Hosted by Just Another Solar Podcast
Episodes
108
Latest episode
Jun 2026
Language
EN-US
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.
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we cut through the noise around solar, energy policy, and media narratives—focusing on what’s actually happening on the ground. From real-world industry challenges to the growing disconnect between headlines and reality, the conversation unpacks the complexities of the energy transition with honest insights, practical experience, and a few strong opinions along the way.
Send us Fan MailThis episode dives into the current state of the solar and energy industry, unpacking the tension between public narratives and on-the-ground reality while highlighting the impact of misinformation on consumer trust and business operations. The conversation explores how companies are navigating growth, maintaining profitability, and adapting strategy in a rapidly shifting market, with a strong focus on learning from peers, strengthening teams, and positioning for the next phase of the industry. It’s a grounded look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector right now, and what it takes to stay resilient through it.
Send us Fan MailThis episode takes a closer look at the impact of mainstream media narratives, focusing on recent misinformation from Channel 7 and how it’s shaping public perception of solar and renewables. The discussion unpacks the real-world consequences for the industry, from consumer confusion to increased scrutiny and compliance pressure, while contrasting these claims with what’s actually happening on the ground. It also explores how broader global factors, including geopolitical tensions and energy market volatility, are adding to the complexity facing the sector.
Send us Fan MailThis episode dives into the rapid rise of battery demand and what it signals for the future of Australia’s energy market, alongside major industry developments and shifting business conditions. The conversation explores growing solar backlogs, changing customer behaviour, and the increasing complexity of tariffs, interoperability, and system design. It also unpacks broader pressures from policy debates, misinformation, and resistance to change, offering grounded insights into how the industry is adapting and where it’s heading next.
Send us Fan MailThis episode explores how rising tensions involving Iran are influencing global energy markets and flowing through to Australia’s solar industry. The conversation breaks down the ripple effects on pricing, supply chains, and policy, while also examining how local market pressures, compliance demands, and shifting consumer behaviour are reshaping the renewable energy landscape. Practical insights highlight what these changes mean for installers, businesses, and the future of solar.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Just Another Solar Podcast, we're joined by guest co-host Simon Ceglinski (PowerPlus Energy) to unpack what’s really happening in Australia’s solar and battery market.From compliance blowouts and battery standards through to tariffs, policy shifts, and mounting market pressure this is a straight-talking look at the challenges (and opportunities) facing the industry right now.They dive into system sizing, EV-driven demand, manufacturer realities, and where the smart money is heading next plus a few honest takes on industry culture and leadership along the way.This episode is proudly brought to you by GoodWe Australia, a trusted partner to Australian solar retailers and installers, delivering reliable inverter and energy storage solutions designed for real-world conditions and backed by a strong local team.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 Opening and Introductions00:03:10 Early Banter and Catch-Up00:06:20 Compliance and Industry Complexity00:09:40 Battery Standards and Testing Issues00:13:00 Policy Changes and Market Impact00:16:20 Industry Reactions and Adjustments00:20:45 Leadership Changes and Legacy00:23:00 Industry Culture and Relationships00:26:00 Personal Stories and Mindset00:29:20 Living Well and Work Balance00:32:00 Market Pressures and Competition00:35:20 Manufacturer Challenges Explained00:38:00 Battery Strategy and System Sizing00:41:20 Commercial Opportunities Discussion00:44:10 Technology and Product Trends00:47:20 EVs and Energy Usage Shifts00:50:40 Tariffs and Grid Incentives00:53:30 Compliance and Reporting Issues00:56:00 Industry Criticism and Standards00:59:30 Final Thoughts and Advice01:01:30 Wrap-Up and Farewells
Send us Fan MailThis week we’re joined by Dan Lanzetta from Smart Energy Answers for a wide-ranging chat on what’s really happening in the Australian solar market right now.We get into the leadership shake-ups at the Smart Energy Council, what shifting policy settings mean on the ground, and why solar credits and incentives are becoming harder for customers (and installers) to make sense of. Dan shares frontline insights from running one of the country’s largest solar businesses — from dealing with misinformation and changing customer expectations to navigating compliance and market volatility.It’s a practical look at where the industry is heading, what installers should be watching, and how solar businesses can position themselves for the next phase of growth.This episode is proudly brought to you by GoodWe Australia, a trusted partner to Australian solar retailers and installers, delivering reliable inverter and energy storage solutions designed for real-world conditions and backed by a strong local team.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. Timestamps0:00:00 Podcast Kickoff and Introductions 0:03:05 Weekend Plans and Travel Talk 0:06:20 Industry Changes Begin 0:09:35 Smart Energy Council Developments 0:12:40 Leadership Changes in the Industry 0:15:55 Reactions to Recent Announcements 0:19:10 Market Shifts and Business Impact 0:22:25 Opportunities Emerging in Solar 0:25:40 Policy Changes and Incentives 0:28:55 Explaining Solar Credits 0:32:10 Common Customer Misconceptions 0:35:20 Sales Conversations and Strategy 0:38:35 Lessons From the Field 0:41:50 Technology and Product Evolution 0:45:05 Solar Economics Explained 0:48:20 Predictions for the Industry 0:51:35 Risks and Market Realities 0:54:50 Advice for Installers and Teams 0:58:05 Key Takeaways From the Discussion 1:01:20 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up 1:04:30 Closing Banter and Sign-Off
Send us Fan MailThis week on JASP we unpack the shifting energy landscape — WA policy changes, electricity pricing reforms, and the battery rush ahead of May. What happens when rebates taper? Are we building a sustainable market, or just riding the surge?We debate big-box battery plays, VPP expectations, compliance across states, and the “invisible savings” problem facing the industry. Plus, a look at how AI is reshaping solar business operations behind the scenes.Jamie Marciniak joins us to share his journey and the thinking behind delivering fully integrated home electrification solutions — and where the real opportunity sits next.This episode is proudly brought to you by GoodWe Australia, a trusted partner to Australian solar retailers and installers, delivering reliable inverter and energy storage solutions designed for real-world conditions and backed by a strong local team.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 Welcome & Catch-Up00:03:20 Podcast Feedback Debate00:06:45 Renewables Hit Majority00:10:05 Battery Rush Before May00:13:30 Market After Rebates00:16:10 Big-Box Battery Debate00:18:25 Industry Support Stories00:21:00 Guest Introduction00:23:40 What Mack Trade Does00:27:05 VPP Programs Explained00:30:30 Battery Owner Expectations00:33:55 Invisible Savings Problem00:37:10 Retailer Targets Delayed00:40:30 Price Variation Events00:44:10 Compliance Across States00:48:05 AI and Customer Support00:52:10 Accessibility and Hardship00:56:00 Final Reflections01:01:20 Wrap-Up and Thanks
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we unpack what’s really happening in Australia’s solar and battery market — from record-breaking renewable penetration and the rush on batteries ahead of rebate changes, to the growing complexity of VPPs, compliance, and customer expectations.Joined by Merrily Hunter from Mac Trade Services, we dive into how VPP programs actually work across different states, why inconsistent regulations and shifting retailer targets are creating friction, and how data, automation, and customer support are becoming just as critical as hardware as the energy transition speeds up.This episode is proudly brought to you by GoodWe Australia, a trusted partner to Australian solar retailers and installers, delivering reliable inverter and energy storage solutions designed for real-world conditions and backed by a strong local team.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. 0:03:50 Podcast Feedback Debate0:07:10 Renewables Hit Majority0:10:45 Battery Boom Before May0:14:40 Market After Rebates0:16:40 Bunnings Battery Debate0:18:55 Industry Support Stories0:21:20 Guest Introduction0:24:30 What Mack Trade Does0:28:10 VPP Programs Explained0:32:50 Battery Owner Expectations0:36:30 Invisible Savings Problem0:39:30 Retailer Targets Delayed0:44:10 Price Variation Events0:49:55 Compliance Across States0:54:20 AI & Customer Support0:58:40 Accessibility & Hardship1:02:05 Final Reflections1:06:40 Wrap-Up & Thanks
Send us Fan MailCarlos Garcia from Amber Electric joins Just Another Solar Podcast to break down how Australia’s wholesale electricity market really works — including negative pricing, smart energy usage, batteries, EVs, and why real-time data is becoming critical for both households and installers. We unpack the growing disconnect between traditional retail models and wholesale pricing, the challenges around transparency, and what the energy transition actually means on the ground for consumers and the trade as the grid gets more complex. This episode is proudly brought to you by GoodWe Australia, supporting Australian solar retailers and installers with reliable inverters and energy storage solutions built for real-world conditions and backed by a strong local presence.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. Episode chapters1:00:00 Intro & Welcome Back1:03:00 Industry Catch-Up After the Break1:07:30 Customer Calls, Friends & Family1:12:00 Solar Industry Burnout & Workload1:14:00 Episode 100 Milestone1:16:45 Sponsors & Installer Training1:17:55 Introducing the Guest: Carlos Garcia1:21:30 Amber Electric Overview1:25:10 Wholesale Pricing Explained1:29:45 Negative Pricing & Smart Usage1:34:40 Real-World Energy Use Examples1:38:10 Batteries, EVs & Load Shifting1:42:00 Australian Solar Manufacturing1:46:30 Data Access & Installer Trust1:50:30 Battery Sales & Referral Concerns1:55:10 System Efficiency & Energy Loss1:00:00 Final Questions & Industry Warnings1:02:10 Closing Thoughts & Thanks
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Jeremy Snyder
Richey Malhotra
Drive Electric Alabama
Proxify
Rupa Singh
The National Academy of Sciences
