Solar Sidekicks Podcast

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks" for Episode 30, the second podcast of our All Energy series! This episode features Sophie Wright from OpenSolar. Sophie shares her recent transition into a new role at OpenSolar, detailing the unexpected changes with her previous business partner that prompted her to embark on a new professional chapter. Sophie's approach to these changes exemplifie...

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! Episode 14 features an interview with Reece Kennedy from Total Solar Solutions. Join us in our Radio Carrum studio for a dynamic exploration of Reece's impressive career and the ins and outs of running a leading solar & battery business. In this episode, Reece shares his journey from subcontracting as an installer to owning and operating one of...

Welcome to "Solar Sidekicks"! In Episode 29, the first of our All Energy series, we're joined by Lily Pejkic from Sydney Solar & Batteries. A veteran in the solar industry, Lily shares her insights on the challenging year the solar sector has faced, discussing the factors that have made it tough and offering strategies for resilience. Lily highlights the unique solidarity of the...

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! Episode 28 takes us remotely to Penrith, NSW, where we're joined by the ever-dynamic Jake Warner of Penrith Solar Centre. A familiar figure with an incredible journey in the solar industry, Jake shares the latest evolution at PSC, particularly their exciting move towards installing the Tesla Powerwall 3. In this episode, Jake delves into the reason...

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! Episode 27 brings us Ashley Branson from XTech Renewables. As a solar installer who has carved his own path in the industry, Ashley shares his journey from becoming an electrician to entering the solar world and eventually starting his own company. His non-traditional pathway offers a fresh perspective on making one's mark in the renewable energy s...

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! Episode 26 features a very special guest, Sandy Atkins from Energy Safe Victoria. Sandy, a familiar face in the solar industry and my former boss at the Clean Energy Council, joins us to delve into his current impactful role and the new standards shaping our industry. In this episode, we have an in-depth and highly technical discussion about the new AS/...

Episode 5 (re-release with improved audio) of 'Solar Sidekicks' was recorded in Brisbane at the Solar & Storage Live Conference where Pat had the opportunity to speak with industry legends and immerse himself in the latest trends and innovations. Pat's special guest is Mark Cavanagh, founder of MC Electrical.

Welcome back to Solar Sidekicks! Episode 25 features Luke Cove from Lightning Energy, a true entrepreneur in the solar industry. Join us in our Carrum studio as we explore Luke's remarkable journey from starting his electrical apprenticeship at 17 in Adelaide to becoming a key player in Melbourne’s solar scene, fueled by the Solar Vic rebate. In this episode, Luke discusses the evolution of h...

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! Episode 24 is now streaming, featuring Shane Clayton from Centre For U, a veteran with over 30 years in the solar industry. Join us in our Carrum studio as we explore Shane's comprehensive career, from his pioneering days with off-grid systems in rural Gippsland to his significant contributions to mainstream grid-connected solar with Gippsland Sola...

Welcome back to Solar Sidekicks! Episode 23 is now live, featuring Caz Saunders - Training and Quality Manager at Solar Training Centre. Join us in our Carrum studio as we explore Caz's journey from a straight-A high school student to a healthcare professional, and her transformative leap into the solar industry alongside Steve Kostoff. In this episode, Caz shares her experience running an RT...

Welcome back to Solar Sidekicks! Episode 21 is now live, featuring Scott Beesley from Energy Safe Victoria (ESV). Join us in our Carrum studio as we learn about Scott's extensive experience in the solar industry and his crucial role as a Compliance Officer within ESV's Renewable Energy team. In this episode, Scott discusses the dual nature of his job—both the confrontational aspects of e...

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! Episode 22 is now live, featuring Jack Long from iStore, a key figure in the evolution of social media within the solar industry. Join us in our Carrum studio as we explore Jack's unique journey from his teenage years working at Taco Bill, through his time in a call center, to his influential role in the solar sector. Jack shares captivating insigh...

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! Episode 20 is now live, featuring Luke Beattie from iStore, also renowned as the host of "Just Another Solar Podcast" (JASP). Join us in our Carrum studio where we dive into Luke’s fascinating journey through the solar industry, his experiences across Australian cities, and the adventures that come with traveling for work. Luke opens up about...

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! Episode 19 is now streaming & featuring the "Energizer Bunny" of the solar industry, Lauren Ciconte from Six Star Plus. In this episode, we are back recording from our Carrum studio & explore Lauren's dynamic role in simplifying solar solutions for builders and her journey from an aspiring superhero to a leading solar designer. La...

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! Episode 18 brings you a special recording from the Smart Energy Lab with guest Glen Morris, one of the most experienced and respected figures in the solar industry. In this episode, Glen and I revisit our past interactions and patch up our chequered history, setting the stage for a deep dive into the solar sector’s evolution. Glen shares a comprehensive...

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! Episode 17 is now live, featuring Ashlie Bryan from Solargain, who joins us in our Carrum studio. Ashlie shares her engaging story of entering the solar industry just four years ago and her rapid rise to becoming a pivotal problem solver among four Solargain Regional Dealerships in Victoria. In this inspiring episode, Ashlie discusses the challenges she...

Welcome back to Solar Sidekicks! Episode 16 is now available for streaming, featuring an extraordinary guest, Andy McCarthy, who joins us in our Carrum studio. Andy, a notable figure in the solar industry, has recently published a book titled "Here Comes the Sun," which delves into his journey in the industry and life experiences. In this heartfelt episode, Andy opens up about his troubl...

Welcome back to "Solar Sidekicks"! Episode 15 is now streaming, featuring Lauren Haworth from Supply Partners , joining us at the Carrum studio. This episode offers a deep dive into Lauren's remarkable journey from the worlds of retail and hospitality to becoming a key player in the solar industry. In this engaging session, Lauren discusses the importance of aligning business ventur...