Send us a textPat & Jo Southwell join us to unpack the state of inspections, the myths around labelling, and why real CPD matters. From running a family business to driving industry training and advocacy, they share what it takes to keep solar standards sharp as the industry shifts. 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. 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. 0:00 – Intro & catching up with the crew 2:00 – Nigel’s big life changes and new role at Smart Energy Council 5:00 – Tindo Solar wins Sunshot Fund support 7:00 – Battery sizing mistakes & system design challenges 13:00 – Cashflow crunch from the battery boom 17:00 – Welcoming Pat & Jo Southwell 19:00 – How inspection changes hit their business 20:30 – From inspections to turning systems on 21:30 – How Pat & Jo got into solar 23:30 – What’s holding Victoria back on batteries 25:50 – Pat’s own mega solar + battery setup 29:00 – The Solar Sidekicks podcast journey 31:00 – Advocacy, emergency backstop & industry challenges 37:30 – Launching Southwell Solar Training 39:00 – The labeling minefield explained 44:00 – Most popular courses & subscription model 47:00 – Why CPD must be more than “beer and pizza nights” 52:00 – Future training plans: apprentices, sales, and marketing 56:00 – Closing thoughts & sponsor message
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#90 - Battery Boom w/ The Woracle
Send us a text The Woracle is back! Warwick Johnston from Sunwiz joins us to unpack the battery frenzy kicked off by the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. We chat install rates, shifting system sizes, South Australia’s storage dominance—and yes, there’s still room for spa jokes, good merch, and questionable fashion choices. 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 – Intro & Hosts catch up08:47 – Smart Energy SA Conference recap13:57 – Bunnings enters the solar market19:00 – Guest introduction: Warwick Johnston20:10 – Cheaper Home Batteries Program: First month data23:52 – Battery installation trends & system sizes26:10 – Top battery brands & market changes28:19 – Hybrid inverters & supply chain challenges30:10 – Retrofit batteries & customer demand31:00 – Sizing batteries for real-world use32:00 – Hot tub banter & energy use32:38 – Battery pricing trends35:37 – SIG Energy market share39:15 – Battery costs & customer decisions41:03 – State-by-state battery adoption43:00 – South Australia leads in battery installs44:30 – WA battery market challenges50:30 – Clean Energy Council & industry policy56:50 – Data, forecasts & advice for retailers62:10 – Final thoughts & shoutouts66:30 – Outro & next episode tease
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#89 - Compliance, Chaos & Cocktails w/ Lowana Smith
Send us a textJust Another Solar Podcast is finally on video! For our first ever filmed episode, we’re joined by Lowana Smith from Schletter Australia to talk racking (yes, it can be exciting), battery rebate headaches, inverter compliance chaos, and the power of good engineering. Plus, we cover industry politics, warranty traps, and why labels get more love than safety. A cracking episode with laughs, insights, and a few proud parenting wins along the way. 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.
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#88 - New Rebate, New Challenges w/ Brad Foletta
Send us a textThe Cheaper Home Batteries Program is live… but it's not all smooth sailing. Brad Foletta from Solargain North East Victoria joins us to cut through the confusion—what's clear, what's not, and how installers can stay ahead. We also get into what makes the regional market tick and why one-size-fits-all never really fits. This episode is brought to you by Catch Power, the brains behind smarter solar. Whether it’s optimising self-consumption or taming complex installs, Catch Power gives installers the tools to take control. Learn more at catchpower.com.au. 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.
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#87 - Changing Currents w/ Alan Hunter
Send us a textWith the Cheaper Home Battery Program about to launch, Alan Hunter from NRN joined us to unpack their unique approach to delivering solar and batteries as a service. We also welcomed WA Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson for a chat about the state’s new battery rebate scheme, launching July 1. This episode is brought to you by Catch Power, the brains behind smarter solar. Whether it’s optimising self-consumption or taming complex installs, Catch Power gives installers the tools to take control. Learn more at catchpower.com.au. 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.
Join Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson for a down-to-earth update on what’s happening in the Australian solar industry.With regular guests we discuss technology, events and business issues facing anyone involved in solar, storage or electric vehicles.
Australia