In this episode, we’re joined by Mick McDaniel the Vice President and General Manager of Bila Solar to explore the operations at the Bila Solar Factory in Indianapolis. Mick provides an in-depth look into how the factory produces lightweight, flexible solar modules using domestic materials and traditional framed PV modules. He also discusses Bila Solar’s collaboration with ES Foundry, shedding light on the innovative practices taking place within the factory.

 

Topics covered:

Solar manufacturing factory in Indianapolis

Sean’s visit to the Bila Solar Factory

Joel Walsman and his contributions to the solar industry

Beginning of Bila Solar’s and partnership with ES Foundry

Bila Solar’s lightweight, flexible solar panels using aerospace polymer

Installation methods using adhesives on metal and membrane roofs

Relevance to rapid shutdown compliance and UL 3741 certification

Mention of traditional framed modules production alongside flexible panels

Lack of U.S. suppliers for thin, hardened solar glass

Importance of building a reliable U.S. supply chain under the IRA

Challenges importing equipment from China

Post-COVID delays in building and manufacturing permits

Comparison of old vs. modern solar factories

Clarification on “gigawatt” factory capacity

Sean’s Journey into the Solar Industry

Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Law: Paul Fenn’s Role and Its Impact

Early solar industry figures: Stuart Wentworth, Bill Brooks, Ward Bower

Development of early solar inverters and U.S. code challenges

Ward Bower’s pioneering work on the modern grid-tie inverter at Sandia National Laboratories

Challenges with balcony solar installations and code requirements in the U.S. vs. Germany
Durability of flexibility solar modules

 

Find out more on:

Bila Solar Website: www.bilasolar.com

 

Click here to listen to the podcast with Sean, Bill Brooks, and Ward Bower

 

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

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