Solar Coaster Podcast (AUS)

Supply Partners

 Welcome to the Solar Coaster! A podcast for navigating through the ups and downs of the Australian Solar and Energy Industry. Hosted by the Supply Partners Technical team and joined by industry professionals each episode to help you turn chaos into stability. We'll be talking about solar, batteries, EVs, Electrification and much more, so sit back and enjoy the ride. 

Episodes

  1. 07/17/2025

    #10 - Rebate Reality Check: Two Weeks in with Aaron Jenkins

    In this follow-up episode of the Solar Coaster Podcast, Wade Allen reconnects with Aaron Jenkins from Ecovantage, two weeks on from the launch of the Federal Battery Rebate program (Cheaper Home Batteries Rebate). With the scheme officially underway, they dig into the early numbers, real-world experiences, and what’s changed since the program rolled out. Aaron shares insights from the front lines: - How many STCs have actually been processed. - Emerging trends in average battery system size. - Why commercial and off-grid installs haven’t made their mark on the stats yet.  The conversation tackles the practical realities of claiming the rebate: high audit and failure rates, the challenges of rapidly changing rules and product eligibility, supply chain pressure, and why checking your paperwork (and your battery model numbers) has never been more important. They also discuss how state-based rebates are interacting with the federal scheme, evolving requirements around VPP capability and off-grid eligibility, and what early bottlenecks or red flags are cropping up for installers and traders. Wade and Aaron wrap up with advice for installers and how to avoid risky shortcuts as the whole industry grapples with surging demand. Whether you’re a retailer, installer, or just tracking the future of batteries in Australia, this episode delivers insights and up-to-the-minute updates on the battery rebate rollercoaster.  ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to the Solar Coaster! A podcast for navigating through the ups and downs of the Australian Solar and Energy Industry. Hosted by the Supply Partners Technical team and joined by industry professionals each episode to help you turn chaos into stability. We'll be talking about solar, batteries, EVs, Electrification and much more, so sit back and enjoy the ride. LINKS: Watch the Video Version of the Podcast here: Supply Partners YouTube This podcast is hosted by Supply Partners - Your Australian Distributor for Solar, Energy Storage and more: https://supplypartners.com.au/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/supplypartners/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supply-partners/

    25 min
  2. 06/19/2025

    #9 - Federal Battery Rebate Special with Aaron Jenkins from Ecovantage

    In this episode of the Solar Coaster Podcast (recorded 18th June 2025), we have a special edition ahead of the Cheaper Home Battery Program launching July 1st. To join us in breaking down this Federal Battery Rebate, Aaron Jenkins from Accredited Certificate Provider, Ecovantage.  With the battery rebate program just weeks away from launch, the trio dives deep into how the scheme will work, common misconceptions, and opportunities for installers. Aaron shares insider perspective on how the rebate will be processed, what kind of documentation and compliance will be needed, and why there’s still a lot of uncertainty in the rollout. The conversation covers key risks for installers like cashflow crunches from delayed payments, compliance headaches, and stock shortages. They also explore the opportunities the rebate will create, especially for early movers, and share practical advice on upskilling, stock forecasting, and setting realistic customer expectations. The episode wraps up with proactive steps installers should be taking now to ride the coming “battery coaster” as smoothly as possible. Perfect for installers, retailers, and anyone in the Australian solar and storage sector wanting clarity on the federal battery rebate program. ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to the Solar Coaster! A podcast for navigating through the ups and downs of the Australian Solar and Energy Industry. Hosted by the Supply Partners Technical team and joined by industry professionals each episode to help you turn chaos into stability. We'll be talking about solar, batteries, EVs, Electrification and much more, so sit back and enjoy the ride. LINKS: Watch the Video Version of the Podcast here: Supply Partners YouTube This podcast is hosted by Supply Partners - Your Australian Distributor for Solar, Energy Storage and more: https://supplypartners.com.au/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/supplypartners/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supply-partners/

    52 min
  3. 06/12/2023

    #2 - The Blue Ocean of Commercial Energy Storage w/ James Allston

    In the second episode of Solar Coaster Podcast, Wade Allen and Andrew Thomson from the Supply Partners Technical Team are joined by James Allston from Orkestra, a seasoned energy industry expert. Together, they dive into the blue ocean of commercial energy storage and discuss the financial benefits of adding battery capacity to a system. James explains the different types of battery technology and how businesses can model their financial returns to find their optimal battery size. As the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Orkestra, James discusses how their software came to be, the challenges along the way and the future opportunities. The software is designed to support non-technical people in selling energy projects in an easier, faster and more accurate way than ever.  Join us for an in-depth discussion on commercial energy storage and much more. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride on Solar Coaster Podcast, your go-to for navigating the Australian Solar and Energy Industry. Don't forget to subscribe and keep an eye out for the next episode!  ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to the Solar Coaster! A podcast for navigating through the ups and downs of the Australian Solar and Energy Industry. Hosted by the Supply Partners Technical team and joined by industry professionals each episode to help you turn chaos into stability. We'll be talking about solar, batteries, EVs, Electrification and much more, so sit back and enjoy the ride. LINKS: Watch the Video Version of the Podcast here: Supply Partners YouTube This podcast is hosted by Supply Partners - Your Australian Distributor for Solar, Energy Storage and more: https://supplypartners.com.au/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/supplypartners/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/supply-partners/

    1h 8m

About

 Welcome to the Solar Coaster! A podcast for navigating through the ups and downs of the Australian Solar and Energy Industry. Hosted by the Supply Partners Technical team and joined by industry professionals each episode to help you turn chaos into stability. We'll be talking about solar, batteries, EVs, Electrification and much more, so sit back and enjoy the ride.