Solar Insiders - a Renew Economy Podcast
Technology
About
Join Renew Economy founder Giles Parkinson and editor Sophie Vorrath as they discuss the ins & outs of the solar industry and what it means for consumers.
Episodes
- The small company taking giant steps to close the energy gap
Lauren Mellor and Chantelle Johns from Original Power share their work on empowering First Nations communities in the Northern Territory through energy initiatives. This episode explores their mission to create energy independence.
- Can we make climate action great again?
Thom Woodroofe discusses his book, "Power, Prosperity & Planet," and the importance of making solar energy common in households for effective climate policy. This episode explores pathways to successful climate action.
- Community batteries – can networks deliver what it says on the tin?
Rob Amphlett Lewis appears on Solar Insiders to discuss Ausgrid's Energy Storage as a Service, the decreasing cost of network batteries, and the consumer-driven evolution of poles and wires companies.
- How storage and knowledge can make energy "pretty much free"
Matthew van der Linden from Flow Power discusses how individuals can use technology and knowledge to manage their energy costs. The episode also covers the week's energy news.
- How saving energy can save businesses a fortune
Jonathan Pooch of DETA Consulting explores energy productivity for businesses. The episode also covers the news of the week.
- How bushfires sparked a neighbourhood battery blueprint
Ben McGowan, managing director of Indigo Power, discusses the importance of mid-scale batteries for regional energy resilience, a topic sparked by recent bushfires. The episode also includes news of the week.
- What's the right way to consult with communities?
Camilla Hamilton from Cogency discusses the importance of research, listening, and good coffee in community consultations for renewables. The episode also covers news of the week.
- How fixing network tariffs could break home battery economics
This episode of Solar Insiders features IEEFA's Jay Gordon discussing the potential effects of proposed changes to electricity pricing on home battery economics. The episode also covers the news of the week.
- Zen and the art of battery optimisation
OptiGrid founder and CEO Sahand Karimi discusses the process of battery optimisation and the potential of the community energy storage market. The episode also includes a review of the week's news.
- Praise be, it's a pilot!
Darren Johannesen from SEC discusses advancements in addressing Australia's solar waste issue. The episode also covers the news of the week.
- Energy smarts for home batteries and EVs
Kaluza CEO Melissa Gander discusses how new technologies and energy strategies can provide more value to consumers. The episode also covers weekly news, including updates on home battery adoption and solar recycling plans.
- Big trouble in the small-scale battery rebate
David McElrea from the Smart Energy Council discusses necessary changes to the federal Cheaper Home Batteries scheme on this episode of Solar Insiders. The show also covers the latest industry news.
- Riding the home battery wave
Dean Williamson from GoodWe discusses the trends and new products in the home battery market. The episode also includes a roundup of the week's news in the renewable energy sector.
- Silicon, silver and sliding doors
Neeraj Das from ElecSome discusses the economic and resource potential of solar panel recycling in Australia and the risks of mismanaging this opportunity. The episode also includes a review of the week's news.
- Would you like electrification with that?
Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel discusses strategies for Australian home energy efficiency in the context of the government's solar program. The episode also includes a review of current energy industry news.
- The community that built its own renewable grid
Kait Williamson from Flow Power discusses how a Victorian community developed its own renewable energy grid. This episode explores the process of building a local green power solution from the ground up.
- What consumers really want from virtual power plants
Plico Energy CTO George Martin discusses the impact of new home battery rebates on virtual power plants. The episode also includes a roundup of weekly news.
- The "zero-cost" VPP with big plans for empty rooftops
National Renewable Network CEO Alan Hunter discusses the company's mission to bring residential solar and battery storage to more homes through a virtual power plant model. The episode also covers the latest renewable energy news of the we…
- Start me up
EnergyLab CEO Megan Fisher discusses the importance of funding, mentoring, and acceleration for energy start-ups in the consumer energy sector. The episode also includes a roundup of the week's energy news.
- Poles, wires and fences
Stephanie Bashir from Nexa Advisory discusses consumer energy and network accountability on this episode of Solar Insiders. The show also covers recent developments from the ACES conference in Sydney.
- Looking beyond cheaper home batteries
Con Hristodoulidis from the Clean Energy Council discusses the early implementation of the federal home battery rebate and the future of consumer energy. The episode also covers recent industry news.
- Can networks be nimble?
Rob Amphlett Lewis from Ausgrid discusses the challenges and opportunities for Australia's largest distribution network. The episode also covers the launch of Australia's home battery rebate and other recent industry news.
- The community that built its own renewable grid
Kait Williamson from Flow Power discusses a Victorian town's community-led renewable energy project. The episode also covers the latest industry news.
- Home battery storage with the lot
RedEarth CEO Marc Sheldon discusses the evolution of home battery storage and the company's new "Microgrid in a Box" system. The episode also covers his views on Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and includes weekly news updates on Solar Insider…
- The energy pilot that pays customers to dial down their solar
Ryan Wavish from Engie discusses a pilot program that provides financial incentives for customers to curtail their solar energy production. The episode explores how this initiative aims to make solar curtailment beneficial for all parties…
- Australia's waste panel problem – and how to turn it into a goldmine
Darren Johannesen of the Smart Energy Council discusses the potential for reclaiming resources from Australia's solar waste stream. The episode also covers solar industry news of the week.
- How to make the most out of home batteries
Myles Eftos from Amber Electric discusses how home batteries can generate savings, followed by a post-election debrief and an update on popular battery options in Australia.
- Shouting from the rooftops
Sophie Wright from OpenSolar discusses efforts to streamline solar business processes to increase rooftop solar installations. The episode also covers news from the solar industry.
- A Teal take on what voters want – and how to give it to them
NSW Independent Allegra Spender discusses plans for permanent energy bill relief and critiques the federal Labor battery rebate. The episode also features reports from the Smart Energy Conference.
- Get ready for battery rebates
Wayne Smith from the Smart Energy Council discusses the upcoming federal home battery rebate and the potential impact of Australia's energy election on the sector.
- A roller coaster year in review – and the keys to a smoother 2025
SunWiz's Warwick Johnston joins the podcast to review the challenges and achievements of 2024 for the rooftop solar and home battery industry. The episode also covers news from the week.
- It's a consumer energy revolution! Can retailers go with the flow?
Matthew van der Linden of Flow Power discusses the company's expansion into residential retail. The episode also covers updates on the rooftop PV market, SunDrive’s innovation progress, and general industry news.
- Four million and counting – the race to make the PV puzzle pieces fit
Baran Yildiz from UNSW discusses the integration of rooftop solar and consumer energy assets into Australia's grid. The episode also covers weekly news, including updates on Tesla Powerwall and other industry developments.
- Made in the clean power-generating shade
Will Beaumont discusses modular technology for solar car park canopies and the integration of EV charging. This Solar Insiders episode explores how this patented technology aims to lower costs and simplify installation.
- Look ma, no gas!
Clint Hare discusses the success of an all-electric, energy-efficient housing development on Victoria's Bass Coast, which has been operating for a decade.
- Can rooftop PV be a lifetime asset?
Patrick Matweew of Enphase Energy discusses his career journey and the benefits of quality microinverters for rooftop solar systems. The episode also covers the latest industry news in the solar sector.
- Rise of an Australian PV Maverick
Nicole Kuepper-Russell, Chief Strategy Officer at 5B, discusses the company's journey from an initial concept to establishing a solar innovation factory in Adelaide.
- Battery boom-time in the land of the diesel-free donga
Nic Stone joins Solar Insiders to discuss innovative off-grid projects utilizing Australian-made PowerPlus Energy batteries. The conversation highlights the integration of these batteries in various settings, including renewable-powered ac…
- Reuse, reclaim or recycle?
Darren Johannesen from the Smart Energy Council discusses the management of end-of-life solar panels and explores where their value is located.
- Controlling household PV and batteries
This episode of Solar Insiders features Andrew Blaver discussing the findings from Project Symphony in Western Australia, focusing on the orchestration of household solar and battery storage.
- New dawn for household batteries
Huon Hoogesteger from Smart Commercial Solar discusses battery technology and bespoke energy solutions. The episode also explores the role of renewables in agriculture.
- How millions of batteries can deliver billions in savings
Con Hristodoulidis from the Clean Energy Council discusses the potential financial benefits of home battery storage and the importance of consumer education. The episode also reviews recent developments in the rooftop solar market.
- Redback revival, battery rebates and solar tax
Redback CEO Adrian Knack joins the show to discuss the company's survival and growth in the home battery industry. The episode also covers new battery incentives and taxation on solar energy.
- How to get off gas and electrify
Peter Steele from Goodbye Gas explains how his company assists households in transitioning to all-electric energy. The episode also covers recent mixed policy messages regarding the energy transition.
- Australia loses it on solar
This episode discusses Australia's exit from the global top 10 solar countries list, the growth of virtual power plants with Michael Phelan of GridBeyond, and the status of battery rebates.
- Can Australia make its own solar?
Darren Miller of Arena discusses the importance of an Australian solar supply chain and the Solar Sunshot. The episode also covers the role of households in the transition to renewables and the rise of solar balconies.
- Heat pump demand red hot, batteries just warming up
Solar Victoria CEO Stan Krpan discusses the rising popularity of heat pumps, milestones in the rebate program, and trends in home battery adoption. The episode also addresses regulatory scrutiny of rooftop solar and challenges within the b…
- Solar tariffs slashed again
Stephanie Bashir from Nexa joins the Solar Insiders podcast to discuss the impact of reduced solar tariffs and the record-breaking performance of solar PV on grid operations. The conversation explores methods for reshaping the grid around…
- Can panels, farmers and sheep get along?
A Tasmanian sheep grazier discusses the development of the state's first large-scale solar project while addressing the debate surrounding renewable energy and agriculture.
- The fight for fairer rooftop PV – and cheaper home batteries
Heidi Douglas from Solar Citizens discusses policy priorities for the upcoming energy ministers' meeting, including the potential for discounted home batteries.