Solar Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast: Recent Episodes
Solar Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast
Join RenewEconomy founder and editor Giles Parkinson and solar industry veteran Nigel Morris, from Solar Analyatics on the ins & outs of the solar industry and what it means for consumers.
James Petesic from PV Industries on the struggle to stay afloat with the federal PV recycling pilot paused and panel smugglers chipping away at feedstocks. Plus, news of the week.
AEMC commissioner Rainer Korte on what the new rules on reporting and data sharing will mean to the consumer energy revolution. Plus: news of the week.
Deakin University's Andrea La Nauze on the early findings from an Australia-first trial of technology that lets households and businesses trade rooftop solar via a digital platform.
State Electricity Commission CEO Chris Miller on how the government-owned energy company is filling gaps up and down the renewables transition, from home electrification to deep storage.
Rewiring Australia CEO Francis Vierboom on what governments can do to help renters cut their energy bills, like giving them access to portable solar and battery options. Plus news of the week.
Lauren Mellor and Chantelle Johns from Original Power on their mission to take the power back for First Nations communities in the Northern Territory.
Planet, and why making solar as common to households as smoke alarms is one of the keys to climate policy success.
Rob Amphlett Lewis on Ausgrid's Energy Storage as a Service offer, the falling cost of network batteries and the consumer driven evolution of modern poles and wires companies.
Matthew van der Linden from Flow Power shares his conviction that people have the power – and the tech – to take control of their energy costs. Plus news of the week.
Jonathan Pooch from DETA Consulting on the untapped riches of energy productivity. Plus news of the week.
Ben McGowan, managing director of community-owned retailer Indigo Power, on the key role mid-scale batteries can play in regional energy resilience. Plus news of the week.
Camilla Hamilton from Cogency explains the importance of research, listening, and good coffee when consulting with communities on renewables. Plus news of the week.
IEEFA's Jay Gordon on how proposed changes to electricity pricing could strip away the benefits of Cheaper Home Batteries. Plus, news of the week.
SEC's Darren Johannesen discusses two major bits of progress on the decade-long road to address Australia's solar waste problem. Plus news of the week.
Kaluza CEO Melissa Gander on the change in technologies, and energy thinking, that will deliver more value to consumers. Plus: News of the week, including solar recycling plan and home battery uptake.
Smart Energy Council's David McElrea on why federal Labor must make some urgent changes to its super successful Cheaper Home Batteries scheme – and what those changes might be. Plus news of the week.
GoodWe's Dean Williamson gives an insider's view of the home battery boom, talks new products, and sends brand growth through to the keeper. Plus news of the week.
Neeraj Das from ElecSome on the huge economic and resource opportunity solar recycling presents for Australia – and how close we are to stuffing it up. Plus news of the week.
Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel on how Australia must take a smorgasbord approach to home energy to make the most of Labor's free solar plan. Plus, news of the week.
Kait Williamson from Flow Power on how one Victorian town built its own green power solution from the ground up.
Plico Energy CTO George Martin says business is booming under the new home battery rebates, but the name of the VPP game remains the same. Plus news of the week.
National Renewable Network CEO Alan Hunter on his company's mission to get home solar and storage to the masses. Plus news of the week.
EnergyLab CEO Megan Fisher on the vital role start-up funding, mentoring and acceleration is playing in the evolution of consumer energy. Plus the news of the week.
Nexa Advisory's Stephanie Bashir on consumer energy, competition and holding networks to account. Plus: News of the week from the ACES conference in Sydney.
Con Hristodoulidis from the Clean Energy Council on how the federal home battery rebate is doing, two weeks in, and what comes next in the consumer energy revolution. Plus news of the week.
Ausgrid's Rob Amphlett Lewis on the challenges and opportunities facing Australia's largest distribution network. Plus the launch of Australia's home battery rebate and other news of the week.
Kait Williamson from Flow Power on how one Victorian town built its own green power solution from the ground up. Plus the news of the week.
RedEarth CEO Marc Sheldon on the evolution of home batteries, the company's new "Microgrid in a Box" offering, and why he's not a fan of VPPs. Plus news of the week.
Engie's Ryan Wavish on how the retailer is flipping the sun tax to make solar curtailment work for everyone.
Smart Energy Council's Darren Johannesen explains how Australia's solar "waste" stream is actually a massive reclaimed resources opportunity – but the federal government needs to act fast. Plus, news of the week.
Amber Electric's Myles Eftos on how home batteries can be money making machines. Plus, a post-election debrief and Australia's new favourite battery.
OpenSolar's Sophie Wright on the mission to streamline solar businesses so that more money and time can be spent where it's most needed - putting panels on rooftops. Plus, the news of the week.
NSW Independent Allegra Spender on her plan for permanent energy bill relief and what's missing from federal Labor's battery rebate. Plus, dispatches from the Smart Energy Conference.
Wayne Smith from the Smart Energy Council on what to expect from the federal home battery rebate (and when to expect it) and Australia's "sliding doors" energy election.
In our final episode for the year, SunWiz's Warwick Johnston on the highs and the lows of 2024 for rooftop PV, home batteries and all those who make the industry tick. Plus the news of the week.
Matthew van der Linden on Flow Power's big move into residential retail. Plus the latest on the rooftop PV market, SunDrive's innovation progress, and other news.
UNSW's Baran Yildiz on how Australia's millions of rooftop solar systems and other consumer energy assets are being integrated into the grid. Plus, a Tesla Powerwall to go with your Bunnings sausage? And other news of the week.
Will Beaumont on how his company's patented modular technology is making it cheaper, easier and much sexier to install solar car park canopies – and add EV charging while you're at it.
Clint Hare on Australia's most sustainable housing development, which has been building all-electric, super energy efficient homes on Victoria's Bass Coast for the past decade – with huge success.
Patrick Matweew from Enphase Energy on his journey from a coal town in Germany to a solar career in Queensland – and the big difference quality microinverters can make. Plus the week in solar news.
5B's chief strategy officer Nicole Kuepper-Russell on the company's journey from concept scribbled on a napkin, to a factory in Adelaide that is walking the talk on solar innovation made in Australia.
Nic Stone talks to Solar Insiders about the myriad innovative off-grid projects that are using PowerPlus Energy's Australian made – and made for Australia – batteries, including tons of renewable powered dongas.
Smart Energy Council's Darren Johannesen on some fascinating revelations about end-of-life solar panels and where their value lies.
Amid the big push to orchestrate consumer energy resources, we talk to Andrew Blaver about the successes and dud notes of Western Australia's Project Symphony.
Huon Hoogesteger from Smart Commercial Solar talks about almost everything but solar, as batteries and other bespoke energy solutions step into the light. Plus, Renewables in Agriculture.
Clean Energy Council's Con Hristodoulidis on the huge, universal value of home battery storage – and why education will be crucial to unlocking it. Plus: Rooftop solar has a big month, with a small twist.
Redback CEO Adrian Knack on surviving and thriving in the home battery business. Plus: A boost for batteries and a tax on solar.
Peter Steele from Goodbye Gas on how his company is helping households to go all-electric. Plus: Mixed messages from the top.
Australia falls out of global top 10 solar countries. Plus: GridBeyond's Michael Phelan on the rise of VPPs; and battery rebates.
Arena boss Darren Miller on the Solar Sunshot, and why Australia needs a stake in the supply chain. Plus: Households lead renewables charge, and the growth of solar balconies.
Solar Victoria CEO Stan Krpan talks rebate milestones, red hot heat pump demand and home battery uptake. Plus rooftop solar crackdowns and a battery business in trouble.
Nexa’s Stephanie Bashir on how to reshape grid around consumer energy as solar tariffs cut and PV sets new records.
As conservative media and politicians pit farmers against renewables, we talk to a sheep grazier who is building Tasmania's first large-scale solar project.
Heidi Douglas talks through Solar Citizens’ list of policy asks for the upcoming energy ministers’ meeting. Could we get discounted batteries for Christmas?
Wyatt Roy on SunDrive's progress towards make cheaper, more sustainable solar – right here in Australia. Plus: Will 2023 be a record year of rooftop installs?
How Beon Energy has left a lasting legacy and set a new benchmark for meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities. Plus, AEMO's solar switch-off push.
Amber’s Tim Barson on how home batteries are turning into a money spinner. Plus: Rooftop solar shattering records across the grid.
We talk with RayGen’s Richard Payne at the newly opened solar and storage plant in Carwarp. Plus: Consumer power to fill coal gap.
We talk to early adopter and self confessed “energy nerd” Andrew Wilson about the key lessons he has learned from four years with home solar and storage.
We talk to Peter Leeson about the rise and rise of his Australian made Volt solar tile, which is being installed on rooftops in every state in Australia – and setting records overseas.
Australia excels in solar R&D and uptake – but can it become a major supplier of panels? We ask APVI's Muriel Watt. Plus: solar strife in the regions and a new home battery scheme.
Going all-electric is not easy – or is it? University of Wollongong’s Ty Christopher shares his lived and worked experience of home electrification and busts some myths.
We head to the Victorian goldfields town of Maldon to hear why it’s the perfect place for a community battery – and how grid-side energy storage is becoming a key network tool.
Rob Gell from Solar Recovery Corp on why recycling is not the best solution to Australia’s solar waste problem – and how his company hopes to set a new path.
Solar Victoria’s Stan Krpan on the new incentives for rooftop solar and battery storage. Plus: Should landlords be required to install rooftop solar?
Andy McCarthy reflects on his journey from a garage-based start-up to the CEO of RACV solar. Plus Queensland does it again.
Gabrielle Kuiper on why rooftop solar should not be ignored by grid planners. Plus: Latest news including dire warning for PV installers on inverters.
The rooftop solar market has rebounded, and taken a bigger bite out of the coal market. But does it need to be controlled by such a big hammer?
A look at South Australia’s week in isolation and the role of rooftop solar. Plus: Another failed venture
We look at developments in Queensland and South Australia and Nigel delivers All Energy wrap and picks apart Sky After Dark misinformation about cobalt
Interest in rooftop solar is surging, along with EVs and batteries. But how close are we to reaching the limits of where it can be installed?
New records for distributed solar around Australia as the country’s rooftop PV output continues to eat into the fossil fuel industry’s lunch bag.
Extreme weather conditions in China starts to have impact on solar and battery supply chains, plus all the local news.
Solar installers are now required to take selfies during installations, and we speak to the CEO of Hysata, an Australian start-up claiming the world’s lowest cost green hydrogen electrolyser technology, which could be huge for wind and solar too.
The jump in fossil fuel prices means more households want battery storage with their rooftop solar, and they don’t care if it’s not making money.
Household solar and battery storage play a key role in AEMO’s future plans, but angry consumers might choose to go their own way.
Enova Energy’s demise highlights failed structure of Australia’s energy market. Plus: Bizarre tariff stories, and a long drive in a Model Y.
The mood in the solar industry has lifted as energy price hikes boost interest in rooftop PV and battery storage.
Celebrations as Coalition policy bollards swept away, but what does this really mean for the solar industry?
Angus Taylor visits a solar factory, the big news out of Smart Energy Expo, and the solar-coaster. Again.
There is a lot of deal making going on in the solar industry, and drug runners have found a new use for modules.
Leading rooftop critic now accepts it's good at getting rid of coal and benefits consumers. Plus: Are the cowboys back?
Australia’s solar pioneers get together, SunDrive sets efficiency records, and ScoMo bin stickers go wild.
Global rooftop solar installations expected to reach nearly 100GW in 2025. As Australia’s solar pioneers get together.
Nigel Morris has downgraded his rooftop solar forecasts for 2022, while SMA’s Boris Wolff shares his take on the Australian and global market, and the shift towards grid forming inverters.
The solar switch off mechanism is now in force in W.A, and the coal lobby is fighting back at the idea that the end is nigh.
Solar taxes, solar switch-offs, 100 per cent solar, amazing technology cost predictions and some stunning innovations. And it all happened in 2021.
5B’s Chris McGrath joins us to talk about 5B’s new acquisition and gigawatt scale deployment plans. Plus: Confusion over DC Isolators.
South Australia becomes world’s first gigawatt scale grid to record negative demand, while new DC isolator rules cause relief and confusion.
Major new benchmark reached for rooftop solar, as “negative demand” reached in South Australia.
Out of the blue, Australia is targeting ultra low cost solar to underpin its green industrial transition.
Andrew Forrest’s surprising big bet on thin film solar, renewable records tumble, and a crackdown by the regulators.
Rooftop solar nears 100% of South Australia demand, as AEMO prepares PV shutdowns and regulator acts on Taylor’s solar review.
Australia has a chance to set up its own solar manufacturing industry after new benchmark in solar cell efficiency.
Why rooftop solar will be dominant feature of grid within 5 years. And we speak to Autonomous Energy over recent buyout.
Solar industry faces pressure from rising import prices, shipping costs and Covid. But flexible exports offer hope for a smarter future.
The solar market has reached a plateau, but new projections suggest that home batteries might finally have their day.
Covid has virtually shut down solar installations in three states, as Autonomous fights for survival.
Rooftop solar systems are getting bigger, thanks to business interest, but the market still remains tough, and complicated.
Costs of producing solar are falling well below coal, which might be one reason why fossil fuel incumbents are trying to cash in while they can.
Solar confirmed as biggest source of renewables in Australia, but as the rooftop market continues to surge, the largest market has begun to shrink.
Australia’s solar pioneers have been awesome, and it’s sad to say goodbye. Plus: Some really crap solar stories.
A summary of what happened behind the meter at the Smart Energy Conference, with some special guests.
New data highlights rooftop solar is pushing down prices, and pushing coal out of the market. Plus: Solar industry reunites in Opera House bar.
As rooftop solar installations set new records, new protocols are governing what and when is being generated and consumed in the home.
Bruce Mountain from the VEPC and Jonathon Dore from Solar Analytics join Solar Insiders to discuss the pros and cons of the proposed solar export tax.
We discuss first intervention by market operator to curtail rooftop solar, the latest installation stats, AGL’s big solar buy, and some really crap solar news.
The days of high solar tariffs are definitely over, because rooftop solar has helped slash wholesale prices. Plus: Countdown to new inverter deadline, and the regulator removed the licence of some module suppliers.
Problems at a major solar farm in Queensland raises the “cowboy” issue again, and why are new homes being built with roofing too weak to host solar panels.
Gina Rinehart is going solar, so is a BHP nickel refinery, and most of the rest of Australia. But there is still the question of standards.
Solar veteran, and "former hippy", Stuart Watson on how he got into the solar industry, and his recent adventures on his Solar Coaster electric yacht. Plus: Installation records tumble in November.
As Victoria unveils an Australia-leading package focusing on solar, batteries and energy efficiency, the Solar Coaster nearly sank in deep waters off the coast of NSW.
We look at the day when South Australia reached a world-first peak of 100 per cent solar power, plus the latest rooftop solar PV forecasts, and Victoria opens up for solar business again.
Small scale rooftop solar PV installations are heading towards 3GW in 2020, despite Covid-19, and we talk to April Crawford-Smith about Australia’s biggest solar garden.
Battery Day delivered big news about battery storage as expected, which will be important for grids like South Australia, which enters a bold new world at the end of the month.
South Australia unveils new standards and agents that will exert more control over rooftop solar as installation boom continues. And Vale Richard Collins.
Coalition announces review of solar industry, as fears grow of “chaos” from new rules in South Australia. And we hear from the CEO of fire retardant company PVStop.
Australian solar innovator 5B is enjoying an incredible year - more local deployments, signing for the world’s biggest solar farm, and attracting interest from US energy giant. Co-founder Chris McGrath explains why.
The raw data suggests the solar industry is not being battered badly by the Covid-19 pandemic. But it is throwing up hurdles for those seeking to plough through.
US-based Orison, backed by Origin, is developing plug-and-play batteries that can be installed by the householder and hopes to trial it in Australia this year.
Big news in the past solar week, with leading C&I contractor Todae Solar in voluntary administration and the regulator reviving talk of a network fee for solar exports.
CSIRO releases new forecasts for solar, battery and electric vehicles, while more solar firms under pressure from Covid-19 despite overall resilience of rooftop solar market.
As the Australian rooftop solar market continues to boom, Stefan Jarnason from Solar Analytics joins the podcast to discuss the new monitoring guide, and why it’s good for consumers.
Sean Guzzi from Clenergy joins Solar Insiders to discuss how the industry his coping with the changes imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, while the regulator cracks down on poor behaviour.
Leading solar manufacturer Longi launches new product on Australian market, while AEMO pushes for new inverter standards and ability to “switch off” rooftop solar when needed.
Sunwiz director Warwick Johnston on the uptake of battery storage by Australian homes. And we ask the question: Has Covid-19 killed crap solar?
Rooftop solar on a Covid-coaster, the last of the one-for-one tariffs, and Tindo Solar’s Glenn Morelli on battery storage boom and plans to expand module factory.
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought great uncertainty to solar industry. Demand is up in some quarters, and down in others. But there is real fear of a brutal slowdown.
Tesla gauging interest in its solar modules and solar tile products, while IKEA brings its flat pack solar package to Australia. Plus: Suspensions in regulator crackdown.
Big contractor quits the solar market, spelling big trouble for the big solar sector, even as rooftop continues its boom.
Sunwiz director Warwick Johnston on the past year and 2020 forecasts, and what we learned from the bushfires.
We look back at the highlights and the lowlights of the solar industry in 2019, and take a vox-pop of industry folk from the recent Sundowners.
Rooftop solar installations continue at record rate, but new technologies - and new thinking - ensure that this turns out to be a major asset to the grid, rather than the liability it is sometimes portrayed.
New reports from market operator and the market regulator point to changing shape of the grid, lower emissions and falling costs - partly driven by growth of rooftop solar.
Rooftop solar installations set a new record in October, but battery storage sales continue to stutter.
Crap solar. What is it? And how do we stop it from happening and ensure good quality? A special podcast from All Energy conference in Melbourne explains all.
Installers and customers are trying to make sense of what the new battery standards mean for their business, or their purchase.
Government caught out lying on emissions, solar installs at record high, and first impressions of Model 3 and Fonzarelli’s new electric motorbike.
Demand for Victoria’s rooftop solar rebate still sizzling; solar lends new cred to an iconic brew; and the Insider’s first installation of “Meet a Solar Business.”
New data shows that the cost of solar PV continues to fall dramatically, while Victoria’s solar rebate program hits another hurdle just days after government broadened the program.
Victoria premier hints at changes to solar rebate scheme. meanwhile, why some installers go to jail. And some good news.
Some in the solar industry are so frustrated they’d prefer the Victoria government to ditch the solar rebate rather than carry on as is. A few modifications would end the pain.
As solar industry calls for public protest against Victoria solar plan, we talk to Solar Victoria boss Stan Krpan about the scheme’s design.
Solar Insiders resumes after a holiday break, with a reminder of why we want emissions free power, examples of 90% solar penetration, and a question over what Victoria does next.
Victoria outlines plan for rooftop solar and battery storage scheme, while the regulator cracks down on dodgy trading in certificates.
Battery storage put in too hard basket by installers; and is there an alternative to current crop of DC Isolators?
The shock-waves from the Coalition election win are being felt beyond Australia’s shores. Nigel Morris reports back from Intersolar in Munich and why some big developers are changing their plans, and abandoning Queensland altogether.
Confusion and frustration in the Sunshine state as the government seeks to justify new rules that will add costs to solar farms and make some installations impossible.
Australia’s suite of stop-start solar policies is driving some parts of the industry crazy with frustration, as the phone stops ringing in Victoria and strict new workplace rules are imposed in Queensland.
Australian rooftop solar installations surge to new records, but as we reveal on this podcast some big retailers are making significant sales without the means to install the panels.
New rules, new interpretations of old rules, and restrictions best described as network stuff-ups is causing confusion and anger in the Victoria solar industry, currently the country’s biggest market.
The solarisation of South Australia’s grid, and hunting down solar cowboys in Victoria.
A breakdown of the Murdoch media’s ham-fisted attempt to demonise rooftop solar incentives, and Nigel Morris catches out some solar cowboys.
It has been a great year for solar, but as we reveal today, there are still some disturbing sales practices taking place. Customers be warned.
It’s been a huge year for solar in Australia in 2018. In the final podcast of the year, we review the highs and lows, the best and the worst, and take a peak at next year.
This week we go to Sundowners, discuss the collapse of RCR, and interview Andrea Gaffney from Planet Renewables, and Chris McGrath from solar innovators 5B.
Elon Musk’s giant catching mitt, new battery storage schemes, and the ongoing crackdown on crap solar.
The Solar Insiders team gets Fair Dinkum about solar, because that’s what we do, that’s who we are, that’s what we are about. Do you have a strawberry?
We talk to Solar Victoria and its pre-emptive strike against solar cowboys who moved in to try and fleece consumers in Victoria’s massive solar program.
Solar’s big year, an interview with German battery storage maker Senec, and a round-up of the highlights of the All Energy conference.
Some councils have rejected large scale and rooftop solar installations. Plus: A preview of the All-Energy conference.
An interview with Sonnen CEO Christoph Ostermann, plus a look at why the states are taking the lead on battery storage, AGL’s withdrawal from residential solar, and much more.
Victoria Labor’s solar rebate proposal is having an impact on the solar market, with customers putting off installations.
The future of solar rebates is up in the air as the ACCC pushes for government to adopt its “complete package.” We talk with Sunwiz’ Warwick Johnston about the implications and state of commercial solar.
Canadian Solar CEO Shawn Qu talks to Solar Insiders, while Nigel Morris gives a Zero to the new Harley electric bike, and we celebrate his award for outstanding contribution to the solar industry.
Two big reports - from the ACCC and the AEMO - give conflicting visions about the future of rooftop solar. Plus: Phoenix rising in the rooftop industry, and latest EV news.
The highs and lows of the solar industry, feed in tariffs slashed, and some battery storage offers to be avoided. And a guide to good solar.
Regulators try to get their hands on rooftop solar, Martin Green’s energy prize, more solar stories, and some exciting EV news.
What to make of the scare campaign against rooftop solar and “blackouts”; one company loses its module shipment overboard; and an interview with Electronics.
Gippsland Solar’s Andrew McCarthy and a fascinating insight into the solar transition in the Latrobe Valley, the heart of Victoria’s brown coal industry.
Australia’s will reach 7GW of rooftop solar in May; why South Australia has hit a wall; and what’s happening at Tesla.
Why solar diverters work, crackdown on poor inverters, what the NEG means for solar, and a wrap of EV news.
Pensioners before Paris? How about kids before coal? The case for solar, and interviews with an installer, a large scale solar developer, and a financier.
South Australia’s solar dawn, Craig Kelly, dodgy deals, and how a deal on transport fuels killed the early electric car.
Plans for a crowd-funded retailer that focuses on solar households; a road tour through South Australia, and more for the Dodgy Brothers file.
A look insider Tesla’s world’s biggest virtual power plants, and why Craig Kelly gets a Zero for his barmy comments about electric vehicles.
In the final episode of Solar Insiders for the year, Giles Parkinson and Nigel Morris chronicle what went right, and what went wrong, in the local solar market, and what we can expect from storage.
The Power of Choice requirements that new solar households must have smart meters is undermined by some pretty dumb rules.
Australia’s only solar module manufacturer Tindo is looking to expand its factory and add battery storage manufacturing. Plus: All the solar news of the week.
Australia has just enjoyed its biggest month ever, but it could have been even stronger if it were not for China’s appalling air pollution.
Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg admits he hasn’t got rooftop solar, shame on him, while our expert panel looks at the best and worst in monitoring.
Government’s new policy proposal appears to lock in high prices for at least another decade, making rooftop solar and battery storage yet more attractive.
Australia headed for one GW of rooftop solar installs this year, regulator cracks down on solar rorts, and making sense of volatile certificate prices.
The difficulty in getting hold of Tesla Powerwall stock is keeping a lid on household battery storage sales in Australia. The Solar Insiders podcast takes a look at the market.
Solar jumps 6GW benchmark; and why, some solar mea-culpas, and some crazy stories that illustrate why consumers struggle to understand their energy needs.
Giles Parkinson and Nigel Morris discuss the fire risks in rooftop solar systems, and some dodgy sales practices for solar panels and battery storage.
Quality issues are surfacing in the Australian solar market as the industry experiences a new revival. In this Solar Insiders podcast, Nigel Morris and Giles Parkinson go through the warning signs for consumers.