Listen "Solar from NorCal to Antarctica with Ben Bachelder"
Episode Synopsis
Sean welcomes Ben Batchelder, Multi-Family Engineering Manager at Aspen Power, for an in-depth conversation about the solar energy industry. They discuss Ben’s career journey, from his early days at Sunlight and Power to his current role. Topics include the evolution of solar technology, the distinction between residential and commercial solar projects, the significance of energy storage, and innovative solutions in the field. Ben also shares fascinating experiences from his time working in Antarctica and highlights the importance of designing for the long term in solar energy projects.
Topics covered:
SLP = Sunlight and Power www.sunlightandpower.com
C&I = Commercial and Industrial
SatCon Technology Corp
SNEC www.snec-pv.com
SolarEdge www.solaredge.com/us
UL 3741, Rapid Shutdown, and Firefighter Safety
Legacy Systems
Power Garden
Sean’s Solar Training Center
Recycling old modules
Solar thermal vs. PV
Decline of solar hot water
Pool thermal systems
Ben’s experience in Antarctica
Life at McMurdo Station
Shift to large-scale PV
NEM 3.0 and electricity rates
Demand charges and storage
Energy monitoring strategies
PPAs and system ownership
Site visits and real-world issues
Bad solar practices in the industry
Aspen Power Solar Long-term design mindset
Find out more on:
Aspen Power Solar Website: www.aspenpower.com
Episode with Michael Shonka: www.podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/michael-shonka-solar-thermal-and-solar-in-the-80s/id1441958371?i=1000708495417
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean
Topics covered:
SLP = Sunlight and Power www.sunlightandpower.com
C&I = Commercial and Industrial
SatCon Technology Corp
SNEC www.snec-pv.com
SolarEdge www.solaredge.com/us
UL 3741, Rapid Shutdown, and Firefighter Safety
Legacy Systems
Power Garden
Sean’s Solar Training Center
Recycling old modules
Solar thermal vs. PV
Decline of solar hot water
Pool thermal systems
Ben’s experience in Antarctica
Life at McMurdo Station
Shift to large-scale PV
NEM 3.0 and electricity rates
Demand charges and storage
Energy monitoring strategies
PPAs and system ownership
Site visits and real-world issues
Bad solar practices in the industry
Aspen Power Solar Long-term design mindset
Find out more on:
Aspen Power Solar Website: www.aspenpower.com
Episode with Michael Shonka: www.podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/michael-shonka-solar-thermal-and-solar-in-the-80s/id1441958371?i=1000708495417
Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean’s classes at www.heatspring.com/sean