Your Energy Answers

In this episode, Markus Lambert sits down with James Sturch from SolarEdge to unpack the real reasons behind Australia’s broken energy system. They dive into why we pay more for our own gas than overseas buyers, how long-term contracts are locking us out, and why renewables — despite being the cheapest form of generation — still play second fiddle to fossil fuels.

The Australian solar boom has left many homeowners with panels on their roofs—but what happens after installation is often a mystery. David Pethick, President of Omnidian Australia, joins the podcast to uncover the hidden reality of post-installation solar service. With a background at AGL and now leading Omnidian’s expansion—boosted by their acquisition of Solar Service Guys—David shares how the...

The solar industry is often filled with companies focused on quick sales and minimum standards, but Brad Ott and Luke McKenzie from Velocity Solar take a refreshingly different approach. After 15 years in the business, Brad has built a reputation based on education, quality, and exceptional after-sales service. This episode explores:  Educating both customers and employees to ensure informed decis...

Sam Valenti from Essential Solar shares insights on quality solar installations, battery options, and future energy trends based on 13 years in the Melbourne market. His company's philosophy of performance, quality, and reliability guides their approach to sustainable energy solutions for residential and commercial properties. • Premium solar products like Fronius, SolarEdge, and Enphase cost...

Ever wondered why your electricity bills keep climbing despite promises of cheap renewable energy? In this eye-opening conversation, energy data expert Tim Ryan pulls back the curtain on Australia's complex and often dysfunctional electricity market. The revelation at the heart of this episode is startling: our energy market is deliberately designed to create price volatility, benefiting gene...

Smart Commercial Solar, founded by Huon Hoogesteger, has revolutionised commercial solar in Australia by providing cost-effective, high-performance solutions for businesses. From an off-grid solar experiment to leading large-scale commercial installations, this company has reshaped the industry. This episode reveals how strong relationships in the solar industry lead to sustained success. He discu...

What if you could power your home with the most efficient solar panels, drastically cutting your electricity bills while adding aesthetic appeal to your property? Join us for a captivating conversation with Thomas Bywater, a pioneer in the solar industry, as he shares his journey from Jinko to AIKO. Learn how AIKO's pioneering laser manufacturing technology is revolutionising solar panel effi...

In this episode, Markus chats with Daniel Lanzetta, CEO of Smart Energy Answers, about how his company grew from a small team to a leader in solar, battery storage, and EV charging solutions.   Daniel shares insights on why 9 out of 10 of their installations now include batteries, the rise of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) that let homeowners EARN money from stored energy, and how the new NSW battery...

The episode uncovers the complexities of New South Wales' battery rebate, emphasising its potential rewards and challenges for homeowners. Topics include navigating rebate procedures, the benefits of integrating electric vehicles, and the future of virtual power plants in energy trading. • Discussion of the New South Wales battery rebate system  • Critique of the announcement's impact on...

Discover the secrets behind the current dynamics in the solar industry with our returning expert guest, Derek McKercher. Why are record installations not translating to a bustling market in Perth? We promise you'll uncover the fascinating interplay of seasonal challenges and competitive pricing, as well as the pressures driving subcontractors to launch their own businesses. Amidst these compl...

Discover the transformative journey of Katherine McConnell, the trailblazing founder of Brighte, as she reshapes the solar battery energy industry one loan at a time. With over $2 billion in approved financing, Katherine shares her inspiring path from working at Macquarie Bank to bridging a critical gap for small-scale solar retailers. Learn how her innovative approach to energy equipment financin...

How does common sense and long-term vision shape the future of renewable energy? Michael Reiken from Excel Power in Toowoomba joins us to share his insights from 16 years in the industry, highlighting the importance of quality and reliability in solar systems. From the bustling Tesla Powerwall launch in Sydney to the local charm of Toowoomba's tight-knit community, Michael provides a firsthan...

Curious about how solar panels hold up in the scorching heat and humidity of North Queensland? Kash Partridge from True North Solar joins us to share his wealth of experience in navigating these challenges and thriving in Townsville's demanding environment. With two decades in the solar industry, Kash has seen it all, from the rollercoaster of shifting government policies to the evolution of...

Unlock the potential of solar energy with insights from Rollo Sherriff of Replenishable Energy in Cairns. Discover why prioritizing quality over cost is crucial in the solar industry, especially when dealing with companies that may not be around to honor their warranties. With over a decade of experience, Rollo shares his journey and sheds light on the benefits of employing dedicated staff for qua...

Curious about how a software developer can revolutionize the solar industry? Join us as Ben Masters from Solar Hub shares his incredible 14-year journey, blending advanced software solutions with home energy systems to deliver bespoke solar solutions that maximize customer benefits. We'll explore the challenges of navigating government policies and rebates, and the critical importance of main...

Ever wondered how a single faulty solar panel could compromise your entire system? This episode's guest, Michelle McCann from PV Lab in Canberra, lays it all out for us. Michelle's journey into the solar industry began with her passion for the environment and a solid physics background. From facing an initial market flooded with substandard products to her collaboration with Jürgen Arp f...

Can sustainable energy really transform your daily life? Our latest episode promises to answer this compelling question as we welcome Dan McCabe from GI Energy. With over a decade of experience in the solar industry, Dan takes us back to 2009, sharing the trials and triumphs that led to the ethical foundation of GI Energy in 2011. Explore how his customer-first approach has built a strong referral...

Unlock the secrets to energy self-sufficiency with Tim Baker from Apex Solar as he unveils the transformative power of solar energy in the Port Macquarie and Taree regions. Curious about the new battery rebate in New South Wales? This episode breaks down its market-changing impact and what it means for your energy setup. Learn from Tim's pioneering journey, from his early days experimenting w...

Are you tired of unreliable solar systems and misleading sales tactics? Join us as we sit down with Will Redfern from New South Wales Country Solar, who reveals the secrets to achieving long-lasting and efficient solar installations. With a background as an industrial and commercial electrician, Will shares his transformative journey into the world of solar energy, emphasizing the critical importa...

Curious about the future of solar power and electric vehicles? Join us as we chat with Luke Smith from Sunergy in Bendigo, who shares his incredible journey from electrician to solar business owner. We'll explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by regional solar providers, discover the importance of word-of-mouth in regional Victoria, and uncover the range of services Sunergy of...

Curious about the rapid advancements in solar technology and how it impacts your daily life? Tune in to our latest episode where we sit down with Alex from SolarWise Wagga Wagga. Alex shares his incredible journey from irrigation to solar entrepreneurship, reflecting on how government rebates and technological innovations have transformed the solar market since 2009. You’ll learn about the signifi...

What if your childhood passion turned into a lifelong career? Join us as we welcome Nick Taber from New England Solar, who started his remarkable journey in the solar industry at the tender age of five. From unboxing panels for his grandfather’s business to taking the reins of the company in 2019, Nick shares his rich experience with us. Discover the nuances of installing solar in regional New Sou...

Ready to unlock the secrets of solar energy and transform your home into an efficient powerhouse? Join us as Steve Torpy, the dedicated owner of Coastal Solar Solutions, shares his inspiring journey from an electrical background to becoming a leading solar energy specialist in the Gosford and Wyong areas. For nearly two decades, Steve and his family-run business have been at the forefront of solar...

Embark on an illuminating expedition to the sunny coasts of Australia with solar maven Geoff Tosio from Better Volt. Our latest chat brings to light Geoff's inspiring trek into the solar sphere, beginning with a camper trailer sojourn across the nation that sparked a passion for harnessing the sun's power. Discover the ways in which solar installations do more than shrink electricity bil...

Ever wondered how the solar industry is faring with gender diversity and ethical practices? Bobbi McKibben from Solar Integrity joins us to illuminate these pressing topics, emphasizing the crucial role of inclusivity for innovation and success. Our candid discussion with Bobbi unveils the empowering initiatives by A Wise Australian Women in Solar Energy, including the inspiring Solar Sisters ment...