Solar Insiders - a Renew Economy Podcast

Huon Hoogesteger, co-founder of Smart Commercial Solar, dives into the exciting world of battery storage and its impact on agriculture. He highlights how household batteries can transform renewable energy solutions for farmers facing grid limitations. The discussion also covers the evolving role of energy companies in providing personalized guidance and the importance of customer trust in maintaining sustainable practices. Huon shares insights from innovative approaches to energy management, including navigating community dynamics in renewable projects.

Con Hristodoulidis, the Project Lead for the Clean Energy Council's distributed storage, shares insights into the transformative power of home batteries. He emphasizes the vital role of education and community engagement in driving consumer adoption of solar and battery technologies. The discussion highlights recent trends in rooftop solar amid economic challenges and innovative solar advancements in Australia. Con also delves into the necessity for utilities to build trust and adapt to a rapidly changing energy landscape, all while showcasing the potential economic benefits of widespread battery usage.

Adrian Knack, CEO of Redback Technologies, dives into his company's resurgence in the home battery market. He discusses surviving challenges like cash flow issues and the importance of staff retention during tough times. The conversation highlights emerging battery rebates and the complexities of the proposed Suntax initiative aimed at benefiting renters. Knack also emphasizes community solar projects and the impact of educating consumers about technologies like Virtual Power Plants in shaping Australia's energy future.

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.

In this discussion, Stephanie Bashir, Principal of Nexa Advisory and expert in energy policy and grid optimization, dives into the impact of recently slashed solar tariffs on the Australian market. She highlights the advancements in rooftop solar and the essential role of household batteries for energy resilience. The conversation also explores innovative consumer-centric regulations, optimizing voltage standards for solar installations, and the importance of data transparency in the energy sector. Bashir emphasizes the need for policies that engage consumers in the renewable energy transition.

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?