In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage podcast, Sean welcomes back Matias Sigal for a fascinating discussion on the rapid developments in the solar industry. Matias talks about the booming demand for data centers in the U.S., driven by the rise of AI and tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta. The conversation dives into the synergies between data centers and renewable energy, the challenges of grid access, and the evolving landscape of mergers and acquisitions in renewable projects. Sean and Matias also explore the innovative use of waste heat from data centers and touch on the future role of nuclear and geothermal energy. Tune in to learn how the industry is adapting post-COVID and making the best out of changing circumstances.

 

Topics Covered:

Online Training

One Big Beautiful Bill

Energy Demand Increase

Mega Data Centers

Google

Amazon

Meta

Space-based Solar Energy

Bitcoin Hot Tubs

Bitcoin Miners

Hyperscale data center

Solar thermal

Floating solar

Waste heat

M&A = Mergers and Acquisitions

PPAs = Purchase Power Agreement

Nuclear Power Plant

PJM

Renewable Energy Developers

AI

Loss of tax credits

Sean White and Matias Sigal Podcast “Solar Project Development Software with Matias Sigal, Founder of Replace” released last February 20, 2024

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solar-project-development-software-with-matias-sigal/id1441958371?i=1000645978678

 

Reach out to Matias Sigal here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/matiassigal/

Website: www.renewableenergy.place/

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at

www.solarsean.com

www.solarsean.com/esip

In this episode, Sean White sits down with Jesse Faircloth, founder of PVIT and off-grid engineering expert, to explore the world of off-grid living, homesteading, and the evolving landscape of solar and battery technology. They discuss the challenges and rewards of building self-sufficient homesteads, the role of PVIT in empowering rural communities, and the innovations making off-grid systems more accessible than ever. Jesse shares real-world stories from his work in Moab, Utah, insights on battery recycling, and tips for anyone interested in starting their own off-grid journey. The conversation also covers the importance of community engagement, the future of energy storage, and how technology is reshaping rural life.

 

Topics covered:

Off-grid living and homesteading

PVIT (Photovoltaics and Integrated Technologies)

Solar energy systems: grid-tied vs. off-grid

Battery storage and recycling

Rural innovation and community empowerment

Homestead Hybrid

Navigating permitting and infrastructure challenges

The impact of electric vehicles and bidirectional charging

Community solar projects and public land use

Tips for aspiring homesteaders and off-grid enthusiasts

The evolving role of technology in self-sufficiency

 

Reach out Jesse Faircloth here:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.homesteadhybrid.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/18hrpv

In this episode, Sean White talks with Seth Frader-Thompson, President of EnergyHub, about virtual power plants (VPPs) and the future of distributed energy. They discuss what VPPs are, how they work, and their potential to transform the electric grid by pooling together devices like batteries, electric vehicles, and smart thermostats. Seth explains the role of EnergyHub in enabling utilities and customers to participate in VPPs, shares real-world examples of customer savings, and explores the growing impact of electric vehicles and bidirectional charging. The conversation also covers the challenges and opportunities of integrating new technology, the importance of software and APIs, and tips for homeowners and installers interested in joining VPP programs.

 

Topics covered:

VPP = Virtual Power Plant

How VPPs work and their benefits for the grid

Bitcoin Mining

DERMS = Distributed Energy Resource Management System

Customer participation and incentives in VPP programs

Connected Solutions

API = Application Programming Interface

V2G = Vehicle to Grid

V2H = Vehicle to House

V2X = Vehicle to Everything

Interconnection challenges and grid modernization

EnergyHub’s platform

EVSE = Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment

Tips for homeowners and installers on joining VPPs

The evolving role of inverters and smart devices

 

Reach out EnergyHub and Seth Frader-Thompson here:

Website: www.energyhub.com

Seth’s LinkedIn Account: www.linkedin.com/in/frader

 

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/ess

In this episode of Sean White's Solar and Energy Storage podcast, host Sean White converses with James Showalter, the founder and CEO of EG4. They discuss EG4’s innovative mini splits and energy storage solutions, including their impact in the solar industry and the future of residential batteries. James shares insights into their partnership with LG for American-supplied cells, their significant progress in the energy storage market, and the inception and growth of EG4 and Signature Solar. They discuss the technical and regulatory aspects of private energy generation, aiming to make solar energy more accessible and cost-effective. Tune in to learn about the journey of EG4 and their mission to revolutionize renewable energy storage.

 

Topics Covered:

EG4 = Energy Generation for Everyone

Sulfur Spring

Off-Grid System

FlexBOSS 18 inverter

UL3141 Inverter

Interconnection Agreement

Private Energy Generation

Energy Storage at homes

10 cents per kilowatt hour

Standardized margin

Signature Solar

Net-Metering

Iceberg Signature

eBay

DIY Solar Projects

 

Reach out to James Showalter here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/james-showalter-9a0599156 

X: @EG4James 

Website: www.eg4electronics.com

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at

www.solarsean.com

www.solarsean.com/pvip

Engineer by day, rapper by night, Steve Sherman joins Sean to talk about his mission to put a battery in every home and the power of solar energy. From startup stories and global adventures to solar-themed rap tracks, this episode is packed with innovation, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.

 

Topics Covered

Superior Energy www.superiorenergysolar.com

Michigan

Lake Superior

Hell in Michigan

Steve’s Journey in the Solar Industry

Brian Hayden

Heatspring www.heatspring.com

EV =Electric Vehicles

ONE = Our Next Energy www.one.ai

Dual Chemistry Battery

LFP & NMC

PVIP = Photovoltaic Installation Professional

Entrepreneur

NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

Battery

ESS = Energy Storage System

Utility

University of Michigan

Solar in Australia

What would be a good term for Solar and Storage all in one

Alternative Energy & Conventional Energy

Solar Steve Sherman’s Songs

 

Reach out to Steve Sherman here:

Email: [email protected]

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

www.solarsean.com/pvip

www.solarsean.com/esip

In this episode, Sean White chats with John Berger, CEO of Otovo USA and former CEO of Sunnova, about the dynamic landscape of the solar industry. They discuss Otovo's focus on service, including rolling trucks, fixing systems, and creating virtual power plants (VPPs). John highlights the importance of modernizing regulations, expanding into the European market, and the integration of AI to enhance service efficiency. He also shares insights on addressing power bill hikes and the evolving role of batteries and EVs in the energy mix. Tune in to hear about the challenges and opportunities in the clean energy sector, and how Otovo is poised to lead the charge.

 

Topics discussed:

Sunnova

VPP = Virtual Power Plant

Service Business

Retail power

Deregulated = Consumer Choice

Europe

Sunnova

Dr. Shi Zhengrong

OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturing

Residential customers

NABCEP Certifications

NABCEP website

Storage in Solar vs Solar in Storage

Generators

AHJ = Authority Having Jurisdiction

Iron Curtain Mentality

AI Technologies

Robotics

Waymo

Sean White NABCEP Classes

 

Reach out to John Berger here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/john-berger-61042724 

Website: www.otovo.ai

 

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

Join Sean White in this engaging episode of the 'Sean White Solar and Energy Storage Podcast' as he converses with special guest Ben Luce, the chair of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). They share stories about the history and evolution of ASES, the significance of ASES conferences, and the essential role of education in advancing solar energy. Ben also shares insights on both domestic and international solar policy challenges, the impact of regulatory systems, and the pressing need for grassroots advocacy. Additionally, Ben highlights his dual role as a passionate musician with his band Sonic Vortex. Tune in to learn more about the dynamic world of solar energy and the integral efforts of ASES in shaping its future.

 

Topics Covered:

ASES = American Solar Energy Society

ISES = International Solar Energy Society

NorCal Solar =

E=mc2  

Kinetic Energy

1954

Solar Cooking

NAEBRS = National Ambient Energy Building Research Symposium

Carly = ASES Executive Director

The ZEN Network = Zero Emission Network

ASES Membership

Fall Fundraiser

Donation = https://ases.site-ym.com/donations/

ASES Conference

COP = Conference of the Parties

Sinai Peninsula

Ra = Egyptian god of the sun

Dr. David Renné = President of ISES

Claudia Wentworth Award

Madam Mi

SNEC Conference

InterSolar Conference

Eicke Weber

CleanTech Business Club

Regulated Monopolies

NYSEIA = New York State Solar Energy Industries Association

Soft costs

Sonic Vortex

 

And as a special treat, we’ll be wrapping up this episode with a live performance of ‘Hyperion’ by Ben Luce of Sonic Vortex, recorded in February 2024. Stay tuned and enjoy the music!

 

Here’s the Hyperion YouTube link: https://youtu.be/Rb_sSfcb6yk?si=Jbkmi96TTdMdWUww

 

Reach out to Ben Luce here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ben-luce-588b1850 

ASES Website: www.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

www.solarsean.com/pva

Join host Sean White as he sits down with Rudy Saporite, Program Director at IBTS, to explore leadership in the solar and energy storage industry. Discover how IBTS sets the standard for quality, and compliance, and learn about the challenges and triumphs of ensuring safe, reliable solar installations across the nation. Rudy shares insights on industry best practices, the importance of third-party verification, and the collaborative spirit that drives progress in renewable energy.

 

Topics Covered

RE+

IBTS = Institute for Building Technology and Safety www.ibts.org

NABCEP = North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

Burnham Energy

Inspection

ISO = International Organization for Standardization

Solar Games

Shawn O'Brien

Grid Alternatives All-Women Team

 

Reach out to Rudy Saporite here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-saporite

Website: www.ibts.org

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at

 www.heatspring.com/sean

www.solarsean.com/pvip

www.solarsean.com/esip

In this episode Sean White is joined by Lishuo Pan, a PhD student at Brown University specializing in robotics and computer science. They talked about the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and solar energy, focusing on the challenges and innovations in solar panel maintenance and cleaning. The conversation covers the use of drones and robots in solar projects. Lishuo shares insights from his research on multi-robot systems and discusses the practical hurdles of bringing new technology to market.

 

Topics Covered:

Role of AI and robotics in solar energy

Drone applications for solar panel maintenance

Sensor technology for monitoring solar panel soiling

The job market and skills needed in the solar and AI industries

NABCEP certifications and professional directories

The impact of tax credits and policy on solar innovation

Real-world obstacles in solar panel cleaning and maintenance

Advice for startups and researchers entering the solar technology space

 

Reach out to Lishuo Pan here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lishuo-pan

 

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

In this episode of the Sean White Solar and Energy Storage podcast, Sean sits down with Joe Tassone, founder of onCORE, to explore the intersection of real estate and renewable energy. Joe dives into onCORE’s role in originating land for solar, battery, and EV projects across the US. They discuss the specifics of working with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), the challenges of utility interconnection, the evolving political landscape affecting the renewable industry, and how energy storage could solve current grid limitations. Whether you're an industry professional or an energy enthusiast, this podcast offers valuable insights into the future of renewable energy development and technology.

 

Topics Covered:

Project Origination Company

IPP = Independent Power Producer

Cell Towers

Originate land

Develop land

DG = Distributed Generation

National Grid

NextEra

Power Plants

Substation

The Big Beautiful Bill

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

Tax Credit

Vetted projects

Energy storage got spared from Trump

December 31, 2027

FEOC = Foreign Entity of Concern

Safe Harboring

Landlord assigned paper

 

Reach out to Joe Tassone here:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-f-tassone-jr-a778a1190/

Website: www.oncoreorig.com/

 

Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at

www.solarsean.com

solarsean.com/58hress