Just Another Solar Podcast

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Jeff Sykes from Solar Choice joins the podcast to unpack the latest in Australia’s solar and electrification landscape, covering battery market trends, AI’s growing role in the industry, installer quality and vetting, EV charging developments, and what to expect at upcoming energy events.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Southwell Solar Training—delivering practical, standards-based CPD that installers actually find useful. Their online courses cover real-world issues like defects, labelling, battery installation, and system upgrades, helping solar professionals stay compliant while building confidence on the job.

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice. 

00:00 All Energy Recap
02:00 Battery Boom & Gateway Gossip
07:40 China’s V2G World
10:00 CEC Clarification
11:20 Free Energy Hours Plan
14:30 Solar + Battery Economics
16:30 Guest Intro: Jeff Sykes
18:15 Jeff’s Origin Story
24:30 AI in Solar Choice
32:30 Solar Choice Installer Vetting
35:00 EV Charging Podcast
37:20 Everything Electric Show Preview
43:40 Solar Quote Platforms
45:00 Lead Quality & SEO
53:10 Jeff’s Life in Byron
54:10 Tesla Rebates & Final Round
56:10 Nigel’s China Shoutout
57:25 Wrap-Up with Jeff
58:10 Sponsor Message

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Andrew Burgess from Solar Juice joins the podcast to discuss Australia’s renewable energy landscape — from the evolution of Solar Juice and its return to Australian ownership, to the rise of battery storage, electrification, and the future of sustainable energy innovation.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Southwell Solar Training—delivering practical, standards-based CPD that installers actually find useful. Their online courses cover real-world issues like defects, labelling, battery installation, and system upgrades, helping solar professionals stay compliant while building confidence on the job.

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice. 

00:00:00 Introduction and Energy Industry Catch-Up
00:01:31 Melbourne Weather and Upcoming Events
00:02:15 SIG Energy Update from Tasmania
00:03:45 Company Administration and Industry Struggles
00:06:05 Software Platforms and Market Challenges
00:06:41 Nigel’s Upcoming Solar Installation Plans
00:08:05 Electrification in Mining and Transport
00:09:45 Marine Batteries and Heavy Equipment Innovation
00:10:10 Introducing Guest — Andrew Burgess (Solar Juice)
00:11:00 Early Career and BP Solar Days
00:13:00 Founding of Solar Juice in 2009
00:15:00 Acquisition by SPI and Initial Growth
00:17:00 Share Collapse and Hard Lessons Learned
00:19:20 Operating Under a Parent Company
00:21:00 Loyalty, Culture and Team Legacy
00:22:00 Dolores and Industry Pioneers Remembered
00:24:10 Australian Ownership Restored at Solar Juice
00:26:30 Electrification and Partnerships with Fortescue
00:28:20 Cheaper Home Batteries Program Discussion
00:30:00 Government Briefings and Policy Insights
00:31:10 Supply Chain and Product Quality Concerns
00:33:00 Corporate Responsibility and ESG Compliance
00:36:10 Battery Stewardship and Recycling Programs
00:38:20 Sustainability and Long-Term Accountability
00:39:45 Company Culture and Employee Retention
00:42:00 Trade Shows and Customer Engagement
00:44:00 Family Values and Relationship Building
00:45:30 Creative Marketing and Brand Innovation
00:46:50 Battery Program Margins and Market Pressure
00:47:45 Government Rebates and Industry Impact
00:50:00 Future of Solar and Electrification Trends
00:52:30 Work-Life Balance and Personal Reflection
00:54:00 Lessons on Business Growth and Adaptation
00:54:30 Final Comments and Tesla Energy Update
00:55:30 Industry Networking and Tesla Initiatives
00:56:20 Labour Demand and Installer Shortages
00:56:45 Nigel’s Reflections on Podcasting and Family
00:57:30 Closing Remarks from Andrew Burgess
00:58:00 Farewell and All-Energy Expo Invitation

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This week, we’re joined by Andrew "Mitch" Mitchell from Franklin WH for a wide-ranging chat on where the renewable energy sector is heading. From solar tech innovation and battery design to compliance hurdles and the evolution of virtual power plants, Mitch brings his trademark mix of insight, humour and industry know-how to the table.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Southwell Solar Training—delivering practical, standards-based CPD that installers actually find useful. Their online courses cover real-world issues like defects, labelling, battery installation, and system upgrades, helping solar professionals stay compliant while building confidence on the job.

Click here to check out Karl's guest appearance on Shameless Plug w/ Saul Griffith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWffaesEPmo

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice. 

00:00:00 Introduction and Catch-Up
00:01:31 Victorian Solar Rebate Update
00:05:01 Australia Leading in Renewable Tech
00:06:57 SIG Energy Installation Issues in Tasmania
00:10:05 Nigel’s Solar Plans as a Renter
00:12:28 Electrification and Kyle’s Book Feature
00:14:10 All-Energy Expo and Heat Pump Mascot Idea
00:16:16 Introducing Guest Andrew “Mitch” Mitchell
00:17:29 Mitch’s Journey into Solar Energy
00:20:50 Early Battery Days and Funny Stories
00:21:50 From Enphase to Franklin Energy Journey
00:24:08 Product Compliance and Certification Challenges
00:26:14 Franklin Software and Industry Feedback
00:27:47 Franklin Battery Pitch and Benefits
00:30:12 The Case for AC-Coupled Solutions
00:32:55 Next for Franklin — Integration and VPPs
00:34:55 Working Groups and VPP Industry Push
00:37:17 The Real Cost of VPP Participation
00:38:10 Retailer and Customer VPP Experiences
00:39:51 Mitch on Battery Longevity and VPP Limits
00:40:10 Battery Longevity and Responsible Use
00:42:05 Education, Literacy, and Industry Gaps
00:45:15 “V2Pub” Concept and Battery Installation Feedback
00:49:30 Installer Experiences and On-the-Ground Insights
00:55:30 Punk Rock, Music, and Creative Energy
01:00:05 Mitch’s Music Journey and Industry Parallels
01:02:20 Final Round — Summer, EVs, and Industry Outlook
01:03:45 Shoutouts and Community Reflections
01:04:45 Industry Care and Hopeful Perspectives
01:06:15 Mitch’s Closing Reflections and Takeaways
01:07:20 Farewell

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This week the team sits down with Katie Tebbatt, General Manager at EcoVantage, to unpack the nuts and bolts of Australia’s booming battery and certificate market. From Tesla and GoodWe recalls to the realities of CER compliance, Katie cuts through the jargon and explains how carbon credits, LGCs, and rebates really shape the solar-battery landscape. Expect sharp insights, a few laughs, and a reminder that the renewables race is only just getting started. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Southwell Solar Training—delivering practical, standards-based CPD that installers actually find useful. Their online courses cover real-world issues like defects, labeling, battery installation, and system upgrades, helping solar professionals stay compliant while building confidence on the job. 

Regarding the new VIC scheme:

https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecovantage.com.au%2Ffeatures%2Fnew-veu-activity-announced-deemed-solar-incentives-for-non-residential-premises%2F&trk=flagship-messaging-web&messageThreadUrn=urn%3Ali%3AmessagingThread%3A2-ZWJiY2M3OGEtMTQ1MS00MmY2LWI4ZTctMWRmOThkZGU4YTAyXzEwMA%3D%3D&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_messaging_conversation_detail%3BKdrQV6q0Q721o9oEtCIdMg%3D%3D

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice. 

Send us Fan Mail

This episode we’re joined by Blair Pester (Winaico Australia) for a great chat about the industry, innovation, and what’s shaping the solar game in Australia. Tune in for another honest and insightful conversation with one of the best in the business. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Southwell Solar Training—delivering practical, standards-based CPD that installers actually find useful. Their online courses cover real-world issues like defects, labeling, battery installation, and system upgrades, helping solar professionals stay compliant while building confidence on the job. 

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice. 

Send us Fan Mail

Pat & Jo Southwell join us to unpack the state of inspections, the myths around labelling, and why real CPD matters. From running a family business to driving industry training and advocacy, they share what it takes to keep solar standards sharp as the industry shifts. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Southwell Solar Training—delivering practical, standards-based CPD that installers actually find useful. Their online courses cover real-world issues like defects, labeling, battery installation, and system upgrades, helping solar professionals stay compliant while building confidence on the job. 

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice. 

 0:00 – Intro & catching up with the crew
 2:00 – Nigel’s big life changes and new role at Smart Energy Council
 5:00 – Tindo Solar wins Sunshot Fund support
 7:00 – Battery sizing mistakes & system design challenges
 13:00 – Cashflow crunch from the battery boom
 17:00 – Welcoming Pat & Jo Southwell
 19:00 – How inspection changes hit their business
 20:30 – From inspections to turning systems on
 21:30 – How Pat & Jo got into solar
 23:30 – What’s holding Victoria back on batteries
 25:50 – Pat’s own mega solar + battery setup
 29:00 – The Solar Sidekicks podcast journey
 31:00 – Advocacy, emergency backstop & industry challenges
 37:30 – Launching Southwell Solar Training
 39:00 – The labeling minefield explained
 44:00 – Most popular courses & subscription model
 47:00 – Why CPD must be more than “beer and pizza nights”
 52:00 – Future training plans: apprentices, sales, and marketing
 56:00 – Closing thoughts & sponsor message 

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 The Woracle is back! Warwick Johnston from Sunwiz joins us to unpack the battery frenzy kicked off by the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. We chat install rates, shifting system sizes, South Australia’s storage dominance—and yes, there’s still room for spa jokes, good merch, and questionable fashion choices. 

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice. 

00:00 – Intro & Hosts catch up
08:47 – Smart Energy SA Conference recap
13:57 – Bunnings enters the solar market
19:00 – Guest introduction: Warwick Johnston
20:10 – Cheaper Home Batteries Program: First month data
23:52 – Battery installation trends & system sizes
26:10 – Top battery brands & market changes
28:19 – Hybrid inverters & supply chain challenges
30:10 – Retrofit batteries & customer demand
31:00 – Sizing batteries for real-world use
32:00 – Hot tub banter & energy use
32:38 – Battery pricing trends
35:37 – SIG Energy market share
39:15 – Battery costs & customer decisions
41:03 – State-by-state battery adoption
43:00 – South Australia leads in battery installs
44:30 – WA battery market challenges
50:30 – Clean Energy Council & industry policy
56:50 – Data, forecasts & advice for retailers
62:10 – Final thoughts & shoutouts
66:30 – Outro & next episode tease

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Just Another Solar Podcast is finally on video! For our first ever filmed episode, we’re joined by Lowana Smith from Schletter Australia to talk racking (yes, it can be exciting), battery rebate headaches, inverter compliance chaos, and the power of good engineering. Plus, we cover industry politics, warranty traps, and why labels get more love than safety. A cracking episode with laughs, insights, and a few proud parenting wins along the way. 

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice. 

Send us Fan Mail

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is live… but it's not all smooth sailing.  Brad Foletta from Solargain North East Victoria joins us to cut through the confusion—what's clear, what's not, and how installers can stay ahead. We also get into what makes the regional market tick and why one-size-fits-all never really fits. 

This episode is brought to you by Catch Power, the brains behind smarter solar. Whether it’s optimising self-consumption or taming complex installs, Catch Power gives installers the tools to take control. Learn more at catchpower.com.au. 

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice. 

Send us Fan Mail

With the Cheaper Home Battery Program about to launch, Alan Hunter from NRN joined us to unpack their unique approach to delivering solar and batteries as a service. We also welcomed WA Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson for a chat about the state’s new battery rebate scheme, launching July 1. 

This episode is brought to you by Catch Power, the brains behind smarter solar. Whether it’s optimising self-consumption or taming complex installs, Catch Power gives installers the tools to take control. Learn more at catchpower.com.au. 

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice.