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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
S3E9 - Shane Bridges | OpenSolar
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S3E9 – Live at Solar & Storage Live with Shane Bridges from OpenSolar
Our first ever live stage podcast, recorded at Solar & Storage Live in Brisbane.
Pat Southwell and Lauren O’Neill sit down with Shane Bridges from OpenSolar for a fun and honest chat about solar sales, proposal tools, installer support, batteries, ROI, and where the industry is heading next.
Shane shares his very unexpected start in online poker, his time across distribution and battery brands, and what he now does at OpenSolar helping installers build better proposals, understand real customer needs, and run sharper businesses.
We also cover the rush to May 1, battery sizing, free power plans, electrification, Queensland’s slow policy moves, startup stands, trade show waste, and why smaller events can sometimes lead to better conversations than the giant expos.
There are plenty of laughs, a few live audience moments, and yes, Lauren O’Neill’s new name gets another solid rinse.
Thanks to Shane for being part of our first live stage episode.