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. 

  1. Sep 28

    #11 - SAJ CEO Samil Ouyang on the EK70 and AI Energy Management

    This episode we're joined in the studio by Samil Ouyang, CEO and founder of SAJ Renewable Energy, to talk about the new SAJ EK70 all-in-one energy storage system, now available through Supply Partners. Samil takes us back to where SAJ's renewable energy division started in 2010, and explains why he reckons software, not hardware, is where the next big savings will come from. With hardware efficiency gains now measured in fractions of a percent, SAJ is focusing on smarter scheduling to deliver real returns for homeowners on dynamic pricing, time of use tariffs and free power windows. In this episode: How SAJ's renewable energy division beganElekeeper 5.0 and AI Saving: forecasting solar, prices and loads to decide when to charge and dischargeAI Care: one-click install checks, predictive maintenance and a multilingual voice assistantThe EK70 hardware: LoRa wireless metering, integrated ATS, 63A full house backup and inbuilt fire suppressionWhy safety comes first, and what 8,000+ cycle batteries mean for working lifeHow SAJ is building local support for Australian installersKeeping installs simple with the SAJ ecosystemWant to know more about the SAJ EK70? Get in touch with the Supply Partners team at supplypartners.com.au Supply Partners: Your Solar and Energy Partner  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 YouTubeThis 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/

  2. Jul 20

    Special Edition: C&I Subsidy Update

    The economics of commercial solar and battery storage have shifted. In this special edition, Lliam Ricketts and Andrew Thomson are joined by Aaron Jenkins, Director of EcoVantage, to break down the two biggest incentive stories in the Australian C&I market right now.  First up, NSW. The 2026 Energy Security Safeguard rule changes have updated the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme, creating new battery activities including BESS4 for small and medium businesses and BESS5 for commercial and industrial sites with batteries from 200 kWh up to 30 MWh. Aaron explains how Peak Reduction Certificates are created and traded, who the key players are, and why the certificate market is nothing like a traditional grant.  Then Victoria, where the Victorian Energy Upgrades program now covers commercial solar from 30 kW to 200 kW through VEECs. For years, projects stopped at 100 kW to stay within STC eligibility. This changes the maths. Aaron covers how VEECs compare with STCs and LGCs, and Andrew explains when it makes sense to size beyond 100 kW.  Throughout the episode, Andrew shares real feasibility modelling from Orkestra, showing what these incentives do to payback periods and why proper modelling matters before you put savings in front of a customer.  If you're an installer, business owner or commercial property operator, this one's worth your time. And if you've got a C&I job on the table, call your Business Account Manager or get in touch with the Supply Partners Tech team. We can help with feasibility modelling and system sizing so your subsidy numbers actually stack up.   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 YouTubeThis 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/

  3. Jun 8

    Exclusive Rebate Update - with David McElrea, CEO Smart Energy Council

    Welcome to a special edition of the Solar Coaster Podcast, brought to you by Supply Partners, an Australian Solar & Battery Distributor. In this episode, Lliam Ricketts, Innovation Director at Supply Partners and New Energy Training, sits down with David McElrea, the new CEO of the Smart Energy Council. Together, they dive deep into the latest developments in the Australian solar and battery market, offering exclusive insights on the Cheaper Home Battery Scheme. This includes where the rebate stands, current trends, and what’s next for the industry. This discussion covers critical issues facing retailers, installers, and suppliers: from the risks of “battery orphans” and the importance of quality standards, to the dramatic impact solar and storage are having on power prices across the country. Listen in as they address challenges in the commercial and industrial space, the ongoing skills shortage, political uncertainties, and the existential threats posed by proposed tariff reforms. Whether you’re an industry veteran or newer to this industry, this episode is packed with timely updates and analysis for Australia’s clean energy future.   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 YouTubeThis 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/

  4. 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 YouTubeThis 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/

  5. 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 YouTubeThis 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/

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.