Beyond the Install: A Conversation with Derek "The Solar Boi" Mast
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Join us on the What's Up Solar Podcast for an illuminating conversation with Derek "The Solar Boi" Mast! Starting in 2014 with a background in electrical work, Derek quickly found his niche in troubleshooting and maintaining aging solar systems, from small residential setups to massive multi-megawatt utility projects.
With master-equivalent electrical licenses in six states and multiple NABCEP certifications (PV Installation Professional, PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist, PV System Inspector), Derek brings a wealth of knowledge. He exploded onto TikTok in 2022, sharing valuable insights with the growing solar workforce and curious customers.
In this episode, we dive deep into:
- Derek's journey into electrical work and then solar.
- The "Zen" of troubleshooting and why it appeals to those with ADHD and autism.
- Understanding the fundamentals of Ohm's Law in solar diagnostics.
- Debunking myths about Chinese inverters and cybersecurity risks in solar.
- The critical importance of UL 3741 and its role in safer, more reliable solar designs.
- The current state of solar manufacturing, white labeling, and the broader economic impacts on the industry.
Whether you're a solar professional, a homeowner with solar, or just curious about the future of energy, Derek's expertise and engaging perspective will leave you charged with new insights!
Our Sponsor for this episode is Smart Resource Labs' DAS Rescue, which is a specialized service designed to optimize data flow and reliability for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), particularly PV (photovoltaic) power plants. It offers a comprehensive, fixed-cost package that includes a field inspection, engineering services, a data gateway (SRLink™), and a data assurance process with commissioning. This service aims to ensure seamless, reliable data transmission.
7 episodes