Off The Grid

Off The Grid

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Off The Grid episodes

  • #010 - What It’s Really Like Getting A Home Solar System

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://use.sourceenergygroup.com.au/pod-ep10

    In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Ellen to break down the entire solar and battery installation process, from the first conversation to install day and after‑care. Homeowners often worry about disruption, timelines and trust, so this episode shows exactly what the real experience looks like and what to watch out for.

    ◼️ How the full solar and battery process works from start to finish

    ◼️ The red flags Ellen sees in the industry and how to avoid them

    ◼️ What homeowners should prepare for before designing their system

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 Introduction

    00:01:30 Pre‑Install Site Check and Quality Assurance

    00:01:44 Installation Day: Workmanship and System Walkthrough

    00:02:48 Ongoing Support and Monitoring

    00:03:24 Why Homeowners Delay Going Solar

    00:04:27 Ellen’s Background and Industry Experience

    00:06:11 Red Flags Ellen Has Seen in the Industry

    00:08:16 Why Follow‑Up, Installation and Aftercare Matter

    00:10:00 The Deposit Red Flag: 50–60% Upfront

    00:11:33 Missing the Rebate Due to Delayed Installs

    00:12:03 What Ellen Looks For Before Designing a System

    00:13:02 Renters’ Rebate and Investment Property Considerations

    00:14:23 Planning for EVs, Pools, Granny Flats and Future Usage

    00:15:12 Understanding Household Usage and Bills

    00:17:41 Using the Consumption Calculator To Show Real Usage

    00:18:52 Solar‑Only vs Solar + Battery: Export Losses

    00:20:01 Why Backup Capability and Inverter Choice Matter

    00:23:25 Kilowatts vs Kilowatt Hours Explained

    00:24:52 EV Charging and 3‑Phase vs Single‑Phase Differences

    00:26:24 Future Electrification and Planning Ahead

    00:27:24 Why Waiting Costs More: Rebates and Rising Power Prices

    Follow Source Energy Group:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

    37 min
  • #009 - How He Now Saves $1200 on His Electricity Bill

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://use.sourceenergygroup.com.au/pod-ep9

    In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Braden to walk through his full before‑and‑after journey, from $1250 quarterly bills and uncomfortable penny‑pinching to wiping out almost the entire bill with a premium solar and battery system.

    ◼️ His real usage and bills before solar

    ◼️ How the install went and what actually matters on install day

    ◼️ The exact savings he now sees and how he cut his bill to almost nothing

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 Introduction

    00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:06 Real Numbers vs Marketing Claims

    00:00:19 Sitting Down With Braden

    00:00:25 His Power Bills Before Solar

    00:01:25 Penny‑Pinching To Save $250–$300

    00:02:36 Comfort Sacrifices To Reduce Usage

    00:03:58 How Power Bills Controlled Daily Life

    00:04:37 Life After Installing Solar and Battery

    00:05:50 Bill Reduced To Supply Charge Only

    00:06:26 Daily Cost Breakdown: $13.33 Down To $1.33

    00:07:59 Free Power Windows and VPP Options

    00:11:00 Poor Install Quality in the Building Industry

    00:12:36 Cheap Installs Ruining Homes

    00:14:56 Overseas Call Centres and Low‑Quality Packages

    00:17:03 Install Day: Team, Weather and Quality

    00:19:23 Post‑Install Support and Battery Update Fix

    00:21:44 Timeframe From Signing To Install

    00:22:49 Importance of After‑Install Support

    00:23:31 Braden’s Mindset Before Solar

    00:24:37 Why He Always Believed in Solar

    00:25:13 Advice for Homeowners Choosing a Solar Company

    00:26:01 Why Bills Always Grow Without Solar

    00:26:48 Government Rebates and Snoozing Costs

    00:27:35 Why Waiting Means Paying for Everyone Else’s Rebate

    Follow Source Energy Group:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

    Follow Braden Nolan:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-nolan-8340bb368/

    29 min
  • #008 - Dodgy Installs, Fake Savings, Experts Reveal The Doggiest Solar Operators.

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://use.sourceenergygroup.com.au/pod-ep8

    Power bills are rising even when usage is dropping, dodgy installs are still happening, and homeowners are left wondering what’s real.

    In this new episode, Jason and Cam react to viral clips, industry claims and everyday stories, showing what solar and batteries actually change.

    ◼️ Why window tinting and “better offers” don’t solve the cost‑of‑living squeeze

    ◼️ How cowboy installs, sales tactics and overseas call centres keep burning homeowners

    ◼️ Why properly designed solar and battery systems cut bills and protect against inflation

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 Introduction

    00:00:42 - Solar and Battery Installation Benefits

    00:01:22 - Importance of Bird Proofing Solar Panels

    00:02:01 - Choosing a Good Solar System and Installer

    00:02:11 - Issues with Solar Installations

    00:02:54 - Rising Electricity Bills Despite Lower Usage

    00:04:09 - Inflation and Electricity Costs

    00:04:39 - Window Tinting vs. Solar and Battery Systems

    00:06:14 - Questionable Solar Sales Practices

    00:07:09 - Better Offer Notices on Power Bills

    00:07:50 - Challenges of Switching Electricity Providers

    00:08:48 - Electricity Price Reductions in Queensland

    Follow Source Energy Group:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

    11 min
  • #007 - How To Assess If A Solar Installer Is Dodgy

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://use.sourceenergygroup.com.au/pod-ep7

    The solar industry has a massive trust problem, and most homeowners only realise it once something goes wrong.

    In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Braden to break down the exact red flags that help you spot a dodgy installer before you sign anything.

    ◼️ Why 50% deposits signal cash flow issues and high risk

    ◼️ How product overload, overseas call centres and contractor swaps expose poor operators

    ◼️ Why site inspections, spare tiles, workmanship warranties and consistent products matter

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 Introduction

    00:00:43 - Red Flags: High Deposits and Financial Instability

    00:01:52 - Supplier Relationships and Product Knowledge

    00:02:28 - Warning Signs: Too Many Product Options

    00:03:30 - Importance of Specialization in Solar Products

    00:04:20 - Pre-Installation Site Inspections

    00:05:32 - Common Installation Issues: Roof Damage and Repairs

    00:06:11 - The Importance of Accurate Site Assessments

    00:07:58 - Shading Issues and Their Impact on Solar Design

    00:10:40 - Designing Systems for Future Energy Needs

    00:12:07 - Understanding Energy Bills and Savings

    00:13:06 - Supply Charge Increases Post-Solar Installation

    00:14:11 - Monitoring Energy Usage with Apps

    00:16:29 - The Role of Customer Support and Communication

    00:18:30 - Red Flags: Overseas Call Centers and Cost-Cutting

    00:20:09 - Reviewing Customer Feedback and Experiences

    Follow Source Energy Group:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

    Follow Braden Nolan:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-nolan-8340bb368/

    23 min
  • #006 - Is Solar A Scam? (Experts Reveal The Math)

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://use.sourceenergygroup.com.au/pod-ep6

    Solar gets called a scam every day, but the truth only shows up when you look at the maths.

    In this new episode, Jason and Cam break down why the industry feels messy and what actually drives the confusion.

    ◼️ Why most “solar is a scam” stories come from bad installs, not the technology

    ◼️ How payback periods, rebates and zero upfront finance really work

    ◼️ Why proper design and long term support make or break your outcome

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 Introduction

    00:00:31 - Understanding Solar Payback Periods

    00:01:00 - Return on Investment in Solar

    00:01:55 - Impact of Adding Batteries to Solar Systems

    00:03:08 - Comparing Solar ROI to Other Investments

    00:03:52 - Government Rebates and Upfront Discounts

    00:04:38 - Financing Options for Solar Installations

    00:05:24 - Insurance and Maintenance Concerns

    00:06:15 - Maintenance Requirements for Solar Systems

    00:06:56 - Issues with Pushy Sales Tactics

    00:07:36 - Importance of Proper Energy Audits

    00:08:43 - Pre-Installation Site Inspections

    00:09:50 - Differentiating Price and Long-Term Cost

    00:10:33 - Market Segments in the Solar Industry

    00:12:07 - Challenges for New Solar Installers

    00:12:50 - Mid to High-End Market Support

    00:14:17 - Long-Term Customer Support and Satisfaction

    Follow Source Energy Group:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

    16 min
  • #005 - Can Solar Can Save You From The Cost Of Living CRISIS?

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://use.sourceenergygroup.com.au/pod-ep5

    In this new episode of Off The Grid, Jason and Cam break down whether solar can genuinely protect Australian households from rising inflation and the cost of living crisis.

    They unpack the numbers behind power price hikes, battery value, and why homeowners with solar are seeing far smaller increases than everyone else.

    ◼️ How solar acts as an inflation shield when grid prices rise

    ◼️ Why batteries matter as feed‑in tariffs disappear

    ◼️ The real return on investment compared with inflation and offset accounts

    ◼️ How financing can lock in a fixed energy cost for up to ten years

    ◼️ Why solar and batteries can increase home value and rental appeal

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 Introduction

    00:00:29 - Solar as an Inflation Shield

    00:00:50 - Impact of Solar on Power Bills

    00:01:47 - Decline of Feed-in Tariffs

    00:02:15 - Storing Power with Batteries

    00:03:00 - Return on Investment for Solar

    00:03:47 - Financial Benefits of Solar vs. Mortgage Offset

    00:05:02 - Financing Solar Systems

    00:07:14 - Long-term Savings with Solar

    00:07:25 - Solar as a Home Value Add

    00:08:11 - Solar for Rental Properties

    00:08:27 - Return on Investment Comparison

    00:09:31 - Savings Over a 10-Year Period

    00:10:11 - Compounding Savings with Solar

    Follow Source Energy Group:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

    11 min
  • #004 - The TRUTH Behind Three Hours of Free Power

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://use.sourceenergygroup.com.au/pod-ep4

    In this new episode, Jason and Cam react to viral clips on power prices, coal exports, and the government’s three‑hour free power scheme. They cut through the noise to show what’s really driving the confusion.

    This episode covers:

    ◼️ Why “cheap renewables” don’t match rising bills

    ◼️ The contradiction between Australia’s coal exports and local costs

    ◼️ The catch behind three hours of free power

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 Introduction

    00:00:11 - Government Spending on Renewable Energy

    00:00:30 - Federal Government's Renewable Energy Requirements

    00:00:47 - Impact on Electricity Retailers and Homeowners

    00:01:19 - The Myth of Cheap Renewables

    00:01:38 - Australia's Coal Exports and Energy Costs

    00:02:15 - Comparison of Power Costs: Australia vs. China

    00:02:58 - Government's Solar Sharer Scheme

    00:03:25 - Hidden Costs of the Solar Sharer Scheme

    00:04:50 - Unsafe Work Practices in the Renewable Industry

    00:05:11 - Reasons for High Power Bills

    00:05:42 - Gas Prices and Their Impact on Electricity Costs

    00:06:42 - Future of Power Prices and Renewable Energy

    00:07:08 - Australia's Natural Resources and Energy Policy

    00:07:26 - Excess Solar Power and Free Electricity

    00:08:27 - Economics of the Solar Share Offer

    00:09:07 - Regional Launch of the Solar Share Offer

    00:09:44 - Solar Subsidies and Battery Uptake

    00:10:07 - The Need for Battery Storage

    Follow Source Energy Group:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

    11 min
  • #003 - How He Reduced His Power Bill From $1,800 To $0

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://use.sourceenergygroup.com.au/pod-ep3

    In this episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Jamie, a Queensland homeowner who went from thinking solar was a scam to eliminating his $1,800 quarterly power bills entirely.

    This episode covers:

    ◼️ Why a massive $1,800 power bill isn't something you just have to accept

    ◼️ The exact system size required to run ducted air conditioning 24/7 without paying for it

    ◼️ How smart battery storage completely changes the financial return of solar

    ◼️ What to look for to avoid dodgy installers and ensure your system lasts

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 Introduction

    00:00:18 Meet Jamie

    00:01:00 Why Jamie Originally Thought Solar Was A Scam

    00:01:44 Breaking Down An $1,800 Quarterly Power Bill

    00:03:24 The Design Process And Financial Payoff

    00:04:47 Why Batteries Are The Real Game Changer

    00:05:21 Getting Paid To Export Power At Night

    00:06:15 Sizing The System For A 4-Bedroom Home

    00:08:29 The Problem With Off-The-Shelf Solar Packages

    00:09:14 Real-Time System Monitoring And Performance

    00:11:21 Why Customer Service And Aftercare Matter

    00:12:35 Advice For Homeowners Still Skeptical About Solar

    00:14:38 Comparing Energy Retailers For The Best Return

    00:16:17 How To Spot Shonky Solar Companies Online

    00:17:59 The Exact Moment Solar Made Sense For Jamie

    00:19:28 Is Solar Worth It If Your Roof Isn't Perfect?

    00:21:26 The 3 Things Every Homeowner Must Look For

    Follow Source Energy Group:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

    23 min
  • #002 - 5 Solar Mistakes That Cost Home Owners Thousands

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://use.sourceenergygroup.com.au/pod-ep2

    https://special.sourceenergygroup.com.au/opt-in-apple-org

    In this new episode, Jason and Cam reveal the five solar mistakes that cost homeowners thousands, and how to avoid them before you sign anything.

    This episode covers:

    ◼️ Off‑the‑shelf solar packages and why they fail

    ◼️ Undersized and oversized systems that drain your savings

    ◼️ Sending excess power to the grid instead of storing it

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 Introduction

    00:00:18 - Mistake 1

    00:03:41 - Understanding Solar System Sizes

    00:05:01 - Marketing Schemes in Solar Industry

    00:07:00 - Long-Term Issues with Cheap Packages

    00:07:34 - Mistake 2

    00:09:16 - Misconceptions About Solar Effectiveness

    00:10:23 - Educating Customers on Solar

    00:12:27 - Mistake 3

    00:13:09 - Financial Implications of Oversized Systems

    00:13:53 - Government Rebates and Battery Storage

    00:14:38 - Mistake 4

    00:15:29 - Undersized and Oversized Batteries

    00:16:26 - Importance of Proper Energy Audits

    00:17:21 - Mistake 5

    00:18:09 - Technological Advances in Solar Panels

    00:19:44 - South-Facing Panels and Production

    00:21:34 - Key Questions to Ask When Considering Solar

    00:22:04 - Designing Systems for Individual Homes

    Follow Source Energy Group:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

    24 min
  • #001 - Massive Solar Shift Coming July 1 (Prepare Now)

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://use.sourceenergygroup.com.au/pod-ep1

    https://special.sourceenergygroup.com.au/opt-in-apple-org

    Electricity rules in Australia change on July 1st, and what looks like “three hours of free power” could actually push bills higher if you’re not set up correctly. In this first episode of the Source Energy Group, Jason and Cam break down the hidden details behind the solar share offer, revealing why most homeowners miss the bigger picture unless they take action.

    This episode covers:

    ◼️ Why three hours of “free power” could cost more than it saves

    ◼️ How rebates, tariffs, and supply charges are shifting

    ◼️ The smart moves early adopters are making to lock in savings

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 Introduction

    00:01:18 - Introduction to the Solar Share Offer

    00:02:05 - Hidden Costs of the Solar Share Offer

    00:02:22 - Effect on Non-EV Owners and Battery-less Homes

    00:03:35 - Benefits of Solar and Battery Storage

    00:04:26 - Daily Supply Charges and Grid Connection Fees

    00:05:01 - Virtual Power Plants (VPP) as a Solution

    00:06:39 - Selling Power Back to the Grid

    00:07:31 - Real-life Examples of Solar and VPP Benefits

    00:08:10 - Government Rebates and Early Adopters

    00:09:16 - Long-term Benefits of Solar Installation

    00:10:17 - Impact of Battery Rebate Budget Cuts

    00:11:33 - Realistic Expectations for Power Bill Reduction

    00:12:53 - Addressing Common Concerns About Solar Installation

    00:13:25 - Financial Benefits of Solar Over Time

    Follow Source Energy Group:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

    15 min

About Off The Grid

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Welcome to Off The Grid, the Source Energy Group podcast hosted by Jason Cooke and Cam Fitch.

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