EV = Electric Vehicle Incentives Solar Tax Credits UL 9540 UL 9540A Utility Scale ESS Liquid Cooling Demand Charge Grid Forming Inverter   Reach out to Kane Kuharik here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kane-kuharik Sungrow: www.sungrowpower.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/esipexam  

Utility-scale batteries are far more complex than they appear. Ty Fenton, Director of Data Analytics at FlexGen, breaks down how software keeps massive battery systems running — from detecting a single failing cell among thousands to predictive diagnostics powered by machine learning. The episode dives into real-world degradation versus lab data, operators who intentionally voided warranties for short-term profit, and why AI training loads create extreme power spikes that only batteries can absorb. Recorded live at Intersolar San Diego.   Topics Covered: FlexGen = Flexible Generation Battery Management Battery Technology Software Point of Interconnection Energy Storage Systems Warranty Terms Battery Manufacturer Lithium-Ion Batteries Data Centers Training Load Profile Machine Learning Accelerated Aging   Reach out to Ty Fenton here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ty-fenton-84782830/ Website: www.flexgen.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/pvace

Jack West has over 100 patents, including patents sold to Solar City (Tesla) and NextPower (NexTracker) and probably most importantly to Jack, guitar patents.    We hear about Elon's personable and calm demeanor (joking) and Jack's Steel Pulse solar roof invention, which Elon cancelled.    Jack started his solar career in 1993 with a $5/hr job in Concord, CA with a job where he alone sold, designed and installed PV systems, before PV was popular. This goes to prove that it is worth it to start your career with a low paying job to get experience.    Jack gives us advice on how to make an idea turn into reality and how a setback, such as a patent lawsuit, can end up making a patent strong and more valuable, thus turning lemons into lemonade.    Topics Covered ZEP Solar Ojjo Solar Solar City Tesla Jack West's Career & Background Solar Battle of the Bands Humboldt Dr. Peter Lehman SERC = Schatz Energy Research Center Activism Earth First Solar Thermal Solar Hot Water Christina West Railless System Tony Fadell Vivint Solar Elon Musk Tesla Solar Roof Patent Tip Tonic www.tiptonic.com Gliss Guitar Guitar Music Canadian Solar www.canadiansolar.com Steel Pulse www.fastcompany.com 3rd Annual NorCal Solar Party www.luma.com   Reach out to Jack West here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jackwestzepsolar Website: www.jackwestguitar.com YouTube: www.youtube.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/jackwestguitar Facebook: www.facebook.com/p/Jack-West-Guitar   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvipexam

Ever wonder what's actually inside a DC-to-DC optimizer? Recorded live at InterSolar San Diego, this episode breaks down the inner workings of solar optimizers — from maximum power point tracking and energy recovery to the software that makes them last 20 years. The conversation also dives into how inverter IGBTs turn DC into clean AC power, how Tigo's approach differs from competitors like SolarEdge, and whether Tesla or Edison deserves the bigger crown.   Topics Covered: DC to DC Converter The Flinstones Optimizers MPPT = Maximum Power Point Tracker PV Watts IV Curve MLPE Tigo SMA Solar Edge TS4 IGBT = Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor Tesla Edison   Reach out to Greg Smith here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gregsmith007/   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/pvisexam

Solar modules once cost $8 per watt. Geoff Greenfield bought his first panels from a classified ad in Home Power magazine. Twenty-six years later, he leads an EPC division building 67 MW projects and negotiating 100 MW contracts.In this episode of The Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Greenfield to trace the full arc of the U.S. solar industry, from off-grid battery systems with lead-acid batteries to utility-scale construction backed by a multi-billion-dollar general contractor. They cover NABCEP's role in professional standards, why U.S. residential solar costs two to three times more than in Australia or Germany, and why the industry needs to prepare for a future without tax credits.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTSStarting a solar company in 2000 meant buying used 53-watt panels from classified ads at $6 per watt. Greenfield traces how the economics shifted from pure environmental motivation to grid parity and beyond.NABCEP credentials go beyond technical competence. Organizations have lost certification over ethical violations, and state attorneys general are now pursuing solar bad actors.Panel efficiency is approaching physical limits, but economic efficiency still has room.In PJM territory, commercial battery storage pays for itself through peaking value and ancillary services, sometimes faster than solar alone. Resilience sells in residential, but the commercial case depends on grid services math.The solar tax credit is likely not returning. Companies preparing for 2028 and beyond are cutting soft costs, joining procurement cooperatives like Amicus Solar, and building business models that work without incentives.This conversation provides a 26-year field perspective on what it took to grow from a one-person off-grid installer to a utility-scale EPC, and what comes next for companies facing the same transition.Connect with Geoff Greenfield, Kokosing Geoff LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-greenfield-595a406/Kokosing Website: https://kokosingsolar.com/ Support the showConnect with Tim  Clean Power Hour  Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email:  CleanPowerHour@gmail.comCorporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America's number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems.  Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

Enphase Energy has evolved from a microinverter company into a full energy systems platform enabling virtual power plants (VPP) nationwide. In this episode, CMO Marko Krapels explains how aggregated home batteries, AI-driven capacity forecasting, and a new bidirectional EV charger could reshape the grid, turning ordinary homes into small-scale power plants that generate income for homeowners while supplying utilities with the reliable, clean energy capacity they need.   Topics Covered Enphase www.enphase.com Solar Universe Net Metering AI = Artificial Intelligence Market VPP = Virtual Power Plant Data Center Utility Probability Forecasting API = Application Programming Interface Battery Fossil Fuel EV = Electric Vehicle EV Charger Grid Bidirectional EV Charger   Reach out to Marco Krapels here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marcokrapels Enphase: www.enphase.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/30hrpv

Michael Wise, Commercial Operations Manager at LS Energy Solutions, talks string inverter technology, battery-agnostic design, and how scalable 140 kW units' power everything from 5 MW commercial systems to the 200 MW Big Rock installation at Intersolar San Diego. The conversation covers voltage flexibility, container configurations, safety considerations, and what's next for energy storage — including sodium-ion, flow batteries, and supercapacitors.   Topics Covered: Inverter Power Brick MSSP Gen 2 Battery racks Battery modules Battery cells Ion ESS DC Solutions Big Rock Sodium Ion Super capacitators  Flywheels   Reach out to Michael Wise here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wise-17929b56 Website: www.ls-es.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/30hr2023nec  

Get an insider preview of Solar 2026, the American Solar Energy Society's 55th annual national solar conference, coming to Austin's Palmer Event Center October 19–21. Host Sean White and Conference Director Ella Nielsen cover keynote speakers, student programs, award nominations, technical divisions, and why this year's collaboration with the Texas Solar Energy Society makes it a can't-miss event.   Topics Covered ASES = American Solar Energy Society ISES = International Solar Energy Society NorCal Solar ASES 55th Annual National Solar Conference Texas Solar Energy Society EV = Electric Vehicle Formula 1 & Formula E Texas ASES Chapters   Reach out to Ella Nielsen here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ella-nielsen Email: conference@ases.org   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvcmsexam

SunPower co-founder Dick Swanson discusses his pioneering work developing Interdigitated Back Contact solar cells at Stanford and the industry's evolution from the 1973 energy crisis to today's cost-competitive technology. Topics include Bell Labs' accidental solar cell discovery, the learning curve predicting cost declines, critical partnerships with Cypress Semiconductor, major technical pivots from concentrating to flat-plate systems, and the fortuitous circumstances that transformed solar energy into the world's cheapest electricity source.   Topics Covered NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar ASES = American Solar Energy Society Gerald Pearson History of Solar Discovery of Solar Bell Labs John Perlin Selenium Solar Cell EPRI = Electric Power Research Institute Utility SunPower www.sunpower.com TPV = Thermal Photovoltaic Stanford Silicon Cell Semiconductor Dick Schwartz Thin Film Wafer Silicon Solar Cell IBC Cell = Interdigitated Back Contact Cell Germanium PVT = Photovoltaic Thermal Stirling Engine Concentrating PV System Swanson's Law Learning Curve Elon Musk Cypress Semiconductor Sharp Silicon Valley James Gibbons Semiconductor Electronics Book Jeff Spies Solar Roots Hippies Grateful Dead Sailboat Tom Wylie   This podcast was recorded on a phone call.   Reach out to Dick Swanson here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dick-swanson Website: www.sunpower.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvdsexam

At Intersolar San Diego, Tim Price (CRO) and Trace Jenkins (Senior Sales Engineer) of SOLO LLC discuss how modern solar software is transforming residential sales, from accurate system design and interactive proposals to integrated financing tools. They reflect on the evolution from early platforms like OnGrid to today's AI-driven solutions, highlighting how increased transparency and consumer awareness are shaping more informed buyers. The conversation also covers key industry shifts, including upcoming tax credit changes, the growing adoption of leases and PPAs, evolving pricing and commission structures, and the importance of getting to permit and design right the first time—alongside the expanding role of battery storage in residential solar.   Topics Covered: SOLO = Speed of Light Operations Slack Mike Bishop OnGrid Pizza Bitcoin Solar Games EPC Installer TPO = Third Party Ownership Corporate Tax Credit TAM= Total Addressable Market Red line Flat Commission Rate .io = Indian Ocean Energy Storage   Reach out with Tim Price and Tracey Jenkins here: LinkedIn Tim Price: www.linkedin.com/in/timpricepdx/ Trace Jenkins: www.linkedin.com/in/trace-jenkins-27059629b/ Website: www.gosolo.io/     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/40hress

Rapid shutdown was designed to protect firefighters, but could simpler systems be the smarter path forward? A 10-year fire veteran turned solar installer shares hard-won lessons from the field, including why fewer electronics in the array might mean safer, more reliable solar for everyone. A bold conversation about building a better solar future.   Topics Covered Rapid Shutdown Firefighter Energy Wise Services www.energywiseservices.com Energy Wise Lighting Feed in Tariff Program in Oregon Solar Coaster Solar Games Boys and Girls Club at Corvallis Oregon Solar Fire MC4 Connector UL 3741 Tax Credit Corporate Tax Credit Corporate Personhood Tank Solar Hans Joseph Fell Apple Podcast YouTube Spotify Podbean Why Republicans Love Solar Apple Podcast YouTube Spotify Podbean   Reach out to Peter Greenberg here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/peter-greenberg Energy Wise: www.energywiseservices.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvtsexam

Energy industry veteran Sasson Peress examines why standard metrics like watts and kilowatt hours fail to capture real-world performance. From solar panel ratings under idealized test conditions to battery storage variables, including degradation, C-rates, temperature constraints, and cycle limitations, the gap between nameplate specifications and actual delivered value has significant implications for developers, financiers, and end users navigating today's energy landscape.   Topics Covered Mohawk Indigenous Land First Nations in Canada Currency in Energy Solar in 1989 STC = Standard Test Condition ESS = Energy Storage System Battery C-rate Degradation Depth of Discharge and State of Charge Energy Demand Data Center in Space Home Power Magazine ASES = American Solar Energy Society ISES = International Solar Energy Society NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar Energy Association EV = Electric Vehicle Market ICP = Intersolar Consumer Product Parasitic Load Solar Roots   Reach out to Sasson Peress here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sassperess   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvsiexam

What does it take to install solar in one of the most regulated cities in the country? From specialty flat-roof racking in Brooklyn and Queens to navigating NYC's newly adopted 2020 electrical code, this episode explores the technical and business realities of urban solar plus why younger designers see opportunity where others see complexity.   Topics Covered How to make solar more exciting Decreasing Pollution Coal Oil Heating New York City Solar Dubai Chiller Buildings Installation Racking Commercial and Residential System NEC = National Electrical Code Code Cycles   Reach out to Cameron Feary here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-fearey Indent Builders Website: www.indentbuilders.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/2hrbfc

At Intersolar San Diego, Sean sits down with Curtis Marion, Director of Product Marketing at Aurora Solar, about how Aurora and its C&I product HelioScope help installers design and sell solar remotely using aerial imagery, lidar, and accurate simulations, reducing soft costs and improving safety. Marion explains Aurora's go-to-market marketing approach and notes the company has 7,000+ customers, with 70–80% of the industry touching its tools during a project lifecycle. They discuss why Aurora and HelioScope remain separate products, and how growing U.S. complexity—net metering shifting to net billing, rising electricity rates, grid uncertainty, and increased demand for storage and control—drives new needs like peak shaving and export decisions. Marion describes Aurora's AI-driven 3D modeling, trained on millions of projects, now generating models in under 10 seconds and increasingly used by both sales and designers, and he shares contact details and aurorasolar.com.   Topics Covered: Ethos = Essence of the product creating Solar software Helioscope Lidar CNI Solar design Product marketing On Grid Excel spreadsheet Clean Power Finance Virtual power plants Bidirectional EVs Macrotrends Energy Management System Chris and Sam AI design   Reach out to Curtis Merring here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/curtismerring Email: c.merring@aurorasolar.com   Website: www.aurorasolar.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/pvds

Solar industry veteran Mike Bishop discusses two decades of photovoltaic market transformation on Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage Podcast. From California's $4/watt rebates and OnGrid financial modeling software to current net metering policy, AI data center power demands, and Energy Net protocols, they analyze economic trends, regulatory impacts, and technological developments. The discussion examines distributed versus utility-scale generation, battery storage evolution, and whether rising fixed utility charges could make grid disconnection economically viable.   Topics Covered OnGrid www.ongrid.wtf Solar History Software NorCal Solar www.norcalsolar.org Market Battery Rebate Governator Expected Performance Based Buydown Tax Credit Net Metering Arnold Schwarzenegger Energy Net Broadband Internet Galvanic Isolation Slow Power www.slowpower.wtf Slow Power Blog www.slowpower.wtf/blog AI = Artificial Intelligence AI Utilizing Jobs Swanson's Law Price of Solar Arco Solar Used Module Podcast with Alfredo Ignacio (AI) Apple Podcast YouTube Spotify Pandora Podbean NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners   Reach out to Mike Bishop here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-c-bishop/   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/20hrpv17

At Intersolar San Diego, Sean meets again with Eric Holvik of EnergySage (which was acquired by Schneider Electric) about the shifting U.S. residential solar market. Holvik says residential solar is projected to contract by about 30% this year and notes the customer-owned residential tax credit has expired, swinging the market toward 80–90% third-party ownership after a recent 50/50 owned-versus-leased split. They discuss how rising utility rates, time-of-use pricing, batteries, and virtual power plants may create new value even as net metering and policy changes pressure demand. Holvik argues the industry harms itself through misleading sales tactics, especially the “red line” commission model that inflates prices and contributes to installer failures and explains how Energy Sage improves consumer choice and pricing transparency, typically saving customers about 20%. Topics Covered: Schneider Electric Energy Sage Solar Energy Tax credits Residential systems TPO = Third party ownership Bernadette Del Chiaro CALSSA = California Solar and Storage Association Environmental Working Group Red line model Polygraph Test 1099 salesperson Tony Diaz Schneider Electric PV Associate Class PV Technical Sales Class   Reach out with Erik Holvik here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erik-holvik  Email: erik.holvik@energysag.com Website: https://www.energysage.com/   Podcast episode link for the previous episode: Erik Holvik: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/energy-saging-with-erik-holvik-of-energysage/id1441958371?i=1000705129177 Bernadette Del Chiaro: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bernadette-del-chiaro/id1441958371?i=1000741834340   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 http://www.solarsean.com/pvtsintesive

At Intersolar San Diego, Sean White meets Michael Schwarz, General Manager for growth at Arch O&M, about operations and maintenance for solar projects. Schwarz describes O&M as the “service shop” for PV systems, with days driven by shifting schedules, customer and technician calls, and occasional field work. Arch focuses mainly on commercial/industrial and ground-mount systems roughly 400 kW to 20 MW, with maintenance needs increasing around years 7–9. They handle preventive work such as IV curve testing (often with Fluke), drone flights, insulation resistance (“megger”) testing, and troubleshooting, and they increasingly specialize in wind and storm damage remediation. They discuss challenges of sourcing matching replacement modules for older arrays, Arch's emphasis on training and growing talent, NABCEP's PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist certification and upcoming O&M associate credential, and the NABCEP conference in Milwaukee.   Topics Covered: O&M = Operations and Maintenance CapEx = Capital Expenditure OpEx = Operational Expenditure PV Maintenance           NABCEP PVCMS Certification NABCEP Conference Milwaukee, Wisconsin Harley Davidson Museum Electric cruiser bike Electric adventure bike IV curve testing Insulation resistance training Megometer Arch O&M training programs OMAT = O&M Associate Technician   Reach out to Michael Schwarz here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-schwarz-ms-lod-lean123 Website: www.archsolar.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/pvcms

Solar Steve Sherman highlights his solar energy projects and shares updates from Aruba on Sean White's podcast. They talked about Steve's musical project using AI to create solar-themed songs, his recent completion of the ESIP exam, and his installation of solar systems in Michigan before the tax credit expired. Steve shared his experiences working on rooftops in snowy conditions to meet the deadline, emphasizing the importance of safety and careful planning. They also discussed the potential for solar energy in Aruba, including the island's current renewable energy goals and the challenges of net metering policies. The conversation touched on the broader implications of energy policy changes and their impact on installers and consumers.   Topics Covered Steve's AI Generated Solar Song – Solar Trillions AI = Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence VS Humans Utility Net Metering Tax Credit Osha Safety Rules Sigenergy ESIP = Energy Storage Installation Professional Codes ESS = Energy Storage System Steve's Project in Aruba   Reach out to Steve Sherman here: Email: szsherman@gmail.com Website: www.superiorenergysolar.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvipexam

Darren Tan, CEO of Unigrid Battery, discusses sodium-ion battery technology as a safer, temperature-resilient alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The conversation explores the chemistry differences, safety advantages, manufacturing approach, and emerging applications in residential energy storage, commercial buildings, data centers, and electric vehicles.   Topics Covered: Sodium-ion vs. lithium-ion battery technology Battery safety and fire risk comparisons Temperature performance advantages Material availability and supply chain benefits Manufacturing model and contract production Residential energy storage regulations and building codes Commercial applications Electric vehicle applications and range limitations NMC = Nickel Manganese Cobalt LFP = Lithium Iron Phosphate Sodium-ion safety profiles Thermal runaway and fire suppression protocols Prismatic cell design and specifications Cooling system requirements comparison Cost trajectory and market adoption timeline Virtual power plant concepts UL 9540 certification and compliance testing   Reach out to Darren Tan here: Website: www.unigridbattery.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/esipexam

Shawn O'Brien, president and CEO of NABCEP, previews the NABCEP 2026 conference in Milwaukee, describing it as a high-training, high-networking event with Irish-themed festivities because St. Patrick's Day falls during the conference. He outlines the nightly schedule—Monday sports-themed reception after the keynote, Tuesday St. Patrick's Day dinner with karaoke and an Irish pub after-party, and Wednesday awards night—plus meals, open bar, and extensive networking. The conference is the third largest to date and draws many non-certified attendees seeking up to 24 hours of training across 3.5 days, with 82 total sessions spanning residential through utility-scale work. O'Brien also announces upcoming credential launches and updates, including an Operations & Maintenance Associate Technician and a new PV Associate exam, and highlights the event app and venue details at Milwaukee's Baird Center connected to the Hilton.   Topics Covered: Irish theme NABCEP Conference NABCEP PV Associate Class St. Patrick's Day Sports night Milwaukee Brewers Orlando Solar Bears NABCEP Event app Cvent NABCEP Conference night activities Ignite sessions SunCast podcast booth Heatspring podcast booth Trainings OMAT = O&M Maintenance Associate Technician New PVA Exam Party night during conferences Cvent App NABCEP Conference Event ID = UrZbinabcep26   Enroll to Sean White's PVA Class on the NABCEP CE Conference here: Heatspring: www.heatspring.com/courses/nabcep-pv-associate-training-live-from-the-2026-nabcep-ce-conference   Register to NABCEP CE Conference here: https://web.cvent.com/event/6fb58a2d-8582-490a-beb1-2b1b9dad4e51/summary   Reach out to Shawn O'Brien here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shawnwobrien/ Website: www.nabcep.org   NABCEP CE Conference venue: The Baird Convention Center: www.bairdcenter.com   NABCEP Conference Night happenings Monday: Sports theme Night Tuesday: St. Patrick's theme Night & Karaoke Night Wednesday: Awards Night   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at:< br /> www.heatspring.com/sean www.solarsean.com/pva

At Intersolar San Diego, Sean White and Bill Brooks discussed about the growing U.S. momentum for “plugin” or balcony solar, where small PV systems plug into a home branch circuit. Brooks explains that what happens with excess power depends on the utility meter: old spinning meters may run backward and credit you, some modern meters can charge you for exported power, and others ignore exports unless programmed for net metering, which typically requires an interconnection agreement. They discuss efforts to exempt very small systems from interconnection agreements and permitting, pending proposals for the 2029 NEC to address source connections to branch circuits and potential exemptions around 400 watts, plus the need for robust safety certification such as UL 3700. Brooks also recounts his historical role in net metering, IEEE 1547, and California Rule 21, and predicts tighter integration of solar, storage, EVs, and load control to enable self-consumption without exporting. Bill tells us how Jim Dunlop and Jerry Venture taught him about solar in the 1980s and how Ward Bower was one of the first solar people and is still working daily in the industry.    Topics Covered: Balcony Solar Plug-In Solar Portable Solar Net-Metering Spinning Meter Branch circuit PCS = Power Control System Interconnections IEEE 929 = original IEEE IEEE 1547 Jerry Venture Florida Solar Energy Center Ward Bower Mike Russell Utility pushback soft costs   Reach out to Bill Brooks here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bill-brooks-6782616  Website: www.brooksolar.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/pvsiprep

SunPower co-founder Dick Swanson discusses his pioneering work developing Interdigitated Back Contact solar cells at Stanford and the industry's evolution from the 1973 energy crisis to today's cost-competitive technology. Topics include Bell Labs' accidental solar cell discovery, the learning curve predicting cost declines, critical partnerships with Cypress Semiconductor, major technical pivots from concentrating to flat-plate systems, and the fortuitous circumstances that transformed solar energy into the world's cheapest electricity source.   Topics Covered NorCal Solar = Northern California Solar ASES = American Solar Energy Society Gerald Pearson History of Solar Discovery of Solar Bell Labs John Perlin Selenium Solar Cell EPRI = Electric Power Research Institute Utility SunPower www.sunpower.com TPV = Thermal Photovoltaic Stanford Silicon Cell Semiconductor Dick Schwartz Thin Film Wafer Silicon Solar Cell IBC Cell = Interdigitated Back Contact Cell Germanium PVT = Photovoltaic Thermal Stirling Engine Concentrating PV System Swanson's Law Learning Curve Elon Musk Cypress Semiconductor Sharp Silicon Valley James Gibbons Semiconductor Electronics Book Jeff Spies Solar Roots Hippies Grateful Dead Sailboat Tom Wylie   Reach out to Dick Swanson here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dick-swanson Website: www.sunpower.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean solarsean.com/pvdsexam