Only Panels - Solar Installer Chats

Michael Stott and Dan Holliday
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The place where solar installers talk real solar. Hosted by Michael Stott from East Renewables and Dan Holliday from DMH Electrical and Renewables, we’re here to lift the lid on what’s actually happening in the UK renewables industry. From solar panel installs to battery storage, EV charging, in-roof vs on-roof systems, G99 applications, DNO headaches, and the gear we rate (and slate) — it’s all on the table. Our mission? To bring together as many fellow installers as possible — to share knowledge, challenge poor practices, and help raise standards across the industry.

  1. 2d ago

    SE3EP3 - Nowhere to Hide: Running a Solar Install Business

    What does it actually take to run a solar install business in 2026? Live from the LONGi stand at Solar & Storage Live 2026, five people who do it every day talk customers, leads, kit, admin and standards. Sam Waxman (Waxman Energy), nearly 20 years in, says the industry has gone from constant firefighting to finally planning ahead. Ben Price explains how Heatable works with local installers, pays them the full rate and takes the DNO, MCS and NAPIT red tape off their hands. Ben Fogg (Evo Renewables) says customers now buy on the tech spec, not the double-glazing pitch, and with the app and the data in their hands, "there's nowhere to hide". Dan Holliday (DMH) on why people buy from people, and holding his team to the highest standard. Plus Alicia Reid (Tomlinson Longstaff) and Michael Stott on support you can get hold of, and lifting a 120 kg battery. In this episode: • From firefighting to planning ahead • How Heatable works with local installers • Selling on the tech spec, not the sales pitch • Customers chase brands • YouTube vs buying leads • Nowhere to hide: honesty and no package deals • 5% VAT: a boom coming? • Taking the red tape off installers • Choosing your panels and kit • Support, and the 120 kg battery • Keep learning • Holding your team to the highest standard Chapters 0:00 Cold open 1:05 Welcome to Only Panels 1:13 Sam Waxman: from firefighting to planning ahead 2:28 Ben Price: how Heatable works with local installers 3:49 Selling on tech spec, not the double-glazing pitch 5:20 Customers chase brands 6:47 YouTube vs buying leads 7:41 Nowhere to hide: the customer has the data 9:28 5% VAT: boom or bust? 10:40 Taking the red tape off installers 12:36 Choosing your panels and kit 15:09 Support, and the 120 kg battery 17:10 Keep learning 18:14 Holding your team to the highest standard 19:11 Wrap-up Guests: Sam Waxman (Waxman Energy), Ben Price (Heatable), Ben Fogg (Evo Renewables), Alicia Reid (Tomlinson Longstaff), Dan Holliday (DMH) With Sarah Wallace and Phoebe Cho (LONGi) Hosts: Dan Holliday (DMH) & Michael Stott (East Renewables) Recorded on the LONGi stand at Solar & Storage Live 2026, NEC Birmingham. Train with A121 Training (book at a121.co.uk): • Solar Roofing Masterclass: 1-day hands-on course • Gateway, Battery & Inverter Masterclass: 1-day course • Level 3 Solar PV: 3-day course designed to meet MCS requirements New episodes Wednesdays 6pm · Short Circuit Sundays 6pm Show supporters: LONGi · A121 Training #solar #solarinstaller #solarbusiness #installerlife #OnlyPanels #SolarAndStorageLive #LONGi #A121Training

  2. Trailer

    Whats coming in Season 3?

    The best bits from three days on the LONGi stand at Solar & Storage Live 2026 17 guests, one sofa, and a host who was "slightly hungover". Hats, mortgages, meetings about meetings, a Jacuzzi… and one installer who really hoped his German host wasn't a murderer. Who made you laugh the most? 👇 🎧 Season 3 of Only Panels is out now on YouTube and Spotify. New episodes Wednesdays 6pm, Short Circuit every Sunday 6pm. Only Panels, in association with LONGi. Supported by A121 Training (a121.co.uk) #OnlyPanels #SolarAndStorageLive #SolarInstaller #Electrician #Solar

  3. 5d ago ·  Bonus

    Short Circuit EP1 - Is Plug-In Solar Actually Dangerous? Cory Mac Investigates

    Cory Mac from Oy Electrical called the plug-in solar brands "sellouts" and planned a video on why he wouldn't touch it. Then installers across Europe got in touch, and he went to Germany to see real systems for himself. Recorded on the LONGi stand at Solar & Storage Live 2026, NEC Birmingham, with Sarah Wallace from LONGi. Cory found one host had three generations of plug-in systems, with paybacks of around 1.4 and 2 years. His verdict: "we're making a big hissy fit over nothing. Bodgers are gonna bodge." He'd rather someone hangs a couple of panels off a balcony than climbs onto a slate roof with a drill and silicon. Sarah pushes back: the real problem was announcing plug-in solar before the rules were in place. ⚡ Short Circuit: one topic, no resistance. A new 5-minute episode from the Only Panels Podcast every Sunday at 6pm. Ready for Monday morning in the van. 🎬 Clips from Cory's own video, "Why Every Electrician is Worried about THIS" (Oy Electrical on YouTube), used with his permission. In this episode: • Why Cory called the plug-in solar brands "sellouts" • The brand that agreed to an honest review, whatever the outcome • Meeting a stranger off Instagram in Germany: three systems, three generations • "Bodgers are gonna bodge": balcony vs roof • Announced before the rules: where it went wrong Chapters 0:00 Cold open 0:17 Meet Cory Mac from Oy Electrical 0:31 Why I called plug-in solar brands sellouts 2:36 Investigating plug-in solar in Germany 4:08 The verdict: bodgers are gonna bodge 4:35 The real problem: no rules at launch Guest: Cory Mac, Oy Electrical Host: Sarah Wallace, LONGi Recorded on the LONGi stand at Solar & Storage Live 2026, NEC Birmingham. Show supporters: LONGi · A121 Training #solar #pluginsolar #balconysolar #solarinstaller #ukSolar #OnlyPanels #SolarAndStorageLive #LONGi

    Short Circuit EP1 - Is Plug-In Solar Actually Dangerous? Cory Mac Investigates

  4. Oct 14

    S3E2: Plug-in Solar, Sellout or Entry Point?

    Is plug-in solar a sellout or the entry point to renewables for millions of UK homes? Live from the LONGi stand at Solar & Storage Live 2026, Dan Holliday and Michael Stott sit down with Aaron from Anker SOLIX. YouTuber Cory Mac from Oy Electrical explains why he called the plug-in brands "sellouts", then went to Germany to see it for himself. Aaron shows the new Anker SOLIX XE and explains why he'd rather call it "entry-point solar". Michael pushes him on who's actually going to be plugging these in. Cory's verdict after meeting German owners with three generations of systems: "Bodgers are gonna bodge." Sarah Wallace from LONGi argues the real mistake was announcing it before the rules were ready. In this episode: • The new Anker SOLIX XE: 7 kWh, expandable to 42 kWh, 3 MPPTs, AI tariff control • Cory Mac: "You're all sellouts", and the U-turn • "Don't call it balcony solar": entry-point solar • Who's plugging it in? The installer's safety worry • 5.6 million homes on under £36k: who it's really for • Announced before the rules were ready • "The XE's little brother", plus support you can actually ring • The payback numbers Chapters 0:00 Cold open 0:52 Welcome to Only Panels Season 3 1:05 What's new from Anker SOLIX 4:44 Cory Mac: why I called plug-in solar brands sellouts 7:26 Don't call it balcony solar: entry-point solar 8:08 Who's plugging it in? The installer's worry 10:35 Investigating plug-in solar in Germany 12:08 Who it's really for: 5.6 million homes priced out 13:25 Announced before the rules were ready 14:26 The XE's little brother 17:00 Support you can actually ring 18:53 The payback numbers 19:16 Wrap-up Guests: Aaron (Anker SOLIX), Cory Mac (Oy Electrical), Sarah Wallace (LONGi) Hosts: Dan Holliday (DMH) & Michael Stott (East Renewables) Recorded on the LONGi stand at Solar & Storage Live 2026, NEC Birmingham. Show supporters: LONGi · A121 Training 🎓 Want to install it properly? A121 Training runs hands-on courses: the Solar Roofing Masterclass, the Gateway, Battery & Inverter Masterclass, and Level 3 Solar PV (designed to meet MCS requirements). Book at https://a121.co.uk #solar #pluginsolar #balconysolar #AnkerSOLIX #solarinstaller #OnlyPanels #SolarAndStorageLive #LONGi 17-10-2026 Audio Fixed

  5. Oct 7

    SE3 EP1 - The Product of 2027? Solar & Storage Live 2026 Debrief

    🎙️ Welcome to Only Panels – Solar Installer Chats, the podcast for solar PV professionals and enthusiasts.In this episode:🔹 Season 3 starts here! Back in the DMH office, Michael and Dan decompress after hosting the Only Panels podcast on the LONGi stand for all three days of Solar & Storage Live 2026 at the NEC, with 60+ guests across installers, manufacturers and industry bodies.🔹 Is plug-in solar really the story of the year? Michael and Dan's take, and why they're calling it "entry-level solar".🔹 Solar Skirt Eco and the new mechanical fixings: what's new, who it's for and where to get it.🔹 Anti-glare panels: Michael's call for the product of 2027, plus LONGi's Hi-MO X10 and X12, and self-extinguishing, non-combustible panels.🔹 Favourite guests, A121 Training's roof training, and what's next at Elex in Coventry.Shout out to LONGi for hosting us on their stand at Solar & Storage Live.Hosts: Michael Stott (East Renewables) & Dan Holliday (DMH Electrical and Renewables)👍 Like, subscribe & drop a comment: what's your product of 2027?📍 New episodes every week – subscribe so you don't miss out.🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.👉 Join the conversation:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@OnlyPanelsPodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6hK6YjzSti3iQrKDOuDXeaLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/onlypanelsTikTok & Instagram: @onlypanels00:00 Is this the product of 2027?00:17 Hosting from the LONGi stand03:02 Plug-in solar and "entry-level solar"06:30 Solar Skirt clips and the new Solar Skirt Eco11:01 Anti-glare panels: Michael's product of 202714:18 Self-extinguishing, non-combustible panels15:46 Favourite guests and A121 Training roof training19:44 Elex Coventry and the pub quiz21:07 Welcome to season three#OnlyPanels #SolarAndStorageLive #LONGi #PlugInSolar #AntiGlarePanels #SolarSkirt #SolarInstallers #UKSolar

  6. Jun 24

    Season2 EP5 Are DNOs Forcing Installers to Break the Law?

    🎙️ Welcome to Only Panels – Solar Installer Chats, the podcast for solar PV professionals and enthusiasts. In this episode:🔹 The ongoing nightmare of G99 DNO applications, specific struggles with Northern Power Grid, and the crippling 45-working-day wait times holding the industry back. 🔹 Are some installers breaking the law? The massive liability and potential criminal offense of installing grid-tied 12kW systems with export limiters without prior DNO permission. 🔹 How administrative delays at the DNO level are actively risking customer deposits and causing Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) to expire before tools even hit the roof. 🔹 The shocking rise of DIY "plug-in" balcony solar and the terrifying reality of what happens when homeowners stack multiple 800W systems on a standard ring main. 🔹 The DNO double standard: Why heat pump approvals are highly automated and practically instant, while solar PV applications are stuck in the dark ages. 🔹 Giving back: A look at Dan's recent community solar rescue project in Richmond and why it's important to support the community. 🎓 SHOW SUPPORTER SHOUTOUT Looking to up-skill your team and stop making costly callbacks? This episode is proudly supported by A121 Training—the UK’s premier, 80% hands-on electrical and renewable training center.👉 Secure your spot and browse all masterclasses (Battery, Inverter, EV & 18th Edition) here: ⁠https://a121.co.uk/courses.php⁠⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 - The 12kW office ring loophole and plug-in solar risks.0:15 - Catching up: Sam Waxman, MCS accreditation, and Jeeves.1:51 - The G99 nightmare continues: Northern Power Grid delays.5:42 - Are installers breaking the law by skipping G99 approval?9:22 - Why Connect Direct is failing installers.11:23 - The real threat to customer deposits and IBGs.15:34 - Heat pumps vs. Solar PV: Why is one so much faster?20:36 - The balcony solar loophole: 800W plug-in systems.28:06 - Testing a new DNO application strategy.28:53 - Giving back: A community solar rescue in Richmond.📍 New episodes every week – subscribe so you don’t miss out.🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.👉 Join the conversation:YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@only.panels⁠Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6hK6YjzSti3iQrKDOuDXea?si=c00c11372fc64a2f⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://linkedin.com/company/only-panels⁠TikTok & Instagram: @onlypanels#Solar #SolarInstallers #OnlyPanelsPodcast #Renewables #SolarPV #G99 #NorthernPowerGrid #BalconySolar #DIYSolar #DNO

  7. Jun 17

    Season 2 EP4 - 18 Years in Solar: Riding the Highs and Lows with Sam Waxman

    🎙️ Welcome to Only Panels – Solar Installer Chats, the podcast for solar PV professionals and enthusiasts. In this episode: 🔹 We sit down with Sam Waxman, Managing Director of Waxman Energy, to reflect on his 18.5 years riding the extreme highs and lows of the UK solar market.🔹 From pre-Feed-In Tariff craziness to massive price drops, discover how a major distributor navigates an industry that moves at lightning speed.🔹 A deep dive into the shifting market: Why Waxman’s commercial and C&I (Commercial & Industrial) sectors are scaling rapidly up to 5MW ground mounts.🔹 Sneak peeks at upcoming tech, including a teaser for Van Der Valk’s highly anticipated "Valk Ace Mark 2" mounting system launching at InterSolar.🔹 Inside the training center: Why Enphase dubbed Waxman’s facility "the best training rig in Europe," and why distributors must actively invest in upskilling installers.🔹 Future-gazing real talk: Why 2026 is officially the "Year of the Gateway," how manufacturers are battling product FOMO, and why AI/software integration is the next frontier. 🎓 SHOW SUPPORTER SHOUTOUTLooking to up-skill your team and stop making costly callbacks? This episode is proudly supported by A121 Training—the UK’s premier, 80% hands-on electrical and renewable training center.👉 Secure your spot and browse all masterclasses (Battery, Inverter, EV & 18th Edition) here: https://a121.co.uk/courses.php ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Sam's 18-year history in solar and surviving the pre-FiT era.0:36 - Distribution vs Design: Inside Waxman Energy's total product kit.1:43 - The evolving 50/50 split between residential and C&I commercial solar.2:34 - Brand breakdown: Managing major partnerships from Longi to Enphase.3:19 - Product preview: Van Der Valk's new "Valk Ace Mark 2" launching at InterSolar.4:12 - Inside Europe's "best training rig" and uplifting the trade with Apprentice 121.5:45 - Massive physical growth: Expanding to 140,000 sq ft of warehousing.6:53 - Future trends: The "Year of the Gateway" and the shift toward AI.8:08 - Closing remarks and podcast wrap-up. 📍 New episodes every week – subscribe so you don’t miss out.🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms. 👉 Join the conversation:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@only.panelsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6hK6YjzSti3iQrKDOuDXea?si=c00c11372fc64a2fLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/only-panelsTikTok & Instagram: @onlypanels #Solar #SolarInstallers #OnlyPanelsPodcast #Renewables #SolarPV #WaxmanEnergy #SolarDistribution #Enphase #AlphaESS #VanDerValk #CommercialSolar

  8. Jun 6

    Season 2 EP3 – We Drank 5 Beers In A Dodgy Van To Review The Brand New Anker Solix XE 🚐💨

    🎙️ Welcome to Only Panels – Solar Installer Chats, the podcast for solar PV professionals and enthusiasts.In this episode:🔹 We stack into Aaron's dodgy van at the Waxman event day to talk about the massive shift happening in the renewable market.🔹 A deep dive into the brand new Anker Solix XE—a 5kW inverter and 7kWh battery integrated into a single, Lego-like block that installs in 5 minutes.🔹 Stacking power: How the XE hits up to 120kWh in parallel with 3 MPPTs, C5 anti-corrosion, and a massive 10,000-cycle warranty.🔹 The "Cheap Becomes Expensive" reality check—why cheap battery brands going bust overnight has left installers and consumers vulnerable.🔹 Real talk on modern solar: Why traditional "ROI" talk is dead, and why premium gear like Longi panels are flying out of port faster than ships can dock.🎓 SHOW SUPPORTER SHOUTOUTLooking to up-skill your team and stop making costly callbacks? This episode is proudly supported by A121 Training—the UK’s premier, 80% hands-on electrical and renewable training center.📅 Next Course Date: 4th June | Solar Roofing Masterclass👉 Secure your spot and browse all masterclasses (Battery, Inverter, EV & 18th Edition) here: https://a121.co.uk/courses.php⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 - 0:09: Introduction to the product features.0:09 - 0:32: Welcome and introduction of guests.0:32 - 0:42: Guests introduce themselves.0:42 - 0:56: Discussion about new products from Anker Solix.0:56 - 1:26: Market insights and product launch details.1:26 - 1:53: Product specifications and features.1:53 - 2:08: Additional product features and benefits.2:08 - 2:41: Discussion on corrosion resistance and warranty.2:41 - 3:19: New build projects and product applications.3:19 - 3:52: Installation time and product scalability.3:52 - 4:21: Installation details and product components.4:21 - 5:07: Product flexibility and consumer benefits.5:07 - 5:58: Product features and AI integration.5:58 - 6:27: Integration with smart home systems.6:27 - 7:13: Industry insights and product positioning.7:13 - 8:14: Discussion on product affordability and quality.8:14 - 9:16: Market trends and product reliability.9:16 - 10:14: Warranty and company credibility.10:14 - 11:07: Product investment and consumer advice.11:07 - 12:09: Manufacturer support and installer importance.12:09 - 13:16: Closing remarks and episode wrap-up.📍 New episodes every week – subscribe so you don’t miss out.🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.👉 Join the conversation:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@only.panelsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6hK6YjzSti3iQrKDOuDXea?si=c00c11372fc64a2fLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/only-panelsTikTok & Instagram: @onlypanels#Solar #SolarInstallers #OnlyPanelsPodcast #Renewables #SolarPV #AnkerSolix #Longi #BatteryStorage

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Trailer

About

The place where solar installers talk real solar. Hosted by Michael Stott from East Renewables and Dan Holliday from DMH Electrical and Renewables, we’re here to lift the lid on what’s actually happening in the UK renewables industry. From solar panel installs to battery storage, EV charging, in-roof vs on-roof systems, G99 applications, DNO headaches, and the gear we rate (and slate) — it’s all on the table. Our mission? To bring together as many fellow installers as possible — to share knowledge, challenge poor practices, and help raise standards across the industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Stott and Dan Holliday
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michael Stott and Dan Holliday
  • Show Website
    Only Panels - Solar Installer Chats

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