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Solar Sidekicks Podcast
Solar Sidekicks is the go-to podcast for all things solar, serving up essential insights with a friendly, down-to-earth vibe. Hosted by industry professional Pat Southwell and his co-host Lauren Ciconte, each episode explores technical topics, industry regulations, and the real-world challenges faced by solar installers across Australia.
Together they share practical knowledge from the field, tackle important issues affecting the industry, and stand up for what’s right by helping voices be heard on topics that can hit solar installers hard. They also highlight some of the great people working in the industry and help listeners stay across the constant changes in this fast-evolving sector.
Whether you’re a solar installer, apprentice, or simply interested in solar, Solar Sidekicks keeps you informed, connected, and up to date with what’s happening in the industry.
Solar Sidekicks Podcast
S2E12 - NSW PDRS Pain
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We’re crossing the border for this one. In Season 2, Episode 12 of Solar Sidekicks, Pat and Lauren set their sights on New South Wales — where the rollout of the new battery rebate (yep, we’re talking the PDRS: Peak Demand Reduction Scheme) has sparked confusion, delays, and more than a few admin headaches.
Joining the chat:
- Bridgette from Peak Energy Group shares her day-to-day battle with dropped PRC prices, shifting paperwork, and that all-too-familiar cash flow crunch.
- Kat from Greenbank offers the aggregator perspective — from the steep learning curve to how they’re helping tradies stay compliant and get paid.
- Richard from Global Solar Brokers tells it straight: the site maps, the photos, the delays, and the impact on regional solar businesses trying to do the right thing.
And just for something different… Pat makes another passionate plea for mandatory inspections in NSW (who saw that coming?).
This episode’s all about solidarity — hearing from those in the trenches, calling out the chaos, and backing our mates trying to make clean energy work across state lines.
🎧 Give it a listen. NSW, we’ve got your back.