In this Solar Conversation, Kerim Baran of SolarAcademy talks with Sean White, Founder of SolarSEAN. He is an IREC Certified Solar PV Master Trainer and has authored several books on solar. Sean is also a highly-experienced PV and energy storage educator with thousands of days teaching entry level, intermediate, and advanced PV classes at solar training centers throughout the world. Many thousands of his students are employed at both startup and leading solar companies. The pair discuss these subjects, among others:
- The History of Solar in North America
- NABCEP Training and Certification
- Solar Education & Courses
- SolarAcademy Initiatives
- Sean’s Personal & Business Journey
You can find this same Solar Conversation broken into chapters and topics covered below.
Introduction and Welcoming Sean White (0:55)
The Birth of Solar Academy and Early Collaborations (1:35)
Understanding Feed-in Tariffs and Market Dynamics (2:46)
The Journey of Building CivicSolar and Industry Insights (46:36)
Exploring Solar Historical Data and Growth Trends (1:38)
Deep Dive into Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) (6:14)
Sean White’s Transition to Solar Education and Career Path (6:29)
Teaching Philosophy, Certifications, and Future Goals
Topics covered in this Solar Conversation:
1. What is SolarAcademy and what makes it different from other solar education platforms?
SolarAcademy is a digital platform designed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge within the solar industry. Unlike other platforms that focus on specific products or training for certifications, SolarAcademy aims to capture a wide range of industry conversations, insights, and perspectives through video interviews called “Solar Conversations.” These conversations cover topics such as product knowledge, market trends, company culture, and industry news, providing a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in solar energy.
2. What are Solar Conversations and how can I access them?
Solar Conversations are podcast-like video interviews featuring industry leaders, product managers, and experts discussing various aspects of the solar industry. They are broken down into short, easily digestible chapters with full transcriptions, making them easily searchable and accessible. You can access Solar Conversations on the SolarAcademy website (solaracademy.com) by searching for specific topics, companies, or individuals.
3. How can my company be featured on SolarAcademy?
If you’re interested in showcasing your company or sharing your expertise on SolarAcademy, reach out to the team through the “Contact Us” page on the website or connect with Kerim Baran on LinkedIn. SolarAcademy offers video production services to help companies create engaging content and distribute it across various platforms, including their website.
4. What is Sean White’s background in the solar industry and what kind of training does he offer?
Sean White is a leading solar technical trainer and author with extensive experience in the industry. He transitioned from a career as a chiropractor after becoming involved in early solar advocacy efforts and has since dedicated himself to solar education. Sean offers a wide range of training courses on HeatSpring, focusing on NABCEP certifications, code compliance, and advanced PV concepts. He is known for his engaging teaching style, incorporating humor and real-world examples to make learning fun and effective.
5. What is HeatSpring and what kind of solar courses can I find there?
HeatSpring is a popular online education platform specializing in clean energy and sustainability topics. Sean White offers over 30 solar courses on HeatSpring, including NABCEP certification exam prep courses, advanced PV training, and free introductory courses. These courses are highly rated by students and provide a comprehensive learning experience with detailed video lectures, practice exams, and personalized support from Sean.
6. What is NABCEP certification and why is it important in the solar industry?
NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) is a non-profit organization that offers industry-recognized certifications for solar professionals. NABCEP certification demonstrates a high level of knowledge and competency, enhancing credibility and job prospects within the industry. Sean White’s courses on HeatSpring are designed to prepare individuals for various NABCEP certification exams, including the PV Associate and PV Installation Professional credentials.
7. How can I become NABCEP certified?
To become NABCEP certified, you need to meet specific education and experience requirements, and pass a rigorous exam. You can prepare for the exam by taking a NABCEP-approved training course, such as those offered by Sean White on HeatSpring. After completing the course, you can apply for the exam through the NABCEP website and schedule an online proctored exam session.
8. How can I contact Sean White for solar training inquiries?
You can reach Sean White directly through his website, solarsean.com, or connect with him on LinkedIn. On his website, you’ll find links to his courses on HeatSpring, information about his in-person training options, and contact details for inquiries.