Your Energy Answers

Your Energy Media
Your Energy Answers

Anything Energy! Transitioning towards a renewable sustainable energy solutions. Discussing with industry leading experts on how, where, why, when.

  1. David Pethick Exposes What’s Broken in Aussie Solar — And How Omnidian Plans to Fix It

    23 JUNE

    David Pethick Exposes What’s Broken in Aussie Solar — And How Omnidian Plans to Fix It

    The Australian solar boom has left many homeowners with panels on their roofs—but what happens after installation is often a mystery. David Pethick, President of Omnidian Australia, joins the podcast to uncover the hidden reality of post-installation solar service. With a background at AGL and now leading Omnidian’s expansion—boosted by their acquisition of Solar Service Guys—David shares how the company is transforming solar maintenance into a streamlined, tech-driven experience. This episode explores: Why most system owners stop monitoring their solar and batteries just weeks after installation—and how that creates long-term value lossHow Omnidian’s AI-powered platform, Resolve, builds a digital twin of each system to predict, detect, and diagnose faults before customers noticeWhat solar retailers gain by outsourcing after-sales service—and how it helps them scale while maintaining a five-star reputationHow Omnidian helps battery and inverter manufacturers launch in Australia without expensive onshore tech teamsThe importance of values alignment in a solar industry flooded with short-term players, and how Omnidian chooses partners who build for longevityWith Australia’s $2.3 billion battery rebate creating new complexity for retailers and manufacturers alike, Omnidian is setting a new standard for scalable, affordable, and customer-first service. Whether you're a solar retailer trying to stay focused on sales or a manufacturer entering a competitive market, this episode is your blueprint for navigating the future of solar and battery performance in Australia.

    1h 41m
  2. Inside Velocity Solar: Brad Ott & Luke McKenzie on Beating the Cowboys - EP 38

    2 JUNE

    Inside Velocity Solar: Brad Ott & Luke McKenzie on Beating the Cowboys - EP 38

    The solar industry is often filled with companies focused on quick sales and minimum standards, but Brad Ott and Luke McKenzie from Velocity Solar take a refreshingly different approach. After 15 years in the business, Brad has built a reputation based on education, quality, and exceptional after-sales service. This episode explores:  Educating both customers and employees to ensure informed decisions and quality installationsPrioritizing proper system sizing based on individual needs rather than pushing larger systems for profit Conducting mandatory site inspections for all installations to ensure appropriate design and avoid future issues Providing exceptional after-sales service with annual system checks and proactive maintenance Working with quality manufacturers and products they would install on their own homes Advises that batteries now make financial sense as electricity costs rise and feed-in tariffs drop Offers expertise in off-grid solutions with a focus on reliability and long term performanceRecommends sizing systems for future needs like EVs, heat pumps, and increased household consumption Uses a holistic approach focusing on self-consumption rather than feed in tariffs for maximum financial benefitWhether you're considering solar for the first time or looking to upgrade an existing system, this episode provides essential guidance on making informed decisions that will serve you well for decades to come. Learn why proper installation, quality components, and ongoing service make all the difference in your solar investment.

    1h 57m
  3. Solar Expert Sam Valenti Reveals TOP Mistakes in Solar Panel Installation - EP37

    19 MAY

    Solar Expert Sam Valenti Reveals TOP Mistakes in Solar Panel Installation - EP37

    Sam Valenti from Essential Solar shares insights on quality solar installations, battery options, and future energy trends based on 13 years in the Melbourne market. His company's philosophy of performance, quality, and reliability guides their approach to sustainable energy solutions for residential and commercial properties. • Premium solar products like Fronius, SolarEdge, and Enphase cost more upfront but provide superior longevity and after-sales support • Quality installations save customers from future issues, as poor workmanship often leads to safety concerns and performance problems • Battery systems don't automatically provide backup power during outages – additional equipment is required depending on backup needs • BYD batteries paired with Fronius inverters offer excellent reliability, expandability, and manufacturer support • Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) allow homeowners to sell excess stored energy during peak demand for additional income • Feed-in tariffs have dropped from 60 cents to around 3.3 cents, shifting the focus from exports to self-consumption • Vehicle-to-grid technology will enable EV owners to use their car batteries to power homes during evenings • Site inspections before installation are crucial for accurate quotes and avoiding surprise costs on installation day • For commercial properties using electricity during business hours, solar can offer extremely quick payback periods • The coming battery rebates could flood the market with low-quality products, so focusing on established brands remains important If you're considering solar, we recommend visiting our showroom in Tullamarine to see products firsthand and discuss your specific energy needs with our team of professionals.

    1h 20m
  4. 30 MAR

    Tim Ryan on the Truth About Australia's Energy Crisis

    Ever wondered why your electricity bills keep climbing despite promises of cheap renewable energy? In this eye-opening conversation, energy data expert Tim Ryan pulls back the curtain on Australia's complex and often dysfunctional electricity market. The revelation at the heart of this episode is startling: our energy market is deliberately designed to create price volatility, benefiting generators and retailers while leaving consumers to foot an ever-increasing bill. Tim explains how the market's bidding system means the last (and most expensive) generator sets the price for all electricity sold during that period – creating perverse incentives for price spikes that boost industry profits. Most fascinating is Tim's explanation of how technology could revolutionise our relationship with electricity. Just 15-20% of consumers using smart systems to shift their energy use to low-price periods would create benefits for everyone. But retailers actively resist giving customers access to their own energy data or real-time price signals that would enable these savings. Through clear examples – like how a South Australian hot water trial saw retailers pocket $480 per customer while passing just $63 in savings to homeowners – Tim illustrates how the current system is stacked against consumers. He advocates for what he calls "the consumer's grid," where data access, time-based pricing, and automated systems would let households and businesses use electricity when it's abundant and cheap. Whether you're considering solar panels, wondering about the role of gas in our energy future, or simply tired of escalating power bills, this conversation offers crucial insights into how Australia's energy market really works – and how it could work better for all of us.

    2h 14m
  5. Thomas Bywater from AIKO: Revolutionising Solar Panel Efficiency with Cutting-Edge Technology and Design

    24 FEB

    Thomas Bywater from AIKO: Revolutionising Solar Panel Efficiency with Cutting-Edge Technology and Design

    What if you could power your home with the most efficient solar panels, drastically cutting your electricity bills while adding aesthetic appeal to your property? Join us for a captivating conversation with Thomas Bywater, a pioneer in the solar industry, as he shares his journey from Jinko to AIKO. Learn how AIKO's pioneering laser manufacturing technology is revolutionising solar panel efficiency, making them a top choice for maximising energy on limited roof spaces while minimising costs. Thomas opens up about the transformative potential of integrating high-performance solar solutions into everyday life, offering insights into the future of energy consumption and environmental conservation. Discover the fascinating intersection of cutting-edge technology and design. We explore how AIKO's sleek solar panels is setting new standards for both functionality and aesthetics, particularly in upscale neighbourhoods like Toorak and Newcastle. Uncover the benefits of AIKO's back contact technology, which optimises performance even under challenging conditions such as shading, and get an exclusive sneak peek into upcoming innovations like the Infinite series and Perovskite Tandem technologies. Thomas provides an enlightening perspective on the ethical dimensions of the solar industry and shares AIKO's commitment to sustainable and responsible manufacturing practices. Investing in quality solar panels is more crucial than ever amidst rising electricity costs. Thomas offers expert advice on navigating the solar market, emphasising the importance of selecting reputable equipment and installers for long-term savings and efficiency. From the strategic benefits of solar adoption in Europe and Australia to the exciting prospects of modular solar systems, we explore how high-quality panels can be seamlessly integrated into urban and rural settings. With valuable tips on choosing the right products and the role of training programs for installers, this episode is essential listening for anyone looking to make informed decisions about solar energy solutions.

    1h 58m

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Anything Energy! Transitioning towards a renewable sustainable energy solutions. Discussing with industry leading experts on how, where, why, when.

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