Off The Grid

Source Energy Group

Welcome to Off The Grid, the Source Energy Group podcast hosted by Jason Cooke and Cam Fitch. This podcast helps Australian homeowners beat the cost of living, eliminate power bills, and break free from the grid with custom solar and battery systems. Each episode delivers honest, no-nonsense conversations on Australian solar rebates, battery storage, and how to choose the right installation without getting burned. With a SAA accredited in-house install team and a genuine 25-year local support commitment, Source Energy Group provides quality systems that cut grid usage to 0 to 5%. No subcontractors. No overselling. Just real advice from people who will still be answering the phone in 2050.

  1. 5 hrs ago

    #018 - Answering Every Single Solar Question You Have In 24 Minutes

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this episode, Jason, Cam and Delphi rapid‑fire through the most common solar questions homeowners ask, breaking down panel sizing, battery choices and why proper design matters for every household. This episode covers: ◼️ Understanding real household usage ◼️ Sizing panels and batteries correctly ◼️ Charging speeds and inverter limits ◼️ How long batteries actually last ◼️ Choosing the right battery for your home Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:54 Is 10kWh Enough? 00:01:34 Panels Needed for 10kWh Battery 00:02:48 Price Comparisons 00:03:29 Charging a 10kWh Battery from the Grid 00:04:25 How Long a Powerwall Runs a Home 00:05:25 Panels vs Batteries 00:06:37 Do You Really Need a Battery? 00:08:15 Best Battery for Home Solar 00:09:18 Disadvantages of Solar Batteries 00:10:23 Cost of a 13.5kWh Battery 00:12:30 Panels Needed for 13.5kWh Battery 00:14:54 How Long a 13.5kWh Battery Lasts 00:17:41 Real Household Usage Example 00:18:31 Cost of a 13kW Solar System with Battery 00:19:58 Runtime of a 13.5kWh Battery 00:21:26 Lithium-ion vs LiFePO4 00:22:42 Why Proper Design Matters 00:23:42 Industry Improvements 00:24:11 Final Site Inspection Process 00:24:36 Closing Remarks Follow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

  2. 5 days ago

    #017 - Watch Us Live Fix This Electricity Bill In 26 Minutes

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with a real household power bill and break it down line by line, showing exactly where the money goes and how a properly designed solar‑and‑battery setup changes the numbers. This episode covers: ◼️ Breaking down a real household bill ◼️ Understanding daily supply charges ◼️ Reading actual usage and kWh patterns ◼️ Comparing solar-only and solar‑plus‑battery setups ◼️ Exploring future electrification impacts Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:23 - Breaking Down a Real Electricity Bill 00:00:44 - Understanding the Components of Your Bill 00:01:15 - Daily Supply Charges Explained 00:02:10 - Importance of the Supply Charge 00:03:02 - Calculating the Supply Charge 00:04:06 - Designing a Solar System for Your Home 00:05:10 - Import and Export from the Grid 00:06:00 - Daily Average Usage 00:07:05 - Daytime vs. Nighttime Usage 00:08:01 - General Usage Charges 00:09:03 - Matching Bill Data with Usage 00:10:08 - Consumption Graph and Production Target 00:11:13 - Designing the Solar System 00:12:01 - Panel Placement and Roof Capacity 00:13:08 - Solar Production vs. Consumption 00:14:03 - Adding Battery Storage 00:15:07 - Battery Modules and Supply Charge 00:16:00 - Future-Proofing with Battery Storage 00:17:05 - Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Benefits 00:18:05 - Return on Investment 00:19:30 - Infrastructure and Compliance Checks 00:20:24 - Future Electrification Considerations 00:21:07 - Impact of Future Additions on Bill 00:22:23 - Adjusting for Future Usage 00:23:31 - Comparing Current and Future Bills 00:24:12 - Impact of Rate Increases Follow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

  3. 11 Aug

    #016 - 5 Worst Solar System Design Mistakes Homeowners Make

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ Bad solar design can cost you more than having no system at all. In this episode, Jason, Cam and Delphi break down the five most common design mistakes, how they happen, and what to check before anyone installs a system on your roof. ◼️ 5 Worst Design Mistakes ◼️ How To Avoid Bad Solar Installs ◼️ Full Home Backup Explained Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:24 - Mistake 1: Choice of Company 00:01:36 - Mistake 2: Shading Issues 00:02:20 - Explanation of Shading and Hot Spots 00:03:07 - Role of Optimizers in Solar Systems 00:03:49 - Misconceptions About Optimizers 00:05:04 - Importance of Proper System Design for Shaded Areas 00:06:00 - Mistake 3: Not Assessing Property's Max Demand 00:07:05 - Impact of Air Conditioning and Three-Phase Power 00:08:08 - Future-Proofing for EVs and Other Technology 00:09:10 - Seasonal Usage Trends and Their Impact 00:10:52 - Planning for Future Electrical Purchases 00:12:25 - Mistake 4: Off-Grid and EPS Backup Requirements 00:13:47 - Full Home Backup vs. Partial Backup 00:15:32 - Detailed Explanation of Full Home Backup 00:17:59 - Importance of Proper Sizing for Backup Systems 00:18:27 - Managing Usage During Power Outages 00:18:38 - Clarifying Off-Grid Backup Capabilities 00:19:39 - Benefits of Goodwe ESA and Panel Oversizing 00:21:12 - Undersized Systems and Government Rebates 00:22:14 - New South Wales 0% Interest Loans 00:25:14 - Comparison: Goodwe ESA vs. Sungrow SPH 00:26:04 - SIG Energy Systems and Future Developments 00:27:04 - Micro-Inverter Systems and Their Use Cases 00:28:00 - Recap and Key Questions to Ask Your Installer Follow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

  4. 5 Aug

    #015 - $10k Vs $20k Vs $30k Solar Quotes (Which Is better?)

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this episode, Jason, Cam and Delphi break down why three solar quotes for the same home can vary wildly in price. They explain what you actually get at the $10k, $20k and $30k levels, how product quality and company structure affect long‑term costs, and why the cheapest quote often becomes the most expensive mistake down the track. They cover brand‑ambassador style companies, subcontractor‑level installs, and full‑service providers with proper after‑sales support. The team also unpack the risks of battery‑only installs, ownership transfer, compliance issues, and the “poor man pays twice” problem that shows up in real customer stories. ◼️ $10k vs $20k vs $30k Quote Breakdown ◼️ Why Cheap Solar Costs More Later ◼️ How To Compare Quotes Properly Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:09 - Understanding Price Differences in Solar Quotes 00:01:45 - The Low-End $10K Solar Quote 00:02:07 - The Mid-Range $20K Solar Quote 00:02:30 - The High-End $30K Solar Quote 00:03:02 - Comparing Quotes: Are They the Same System? 00:03:44 - Real-Life Example: Ellen's Client Experience 00:05:43 - Importance of Understanding Your Needs 00:06:13 - The Cookie Cutter Approach in Solar Quotes 00:07:10 - Hidden Costs in Lower-End Quotes 00:08:08 - Long-Term Costs and Risks of Low-End Quotes 00:09:01 - The Blame Game: Issues with Low-End Installers 00:10:23 - Misconceptions About Adding Batteries to Existing Systems 00:11:44 - Real-Life Example: Uncle Shane's Experience 00:12:54 - Risks and Rewards of Cheaper Systems 00:13:39 - Designing the Right System for Your Needs 00:14:50 - Changing the Stigma Around Solar 00:15:07 - Customer Satisfaction and Reviews 00:16:55 - Final Advice: Understanding Price Differences Follow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

  5. 31 July

    #014 - How We Chopped Randall’s Power Bills

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Randall, a Source Energy client whose quarterly power bill dropped from $990 to just $100, a 90% reduction in one install. They break down how a 15.2 kW system with the right battery setup transformed his household, why roof space limitations didn’t stop the savings, and how proper design makes the difference between “just panels” and a complete solution. You'll hear: ◼️ How Randall Cut His Bills By 90% ◼️ Why Battery Design Matters More Than Size ◼️ Living Comfortably With Solar And Battery Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:04 Cutting Randall’s Bill By 90 Percent 00:00:09 Roof Space Limitations And System Size 00:00:25 Jason And Cam Introduce Source Energy 00:00:32 Randall Joins The Episode 00:01:05 First Meeting With Cam 00:01:19 Why Randall Considered Solar 00:01:36 Batteries As The Missing Piece 00:02:04 Brother’s Research And Influence 00:02:29 Wife’s Role In The Decision 00:02:38 Return On Investment Matters 00:03:14 Discovering The True Power Bill 00:03:59 Annual Cost Of $4000 00:04:35 Solar Panels Alone Are Half The Solution 00:05:07 Why Household Usage Patterns Matter 00:06:14 Living Comfortably With Air Conditioning 00:07:15 Emotional Impact Of Using Power Freely 00:08:05 Comparing With Other Clients’ Experiences 00:09:01 Lifestyle Benefits Beyond Savings 00:09:36 Randall’s Bill Now Down To $100 00:10:05 Using Solar And Battery Without Guilt 00:11:01 Air Conditioning Efficiency Insights 00:12:09 System Design And Roof Space Limits 00:13:12 Choosing The Bigger Battery For Long‑Term Value 00:13:49 Preparing For Electric Vehicles 00:14:52 Battery Rebates And Early Adopters 00:15:31 Randall’s Review Of The Installation Crew 00:16:09 Comparing With Brother’s Poor Experience 00:17:27 Industry Stigma And Service Quality 00:18:49 Randall’s Positive Experience With The Team 00:19:00 Using The Monitoring App 00:19:37 Real‑Time Data And Rewards 00:20:25 Battery Performance On Overcast Days 00:20:53 Exploring VPP And Globird Options 00:22:03 Exporting Power And Small Daily Earnings 00:23:09 Other Providers Like Amber 00:23:57 Political And Infrastructure Considerations 00:25:05 Is Solar A Scam? 00:25:13 Why Solar Without A Battery Falls Short 00:25:32 Adding A Battery Makes Solar Work 00:25:39 Fuel Costs Compared To Power Bills 00:26:08 Solar And Battery For EV Charging Follow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

  6. 29 July

    #013 -Solar Panels Are NOT Worth It (Without THIS)

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Samantha Delphin to break down why solar panels on their own are not the full answer. They explain why so many homeowners still end up with a power bill even after installing panels, how export limits and collapsing feed‑in tariffs make panel‑only systems underperform, and why a correctly sized battery is now essential for real savings. They also cover rising supply charges, the impact of the three‑hours‑free‑power plans, the myths around solar being a “rip‑off”, and how proper system design eliminates the issues most people complain about. ◼️ Why Panel‑Only Systems Fail ◼️ How A Battery Turns Solar Into Real Savings ◼️ The Truth About Feed‑In Tariffs And Export Limits Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:00 Supply Charge and Usage Rate Increases 00:01:26 Why Solar Seems “Not Worth It” Without a Battery 00:02:04 Feed‑In Tariff Collapse 00:02:30 Export Limits on Single‑Phase Homes 00:03:00 Daytime Export vs Night‑Time Costs 00:03:17 How a Battery Restores Real Savings 00:04:06 Rising Daily Supply Charges 00:04:36 Three Hours of Free Power Discussion 00:05:39 Using Free Power with a Battery 00:06:08 Why Some Homeowners Think Solar Is a Rip‑Off 00:06:31 Common Design Mistakes 00:07:07 Correct System Design Eliminates the Issues 00:07:36 Partial Savings Still Increase Over Time 00:08:14 Why Education Around Batteries Matters 00:08:31 Misconceptions from Advertising and Sales Tactics 00:09:32 Reviews, Trust and Industry Stigma 00:10:00 Fake Reviews and Industry Noise 00:11:18 Solar Is a Power Generation Unit, Not Just a Bill Saver 00:11:55 Risks of Poor System Design 00:12:13 Commission‑Driven Sales vs Proper Design 00:13:03 Tailor‑Made Systems for Each Home 00:13:50 Solar Is Not a Scam When Done Right 00:14:07 Why You Must Capitalise on Rebates 00:14:26 Solar and Battery Rebates Dropping 00:14:31 Power Prices Rising While Rebates Fall 00:14:55 Waiting Only Makes It More Expensive 00:15:11 Solar and Batteries Are Worth It When Designed Properly Follow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

  7. 23 July

    #012 - Government Solar Rebates Reduced! (Is Solar Still Worth It?)

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Ellen to break down what’s actually happening with the government’s solar and battery rebates, why they’re being reduced, and whether homeowners should be worried. They unpack the new tiered rebate structure, explain how 0% interest plans and bill‑relief measures offset reductions, and answer the big question: does solar still make financial sense in 2026? ◼️ Why Rebates Are Dropping And What It Really Means ◼️ How The New Tiered Battery Rebate Works ◼️ Is Solar Still Worth It With Rising Supply Charges? Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:34 What Happens When Funding Changes 00:00:44 Are Solar & Battery Rebates Ending? 00:01:23 Why The Budget Was Reduced 00:02:41 Big Bulky Battery Installs 00:02:43 Rebate Reduction Timeline 00:03:10 New Tiered Battery Rebate Explained 00:03:36 Large Battery Owners Still Eligible 00:04:32 Solar Rebate Annual Reduction 00:04:59 Combined Solar + Battery Rebates 00:05:13 How Rebates Actually Work 00:06:32 Installer Claims & STC Rules 00:06:42 Confusion: $0 Upfront Vs Rebate 00:07:57 Bill Relief Measures After Rebate Drops 00:08:55 Why Bills Change: Usage Vs Dollar Value 00:09:45 Government Bill Credits & Hidden Costs 00:10:25 Usage Down, Bills Up Example 00:10:34 What Happens If Government Changes 00:11:14 Why Solar Still Makes Financial Sense 00:11:36 Rebate Vs Feed‑In Tariff Confusion 00:12:19 Export Rates Dropping To 2 Cents 00:12:38 Early Adopters Losing 44c Tariff Soon 00:13:04 Why Upsizing Now Makes More Sense 00:13:35 Supply Charge Increases 00:14:24 Daily Supply Vs Usage Charge Changes 00:15:23 Why Customers Must Shop Around 00:15:53 Insurance Replacements & Tariff Confusion 00:16:46 Human Nature: Want Vs Need 00:17:26 Solar “Scam” Misconceptions 00:17:46 Federal Vs State Rebates 00:18:39 Federal Rebate Reductions Until 2030 00:19:25 Underselling Batteries Under New Rules 00:19:51 Why The New Rebate Model Is A Double‑Edged Sword 00:20:41 Grid‑Tied Vs Off‑Grid Systems 00:21:12 Off‑Grid Eligibility For Rebates 00:22:48 Off‑Grid Equipment Requirements 00:23:10 Rural Properties & Export Limitations 00:24:05 When Should Homeowners Act? 00:24:23 Why Waiting Costs More Follow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

  8. 16 July

    #011 - Top 4 Best Solar Batteries Going In 2026

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Braden to break down the top four solar batteries homeowners should be considering in 2026. They compare performance, safety, and design across leading brands, explaining what makes each system stand out and how choosing the wrong one could cost thousands in lost efficiency. ◼️ The top four batteries for 2026 and how they compare ◼️ Why the GoodWe ESA leads for safety and whole‑home backup ◼️ How installation design and support differ across brands Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:38 Why Batteries Aren’t All The Same 00:01:00 AC‑Coupled Vs DC‑Coupled Vs All‑In‑One 00:01:16 Braden’s ESA System And Why It Stands Out 00:01:42 Top Four Batteries For 2026 00:02:24 Why GoodWe ESA Is Ranked Number One 00:03:02 GoodWe Vs Sig Energy Whole‑Home Backup Differences 00:03:44 Fire Suppression And Safety Design 00:04:42 Why Installation Cleanliness And Layout Matter 00:07:03 Why Mixing Old Solar With New Batteries Causes Issues 00:08:14 String Trackers And Design Flexibility 00:09:20 SunGrow Inverter And Battery Setup 00:10:12 Why Inverter Choice Is Critical 00:11:06 Placement Rules For Windows, Exits And Wall Space 00:12:00 Stackability And Future Expansion 00:13:12 Sig Energy Price Drops And Gateway Changes 00:14:02 Wall‑Space Comparison: ESA Vs Cheaper Batteries 00:15:59 Sig Energy Strengths And Off‑Grid Capability 00:17:19 Why ESA Overtook Sig Energy In 2026 00:18:00 Solax In The Off‑Grid Market 00:20:11 SunGrow EPS Backup Vs Whole‑Home Backup 00:21:24 ESA Whole‑Home Backup Performance In Outages 00:22:42 Why Australian‑Based Support Matters 00:25:07 GoodWe Support And Transparency Follow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/

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About

Welcome to Off The Grid, the Source Energy Group podcast hosted by Jason Cooke and Cam Fitch. This podcast helps Australian homeowners beat the cost of living, eliminate power bills, and break free from the grid with custom solar and battery systems. Each episode delivers honest, no-nonsense conversations on Australian solar rebates, battery storage, and how to choose the right installation without getting burned. With a SAA accredited in-house install team and a genuine 25-year local support commitment, Source Energy Group provides quality systems that cut grid usage to 0 to 5%. No subcontractors. No overselling. Just real advice from people who will still be answering the phone in 2050.

Information

  • Creator
    Source Energy Group
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Source Energy Group
  • Show Website
    Off The Grid