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Andrew Burgess from Solar Juice joins the podcast to discuss Australia’s renewable energy landscape — from the evolution of Solar Juice and its return to Australian ownership, to the rise of battery storage, electrification, and the future of sustainable energy innovation.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Southwell Solar Training—delivering practical, standards-based CPD that installers actually find useful. Their online courses cover real-world issues like defects, labelling, battery installation, and system upgrades, helping solar professionals stay compliant while building confidence on the job.

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice.

00:00:00 Introduction and Energy Industry Catch-Up
00:01:31 Melbourne Weather and Upcoming Events
00:02:15 SIG Energy Update from Tasmania
00:03:45 Company Administration and Industry Struggles
00:06:05 Software Platforms and Market Challenges
00:06:41 Nigel’s Upcoming Solar Installation Plans
00:08:05 Electrification in Mining and Transport
00:09:45 Marine Batteries and Heavy Equipment Innovation
00:10:10 Introducing Guest — Andrew Burgess (Solar Juice)
00:11:00 Early Career and BP Solar Days
00:13:00 Founding of Solar Juice in 2009
00:15:00 Acquisition by SPI and Initial Growth
00:17:00 Share Collapse and Hard Lessons Learned
00:19:20 Operating Under a Parent Company
00:21:00 Loyalty, Culture and Team Legacy
00:22:00 Dolores and Industry Pioneers Remembered
00:24:10 Australian Ownership Restored at Solar Juice
00:26:30 Electrification and Partnerships with Fortescue
00:28:20 Cheaper Home Batteries Program Discussion
00:30:00 Government Briefings and Policy Insights
00:31:10 Supply Chain and Product Quality Concerns
00:33:00 Corporate Responsibility and ESG Compliance
00:36:10 Battery Stewardship and Recycling Programs
00:38:20 Sustainability and Long-Term Accountability
00:39:45 Company Culture and Employee Retention
00:42:00 Trade Shows and Customer Engagement
00:44:00 Family Values and Relationship Building
00:45:30 Creative Marketing and Brand Innovation
00:46:50 Battery Program Margins and Market Pressure
00:47:45 Government Rebates and Industry Impact
00:50:00 Future of Solar and Electrification Trends
00:52:30 Work-Life Balance and Personal Reflection
00:54:00 Lessons on Business Growth and Adaptation
00:54:30 Final Comments and Tesla Energy Update
00:55:30 Industry Networking and Tesla Initiatives
00:56:20 Labour Demand and Installer Shortages
00:56:45 Nigel’s Reflections on Podcasting and Family
00:57:30 Closing Remarks from Andrew Burgess
00:58:00 Farewell and All-Energy Expo Invitation

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This week, we’re joined by Andrew "Mitch" Mitchell from Franklin WH for a wide-ranging chat on where the renewable energy sector is heading. From solar tech innovation and battery design to compliance hurdles and the evolution of virtual power plants, Mitch brings his trademark mix of insight, humour and industry know-how to the table.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Southwell Solar Training—delivering practical, standards-based CPD that installers actually find useful. Their online courses cover real-world issues like defects, labelling, battery installation, and system upgrades, helping solar professionals stay compliant while building confidence on the job.

Click here to check out Karl's guest appearance on Shameless Plug w/ Saul Griffith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWffaesEPmo

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice.

00:00:00 Introduction and Catch-Up
00:01:31 Victorian Solar Rebate Update
00:05:01 Australia Leading in Renewable Tech
00:06:57 SIG Energy Installation Issues in Tasmania
00:10:05 Nigel’s Solar Plans as a Renter
00:12:28 Electrification and Kyle’s Book Feature
00:14:10 All-Energy Expo and Heat Pump Mascot Idea
00:16:16 Introducing Guest Andrew “Mitch” Mitchell
00:17:29 Mitch’s Journey into Solar Energy
00:20:50 Early Battery Days and Funny Stories
00:21:50 From Enphase to Franklin Energy Journey
00:24:08 Product Compliance and Certification Challenges
00:26:14 Franklin Software and Industry Feedback
00:27:47 Franklin Battery Pitch and Benefits
00:30:12 The Case for AC-Coupled Solutions
00:32:55 Next for Franklin — Integration and VPPs
00:34:55 Working Groups and VPP Industry Push
00:37:17 The Real Cost of VPP Participation
00:38:10 Retailer and Customer VPP Experiences
00:39:51 Mitch on Battery Longevity and VPP Limits
00:40:10 Battery Longevity and Responsible Use
00:42:05 Education, Literacy, and Industry Gaps
00:45:15 “V2Pub” Concept and Battery Installation Feedback
00:49:30 Installer Experiences and On-the-Ground Insights
00:55:30 Punk Rock, Music, and Creative Energy
01:00:05 Mitch’s Music Journey and Industry Parallels
01:02:20 Final Round — Summer, EVs, and Industry Outlook
01:03:45 Shoutouts and Community Reflections
01:04:45 Industry Care and Hopeful Perspectives
01:06:15 Mitch’s Closing Reflections and Takeaways
01:07:20 Farewell

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This week the team sits down with Katie Tebbatt, General Manager at EcoVantage, to unpack the nuts and bolts of Australia’s booming battery and certificate market. From Tesla and GoodWe recalls to the realities of CER compliance, Katie cuts through the jargon and explains how carbon credits, LGCs, and rebates really shape the solar-battery landscape. Expect sharp insights, a few laughs, and a reminder that the renewables race is only just getting started.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Southwell Solar Training—delivering practical, standards-based CPD that installers actually find useful. Their online courses cover real-world issues like defects, labeling, battery installation, and system upgrades, helping solar professionals stay compliant while building confidence on the job.

Regarding the new VIC scheme:

https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecovantage.com.au%2Ffeatures%2Fnew-veu-activity-announced-deemed-solar-incentives-for-non-residential-premises%2F&trk=flagship-messaging-web&messageThreadUrn=urn%3Ali%3AmessagingThread%3A2-ZWJiY2M3OGEtMTQ1MS00MmY2LWI4ZTctMWRmOThkZGU4YTAyXzEwMA%3D%3D&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_messaging_conversation_detail%3BKdrQV6q0Q721o9oEtCIdMg%3D%3D

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice.