Solar Insiders - a Renew Economy Podcast
Solar Insiders is a podcast from Australian renewable energy news site Renew Economy. Hosts Giles Parkinson and Sophie Vorrath discuss developments in the solar industry, covering technology, policy, market trends and their implications for consumers. Each episode offers insights into the challenges and opportunities facing solar energy in Australia and globally.
Episodes
Will the home battery boom have a bust?
Nelson Zheng from Pylon on why the battery rebate has been kinder to some businesses than others – and how some won't survive this ride on the "solar coaster." Plus, news of the week.
Why recycling used PV panels is not always the best option
Michelle McCann from PV Lab explains why we need to get used modules off Facebook and onto a real market for second-life solar.
Bowen's big bet on the "missing middle"
Rob Potter from the Smart Energy Council joins to discuss federal Labor's announcement that it will extend the SRES to rooftop PV projects up to 1 MW and fill the "missing middle" of the solar market.
Panel recycling at the precipice
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.
Why new rules for networks signal a new dawn for consumers
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.
Virtual networks and the real pursuit of energy democracy
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.
The public power company plugging the gaps
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.
Renters and the "right to plug in"
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.
The small company taking giant steps to close the energy gap
Lauren Mellor and Chantelle Johns from Original Power on their mission to take the power back for First Nations communities in the Northern Territory.
Can we make climate action great again?
Thom Woodroofe on his new book, Power, Prosperity & Planet, and why making solar as common to households as smoke alarms is one of the keys to climate policy success.
Community batteries – can networks deliver what it says on the tin?
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.
How storage and knowledge can make energy "pretty much free"
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.
How saving energy can save businesses a fortune
Jonathan Pooch from DETA Consulting on the untapped riches of energy productivity. Plus news of the week.
How bushfires sparked a neighbourhood battery blueprint
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.
What's the right way to consult with communities?
Camilla Hamilton from Cogency explains the importance of research, listening, and good coffee when consulting with communities on renewables. Plus news of the week.
How fixing network tariffs could break home battery economics
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.
Zen and the art of battery optimisation
OptiGrid founder and CEO Sahand Karimi on the ever evolving art of battery optimisation and the huge untapped value of the sub-5 MW "community" storage market. Plus news of the week.
Praise be, it's a pilot!
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.
Energy smarts for home batteries and EVs
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.
Big trouble in the small-scale battery rebate
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.
Riding the home battery wave
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.
Silicon, silver and sliding doors
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.
Would you like electrification with that?
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.
The community that built its own renewable grid
Kait Williamson from Flow Power on how one Victorian town built its own green power solution from the ground up.
What consumers really want from virtual power plants
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.
The "zero-cost" VPP with big plans for empty rooftops
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.
Start me up
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.
Poles, wires and fences
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.
Looking beyond cheaper home batteries
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.
Can networks be nimble?
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.
The community that built its own renewable grid
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.
Home battery storage with the lot
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.
The energy pilot that pays customers to dial down their solar
Engie's Ryan Wavish on how the retailer is flipping the sun tax to make solar curtailment work for everyone.
Australia's waste panel problem – and how to turn it into a goldmine
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.
How to make the most out of home batteries
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.
Shouting from the rooftops
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.
A Teal take on what voters want – and how to give it to them
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.
Get ready for battery rebates
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.
A roller coaster year in review – and the keys to a smoother 2025
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.
It's a consumer energy revolution! Can retailers go with the flow?
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.
Four million and counting – the race to make the PV puzzle pieces fit
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.
Made in the clean power-generating shade
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.
Look ma, no gas!
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.
Can rooftop PV be a lifetime asset?
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.
Rise of an Australian PV Maverick
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.
Battery boom-time in the land of the diesel-free donga
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.
Reuse, reclaim or recycle?
Smart Energy Council's Darren Johannesen on some fascinating revelations about end-of-life solar panels and where their value lies.
Controlling household PV and batteries
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.
New dawn for household batteries
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.
How millions of batteries can deliver billions in savings
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 revival, battery rebates and solar tax
Redback CEO Adrian Knack on surviving and thriving in the home battery business. Plus: A boost for batteries and a tax on solar.
How to get off gas and electrify
Peter Steele from Goodbye Gas on how his company is helping households to go all-electric. Plus: Mixed messages from the top.
Australia loses it on solar
Australia falls out of global top 10 solar countries. Plus: GridBeyond's Michael Phelan on the rise of VPPs; and battery rebates.
Can Australia make its own solar?
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.
Heat pump demand red hot, batteries just warming up
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.
Solar tariffs slashed again
Nexa’s Stephanie Bashir on how to reshape grid around consumer energy as solar tariffs cut and PV sets new records.
Can panels, farmers and sheep get along?
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.
The fight for fairer rooftop PV – and cheaper home batteries
Heidi Douglas talks through Solar Citizens’ list of policy asks for the upcoming energy ministers’ meeting. Could we get discounted batteries for Christmas?
SunDrive's hot pursuit of Australian-made PV
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?
The power of putting First Nations first
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.
Making money out of home batteries
Amber’s Tim Barson on how home batteries are turning into a money spinner. Plus: Rooftop solar shattering records across the grid.
Australia’s CPV and low cost storage breakthrough
We talk with RayGen’s Richard Payne at the newly opened solar and storage plant in Carwarp. Plus: Consumer power to fill coal gap.
Confessions of a solar and battery nerd
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.
Volt from the blue
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.
Can Australia become a global solar manufacturer?
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.
Demystifying home electrification
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.
Watch out for our upcoming Electrify Everything series of podcasts. More details to come.
Small town, medium battery – big solar win
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.
Solar recycling vs solar recovery
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, batteries and landlords
Solar Victoria’s Stan Krpan on the new incentives for rooftop solar and battery storage. Plus: Should landlords be required to install rooftop solar?
From coal valley outsider to solar trailblazer
Andy McCarthy reflects on his journey from a garage-based start-up to the CEO of RACV solar. Plus Queensland does it again.
Getting to grips with solar duck curve
Gabrielle Kuiper on why rooftop solar should not be ignored by grid planners. Plus: Latest news including dire warning for PV installers on inverters.
Little solar’s very big year
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?
Turn it off, turn it on
A look at South Australia’s week in isolation and the role of rooftop solar. Plus: Another failed venture
The dumb decisions holding back rooftop PV
We look at developments in Queensland and South Australia and Nigel delivers All Energy wrap and picks apart Sky After Dark misinformation about cobalt
Is there such a thing as 'peak solar'?
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?
Solar symphonies and eating coal’s lunch
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.
China drought to hit solar, battery supplies
Extreme weather conditions in China starts to have impact on solar and battery supply chains, plus all the local news.
Spring Clean on the Grid
Early spring brings solar surge and coal crackles as landmark changes made to policy.
Households now want batteries with their solar
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.
Will angry consumers leave the grid?
Household solar and battery storage play a key role in AEMO’s future plans, but angry consumers might choose to go their own way.
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