Send a text

In this episode, we unpack what’s really happening in Australia’s solar and battery market — from record-breaking renewable penetration and the rush on batteries ahead of rebate changes, to the growing complexity of VPPs, compliance, and customer expectations.

Joined by Merrily Hunter from Mac Trade Services, we dive into how VPP programs actually work across different states, why inconsistent regulations and shifting retailer targets are creating friction, and how data, automation, and customer support are becoming just as critical as hardware as the energy transition speeds up.

This episode is proudly brought to you by GoodWe Australia, a trusted partner to Australian solar retailers and installers, delivering reliable inverter and energy storage solutions designed for real-world conditions and backed by a strong local team.

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.

0:03:50 Podcast Feedback Debate
0:07:10 Renewables Hit Majority
0:10:45 Battery Boom Before May
0:14:40 Market After Rebates
0:16:40 Bunnings Battery Debate
0:18:55 Industry Support Stories
0:21:20 Guest Introduction
0:24:30 What Mack Trade Does
0:28:10 VPP Programs Explained
0:32:50 Battery Owner Expectations
0:36:30 Invisible Savings Problem
0:39:30 Retailer Targets Delayed
0:44:10 Price Variation Events
0:49:55 Compliance Across States
0:54:20 AI & Customer Support
0:58:40 Accessibility & Hardship
1:02:05 Final Reflections
1:06:40 Wrap-Up & Thanks

Send a text

Carlos Garcia from Amber Electric joins Just Another Solar Podcast to break down how Australia’s wholesale electricity market really works — including negative pricing, smart energy usage, batteries, EVs, and why real-time data is becoming critical for both households and installers. We unpack the growing disconnect between traditional retail models and wholesale pricing, the challenges around transparency, and what the energy transition actually means on the ground for consumers and the trade as the grid gets more complex.

This episode is proudly brought to you by GoodWe Australia, supporting Australian solar retailers and installers with reliable inverters and energy storage solutions built for real-world conditions and backed by a strong local presence.

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.

Episode chapters

1:00:00 Intro & Welcome Back

1:03:00 Industry Catch-Up After the Break

1:07:30 Customer Calls, Friends & Family

1:12:00 Solar Industry Burnout & Workload

1:14:00 Episode 100 Milestone

1:16:45 Sponsors & Installer Training

1:17:55 Introducing the Guest: Carlos Garcia

1:21:30 Amber Electric Overview

1:25:10 Wholesale Pricing Explained

1:29:45 Negative Pricing & Smart Usage

1:34:40 Real-World Energy Use Examples

1:38:10 Batteries, EVs & Load Shifting

1:42:00 Australian Solar Manufacturing

1:46:30 Data Access & Installer Trust

1:50:30 Battery Sales & Referral Concerns

1:55:10 System Efficiency & Energy Loss

1:00:00 Final Questions & Industry Warnings

1:02:10 Closing Thoughts & Thanks

Send a text

It’s the year of the battery… and everything’s on fire (mostly metaphorically).

Luke, Nigel, Jess and Karl rip into Australia’s battery boom — unpacking rebate changes, installer sign-off limits, AC vs DC battery beef, free-power price signals, and why half the country wants a home battery immediately.

Along the way they call out dodgy installs, argue about who actually owns the mess when systems break, debate whether vehicle-to-grid is finally ready (or still dreaming), question remote shutdowns, recycling, and admit — reluctantly — that every monitoring app still kind of sucks.

Plus: winners and losers for the year, Spotify Wrapped banter, EV charging confusion, free electricity windows, and some very bold predictions for 2026.

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 Welcome and End-of-Year Energy
00:01:14 Battery Boom Reality Check
00:02:02 Rebate Changes Explained
00:04:22 AC vs DC Battery Debate
00:05:09 Broken Systems and Blame
00:07:34 Responsibility and Ownership
00:09:19 Installer Limits and Sign-Off Rules
00:12:19 Distributor Discounts Discussion
00:15:02 The Year of the Battery
00:16:33 Electrify Everything Momentum
00:18:26 Battery Safety and Remote Shutdowns
00:19:26 Recycling and End-of-Life Challenges
00:21:09 Winners of the Year
00:22:37 Losers and Missed Opportunities
00:23:14 Vehicle-to-Grid Reality Check
00:27:08 Free Power and Tariff Signals
00:29:32 Spotify Wrapped Banter
00:32:05 Monitoring Apps and User Frustration
00:35:31 EV Charging Confusion
00:38:56 Predictions for 2026
00:42:39 Politics and Energy Narratives
00:44:26 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Send a text

It’s been a big week in solar… and we somehow didn’t make it worse (well… not intentionally).

In this episode we unpack the latest on the Cheap Home Batteries program, including what’s changing, why it matters, and how it impacts installers, retailers, and customers chasing those “too good to be true” mega-battery deals.

Then we’re joined by Shane Jurgenstein (Sales Manager) and Gaven Xu (Pre-Sales Engineer) from GoodWe for a proper chat about what’s actually happening in the battery market right now — from the shift to all-in-one systems, backup and bypass switching, charge/discharge performance, and the realities of expanding systems over time.

Plus: Prime Minister house visits, cricket brand ambassadors (Alex Carey), the GoodWe Rewards program for installers, and a few classic JASP technical difficulties along the way.

As always: a bit of banter, a bit of chaos, and plenty of substance for anyone trying to keep up with Australia’s fastest-moving electrification market.

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.

Subscribe on Spotify/YouTube so you don’t miss the final wrap-up episode for the year.

00:00:00 Welcome and Year-End Fatigue
00:01:02 Cheap Home Batteries Controversy
00:01:29 Scheme Changes Explained
00:03:04 Government Funding Boost
00:03:52 Rebate Tier Breakdown
00:05:10 Sales Tactics and Oversizing
00:06:15 Industry Impacts and Grid Benefits
00:07:15 Market Scale and Global Context
00:08:41 Christmas Season Reality Check
00:09:19 New Australian Solar Factory
00:10:45 Local Manufacturing Competition
00:12:06 Spotify Wrapped Milestones
00:13:55 Tesla Powerwall Charging Update
00:15:10 Remote Control and Consumer Rights
00:16:20 Introducing GoodWe Guests
00:17:25 Career Journeys in Solar
00:18:20 Company Growth and Culture
00:21:05 Home Energy System Setup
00:22:10 Electrification and EV Integration
00:23:00 All-In-One Battery Systems
00:24:30 Whole-Home Backup Explained
00:26:15 Battery Safety Architecture
00:28:10 Factory Tours and QA
00:30:20 Supply Chains and Stock Levels
00:31:30 Modular Batteries and Expansion
00:33:10 Battery Longevity and Upgrades
00:34:30 Fire Safety and Protection Layers
00:37:30 Sports Sponsorship Strategy
00:39:50 Cricket, Branding, and Culture
00:42:20 Future Product Roadmap
00:43:20 Commercial Storage Opportunities
00:44:30 Peak Shaving and Grid Services
00:46:00 Battery Attachment Rates Surge
00:47:45 Inverter Oversupply Challenges
00:49:55 Hybrid vs Non-Hybrid Reality
00:52:25 Market Transformation Stories
00:54:00 Final Thoughts from Guests
00:55:25 Installer Rewards Program
00:56:40 Social Media Ban Banter
00:57:20 Industry Appreciation
00:58:25 Closing Thanks and Sign-Off

Send a text

This episode takes a detailed look at the Sigenergy recall, covering the timeline of issues, communication breakdowns, installer frustrations, fire incident investigations, and the broader implications for product testing, compliance, and industry transparency. Guest Anthony Bennett joins the discussion to help unpack what happened, what went wrong, and what the solar sector can learn moving forward.

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 Opening Banter
01:23 Podcast Intro
02:31 Nigel’s New Solar System
06:24 Everything Electric Recap
07:36 Smart Energy Council Updates
09:25 Coalition Net-Zero Shift
11:07 Nuclear vs Renewables Debate
14:41 Introducing Anthony Bennett
16:43 Timeline of SIG Issues
19:44 Early Reports & Communication Gaps
22:11 Voluntary Recall Explained
23:51 Installer Impact & Responsibilities
25:15 SIG Communication Challenges
26:59 Fire Incident Discussion
30:45 SolarQuotes Article Timeline
34:04 Other Plug Recalls
36:30 Approval & Testing Questions
38:06 SIG Moderation Debate
41:24 Transparency Concerns
43:13 Recall Scale & Risk Context
44:16 Installer Frustration
45:26 Facts on Recall & Replacements
48:23 Business Impact & Scheduling
49:57 Two-Per-Day Rule Clarified
50:35 Replacement Stock & Logistics
52:14 Recall Communication Debate
53:47 Product vs Install Fault
56:42 Broader Electrification Load Issues
58:22 Cable, Switchboard & Load Concerns
01:00:21 Lessons for Industry
01:02:26 Online Reactions & Tension
01:02:49 Final Round & Wrap-Up

Send a text

Jeff Sykes from Solar Choice joins the podcast to unpack the latest in Australia’s solar and electrification landscape, covering battery market trends, AI’s growing role in the industry, installer quality and vetting, EV charging developments, and what to expect at upcoming energy events.

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 All Energy Recap
02:00 Battery Boom & Gateway Gossip
07:40 China’s V2G World
10:00 CEC Clarification
11:20 Free Energy Hours Plan
14:30 Solar + Battery Economics
16:30 Guest Intro: Jeff Sykes
18:15 Jeff’s Origin Story
24:30 AI in Solar Choice
32:30 Solar Choice Installer Vetting
35:00 EV Charging Podcast
37:20 Everything Electric Show Preview
43:40 Solar Quote Platforms
45:00 Lead Quality & SEO
53:10 Jeff’s Life in Byron
54:10 Tesla Rebates & Final Round
56:10 Nigel’s China Shoutout
57:25 Wrap-Up with Jeff
58:10 Sponsor Message

Send a text

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

Send a text

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