Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Laura A. Ward, Ph. D. in electrical engineering, and Sean White explore the practical realities of grid-forming inverters and their role in modernizing power grids. Drawing from her experience in Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria and her work as a Ph. D. intern on the analysis and modeling team for the PR100 project, Dr. Ward discusses the technical and policy challenges of a...

Join Clean Counts’ leadership as they discuss the real-world impact of renewable energy certificates (RECs) on today’s energy markets. This episode explores how robust verification, evolving market demands, and new attributes like pollinator-friendly certifications are shaping the sector. The conversation details how Clean Counts’ systems operate, the economic and policy context, and the practical...

Join Sean White and Aaron Nichols as they turn the world of solar energy upside down with humor, stories, and a fresh take on education. Discover why facts and graphs aren’t enough, and how laughter and creativity can make even the most technical topics memorable. From fake ads to satirical brainstorms, this episode proves that learning about solar can be fun, engaging, and unforgettable. Tune in...

Join host Sean White as he sits down with Mike Haydon, CEO of The Off-Grid Shop, to explore how Australians are leading the way in solar innovation. Discover how peer to peer energy trading is empowering everyday people to share solar power with neighbors, family, and local businesses. Hear real stories about off-grid living, community microgrids, and the unique challenges and opportunities of bui...

Sean White is joined by Alfred Ignacio, also known as AI, to discuss the proposed changes in the 2029 National Electrical Code (NEC). They cover the renumbering and restructuring of key articles, such as PV systems and energy storage, moving from familiar chapters to new ones, highlighting significant. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of understanding these new placements for professi...

Join host Sean White as he interviews John Lind, Senior Vice President of Aspen Power, for an insightful look into the commercial and industrial solar industry. Discover how financial incentives, not just environmental benefits, are driving businesses to adopt solar energy. The conversation covers the evolution of solar technology, the growing importance of battery storage, and the challenges of n...

In this episode, Sean White talks with Tom Yeshurun, the founder and CEO of Civ Robotics. Tom discusses how his company's innovative robots are helping to make solar farm construction faster and more efficient. By providing tools that assist in surveying and marking precise locations for pile installations, Civ Robotics is minimizing the labor-intensive tasks on job sites. They cover the hiring op...

This episode features Lennart Hinrichs from TWAICE, exploring how AI and data analytics are transforming battery energy storage systems. Discover how advanced software helps operators optimize performance, ensure safety, and maximize the value of large-scale batteries. The conversation covers technical challenges, industry acronyms, and the future of energy storage in a rapidly evolving grid. Perf...

Sean White is joined by Julia Lee, Yash Ketharam, and Ilya Mazalov. The group dives into the journeys of Gen Z engineers and advocates, exploring their roles in student organizations, hands-on projects like the Solar Car Race, and their vision for the future of sustainability. The discussion covers generational perspectives, the power of community, and the challenges and opportunities in renewable...

Join host Sean White as he interviews William Grant, co-founder of Sun Collectors, for an inspiring deep dive into the world of solar energy. Discover William’s journey from electrical engineer to solar entrepreneur, the challenges and rewards of building a business in Illinois, and the impact of the SREC program. The conversation covers technical insights, ethical business practices, and the impo...

Discover how Brooklyn Solar Works is transforming New York City rooftops with innovative solar canopies. Host Sean White chats with co-founders T.R. Ludwig and Gaelen McKee about the challenges and breakthroughs of installing solar in dense urban environments. Learn how their unique canopy designs overcome space, code, and engineering hurdles, turning underused rooftops into sustainable, usable sp...

Discover the story of Johnny Weiss, the visionary who transformed solar education and empowered a global clean energy movement. Join host Sean White and guest Jeff Spies as they share personal stories, industry insights, and the lasting impact of Solar Energy International. Learn how one man’s passion for teaching sparked a revolution, inspired thousands, and continues to light the way for a susta...

In this episode, Sean White welcomes Bernadette Del Chiaro, a prominent figure in the solar industry. Bernadette discusses her current role as the Senior Vice President of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and her extensive background in the field, including her tenure as the executive director of the California Solar and Storage Association. The conversation dives into EWG's mission and Berna...

Join us as we explore the future of energy storage with Antonio Baclig, CEO of Inlyte Energy. Discover how reinventing batteries—especially sodium-based technology—could transform the grid, make renewable energy more reliable, and reduce dependence on global supply chains. We break down battery basics, discuss the challenges and opportunities in battery innovation, and touch on the broader impact...

Celebrate a century of innovation with “100 Years of Energy.” Host Sean White interviews Laurie Oswald, Chief Commercial Officer at Trojan Battery Company, to uncover how Trojan evolved from a lead-acid battery pioneer to a leader in lithium technology. Discover real-world stories from off-grid Alaska to global markets, the secrets behind batteries that last decades, and how customer feedback driv...

Discover how solar power is changing the game for cities, businesses, and your wallet. Host Sean White sits down with Michael Chanin, CEO of Cherry Street Energy, to reveal the secrets behind affordable, no-upfront-cost solar electricity. From the company’s unique origin story to real talk about industry myths, workforce training, and building a legacy business, this episode is packed with insight...

Dr. Laura A. Ward is a leading contributor to the global shift from inertia-dominated, mechanically driven power systems to inverter-based, high-renewable smart grids. She bridges advanced power electronics theory with practical, data-driven roadmapping to deploy resilient microgrids at scale.   As the global grid pivots away from fossil generation, the industry is confronting a core question: how...

Join host Sean White as he interviews Mark Jacobs, a renewable energy marketing expert, about creative ways to make solar energy and electric vehicles part of mainstream American culture. Discover the story behind a unique solar-themed jigsaw puzzle, learn about the EV Math campaign helping rural communities save money with electric vehicles, and hear how Twende Solar brings clean energy to unders...

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 audien...

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 th...

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 sustainab...

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 Covere...

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 renewa...

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...

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...