Episodes

  • #93 - Certificates, Compliance and Carbon w/ Katie Tebbatt
    Oct 13 2025

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    This 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%3D

    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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    58 mins
  • #92 - Positively Tolerant w/ Blair Pester
    Oct 9 2025

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    This 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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    55 mins
  • #91 - Raising the Standard w/ Pat & Jo Southwell
    Sep 4 2025

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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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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • #90 - Battery Boom w/ The Woracle
    Aug 4 2025

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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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    53 mins
  • #89 - Compliance, Chaos & Cocktails w/ Lowana Smith
    Jul 20 2025

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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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    46 mins
  • #88 - New Rebate, New Challenges w/ Brad Foletta
    Jul 8 2025

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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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    54 mins
  • #87 - Changing Currents w/ Alan Hunter
    Jun 25 2025

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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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    58 mins
  • #86 - Mic Drop w/ Wayne Smith
    Jun 8 2025

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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.

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    1 hr