Solar Sidekicks Podcast

Batteries, VPPs & the Future of Home Electrification

This week on Solar Sidekicks, we're deep-diving into the world of virtual power plants (VPPs), dynamic energy systems, and home electrification with Tom Gay, Sales Manager at Origin Energy.

Recorded in the heart of Melbourne at Origin HQ, Pat and Lauren sit down with Tom to unpack how battery storage, VPPs, and evolving consumer habits are reshaping the energy landscape — from the early days of disco-light signal rooms (yep, really) to AI-powered energy orchestration.

We talk:

    •    VPP myths vs. reality

    •    Battery plan transparency and customer control

    •    Origin’s expanding suite of battery-friendly retail plans

    •    Community batteries, EV charging, and hot water load shifting

    •    What’s next in the energy transition — and Origin’s role in it

A smart, fun, and future-focused convo — and one of our most informative episodes to date.

S2E18 – Flipping the Mic: The Untold Story of Pat Southwell

In the most-requested episode of Solar Sidekicks yet, Lauren flips the mic and interviews her co-host Pat Southwell — and it’s an absolute belter.

From dropping out of school and working in a Kmart warehouse at 15, to becoming a licensed electrical inspector, CEC insider, solar trainer, and respected industry voice — Pat gets real about the winding path he took to get where he is now.

There are no filters here — just a raw, honest, and often hilarious chat about the early trade days, working with his (left-handed wire-twisting) dad, his A-Grade setbacks, industry war stories, battery gray areas, and how the solar coaster nearly flung him off a few times.

💬 In this episode:

• The real story behind Pat’s start in solar
• Life before and after the CEC
• Southwell Solar Training and what’s next
• Why Melbourne’s “inspector shortage” might be BS
• Grey-area battery rules, CER madness & 6 selfie frustrations
• R U OK? Day reminders and mental health in the trade
• WorkSafe surprise visits (and how to handle a dob-in)
• True Value Solar, ground-mount chaos, and career curveballs
• The hilarious twist of how Lauren got nominated for a Solar Cutters Award (👀)

This one’s big, bold, and completely unfiltered — equal parts origin story, industry breakdown, and inspo for anyone who's ever felt like they’re winging it, burning out, or finding their way in solar the long way round.

Real talk. Trade talk. Solar Sidekicks at its raw best.

S2E18 – Flipping the Mic: The Untold Story of Pat Southwell

In the most-requested episode of Solar Sidekicks yet, Lauren flips the mic and interviews her co-host Pat Southwell — and it’s an absolute belter.

From dropping out of school and working in a Kmart warehouse at 15, to becoming a licensed electrical inspector, CEC insider, solar trainer, and respected industry voice — Pat gets real about the winding path he took to get where he is now.

There are no filters here — just a raw, honest, and often hilarious chat about the early trade days, working with his (left-handed wire-twisting) dad, his A-Grade setbacks, industry war stories, battery gray areas, and how the solar coaster nearly flung him off a few times.

💬 In this episode:

• The real story behind Pat’s start in solar
• Life before and after the CEC
• Southwell Solar Training and what’s next
• Why Melbourne’s “inspector shortage” might be BS
• Grey-area battery rules, CER madness & 6 selfie frustrations
• R U OK? Day reminders and mental health in the trade
• WorkSafe surprise visits (and how to handle a dob-in)
• True Value Solar, ground-mount chaos, and career curveballs
• The hilarious twist of how Lauren got nominated for a Solar Cutters Award (👀)

This one’s big, bold, and completely unfiltered — equal parts origin story, industry breakdown, and inspo for anyone who's ever felt like they’re winging it, burning out, or finding their way in solar the long way round.

Real talk. Trade talk. Solar Sidekicks at its raw best.

It’s our 50th! Pat and Lauren welcome Ben Wright (Solar Victoria) for a practical, no-spin tour of what’s working—and what’s not—in Victoria’s residential solar and battery programs.

We dig into current audit data (80% compliant; unsafe <0.1%), the drop in audit rates thanks to quality lifts, and the #1 battery defect: labeling. We also cover heat-pump rebates (up to $1,400 incl. local-manufacture bonus), Solar for Apartments phase two, a new ceiling-insulation incentive via VEU, and how Solar Vic coordinates with ESV to avoid double-audits.

Safety and consumer protection get real airtime: edge protection, WorkSafe QR check-ins, no door-knocking/telemarketing, and why new-build rebates are changing the game. Ben also shouts out the toolbox talks and checklists installers can use anywhere in Australia.

Season 2, Episode 16 — Solar Integrity with Luke Fraser, Brett Emo & Bobbi McKibbin

We’re back in Wodonga, recording inside Solar Integrity for a special triple-guest episode.

First, Luke Fraser talks life as lead electrician — from BYD batteries and Franklin WH trials to the contrasts between Sydney installs and regional Victoria, off-grid quirks, and his Fronius-sponsored trip to Europe.

Next, Brett Emo shares his customer-first approach, the value of 15 years of repeat business, how to counter dodgy sales pitches, and his take on the new Victorian battery rebate pipeline.

Finally, Bobbi McKibbin wraps up with trademark honesty — from rebate-season chaos and border-town realities to community-driven projects and her favourite moments from 49 episodes of Solar Sidekicks.

In this episode:

    •    Navigating the July 1 battery rebate launch

    •    Why regional installs are a whole different game

    •    Off-grid headaches (hint: usually the generator)

    •    Customer rapport tips that actually work

    •    Community energy wins from Yackandandah

A lively mix of technical insight, business reality, and industry connection — all with plenty of laughs and regional charm.

This week, Solar Sidekicks are in Albury-Wodonga with solar business owner Justin Lewis from Peak Energy Group—a sharp operator leading from the front in regional Victoria.
We explore the battery rebate surge, the culture-first mindset behind Justin’s team, and the very real challenges of getting inspectors in regional areas. From licensing red tape to EV charger mishaps and staff bonus systems that actually make sense, this episode is packed with practical insight and strong opinions.
Equal parts laughs and leadership—this one’s a must-listen for anyone who gives a damn about doing solar the right way.

This week, the Solar Sidekicks hit the road and welcome a special guest who’s as passionate about clean energy as he is charismatic on camera. Roshan Ramnarain—entrepreneur, TV presenter, and CEO of Energy Matters—joins Pat and Lauren for a wide-ranging chat about the solar rollercoaster: from his early days knocking on doors in the UK to leading one of Australia’s most recognisable renewable media platforms.

Learn how Open Homes Australia became a surprising stage for solar advocacy, why Roshan jumped in front of the camera (literally), and what it really takes to turn curiosity into consumer empowerment. He also shares why the Energy Matters story might be ready for its next chapter—if you’re interested in taking the reins, give him a shout.

Expect big laughs, real stories, a little football banter—and some straight talk about making solar sexy again.

Pat and Lauren are back on the mics and bracing for the industry shake-ups ahead. In this high-energy episode, they chat with George from REST Energy — better known now as The Tassie Solar Man — to congratulate him on launching his brand-new podcast and to hear what life’s like in the solar trenches down in Hobart.

Meanwhile, both hosts come off the long run this week — and let’s just say a few organisations and old industry habits end up firmly in the gun. From the looming battery rebate chaos to warranty woes and installer burnout, nothing’s off-limits.

Candid, passionate, and packed with laughs and leadership — this is your essential solar debrief before the rebate rollercoaster truly begins. 

We’re crossing the border for this one. In Season 2, Episode 12 of Solar Sidekicks, Pat and Lauren set their sights on New South Wales — where the rollout of the new battery rebate (yep, we’re talking the PDRS: Peak Demand Reduction Scheme) has sparked confusion, delays, and more than a few admin headaches.

Joining the chat:
 - Bridgette from Peak Energy Group shares her day-to-day battle with dropped PRC prices, shifting paperwork, and that all-too-familiar cash flow crunch.
- Kat from Greenbank offers the aggregator perspective — from the steep learning curve to how they’re helping tradies stay compliant and get paid.
-  Richard from Global Solar Brokers tells it straight: the site maps, the photos, the delays, and the impact on regional solar businesses trying to do the right thing.

And just for something different… Pat makes another passionate plea for mandatory inspections in NSW (who saw that coming?).

This episode’s all about solidarity — hearing from those in the trenches, calling out the chaos, and backing our mates trying to make clean energy work across state lines.

🎧 Give it a listen. NSW, we’ve got your back. 

In this jam-packed episode of Solar Sidekicks, Pat and Lauren hit record from Pat’s new place and welcome a long-awaited guest: the one and only Kosta from Solar Cutters! From cutting his teeth in wholesale to building one of the industry’s most respected communities, Kosta shares his path, his philosophy on sustainable business, and where Solar Cutters is heading next. 

The crew dive into everything from the upcoming battery rebate rollout (officially locked in thanks to the federal election result) to zero-dollar battery deals, compliance chaos, and what it takes to build a solar business that actually lasts.

Pat comes off the long run and lines up a few usual suspects—including those still insisting on running training sessions on Saturdays (you’ve been warned). There’s also plenty of scooter mayhem, spa talk, industry insight, and a Solar Sidekicks Family discount code for the Frankston Roadshow.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube
🗓️ Don’t miss the May 22 Frankston Roadshow – free ticket code in the ep!