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Pat & 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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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 up
08:47 – Smart Energy SA Conference recap
13:57 – Bunnings enters the solar market
19:00 – Guest introduction: Warwick Johnston
20:10 – Cheaper Home Batteries Program: First month data
23:52 – Battery installation trends & system sizes
26:10 – Top battery brands & market changes
28:19 – Hybrid inverters & supply chain challenges
30:10 – Retrofit batteries & customer demand
31:00 – Sizing batteries for real-world use
32:00 – Hot tub banter & energy use
32:38 – Battery pricing trends
35:37 – SIG Energy market share
39:15 – Battery costs & customer decisions
41:03 – State-by-state battery adoption
43:00 – South Australia leads in battery installs
44:30 – WA battery market challenges
50:30 – Clean Energy Council & industry policy
56:50 – Data, forecasts & advice for retailers
62:10 – Final thoughts & shoutouts
66:30 – Outro & next episode tease

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Just 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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The 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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With 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.

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One of our best yet! Wayne Smith from the SEC has a story and achievements that we barely scratched the surface of. He also proved that larrikinism is alive and well in our industry and politics. Enjoy the yarn...

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.

Send us a text

Live from Perth! Karl, Nige & Luke hit record at the Positive Energy launch alongside special guest Louis Stone, one of the company’s directors. While Jess couldn’t make the trip, she dialed in a cameo with none other than Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy. A big episode from a big day in the Aussie solar scene.

This episode is brought to you by iStore, Australia’s leading electrification company. From heat pumps to solar inverters, batteries and EV chargers, iStore connects it all on one smart platform. Check them out at istore.net.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.

Send us a text

Battery incentives are back in the spotlight—State and Federal schemes are rolling out, and we're joined by Connor Price from the Smart Energy Council to unpack what it all means for the industry, the opportunities on offer, and the challenges we need to watch.

This episode is brought to you by iStore, Australia’s leading electrification company. From heat pumps to solar inverters, batteries and EV chargers, iStore connects it all on one smart platform. Check them out at istore.net.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.