Your Energy Answers

What happens when an EV runs out of charge with no charger nearby? Mark Wexler from Alpine Energy (https://alpineenergy.com.au/) explains how mobile vehicle-to-vehicle fast charging could become the roadside assistance of the EV era.

We explore Alpine Energy’s technology, EV range anxiety, charging reliability, grid resilience, the future of electrification and how mobile energy could eventually become an on-demand service.

Timestamps

00:00 – What is Alpine Energy?
01:41 – The idea behind mobile EV charging
02:25 – How vehicle-to-vehicle charging works
03:22 – Getting 65 km of range in 15 minutes
05:55 – How Alpine Energy started
07:58 –...

In this episode, Markus sits down with Dean Spaccavento from Reposit (https://repositpower.com/) to unpack why Australia’s electricity market has become so complicated. They discuss rising supply charges, falling wholesale volatility, the impact of big batteries, the hidden costs of Solar Share, and why households can still face frustrating bills even after installing solar and batteries. Dean also explains Reposit’s approach to taking the uncertainty out of electricity costs.

Timestamps

00:00 – Why Australians are frustrated with electricity bills
02:42 – Why wholesale electricity prices have flattened
05:24 – How big batteries are changing electricity prices
11:00...

Markus speaks with Matt Peterson from Automised Energy (https://www.automised.energy/?utm_source=yea_youtube) about how the platform uses a household’s real electricity data to compare thousands of plans and find the most suitable option. They discuss potential savings, retailer loyalty penalties, small-business electricity costs, data security, solar and battery plans, free-power tariffs and why Australia’s energy market has become so difficult for consumers to navigate.

Automised Energy uses your actual electricity usage data through Australia's Consumer Data Right to compare available plans and help find one that could save you money. They are...

Energy expert and author Saul Griffith (https://www.saulgriffith.com/) joins Markus to discuss why Australia’s electricity system is failing households, how privatisation contributed to rising power prices, and why electrifying our homes could save Australians thousands of dollars each year. 

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:43 – Introducing Saul Griffith
03:00 – Australia’s electrification opportunity
07:22 – The three hours of free electricity plan
13:51 – How electricity privatisation increased prices
20:26 – Could electrification save households $4,000 a year?
29:04 – Confusing electricity plans and retailer profits
34:49 – What home electrification actually involves
41:35 – Does gas still have a role in the energy transition?
...

Matthew from Marshall Solar & Energy (https://marshallsolarandenergy.com.au) explains how solar, batteries, smart energy management, hydro power and peer-to-peer electricity trading are changing the way Tasmanians use and sell power. We explore VPPs, LocalVolts, mini hydro, upgrading older solar systems, choosing quality equipment and using solar to charge an EV for less.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction
01:16 – Matthew’s journey from car batteries to solar
02:10 – How solar technology has changed
05:18 – Why batteries now make financial sense
06:28 – Are VPPs the future of home energy?
07:42 – How LocalVolts and wholesale electricity work
10:20 – Peer-to-peer electricity trading explaine...

Greg Nielsen from Brighte (https://brighte.com.au/) explains the NSW Government’s $15,000 interest-free energy upgrade loan, including eligibility, repayments, approved products and installer requirements. The discussion also covers rebate stacking, consumer protections, landlord opportunities, lessons from earlier state programs and the expected impact on the solar and battery industry.

00:00 – The $15,000 Interest-Free Energy Loan
01:22 – How the Loan and Repayments Work
03:58 – Rebate Stacking and Previous State Programs
05:22 – Is There a Catch?
07:08 – Eligibility and the $210,000 Income Cap
08:00 – Installer Accreditation, NETCC and Door-Knocking
13:14 – Projects Over $15,000 and the Approval Process
20:30 – Finding an Installer and Comparing Quotes

Thinking about installing solar or a home battery? In this episode, Markus speaks with Sam Valenti from Essential Solar about the new battery rebate, why system quality matters more than price, and how to avoid costly mistakes. They discuss battery sizing, solar design, EV charging, electrification, three-phase power, and why choosing an experienced installer can save thousands over the life of your system. Whether you're buying your first solar system or upgrading an existing one, this conversation is packed with practical advice for Australian homeowners.

Timestamps
00:00 – Why the cheapest solar and battery deals can cost you mo...

Derek and Daniel discuss battery rebates, installer quality, Sigenergy, Tesla, ESY Sunhome, VPPs, EV charging and why the future home is becoming both a power station and fuel station.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Why poor battery installs can void warranty
00:46 – Podcast intro from Smart Energy Week
01:24 – Meeting in China and the Sigenergy factory
03:14 – How AI is changing solar businesses
05:00 – Battery rebate demand and pressure on installers
08:16 – Install wait times blowing out
11:30 – Why batteries need long-term installer support
13:14 – Cowboys entering the market during rebates
15:28 – In-house installers vs subcontractors
20:18 – Choosing the right battery brands
2...

What’s really happening on the ground during Australia’s battery boom? Hugh Salisbury from Salisbury Solar & Electrical shares what he's seeing across the Tweed, Byron Bay and Northern Rivers regions. From battery rebate demand and oversized battery mistakes to solar cowboys, customer education, EV readiness and choosing the right battery brands, this is a practical discussion about getting solar and batteries right.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Energy costs, diesel prices and why people are looking at batteries
00:47 – Hugh Salisbury joins the YEA podcast
01:23 – Battery rebate rush and installer availability
02:02 – Hugh’s background in solar since 2014
02:48 – Wh...

In this podcast, Markus speaks with Josh Hargrave from  @SolaXPowerGlobal (https://au.solaxpower.com/) about why the brand has become one of Australia’s long-standing battery and inverter players. They discuss the battery rebate boom, product reliability, backup capability, VPP performance with Reposit, safety features, installer support, EV charging and why proven technology matters when choosing a solar battery.

00:00 – Choosing the right solar battery
02:40 – Battery rebate boom and SolaX stock availability
03:14 – SolaX’s history in the Australian market
05:24 – Why Australia is a tough testing ground for batteries
08:00 – From inverters to full energy storage systems
08...

 In this conversation, Daniele Lanzetta from Smart Energy Answers (https://www.smartenergyanswers.com.au/) and Lincoln Bell from Lenergy (https://lenergy.com.au/) share real installer insights into why the ESY Sunhome (https://www.esysunhome.com/) battery is gaining traction across Australia. They unpack the benefits of all-in-one battery systems, essential backup capability, scalability, installer experience, and why strong local support matters when choosing a home battery.

00:00 Cheap battery deals and safety concerns in the industry
01:40 Why installers prefer integrated inverter + battery systems
03:05 Black start capability and backup power explained
05:10 Why compliance rules differ a...

Dean Spaccavento from Reposit explains what’s really happening behind the battery rebate, winter electricity price spikes, and how AI data centres could reshape Australia’s energy future. Watch the full discussion and see what it means for solar and battery owners.

Timestamps: 

00:00 How AI is changing jobs — which careers are safe in the future
04:40 Will AI data centres push electricity prices higher in Australia?
07:30 Who really pays for new grid infrastructure — consumers or developers?
13:20 Could data centres help Australia build cheaper electricity long term?
16:40 What went wrong with Aust...

Smart Energy Council CEO John Grimes joins Markus to discuss Australia’s fuel security risks, China’s dominance in EVs and clean-energy manufacturing, and why rooftop solar, batteries and electrification are becoming essential for national resilience. The conversation explores energy policy, global politics, renter access to solar, and how Australia can capture more value from the world’s biggest energy transition.

Timestamps: 

0:00 Australia’s fuel security risk and why diesel shortages matter
1:03 Energy independence through solar, batteries and EVs 
3:45 China’s dominance in the global EV and battery industry 
5:30 Electrifying...

Home energy audits can dramatically improve comfort and reduce electricity bills before you even install solar or solar batteries. In this episode, Markus speaks with Adam Corrigan from Your Energy Friend (https://www.yourenergyfriend.com.au/) about hidden insulation problems, energy efficiency star ratings, switching electricity tariffs, hot water system choices, and the simple upgrades that can save thousands in Australian homes.

Timestamps:

00:00 The insulation mistake found in brand-new homes
 01:30 How Adam Corrigan got into home energy audits
 03:05 Cost, carbon or comfort – why people request audits
 04:10 Energy efficiency ratings that...

In this episode, Markus speaks with Derek McKercher from PSW Energy (https://pswenergy.com.au/) about the impact of the solar battery rebate, the risks of cheap battery systems, why installer quality and long-term support matter, how falling feed-in tariffs are changing the value of solar-only systems, and why EVs are reshaping the way solar and battery systems should be designed. The discussion also covers battery recalls, product selection, Australian-made panels, recycling challenges, and what the industry may look like once rebate-driven demand begins to slow.

Timestamps: 
00:00 Battery boom, rebate pressure, and cheap system risks
00:32 I...

Electricity prices are rising, feed-in tariffs are collapsing, and the solar industry is shifting toward batteries. In this episode, Markus Lambert speaks with Chris Pemberton from Sun Sellers about the realities of selling solar today.

They explore why solar alone often no longer delivers the savings homeowners expected, how batteries are changing the economics, and why many cheap solar offers lead to long-term problems. The conversation also dives into ethical solar sales, how local installers compete against large retailers, and why communication and trust are critical when selling solar and batteries.

Chris explains how his...

Australia is racing into a solar and battery boom, but are we quietly trading energy independence for dependency?

In this wide-ranging conversation, Markus Lambert sits down with Brian Craighhead from Energy Renaissance to unpack why energy security is now national security, why Australia can’t compete with China on price, and how slow bureaucracy is killing local manufacturing.

They explore the battery rebate, AI-driven job losses, supply-chain risk, cyber security, rushed installs, safety failures, and the real story behind the collapse of one of Australia’s most ambitious battery manufacturing projects.

This isn’t just...

 In this discussion, Markus and Thomas Bywater from AIKO dive into how geopolitics can significantly influence solar panel price. We explore the broader economy and international affairs, examining their impact on the finance of solar energy. This political analysis sheds light on the complex factors affecting solar panels.In this discussion, we dive into how world affairs and global politics directly impact solar panel pricing. Understanding these connections is crucial for anyone interested in solar power. We explore the geopolitical futures that shape the energy market.

Are you wondering about the future of solar panel pricing? We d...

In this episode, Markus sits down with James Petesic from PV Industries (https://www.pvindustries.com.au/) to unpack the hidden reality of solar panel recycling, why exporting “working” solar panels is now illegal, and how critical materials like silver, copper and silicon are at risk of being lost forever.

Want To Reduce Your Energy Bills? Find The Best Solar Installers in Australia Here: https://yourenergyanswers.com

Read more on the topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/solar-panel-recycling-australia-guide

Chapters
00:00:30 Introduction to PV Industries 
00:01:38 Origin Story and Career Background 
00:03:30 The Evolution of Recycl...

Cheap solar and battery deals are booming again — but history shows how this story ends.
In this candid conversation, Markus and Leonard unpack why low-price energy offers often lead to long-term pain, how rebates distort the market, why local installers matter more than ever, and what rising electricity prices mean for Australian households. From battery rebates and warranty traps to energy plans, recycling, and the future of Australia’s energy system, this episode goes well beyond sales pitches and into the real issues consumers need to understand.

00:00 Cheap solar, rebate booms, and why bad companies always disa...

This episode was filmed late 2024, thus some information may be outdated. 

Markus sits down with James to break down the real story behind BYD in Australia: battery safety, EV vs hybrid buying decisions, resale value, service costs, and why BYD is stealing market share from Tesla. They cover customer types, the 2025 BYD Seal rumours, charging options, environmental impact, and what the future of EVs in Australia really looks like.

Read more on this topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/why-byd-is-outselling-tesla-in-australia/

Timestamps
0:00 – Why BYD’s blade battery is the safes...

Want To Reduce Your Energy Bills? Find The Best Solar Installers in Australia Here: https://yourenergyanswers.com

Read more on the topic here at: https://yourenergyanswers.com/sydney-fish-market-solar-roof-building-integrated-photovoltaics/

A crane collapse, a builder liquidation, 864 custom-coloured solar panels, 263 triangular pods, and a roof shaped like an ocean wave… This is the true story of how Inspire Energy delivered one of Australia’s most complex solar installations on the new Sydney Fish Market.

Markus and Matt break down the challenges, the breakthroughs, the manufacturing journey, and how this project is reshaping the future of architecturally inte...

Want To Reduce Your Energy Bills? Find The Best Solar Installers in Australia Here: https://yourenergyanswers.com

Read more on the topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/three-hours-of-free-lipstick-for-the-energy-pig-dont-pop-the-bubbly-yet/ 

Three hours of free electricity for every Australian household — game changer or political gimmick? Markus and Huon break down the truth behind the government’s new “free power” policy, why it won’t actually lower bills, who really benefits, and the hidden costs no one is talking about.

In this explosive and entertaining deep-dive, we cover rooftop solar curtailment, smart-meter politics, grid stress, retail market manipulation, and how ene...

Markus sits down with Imraan Thanawalla (Solaris Finance / Solar Nerds) to unpack how “0% interest” really works, what the new BNPL rules mean, and how to structure cashflow-positive solar + battery deals. They cover residential vs commercial paybacks, why installer quality matters more than brand, and Imraan’s Solar Nerds data + Solaris Recruit offshoring play (including the Fair Work risk you should know about).

Solaris Finance – rates, calculator & vendor portal: https://solarisfinance.com.au/
Solar Nerds – free dashboards, CPD & reports: https://solarnerds.com.au/

Read more on this topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/solar-finance-australia-bnpl-interest-free-cashflow/

Timest...

Want To Reduce Your Energy Bills? Find The Best Solar Installers in Australia Here: https://yourenergyanswers.com

Why are Aussie power bills soaring while energy giants pay zero tax? Markus Lambert (Your Energy Answers) and Huon Hoogesteger (Smart Commercial Solar) expose how decades of privatisation and foreign ownership turned Australia’s energy system into a costly mess — and what we can do to take power back.

Timestamps
00:00 Energy Australia pays no tax
00:42 Why bills keep rising
02:00 The illusion of energy “choice”
05:00 Bureaucracy & profit layers
07:40 Nationalise the grid?
10:00 Water next?
12:0...

GoodWe’s Kang Ran joins Markus Lambert to reveal how solar carports and lightweight panels are unlocking new possibilities for Aussie homes and businesses. From powering EVs to solving roof limitations, discover how these innovations could save households up to $4,000 a year and reshape Australia’s solar future.

Read more on this topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/no-1-solar-expert-goodwe-how-to-save-4000-a-year-with-a-solar-carport-yea-podcast-ep46/

Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Australia's rooftops are full, where else can we install solar?
00:04:25 – Who is GoodWe? Meet Kang Ran
00:10:57 – Why choose a solar carport? 
00:15:51 – How is the carport engineered? 
00:21:00 – What’s the ROI on the solar c...

Markus sits down with Dr Thomas and Dr Joy from @LudicrousFeed to talk EVs in Australia — why they switched from diesel to a Tesla, the rise of Chinese carmakers, hybrids vs full electrics, going big on home batteries, and whether EVs will stabilise or strain our grid. 

Want To Reduce Your Energy Bills? Find The Best Solar Installers in Australia Here: https://yourenergyanswers.com

Read more on the topic here at https://yourenergyanswers.com/ev-revolution-australia-future-driving/

Timestamps:
00:00 – Origins & First Tesla: Health issues, first EV, and starting Ludicrous Feed.
00:10 – Buying an EV in Austral...

Want To Reduce Your Energy Bills? Find The Best Installers in Australia Here: https://yourenergyanswers.com

Read more on the topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/how-your-battery-can-save-you-money-every-night/

Your Energy Socials
TikTok: @yeanswers https://www.tiktok.com/@yeanswers
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Facebook: @yeanswers https://www.facebook.com/yeanswers
Twitter: @yeanswers https://twitter.com/yeanswers
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/your-energy-media

Can your home battery actually make you money? Amber Electric’s Carlos Garcia explains how wholesale pricing + smart automations let you earn credits, dispatch du...

Chris Martell from GSES explains why half of the solar systems they check have issues — and 15% aren’t working at all. He reveals common hidden faults, why standard monitoring often misses them, and how GSES’s Diagno tool helps asset owners detect problems early and protect returns.

Key topics: 
0:00 Intro – GSES’s work with NSW Government and 700 solar assets
2:02 GSES history, training, and founder recognition
6:04 Consulting and renewable procurement projects
9:20 Why O&M is undervalued in the industry
10:34 The “maintenance-free” solar myth
16:10 Common faults in inspections
17:22 50% have issues, 15% serious faults
23:20 How D...

Want to save thousands on your energy bills while driving your EV for (almost) free? In this video, Johnny Warnock from MyEnergi explains how a smart charger like the Zappi turns your solar power and cheap grid energy into free mileage for your car.

Key topics:
0:00 Intro – Why smart charging matters for EV owners
2:30 The real cost of cheap EV chargers
6:00 How Zappi uses solar and off-peak energy to cut your bills
10:00 Smart hot water management with Eddi
16:00 Real-world savings and why smart chargers pay for themselves

For more tools, ca...

Are solar rebates really middle-class welfare? And why do rental properties still miss out? In this fiery and no-fluff episode, Markus Lambert sits down with Heidi Lee Douglas, CEO of Solar Citizens, to tackle the biggest debates in renewable energy — from battery rebates and grid stability to solar for renters and Australia’s clean energy future.

Whether you're a homeowner, renter, policymaker, or industry insider, this episode lays bare the policy blind spots and what really needs to change. This isn’t just another climate conversation — it’s a wake-up call. 

What you’ll learn:
– The unt...

In this episode, Markus Lambert sits down with James Sturch from SolarEdge to unpack the real reasons behind Australia’s broken energy system.

They dive into why we pay more for our own gas than overseas buyers, how long-term contracts are locking us out, and why renewables — despite being the cheapest form of generation — still play second fiddle to fossil fuels.

Read more about this topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/solaredges-james-sturch-reveals-why-aussie-energy-is-so-expensive-ep-40/

The Australian solar boom has left many homeowners with panels on their roofs—but what happens after installation is often a mystery. David Pethick, President of Omnidian Australia, joins the podcast to uncover the hidden reality of post-installation solar service. With a background at AGL and now leading Omnidian’s expansion—boosted by their acquisition of Solar Service Guys—David shares how the company is transforming solar maintenance into a streamlined, tech-driven experience.

This episode explores:

The solar industry is often filled with companies focused on quick sales and minimum standards, but Brad Ott and Luke McKenzie from Velocity Solar take a refreshingly different approach. After 15 years in the business, Brad has built a reputation based on education, quality, and exceptional after-sales service. This episode explores: 

Sam Valenti from Essential Solar shares insights on quality solar installations, battery options, and future energy trends based on 13 years in the Melbourne market. His company's philosophy of performance, quality, and reliability guides their approach to sustainable energy solutions for residential and commercial properties.

• Premium solar products like Fronius, SolarEdge, and Enphase cost more upfront but provide superior longevity and after-sales support
• Quality installations save customers from future issues, as poor workmanship often leads to safety concerns and performance problems
• Battery systems don't automatically provide backup power during outages – additional equipment is required depending on backup n...

Ever wondered why your electricity bills keep climbing despite promises of cheap renewable energy? In this eye-opening conversation, energy data expert Tim Ryan pulls back the curtain on Australia's complex and often dysfunctional electricity market.

The revelation at the heart of this episode is startling: our energy market is deliberately designed to create price volatility, benefiting generators and retailers while leaving consumers to foot an ever-increasing bill. Tim explains how the market's bidding system means the last (and most expensive) generator sets the price for all electricity sold during that period – creating perverse incentives for price spikes th...

Smart Commercial Solar, founded by Huon Hoogesteger, has revolutionised commercial solar in Australia by providing cost-effective, high-performance solutions for businesses. From an off-grid solar experiment to leading large-scale commercial installations, this company has reshaped the industry. This episode reveals how strong relationships in the solar industry lead to sustained success. He discusses his journey in solar, the evolution of technology, the significant role of community funding, and the potential of nuclear energy in Australia’s renewable energy future.

What if you could power your home with the most efficient solar panels, drastically cutting your electricity bills while adding aesthetic appeal to your property? Join us for a captivating conversation with Thomas Bywater, a pioneer in the solar industry, as he shares his journey from Jinko to AIKO. Learn how AIKO's pioneering laser manufacturing technology is revolutionising solar panel efficiency, making them a top choice for maximising energy on limited roof spaces while minimising costs. Thomas opens up about the transformative potential of integrating high-performance solar solutions into everyday life, offering insights into the future of energy consumption...

In this episode, Markus chats with Daniel Lanzetta, CEO of Smart Energy Answers, about how his company grew from a small team to a leader in solar, battery storage, and EV charging solutions.
 
Daniel shares insights on why 9 out of 10 of their installations now include batteries, the rise of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) that let homeowners EARN money from stored energy, and how the new NSW battery rebate (up to $5,000!) is driving demand. 

Learn how smart solar systems aren't just about saving on bills—they're about energy independence, lifestyle, and even income opportunities.

What...

The episode uncovers the complexities of New South Wales' battery rebate, emphasising its potential rewards and challenges for homeowners. Topics include navigating rebate procedures, the benefits of integrating electric vehicles, and the future of virtual power plants in energy trading.

• Discussion of the New South Wales battery rebate system 
• Critique of the announcement's impact on the market and sales 
• Insight into the risks of navigating rebate and paperwork 
• Exploration of Virtual Power Plants and energy trading opportunities 
• Importance of selecting quality battery products 
• Integration of electric vehicles into home energy systems 
• Arguments for consum...