Solar Coaster Podcast (AUS)

Welcome to a special edition of the Solar Coaster Podcast, brought to you by Supply Partners, an Australian Solar & Battery Distributor. In this episode, Lliam Ricketts, Innovation Director at Supply Partners and New Energy Training, sits down with David McElrea, the new CEO of the Smart Energy Council. Together, they dive deep into the latest developments in the Australian solar and battery market, offering exclusive insights on the Cheaper Home Battery Scheme. This includes where the rebate stands, current trends, and what’s next for the industry.
This discussion covers critical issues facing retailers, installers, and suppliers: from the risks of “battery orphans” and the importance of quality standards, to the dramatic impact solar and storage are having on power prices across the country. Listen in as they address challenges in the commercial and industrial space, the ongoing skills shortage, political uncertainties, and the existential threats posed by proposed tariff reforms. Whether you’re an industry veteran or newer to this industry, this episode is packed with timely updates and analysis for Australia’s clean energy future. 
 ABOUT THE PODCAST:
Welcome to the Solar Coaster! A podcast for navigating through the ups and downs of the Australian Solar and Energy Industry. Hosted by the Supply Partners Technical team and joined by industry professionals each episode to help you turn chaos into stability. We'll be talking about solar, batteries, EVs, Electrification and much more, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

LINKS: 
Watch the Video Version of the Podcast here: Supply Partners YouTube
This podcast is hosted by Supply Partners - Your Australian Distributor for Solar, Energy Storage and more: https://supplypartners.com.au/
Follow us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/supplypartners/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supply-partners/

In this follow-up episode of the Solar Coaster Podcast, Wade Allen reconnects with Aaron Jenkins from Ecovantage, two weeks on from the launch of the Federal Battery Rebate program (Cheaper Home Batteries Rebate). With the scheme officially underway, they dig into the early numbers, real-world experiences, and what’s changed since the program rolled out.

Aaron shares insights from the front lines:
- How many STCs have actually been processed.
- Emerging trends in average battery system size.
- Why commercial and off-grid installs haven’t made their mark on the stats yet. 

The conversation tackles the practical realities of claiming the rebate: high audit and failure rates, the challenges of rapidly changing rules and product eligibility, supply chain pressure, and why checking your paperwork (and your battery model numbers) has never been more important.

They also discuss how state-based rebates are interacting with the federal scheme, evolving requirements around VPP capability and off-grid eligibility, and what early bottlenecks or red flags are cropping up for installers and traders. Wade and Aaron wrap up with advice for installers and how to avoid risky shortcuts as the whole industry grapples with surging demand.

Whether you’re a retailer, installer, or just tracking the future of batteries in Australia, this episode delivers insights and up-to-the-minute updates on the battery rebate rollercoaster. 
 ABOUT THE PODCAST:
Welcome to the Solar Coaster! A podcast for navigating through the ups and downs of the Australian Solar and Energy Industry. Hosted by the Supply Partners Technical team and joined by industry professionals each episode to help you turn chaos into stability. We'll be talking about solar, batteries, EVs, Electrification and much more, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

LINKS: 
Watch the Video Version of the Podcast here: Supply Partners YouTube
This podcast is hosted by Supply Partners - Your Australian Distributor for Solar, Energy Storage and more: https://supplypartners.com.au/
Follow us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/supplypartners/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supply-partners/

In this episode of the Solar Coaster Podcast (recorded 18th June 2025), we have a special edition ahead of the Cheaper Home Battery Program launching July 1st. To join us in breaking down this Federal Battery Rebate, Aaron Jenkins from Accredited Certificate Provider, Ecovantage. 
With the battery rebate program just weeks away from launch, the trio dives deep into how the scheme will work, common misconceptions, and opportunities for installers. Aaron shares insider perspective on how the rebate will be processed, what kind of documentation and compliance will be needed, and why there’s still a lot of uncertainty in the rollout.

The conversation covers key risks for installers like cashflow crunches from delayed payments, compliance headaches, and stock shortages. They also explore the opportunities the rebate will create, especially for early movers, and share practical advice on upskilling, stock forecasting, and setting realistic customer expectations. The episode wraps up with proactive steps installers should be taking now to ride the coming “battery coaster” as smoothly as possible.

Perfect for installers, retailers, and anyone in the Australian solar and storage sector wanting clarity on the federal battery rebate program.
 ABOUT THE PODCAST:
Welcome to the Solar Coaster! A podcast for navigating through the ups and downs of the Australian Solar and Energy Industry. Hosted by the Supply Partners Technical team and joined by industry professionals each episode to help you turn chaos into stability. We'll be talking about solar, batteries, EVs, Electrification and much more, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

LINKS: 
Watch the Video Version of the Podcast here: Supply Partners YouTube
This podcast is hosted by Supply Partners - Your Australian Distributor for Solar, Energy Storage and more: https://supplypartners.com.au/
Follow us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/supplypartners/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supply-partners/

In this episode of the Solar Coaster Podcast, we welcome John Grimes, CEO of the Smart Energy Council. He joins our Technical Team to discuss his fascinating journey from his early life in the highlands of Papua New Guinea through to his pivotal role in advocating for Australia's solar and renewable energy sectors. We delve deep into the future of renewable energy in Australia, with insights that are critical for everyone in the industry. 
 ABOUT THE PODCAST:
Welcome to the Solar Coaster! A podcast for navigating through the ups and downs of the Australian Solar and Energy Industry. Hosted by the Supply Partners Technical team and joined by industry professionals each episode to help you turn chaos into stability. We'll be talking about solar, batteries, EVs, Electrification and much more, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

LINKS: 
Watch the Video Version of the Podcast here: Supply Partners YouTube
This podcast is hosted by Supply Partners - Your Australian Distributor for Solar, Energy Storage and more: https://supplypartners.com.au/
Follow us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/supplypartners/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supply-partners/

In this episode of the Solar Coaster Podcast, we have some special guests and special announcements. Nigel Morris (Solar Analytics) and Luke Beattie (SG Wholesale & iStore) from Just Another Solar Podcast join us to announce that Catch Power has acquired Solar Analytics. We chat about what this exciting announcement means and some of the latest hot topics from the across the Australian Solar and Energy Industry.
 ABOUT THE PODCAST:
Welcome to the Solar Coaster! A podcast for navigating through the ups and downs of the Australian Solar and Energy Industry. Hosted by the Supply Partners Technical team and joined by industry professionals each episode to help you turn chaos into stability. We'll be talking about solar, batteries, EVs, Electrification and much more, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

LINKS: 
Watch the Video Version of the Podcast here: Supply Partners YouTube
This podcast is hosted by Supply Partners - Your Australian Distributor for Solar, Energy Storage and more: https://supplypartners.com.au/
Follow us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/supplypartners/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supply-partners/