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Andy McCarthy found passion for solar power as a high school dropout. He began one of Australia's biggest solar businesses, right in the heart of Victoria's coal country. But then a breakdown changed everything for Andy and his family
Andy McCarthy dropped out of high school in year 10. He was a highly energetic kid but found it difficult to latch onto any one thing for long.
Andy was happier out of school, and tried a whole lot of different jobs.
Then at 19, he connected his first solar panel and was suddenly fired up with a jolt of enthusiasm.
He set up a rooftop solar business right in the middle of coal country – in the LaTrobe Valley in Country Victoria.
Setting up a solar panel shop in a place surrounded by some of Australia’s biggest coal-fired power stations was always going to invite scepticism.
But Andy’s drive saw the business grow from a garage operation to one of the biggest employers in the area.
At the height of his success though, Andy suffered a breakdown that landed him in hospital – and he realised he would have to change, along with the rest of the planet.
Andy's story covers themes of neurodivergence, ADHD, ADD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, climate change, solar power, solar panels, batteries, small business, education, schooling, success, environmental issues, the economy, economic development, regional Australia and industry.
By ABC4.5
213213 ratings
Andy McCarthy found passion for solar power as a high school dropout. He began one of Australia's biggest solar businesses, right in the heart of Victoria's coal country. But then a breakdown changed everything for Andy and his family
Andy McCarthy dropped out of high school in year 10. He was a highly energetic kid but found it difficult to latch onto any one thing for long.
Andy was happier out of school, and tried a whole lot of different jobs.
Then at 19, he connected his first solar panel and was suddenly fired up with a jolt of enthusiasm.
He set up a rooftop solar business right in the middle of coal country – in the LaTrobe Valley in Country Victoria.
Setting up a solar panel shop in a place surrounded by some of Australia’s biggest coal-fired power stations was always going to invite scepticism.
But Andy’s drive saw the business grow from a garage operation to one of the biggest employers in the area.
At the height of his success though, Andy suffered a breakdown that landed him in hospital – and he realised he would have to change, along with the rest of the planet.
Andy's story covers themes of neurodivergence, ADHD, ADD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, climate change, solar power, solar panels, batteries, small business, education, schooling, success, environmental issues, the economy, economic development, regional Australia and industry.

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