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.