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. 10h ago

    #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/

  2. 2d ago

    #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/

  3. Jul 23

    #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/

  4. Jul 16

    #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/

  5. Jul 14

    #010 - What It’s Really Like Getting A Home Solar System

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Ellen to break down the entire solar and battery installation process, from the first conversation to install day and after‑care. Homeowners often worry about disruption, timelines and trust, so this episode shows exactly what the real experience looks like and what to watch out for. ◼️ How the full solar and battery process works from start to finish ◼️ The red flags Ellen sees in the industry and how to avoid them ◼️ What homeowners should prepare for before designing their system Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:30 Pre‑Install Site Check and Quality Assurance 00:01:44 Installation Day: Workmanship and System Walkthrough 00:02:48 Ongoing Support and Monitoring 00:03:24 Why Homeowners Delay Going Solar 00:04:27 Ellen’s Background and Industry Experience 00:06:11 Red Flags Ellen Has Seen in the Industry 00:08:16 Why Follow‑Up, Installation and Aftercare Matter 00:10:00 The Deposit Red Flag: 50–60% Upfront 00:11:33 Missing the Rebate Due to Delayed Installs 00:12:03 What Ellen Looks For Before Designing a System 00:13:02 Renters’ Rebate and Investment Property Considerations 00:14:23 Planning for EVs, Pools, Granny Flats and Future Usage 00:15:12 Understanding Household Usage and Bills 00:17:41 Using the Consumption Calculator To Show Real Usage 00:18:52 Solar‑Only vs Solar + Battery: Export Losses 00:20:01 Why Backup Capability and Inverter Choice Matter 00:23:25 Kilowatts vs Kilowatt Hours Explained 00:24:52 EV Charging and 3‑Phase vs Single‑Phase Differences 00:26:24 Future Electrification and Planning Ahead 00:27:24 Why Waiting Costs More: Rebates and Rising Power Prices 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. Jul 10

    #009 - How He Now Saves $1200 on His Electricity Bill

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Braden to walk through his full before‑and‑after journey, from $1250 quarterly bills and uncomfortable penny‑pinching to wiping out almost the entire bill with a premium solar and battery system. ◼️ His real usage and bills before solar ◼️ How the install went and what actually matters on install day ◼️ The exact savings he now sees and how he cut his bill to almost nothing Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:06 Real Numbers vs Marketing Claims 00:00:19 Sitting Down With Braden 00:00:25 His Power Bills Before Solar 00:01:25 Penny‑Pinching To Save $250–$300 00:02:36 Comfort Sacrifices To Reduce Usage 00:03:58 How Power Bills Controlled Daily Life 00:04:37 Life After Installing Solar and Battery 00:05:50 Bill Reduced To Supply Charge Only 00:06:26 Daily Cost Breakdown: $13.33 Down To $1.33 00:07:59 Free Power Windows and VPP Options 00:11:00 Poor Install Quality in the Building Industry 00:12:36 Cheap Installs Ruining Homes 00:14:56 Overseas Call Centres and Low‑Quality Packages 00:17:03 Install Day: Team, Weather and Quality 00:19:23 Post‑Install Support and Battery Update Fix 00:21:44 Timeframe From Signing To Install 00:22:49 Importance of After‑Install Support 00:23:31 Braden’s Mindset Before Solar 00:24:37 Why He Always Believed in Solar 00:25:13 Advice for Homeowners Choosing a Solar Company 00:26:01 Why Bills Always Grow Without Solar 00:26:48 Government Rebates and Snoozing Costs 00:27:35 Why Waiting Means Paying for Everyone Else’s Rebate 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/ Follow Braden Nolan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-nolan-8340bb368/

  7. Jul 3

    #008 - Dodgy Installs, Fake Savings, Experts Reveal The Doggiest Solar Operators.

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ Power bills are rising even when usage is dropping, dodgy installs are still happening, and homeowners are left wondering what’s real. In this new episode, Jason and Cam react to viral clips, industry claims and everyday stories, showing what solar and batteries actually change. ◼️ Why window tinting and “better offers” don’t solve the cost‑of‑living squeeze ◼️ How cowboy installs, sales tactics and overseas call centres keep burning homeowners ◼️ Why properly designed solar and battery systems cut bills and protect against inflation Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:42 - Solar and Battery Installation Benefits 00:01:22 - Importance of Bird Proofing Solar Panels 00:02:01 - Choosing a Good Solar System and Installer 00:02:11 - Issues with Solar Installations 00:02:54 - Rising Electricity Bills Despite Lower Usage 00:04:09 - Inflation and Electricity Costs 00:04:39 - Window Tinting vs. Solar and Battery Systems 00:06:14 - Questionable Solar Sales Practices 00:07:09 - Better Offer Notices on Power Bills 00:07:50 - Challenges of Switching Electricity Providers 00:08:48 - Electricity Price Reductions in Queensland 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. Jun 30

    #007 - How To Assess If A Solar Installer Is Dodgy

    Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ The solar industry has a massive trust problem, and most homeowners only realise it once something goes wrong. In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Braden to break down the exact red flags that help you spot a dodgy installer before you sign anything. ◼️ Why 50% deposits signal cash flow issues and high risk ◼️ How product overload, overseas call centres and contractor swaps expose poor operators ◼️ Why site inspections, spare tiles, workmanship warranties and consistent products matter Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:43 - Red Flags: High Deposits and Financial Instability 00:01:52 - Supplier Relationships and Product Knowledge 00:02:28 - Warning Signs: Too Many Product Options 00:03:30 - Importance of Specialization in Solar Products 00:04:20 - Pre-Installation Site Inspections 00:05:32 - Common Installation Issues: Roof Damage and Repairs 00:06:11 - The Importance of Accurate Site Assessments 00:07:58 - Shading Issues and Their Impact on Solar Design 00:10:40 - Designing Systems for Future Energy Needs 00:12:07 - Understanding Energy Bills and Savings 00:13:06 - Supply Charge Increases Post-Solar Installation 00:14:11 - Monitoring Energy Usage with Apps 00:16:29 - The Role of Customer Support and Communication 00:18:30 - Red Flags: Overseas Call Centers and Cost-Cutting 00:20:09 - Reviewing Customer Feedback and Experiences 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/ Follow Braden Nolan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-nolan-8340bb368/

See All (14)

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
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Source Energy Group
  • Show Website
    Off The Grid