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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
S3E12 - 2026 Sydney Solar Cutters Networking Drinks
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Recorded live at the Solar Cutters networking event in Sydney before Smart Energy Conference, this episode is absolute chaos from the very start.
Pat can’t hear the intro music, Jo accidentally jumps on the mic and does the opening intro herself, and Lauren spends half the episode disappearing to chase down her lost luggage.
What follows is completely loose.
Unhinged conversations, industry banter, battery rebate chat, EV charging, burnout, installer gossip bordering on “should this be recorded?”, tequila, and way too many solar industry people around one table.
Featuring people from FranklinWH, Positive Energy, EVNEX, Percy Solar, MC Electrical, NRG, Supply Partners, Smart Energy Council, iStore and more.
There’s also a couple of genuinely touching moments amongst the madness that probably caught all of us off guard.
Fun fact: this was actually recorded before another episode we already released… which honestly feels very on brand for this podcast lately.
Was this format a good idea? Unclear.
Will rusted-on solar industry people absolutely love it? Most likely.