Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast

49:34

Batteries so Safe They’re Firewalls with Eli Paster,...

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/09/30

In this podcast, Eli Paster, CEO of Polyjoule, discussed polymer-based battery technology and how it differs from conventional metal-based batteries. Eli explained that Polyjoule uses conductive polymers instead of lithium, nickel, cobalt, lead, or sodium, synthesizing its own conductive polymers from abundant hydrocarbon feedstocks. Eli detailed the safety advantages of polymer-based batteries, including the inability to enter thermal runaway, and demonstrated this by cutting open a cell and

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47:18

Solar Roots Party and Movie OCT3O-NOV1 in Grass...

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/09/29

In this podcast, Jeff Spies shares the story behind "Solar Roots: The Pioneers of PV" and its upcoming release party. Jeff explained how the 11-year project began as a reunion party that evolved into capturing the stories of early solar industry pioneers, with interviews conducted over 2 years of filming. The documentary explores how the solar photovoltaic industry started with hippies in the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on both the technology's development and its adoption by off-grid communities,

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32:37

Rural Energy Efficiency and Solar Deployment with...

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/09/27

In this podcast, Michelle Moore, CEO of Groundswell and author of "Rural Renaissance," discussed community power building, energy efficiency projects, and clean energy initiatives in rural areas. Michelle shared examples of their work including projects in West Memphis with Google and their upcoming Rural Renaissance Roadshow conference in November in Decatur, Alabama. The interview also covered job opportunities in the renewable energy sector and the growing importance of local clean energy

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24:27

Residential Energy Storage and AI Demand with Vincent...

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/09/23

Vincent Ambrose, Chief Commercial Officer of Franklin Whole Home, discusses the intersection of AI and energy storage, including how data centers are becoming major customers for residential energy storage systems and how Franklin is developing AI tools for installer training and system optimization.The conversation explores Franklin's product offerings, including AC-coupled and DC-coupled solutions, the A-gate microgrid interconnect device, and the company's focus on home energy security through

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46:18

From Fintech to Solar Energy with Michael Roche

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/09/20

In this podcast, Michael Roche, founder of Fin Technology Group, discussed the evolution of financial technology and its connection to the energy sector. Michael discussed the history of fintech, the rise of big data and AI, and the energy consumption of data centers. The conversation shifted to the role of banks in financing solar energy, with Michael questioning why banks aren't more actively supporting residential solar installations and suggesting the need for standardized data formats to

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24:18

Unlocking More Capacity on the Grid with Tiffany Menhorn

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/09/16

In this podcast, Tiffany Menhorn, Vice President of North American Utilities at Prisma Photonics, discusses grid congestion and the role of grid enhancing technologies like dynamic line ratings in integrating more renewable energy, particularly solar. Tiffany explained how Prisma Photonics uses existing fiber networks for real-time monitoring and analytics to increase grid capacity and reduce curtailment. The conversation also touched on security, forecasting, and the potential for these

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53:22

GRID Alternatives Adewale Ogunbadejo, VP Workforce...

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/09/13

Adewale Ogunbadejo, Vice President of Workforce Development at Grid Alternatives. They discussed Grid Alternatives' evolution from a volunteer- based solar installation organization founded in 2004 to a professional workforce development program serving 500-700 job trainees annually across multiple regions including California, Colorado, DC, and tribal communities throughout North America. Adewale explained how the organization transitioned from heavy volunteer involvement to focused technical

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46:54

Sigenergy North America CEO Rob Schwarzinger &...

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/09/09

Rob Schwarzinger, CEO of SIG Energy North America, and Rich Reynoso, Director of Service, about vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology and Signergy's bi-directional EV charging solutions. The discussion covered how SIG Energy's system scan charge electric vehicles using solar and grid power, and also discharge vehicle batteries to power homes during power outages or to provide grid services. Rob explained that while the hardware and software are ready for V2G functionality, they are currently limited to

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49:30

Outback Power Inverter Tree of Life with Ryan Warrick...

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/09/06

Ryan Warrick, National Sales Manager for Outback Power, where they discussed Outback's history, products, and status. Ryan explained that Outback Power was founded in 2001 and recently acquired by Energy Access Innovations (EAI) in 2024, moving headquarters from Washington to Commerce, Texas. They covered Outback's two main inverter platforms - the FX series (up to 3.6 kilowatts) and Radian/GS series (8 kilowatts), both designed for modular stacking and field service ability. Ryan discussed the

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36:29

GridRails AI with Michael Grasso, founder and CEO

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/09/02

Grid Rails founder and CEO Michael Grasso explains how real-time settlement and device-level orchestration can unlock the untapped capacity of distributed energy resources including electric vehicles, home batteries, and solar systems. The discussion covers virtual power plants, the duck curve, bidirectional charging, FERC 2222 requirements, and the financial incentives needed to engage consumers as active grid participants.Topics Covered Real-Time Settlement Grid Orchestration Duck

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35:40

Solar Farm Beehives with Max Rünzel, CEO HiveTracks

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/08/30

Max Rünzel, CEO and co-founder of HiveTracks, discussing the integration of bees and beekeeping practices in solar farm operations. Max explained how HiveTracks uses beehives as monitoring tools to assess pollinator health and ecosystem resilience on solar farms, with hives capable of foraging up to 10,000 acres and traveling 2-4 miles from their location. The company places two hives as a starting point and collects data through regular visits, pollen analysis, and IoT devices to determine foraging

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46:15

Cash Isn't Dead with Ravi Mikkelsen

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/08/23

Ravi Mikkelsen of Atmos Financial examines why cash and loan purchases remain vital in residential solar despite the expired tax credit. The discussion covers FEOC equipment pricing gaps, predatory lease buyout structures, dealer fee commissions, and door-to-door sales practices that inflate costs. Mikkelsen advocates for tax credit elimination, pricing transparency, and reaching a $2 per watt national benchmark for residential installations.Topics Covered Cash vs Financing Solar Tax

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40:27

Solar Maintenance and Thermal Imaging with Fred...

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/08/19

Frederick Brooks, founder of Pacific Panel Cleaners in Hawaii, discusses solar photovoltaic operations and maintenance, covering proper panel cleaning methods, deionized cleaning solutions, and common installation errors. He explains his certifications in energy management and auditing, then details how thermal imaging and drone technology identify failed diodes, malfunctioning microinverters, and soiling patterns across solar arrays, improving maintenance efficiency and warranty claims.Topics

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33:26

2026 TenneSEIA Conference September 2nd & 3rd with...

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/08/17

Gil Hough, Executive Director of TenneSEIA, discussing the upcoming TenneSEIA Valley Solar Plus Storage Conference scheduled for September 2nd and 3rd in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gil explained that the conference has been moved earlier in the year and will feature Sean as the featured trainer for a full-day training session on Thursday. They discussed the significant growth in solar and energy storage projects in the Tennessee Valley region, including utility-scale projects, local power company

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24:59

Perovskite in Tandem with Scott Wharton of Tandem PV

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/08/16

Scott Wharton, CEO of Tandem PV, discusses his company's tandem perovskite silicon solar panel technology, which recently achieved a record 30.4 percent efficiency. He explains how a thin perovskite layer boosts power output, lowers manufacturing costs, and supports domestic production. The conversation also covers utility scale deployment, rising demand from data centers, manufacturing tax credits, and the future of solar energy in the United States.Topics Covered Tandem PV Origin Perovskite

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25:10

Perovskite in Tandem with Scott Wharton of Tandem PV

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/08/13

Scott Wharton, CEO of Tandem PV, discusses his company's tandem perovskite silicon solar panel technology, which recently achieved a record 30.4 percent efficiency. He explains how a thin perovskite layer boosts power output, lowers manufacturing costs, and supports domestic production. The conversation also covers utility scale deployment, rising demand from data centers, manufacturing tax credits, and the future of solar energy in the United States.Topics Covered Tandem PV Origin Perovskite

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30:01

Rescuing Orphaned Systems with Thomas Stubblefield

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/08/12

Thomas Stubblefield, a NABCEP-certified solar installer who travels across multiple states (Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois) to rescue and repair failing solar systems. Thomas explained that he has handled over 300 service calls in the past year, with 100% resolution rate, helping homeowners whose systems were installed by now-bankrupt companies like Power Home Solar and Pink Energy. He described finding numerous installation issues including improper wiring, squirrel damage

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32:05

Keynote Speaker Eric Woodruff, PhD, CEM

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/08/09

Eric Woodruff, a PhD and CEM who served as past president of the Association of Energy Engineers. Eric explained the CEM (Certified Energy Manager) program, which has been around since 1981 and is recognized in 100 countries, serving as a foundational course covering energy management across buildings, industrial systems, and power systems. They discussed technical topics including power factor correction, the California duck curve showing 66% renewable grid power on many days, and the benefits of

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32:33

Running 3 Solar Companies at once with Bill Taylor,...

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/08/05

Bill Taylor, CEO of DCE Solar, DCE Services, and DCE Design, discusses building three complementary companies spanning solar structure manufacturing, installation, and electrical design. He explains his commitment to domestic steel sourcing, his people-first management philosophy, and hiring based on behavior rather than credentials.Topics Covered DCE Company Overview Solar Structure Manufacturing Domestic Steel Sourcing Company Culture & Leadership Hiring Philosophy Employee Retention Solar

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30:38

Solar Chernobyl Today with Stanislav Kvochak...

Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast ·

2026/08/02

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

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