Episode 3, Season 2 – Building a Solar Business with Brad Teasdale (Teaslec Energy Solutions)
In this episode, Pat & Lauren sit down with Brad Teasdale, founder of Teaslec, to talk about his journey into the solar industry—from starting as an apprentice sparky to building a thriving business. Brad shares how his dad, a plumber, inspired him to take the tradie path and how he’s shaped Teaslec into a flexible, motivated, and well-trained team.

We dive into his philosophy on training staff, keeping employees engaged, and the big debate: subbies vs. in-house teams (or a mix of both). Plus, Brad opens up about his approach to mental health, sharing his personal experiences and strategies for staying on top of the pressures of running a business.

A must-listen for tradies, business owners, and anyone navigating the solar game!

Episode 2, Season 2 – Ria O’Hehir: Navigating Solar Compliance & STCs
In this episode, co-hosts Pat and Lauren speak with Ria O’Hehir from Greenbank, one of Australia’s leading STC aggregators. Ria shares her journey in the solar industry, from working in her mum’s company to becoming a key player in the world of compliance and government incentives.

They explore the ever-evolving STC market, the challenges of solar compliance, and the potential for future government programs. Ria also discusses her experience as a board member of Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) and her perspective on the industry’s future.

A must-listen for anyone in the solar industry looking to stay ahead in the world of compliance and incentives.

Season 2 kicks off with a big change—Pat Southwell is now joined by new co-host Lauren Ciconte! In our first episode of 2025, we dive into the Victorian Emergency Backstop debacle, a policy that’s been causing major headaches for solar installers and retailers since its rollout on October 1st.

We’re joined by industry experts Nigel Morris, Bobbi McKibbin, and Matt Wilson to break down the key issues, including poor implementation, lack of industry consultation, and the absence of accountability from DNSPs.

What does this mean for the solar industry moving forward? Tune in to hear our guests’ insights and experiences with this controversial policy.

Tune into Episode 33 of Solar Sidekicks featuring Geoff Stapleton from GSES, a true stalwart of the small-scale solar industry. With multiple decades of experience, Geoff offers a compelling history lesson on the evolution of solar power. Known for his generosity in sharing knowledge, Geoff’s episode covers a wide array of topics, reflecting his deep involvement and the extensive contributions he has made to the industry. 
This chat with Geoff is an insightful journey through the solar landscape, showcasing his expertise and open-hearted approach to education and training in renewable energy.

Join us for Episode 32 of Solar Sidekicks, the fourth and final installment of our All Energy series. This episode features Tailah Mowat from Genr8 Electrical, a third-year apprentice whose decision to pursue a career in solar energy directly out of high school showcases her determination and solid technical knowledge. 

As a female electrician in a predominantly male-dominated field, Tailah brings a positive attitude, infectious personality, and a bright outlook on her future in the industry. Her journey highlights the unique and rewarding career paths available in the rapidly evolving world of solar energy.

Join us for Episode 31 of Solar Sidekicks with Steven Spring from Omnidian, the third installment of our All Energy series. In this episode, we explore Steven’s extensive journey in the solar industry, from his beginnings as an apprentice to his role as Operations Manager at Omnidian. Steven discusses the critical aspects of solar installation, such as the importance of rigorous testing and accurate record-keeping. This discussion offers a wealth of technical insights and showcases Steven’s deep understanding of industry standards and practices. Tune in for an enlightening session with one of the industry’s seasoned experts.

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks" for Episode 30, the second podcast of our All Energy series! This episode features Sophie Wright from OpenSolar. Sophie shares her recent transition into a new role at OpenSolar, detailing the unexpected changes with her previous business partner that prompted her to embark on a new professional chapter.
Sophie's approach to these changes exemplifies positivity, openness, and self-reflection, qualities that have not only shaped her career but also her personal growth. We delve into important topics like mental health within the solar industry, her pioneering journey with AWISE, and even touch on the lighter side of things like Thermomixes—drawing parallels between its community dynamics and those found within the solar industry.
Join us for an engaging and inspirational conversation with Sophie Wright, one of the solar industry's most influential figures, right here on "Solar Sidekicks"!

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! Episode 14 features an interview with Reece Kennedy from Total Solar Solutions. Join us in our Radio Carrum studio for a dynamic exploration of Reece's impressive career and the ins and outs of running a leading solar & battery business. In this episode, Reece shares his journey from subcontracting as an installer to owning and operating one of the top solar companies. We delve into the strategies he uses to keep his staff engaged and motivated, essential for maintaining a thriving business environment. Additionally, we engage in a great discussion on the importance of proper labelling in installations, a topic that's often overlooked but crucial for system integrity and compliance. Whether you're deeply entrenched in the solar sector or simply passionate about business management and regulatory developments, this episode offers a treasure trove of industry insights and motivational stories. We also have a chat to Michael Gibson from the Queensland ESO about mandatory solar inspections. Tune in to discover why Reece Kennedy is a respected figure in the solar industry and how his experiences are shaping the future of solar energy, right here on "Solar Sidekicks"!

Welcome to "Solar Sidekicks"! In Episode 29, the first of our All Energy series, we're joined by Lily Pejkic from Sydney Solar & Batteries. A veteran in the solar industry, Lily shares her insights on the challenging year the solar sector has faced, discussing the factors that have made it tough and offering strategies for resilience.

Lily highlights the unique solidarity of the solar community, emphasising how industry professionals support and uplift each other in ways unmatched in other sectors. We delve into her involvement with AWISE, an initiative that supports this spirit of community and mutual support, particularly among women in solar.

Additionally, we explore Lily's niche expertise in handling steep terracotta roof installations, a skill that has earned her a reputation as the go-to installer in challenging scenarios.

Tune in to hear Lily's valuable perspectives on overcoming adversity, community building, and technical excellence in solar installations, all here on "Solar Sidekicks"!

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! Episode 28 takes us remotely to Penrith, NSW, where we're joined by the ever-dynamic Jake Warner of Penrith Solar Centre. A familiar figure with an incredible journey in the solar industry, Jake shares the latest evolution at PSC, particularly their exciting move towards installing the Tesla Powerwall 3.

In this episode, Jake delves into the reasons behind choosing the Tesla Powerwall 3, discussing both the challenges and opportunities this shift presents. He provides an insightful look into the technical aspects, customer benefits, and the broader impact on PSC's service offerings.

We also take a broader look at the current state of the solar industry, reflecting on the challenges posed by a tough winter and the recent improvements in market conditions. Jake shares his thoughts on the impact of the NSW battery rebate and sets the stage for what we can expect at the upcoming All Energy Conference.

Tune in for a detailed and enlightening discussion that not only highlights Jake's innovative approach at Penrith Solar Centre but also paints a vivid picture of the evolving solar landscape in Australia, right here on "Solar Sidekicks"!Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! This episode, we're coming to you remotely from Penrith, NSW, featuring Jake Warner of Penrith Solar Centre. Jake discusses PSC's new venture into installing the Tesla Powerwall 3, exploring the reasons and expectations behind this evolution.

Jake offers insights into the current state of the solar industry, reflecting on recent challenges and emerging opportunities, including the impact of the NSW battery rebate. We also preview what's coming up at the All Energy Conference.

Tune in for a compelling look at the shifts within the solar industry and Penrith Solar Centre's innovative steps forward, all here on "Solar Sidekicks"!