PV Made in America! Bila Solar with Mick McDaniel
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 IndianapolisSean’s visit to the Bila Solar FactoryJoel Walsman and his contributions to the solar industryBeginning of Bila Solar’s and partnership with ES FoundryBila Solar’s lightweight, flexible solar panels using aerospace polymerInstallation methods using adhesives on metal and membrane roofsRelevance to rapid shutdown compliance and UL 3741 certificationMention of traditional framed modules production alongside flexible panelsLack of U.S. suppliers for thin, hardened solar glassImportance of building a reliable U.S. supply chain under the IRAChallenges importing equipment from ChinaPost-COVID delays in building and manufacturing permitsComparison of old vs. modern solar factoriesClarification on “gigawatt” factory capacitySean’s Journey into the Solar IndustryCommunity Choice Aggregation (CCA) Law: Paul Fenn’s Role and Its ImpactEarly solar industry figures: Stuart Wentworth, Bill Brooks, Ward BowerDevelopment of early solar inverters and U.S. code challengesWard Bower’s pioneering work on the modern grid-tie inverter at Sandia National LaboratoriesChallenges with balcony solar installations and code requirements in the U.S. vs. GermanyDurability 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
Sean White‘s Solar and Energy Storage Podcast
Sean White teaches solar and storage classes and seminars around the world and inside your home (online). He is known for helping people get NABCEP certified. This podcast contains an assortment of topics, with an emphasis on solar and storage technical knowledge. Up your game! Catch a photon! Save the planet! Learn more and go to www.solarSEAN.com
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