.jpg)
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
S3E2 - Ben Jones | Amber Electric
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
🎙️ S3, Ep2 — Battery Expectations & Industry Real Talk
Ben Jones from Amber Electric jumps on the mic for a brutally honest chat about batteries, customer chaos, and what actually works when it comes to VPPs and virtual trading.
We get into:
– ⚡ Why battery installs are getting smarter — but still far from perfect
– 🛠️ What happens when expectations aren’t managed (and who cops it)
– 🔄 How Amber deals with Frankenstein installs and unrealistic promises
– 📉 Why some customers are making bank — and others are shouting into the void
– 🤝 Ethical sales, sticky customers & installer responsibility
– 🧠Social media moments, industry culture, and why quality still matters
– 🥊 The “Solar Installer Fight Night” idea (yep, it gets silly)
We also talk rebate changes, solar myths, crap training, and the ageing standards committee that’s slowing things down. Pat fires up, Lauren keeps it classy, and Ben keeps it real.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube or wherever you pod.
📣 Installer Nights are now live — Melbourne and Wodonga first up. Book here:
👉 https://southwellsolartraining.com.au/installer-nights