Send us a textAndrew 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-Up00:01:31 Melbourne Weather and Upcoming Events00:02:15 SIG Energy Update from Tasmania00:03:45 Company Administration and Industry Struggles00:06:05 Software Platforms and Market Challenges00:06:41 Nigel’s Upcoming Solar Installation Plans00:08:05 Electrification in Mining and Transport00:09:45 Marine Batteries and Heavy Equipment Innovation00:10:10 Introducing Guest — Andrew Burgess (Solar Juice)00:11:00 Early Career and BP Solar Days00:13:00 Founding of Solar Juice in 200900:15:00 Acquisition by SPI and Initial Growth00:17:00 Share Collapse and Hard Lessons Learned00:19:20 Operating Under a Parent Company00:21:00 Loyalty, Culture and Team Legacy00:22:00 Dolores and Industry Pioneers Remembered00:24:10 Australian Ownership Restored at Solar Juice00:26:30 Electrification and Partnerships with Fortescue00:28:20 Cheaper Home Batteries Program Discussion00:30:00 Government Briefings and Policy Insights00:31:10 Supply Chain and Product Quality Concerns00:33:00 Corporate Responsibility and ESG Compliance00:36:10 Battery Stewardship and Recycling Programs00:38:20 Sustainability and Long-Term Accountability00:39:45 Company Culture and Employee Retention00:42:00 Trade Shows and Customer Engagement00:44:00 Family Values and Relationship Building00:45:30 Creative Marketing and Brand Innovation00:46:50 Battery Program Margins and Market Pressure00:47:45 Government Rebates and Industry Impact00:50:00 Future of Solar and Electrification Trends00:52:30 Work-Life Balance and Personal Reflection00:54:00 Lessons on Business Growth and Adaptation00:54:30 Final Comments and Tesla Energy Update00:55:30 Industry Networking and Tesla Initiatives00:56:20 Labour Demand and Installer Shortages00:56:45 Nigel’s Reflections on Podcasting and Family00:57:30 Closing Remarks from Andrew Burgess00:58:00 Farewell and All-Energy Expo Invitation
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#94 - Solar Storage Punk w/ Mitch
Send us a textThis 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-Up00:01:31 Victorian Solar Rebate Update00:05:01 Australia Leading in Renewable Tech00:06:57 SIG Energy Installation Issues in Tasmania00:10:05 Nigel’s Solar Plans as a Renter00:12:28 Electrification and Kyle’s Book Feature00:14:10 All-Energy Expo and Heat Pump Mascot Idea00:16:16 Introducing Guest Andrew “Mitch” Mitchell00:17:29 Mitch’s Journey into Solar Energy00:20:50 Early Battery Days and Funny Stories00:21:50 From Enphase to Franklin Energy Journey00:24:08 Product Compliance and Certification Challenges00:26:14 Franklin Software and Industry Feedback00:27:47 Franklin Battery Pitch and Benefits00:30:12 The Case for AC-Coupled Solutions00:32:55 Next for Franklin — Integration and VPPs00:34:55 Working Groups and VPP Industry Push00:37:17 The Real Cost of VPP Participation00:38:10 Retailer and Customer VPP Experiences00:39:51 Mitch on Battery Longevity and VPP Limits00:40:10 Battery Longevity and Responsible Use00:42:05 Education, Literacy, and Industry Gaps00:45:15 “V2Pub” Concept and Battery Installation Feedback00:49:30 Installer Experiences and On-the-Ground Insights00:55:30 Punk Rock, Music, and Creative Energy01:00:05 Mitch’s Music Journey and Industry Parallels01:02:20 Final Round — Summer, EVs, and Industry Outlook01:03:45 Shoutouts and Community Reflections01:04:45 Industry Care and Hopeful Perspectives01:06:15 Mitch’s Closing Reflections and Takeaways01:07:20 Farewell
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#93 - Certificates, Compliance and Carbon w/ Katie Tebbatt
Send us a textThis 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%3DJust 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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#92 - Positively Tolerant w/ Blair Pester
Send us a textThis episode we’re joined by Blair Pester (Winaico Australia) for a great chat about the industry, innovation, and what’s shaping the solar game in Australia. Tune in for another honest and insightful conversation with one of the best in the business. 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.
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#91 - Raising the Standard w/ Pat & Jo Southwell
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
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.
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