The OpenSolar Podcast

OpenSolar
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Technology
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The OpenSolar Podcast your sun-powered source of inspiration, innovation, and impact. Hosted by OpenSolar’s very own CEO Birchy, Melissa, and Sophie, we spotlight the people, ideas, and movements electrifying the transition to a world powered entirely by sunshine.

  1. Jul 1

    SE02E6: Inside MCS 2025: The Biggest Changes Coming for UK Solar Installers

    One of the biggest changes to UK solar certification is here. In this episode of The OpenSolar Podcast, Birchy is joined by Daniel White, Market Development Director at MCS, to unpack MCS 2025 and what it means for installers across the UK. As the industry continues to mature, the conversation is shifting beyond compliance to focus on installation quality, consumer confidence and preparing for a future where solar, batteries and heat pumps work together as one home energy system. This episode covers: The biggest changes coming with MCS 2025 Why audits are shifting to focus on installation quality How better-performing installers could benefit from a lighter assessment burden How the UK solar market has evolved beyond the "solar coaster" Why solar, batteries and heat pumps are becoming one integrated energy system What installers and electricians should prepare for next Whether you're already MCS certified or simply want to stay ahead of what's changing, this episode offers practical insights into one of the biggest shifts facing the UK solar industry. Guest Profile Daniel White is Market Development Director at MCS, where he helps shape the future of the UK's renewable energy certification scheme.  Working across market development and industry engagement, Daniel focuses on strengthening installer standards, improving consumer confidence and supporting the continued growth of the UK's clean energy sector as renewable technologies become increasingly interconnected. Follow The OpenSolar Podcast for more conversations with the people shaping the future of solar.

    34 min

  2. Jun 17

    S02E5: The Great Solar Upgrade: Inside Australia's Battery Boom and What's Next

    Australia's solar industry is entering a new phase. In this episode of The OpenSolar Podcast, Sophie Wright, GM Australia & New Zealand at OpenSolar, sits down with Blair Pester, Managing Director of WINAICO Australia and one of the industry's longest-serving voices. Together they unpack the battery boom reshaping the Australian market, why panel prices are rising, what installers should expect from the next wave of battery adoption, and why upgrading ageing solar systems could become one of the industry's biggest opportunities. They also explore the growing role of service, optimisation and electrification as Australia becomes a global case study for distributed energy at scale. Whether you're a solar installer, retailer, distributor or industry professional, this episode offers practical insights into where the market is heading next and how to stay ahead of it.

    32 min

  3. Jun 3

    S02E4: The Solar Coaster: Inside UK Solar’s Rapid Rise

    The UK solar market is moving fast  and batteries, smart tariffs and solar-plus-storage are changing what homeowners expect from their energy systems. In this episode Melissa speaks with Hollie Carek, General Manager UK & Global Head of Partner Marketing Strategy at OpenSolar, about how the UK solar industry has evolved since 2019 and where it’s heading next. Hollie shares her perspective on the “solar coaster”, the impact of the energy crisis, the rise of battery adoption, and what installers need to keep pace in a high-growth market. They also discuss how OpenSolar Shop is helping installers and distributors work together more seamlessly, and why resilience, agility and diverse perspectives matter in climate tech. Guest profile: Hollie Carek is General Manager UK & Global Head of Partner Marketing Strategy at OpenSolar. With a background in advertising and years of experience in solar, she brings a sharp perspective on the UK market, installer needs and the partnerships helping accelerate solar adoption.

    14 min
  4. S02E3: How Training, Trust & Collaboration Are Shaping UK Solar

    May 20

    S02E3: How Training, Trust & Collaboration Are Shaping UK Solar

    What do Dolce & Gabbana, Crocs, and solar panels have in common? Ask Aaron Darvill. Anker Solix UK's Strategic Sales Director joins Melissa on The OpenSolar Podcast to talk about what it really takes to build a quality solar brand. From installer training programmes that send a rep to your very first on-site job, to a community solar project that cut a Cardiff club's electricity bills by 62%. This episode covers: Aaron’s journey from Dolce & Gabbana and Crocs to leading solar sales in the UK Anker Solix's installer training model,  including attending your first on-site install The Canton RFC community solar project and saving 62% on monthly electricity What the Warm Homes Plan means for installers right now Why Ireland is one of Europe's fastest-growing solar markets Follow us for more episodes of The OpenSolar Podcast.

    27 min

  5. May 5

    S02E2: Why 2026 Will Change Solar Forever | Batteries, AI & Electrification

    What does it actually take to build one of Australia's most trusted solar businesses from the ground up and keep it relevant for two decades? In this episode, Jimi Gatland sits down with Derek McKercher, founder of Perth Solar Warehouse. Derek opens up about his journey from sole trader electrician to solar industry veteran: the customer journey obsession that shaped his business, how he's tackling the growing installer shortage, and why he believes 2026 is going to be a breakout year for batteries and whole-of-home electrification. They explore: The future of the connected home: air conditioning, EVs, intelligent energy ecosystems What a great tech stack really looks like as agentic AI starts reshaping how solar businesses operate.  Plus, Derek shares why he thinks the industry's greatest competitive advantage is collaboration and not competition. Guest profile:  Derek McKercher is the founder of PSW Energy, a solar and battery specialist company focused on delivering practical, high-performance energy solutions for homes and businesses. With a background in electrical work, Derek started his career on the tools, gaining hands-on experience that shaped his deep understanding of how energy systems function in the real world. Over time, he transitioned from tradesman to business owner, building PSW Energy with a strong emphasis on quality workmanship, honest advice, and long-term customer outcomes.  Today, Derek is recognised for his straightforward, solutions-first mindset and his commitment to helping accelerate the shift towards more sustainable, self-sufficient energy use.

    26 min

  6. Apr 22

    S02E1: The Next Solar Superpower? India’s 10M Rooftop Plan Reshaping Global Energy

    India’s solar market is accelerating and it is set to reshape the global energy landscape. In the first episode of Season 2 of The OpenSolar Podcast, Birchy sits down with Preeti Bajaj, CEO of Luminous, to unpack what’s driving the rapid rise of rooftop solar across India. They explore: The surge in residential solar adoption at scale How policy and consumer demand are aligning Why batteries are already embedded in everyday energy use What it takes to build a resilient, long-term solar industry With millions of homes still to go solar, India is entering a defining phase and the pace is only increasing. Guest profile:  Preeti Bajaj is the CEO of Luminous Power Technologies, one of India’s leading energy solutions companies. With a background spanning global markets including Australia and India, she has built deep expertise across the solar ecosystem. Preeti is focused on scaling accessible, reliable and sustainable energy for millions of households, helping drive India’s transition towards a more decentralised and self-reliant energy future.

    40 min

  7. Jan 29

    The Warm Homes Plan & the Reality of UK Solar in 2026 | CEF Special with Mike Gadd

    What will the ‘Warm Homes Plan’ mean for solar SMEs in the UK?  In this special episode of The OpenSolar Podcast, our Co-founder and CEO Birchy and Mike Gadd, Head of Renewables at @CEF strip away the political jargon to reveal the reality of clean energy subsidies.  🎙️ In this episode, we discuss: - The Warm Homes Plan and what it could mean in practice for installers and SMEs- The realities of deploying clean technology, including EVs, batteries and heat pumps- Grid connections, admin burden and standardisation challenges facing contractors Follow us for more episodes like this and look out for season 2 of The OpenSolar Podcast.

    36 min

  8. 07/23/2025

    S01E6: Empowered by Light: Lighting Up Communities in the Global Energy Access Crisis

    In this episode of The OpenSolar Podcast, we’re joined by Moira Hanes, co-founder of Empowered by Light, to explore how clean, distributed energy is transforming underserved communities around the world. With over 100 solar and storage systems deployed across 10 countries, Empowered by Light is creating lasting impact, from rural schools in Zambia to Indigenous communities in the Amazon. We discuss: How distributed solar solutions are scaling faster than traditional infrastructure Why locally led installations are key to long-term energy resilience What energy access means for education, women’s empowerment, and community pride The power of partnerships to unlock meaningful climate and social outcomes Lessons from building microgrids in some of the world’s most remote and vulnerable regions Whether you're a solar pro, clean energy funder, or someone passionate about climate equity, this episode sheds light on the real-world potential of solar to drive change where it's needed most. Support Empowered by Light → https://empoweredbylight.org

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The OpenSolar Podcast your sun-powered source of inspiration, innovation, and impact. Hosted by OpenSolar’s very own CEO Birchy, Melissa, and Sophie, we spotlight the people, ideas, and movements electrifying the transition to a world powered entirely by sunshine.

Information

  • Creator
    OpenSolar
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © OpenSolar
  • Show Website
    The OpenSolar Podcast

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