The Green Room - Energy Innovation & Renewables Industry Podcast

Can adding commercial solar or batteries actually overload an existing switchboard if the site's loads have not changed?

In this Green Room conversation, Veli sits down again with Gil Rhodes for a deep technical discussion about summation of current, maximum demand, AC cable derating and what should happen after a commercial solar or battery system has been installed and commissioned.

Gil explains why supplementary supplies such as solar and batteries create new current paths inside an electrical installation, why that does not automatically mean the site load has increased, and why the switchboard, maximum demand...

Part 2 of our conversation with Linh takes us from Vietnam to Australia, and then deep into the business of building a solar brand in one of the most competitive renewable energy markets in the world.
 
 Linh explains how the COVID period changed the way she thought about life, experience and opportunity, why Singapore and the UK were initially ahead of Australia on her list, and how she eventually arrived here to complete her master's degree.
 
 From there, we follow her move into the Australian solar industry with OSW, where she worked across a large portfolio of p...

Why do we buy things we do not really need, and how much of that decision is actually ours?

In Part 1 of this Green Room conversation, Veli sits down with Linh for a fascinating discussion about communication, journalism, digital marketing, consumer behaviour and the psychology behind modern advertising.

Linh explains why a naturally reserved person chose a career built around communication, why journalism turned out to demand a very different personality than she expected, and how growing up in Vietnam shaped the way she thinks about family, resilience, observation and self-reflection.

The conversation...

What does marketing look like when AI can write content, summarise meetings, answer customer questions and increasingly influence how businesses are discovered online?

In this episode of The Green Room, Veli welcomes Gerard McCallister from Assertive Marketing back for Part 2 of a wide-ranging conversation about AI, marketing, manufacturing and renewable energy.

Gerard explains how his own use of AI has changed, where it genuinely saves time, where authenticity is being lost, and why businesses still need human judgement, relationships and industry knowledge. The discussion also moves into the changing role of SEO, optimising websites for...

What does it take to manufacture advanced renewable energy technology in Australia for decades, survive huge industry changes, and keep innovating as batteries move from off-grid into the mainstream grid market?
 
 In this episode of The Green Room, Veli sits down with Rod Scott, CEO of Selectronic, for a wide-ranging conversation about Australian manufacturing, software engineering, off-grid power, battery systems and the story behind the SP PRO.
 
 Rod takes us back to Selectronic's beginnings in transformer and contract manufacturing, through the company's first inverters in the 1980s, the emergence of solar, and the long development path...

What happens when solar, new home construction, battery storage, community and customer service all come together?
 
In this episode of The Green Room, Veli sits down with Lauren Ciconte from SixStar Plus to discuss her journey from an energetic teenager working at Boost Juice, through the building industry, and into renewable energy where she now works as PV Operations Manager.
 
Lauren brings a unique perspective to the solar industry. She understands builders, processes, pricing, installers, customers and the importance of community, and she is incredibly passionate about doing all of it properly.
 
We tal...

What does it really take to build a solar and battery business that lasts?
 
In this episode of The Green Room, we sit down with Brad Teasdale from Teaslec Energy Solutions to talk about quality installations, customer expectations, batteries, EVs, electrification, business resilience and the lessons that only come from doing the work for more than a decade.
 
Brad shares how he moved from an electrical apprenticeship into running his own business, why technical salespeople matter, how battery systems have changed customer expectations, and why doing the job properly from day one is still one of...

What happens when someone has spent more than two decades watching solar evolve from remote off-grid systems and lead acid batteries to microinverters, AI, battery storage and panel-level monitoring?
 
 In this episode, we sit down with Duncan McGregor from Enphase, one of the Australian solar industry's true long-term operators.
 
 Duncan takes us back to the early days of Going Solar, the legendary renewable energy training courses, flooded lead acid batteries, early grid-connect systems and the people who helped shape the Australian solar industry.
 
 We then move into modern solar, including microinverters, DC optimisers, commer...

What is the true cost of chasing cheap solar, and what happens when the Federal Government sends an inspector to check your work 18 months later?

In this episode, we sit down with Robbie Nichols, a third-generation electrician, former Clean Energy Council (CEC) technical expert, and a Federal Government STC solar inspector. Robbie has spent decades in the electrical trade, from running his own contracting business and catching local graffiti taggers with covert CCTV, to traversing the Australian outback conducting thousands of solar compliance audits.

Robbie gives us an unflinching look at the darkest corners of...

What happens when you combine an electronics expert, automated doors, and a front-row seat to the wildest volume-driven solar boom in Australian history?

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Gilbert, the founder of Eureka Energy Solutions, to unpack his deeply fascinating and non-linear career path. Paul shares his journey from growing up in a working-class household in Tasmania to designing cutting-edge electronics for automated doors across the globe, and eventually stepping into the absolute chaos of the Australian residential solar market.

Paul gives us an unfiltered look into his time at True Value...

What happens when finance, climate policy, China, data centres and the energy transition all collide?
 
In this episode, we sit down with Tim Buckley, clean energy finance analyst and founder of Climate Energy Finance, for a wide-ranging conversation about the money behind the global energy transition.
 
Tim takes us from his early career in financial research and forensic company analysis to carbon pricing, corporate governance, superannuation, ESG, Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, China's manufacturing scale, green steel, batteries, data centres and Australia's opportunity to become a clean-energy powerhouse.
 
This is a conversation about how capital act...

Can we actually achieve sustainability under modern capitalism, or is the entire concept a "wicked problem"?

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Crosby, a true polymath: a sustainability lecturer, professional actor, musician, and author. 
Matthew brings an incredibly unique perspective to the environmental crisis, blending systems thinking, corporate governance, and a deep appreciation for culture and human connection.

We go deep into the theory of "Wicked Problems" and the Iceberg Model, unpacking why massive global issues like hunger, climate change, and green hydrogen adoption cannot be solved with simple templates. 
Matthew fi...

What does it take to build reliable systems, a growing renewable energy business, and a meaningful life at the same time?
 
 In this episode, we sit down with David Fulton, one of Greenwood Solutions' earliest team members, to explore a remarkable journey through engineering, Germany, BMW, renewable energy, business systems, mental health and the early days of Greenwood.
 
From pulling apart vacuum cleaners as a child and training in Wing Chun, to studying engineering in Melbourne and Munich, working inside BMW's research and development centre, and helping build Greenwood from a spare bedroom, David's story is...

What actually happens to a solar panel when it dies, and how can we stop millions of tons of them from ending up in landfill?

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Nunez, an industrial designer and circular economy researcher at RMIT. From growing up in the chaotic, high-altitude sprawl of Mexico City to researching the social drivers behind sustainable waste management in Australia, Alex brings a deeply human and design-focused perspective to the renewable energy sector.

We dive deep into the mounting crisis of solar panel waste and why financial incentives alone aren't...

Who actually manufactures the batteries powering the world's most dominant tech and EV brands, and how are those same cells revolutionizing utility-scale grid storage in Australia?

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel, Business Development Manager for Sunwoda (one of the world's largest, vertically integrated battery manufacturers). 
Starting as a communications engineer who barely scraped a 55% passing grade, Daniel went on to acquire a sponsored MBA and build a massive career in HV technical sales and utility infrastructure.

We go deep into the sheer scale of the Chinese battery manufacturing ecosystem, how developers h...

What happens when the insatiable energy demands of massive data centres collide with an aging grid, and who is actually standing up for the everyday person paying the bills?

In this episode, we sit down with Craig Memery: a leading energy advocate and renewable energy veteran: to unpack the complex realities of the Australian energy transition. 

From his early days climbing 80-metre wind testing towers and developing standalone power systems, to his critical work with the Justice and Equity Centre and the Alternative Technology Association (now Renew), Craig brings a deeply human perspective to a h...

What do most engineers get wrong about lightning protection?
 
In this episode, Veli sits down with Franco  D'Alessandro from LPI to explore lightning protection for commercial solar, battery storage and critical infrastructure. 

From astrophysics to lightning engineering, Franco explains how lightning forms, why blunt air terminals outperform sharp rods, and why surge protection, earthing and bonding are just as important as capturing the strike. 

Franco has multiple patents to his name with numerous research papers published and we were so lucky to have him on!
 
 ⚡ What we cover:

 ✅ How lightning f...

What happens when defence-grade software analytics meets renewable infrastructure, and why is 30% of commercial solar offline right now?

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Martell: Managing Director of GSES (Global Sustainable Energy Solutions): to explore solar engineering, training evolution, and advanced asset management.

Chris shares his journey from working on military radar arrays at Raytheon in Boston to leading one of Australia's most respected renewable energy consulting and training institutions, GSES. 
We discuss the technical challenges of early commercial solar, engineering car park canopy arrays over active easements, and the launch of M...

What does honest politics actually sound like?

In this episode, we sit down with Nick McGowan,  Victorian MP, Shadow Minister for Environment, and Shadow Minister for Fire Services, for one of the most open, direct, and thought-provoking conversations we’ve had on the podcast.

Nick shares his journey from knowing in grade five that he wanted to be a member of parliament, to standing for council at 18, working in politics, serving with the United Nations in conflict-affected regions, and now tackling environmental issues here in Victoria.

But this conversation goes well beyond party pol...

What really happens when massive consumer demand for home batteries meets the harsh technical realities of the field?

In this episode, we sit down with Mick Klose, licensed electrician, solar specialist, and Operations Manager at Hayes Power, to discuss the nitty-gritty of high-end solar installations, home battery storage, and commercial energy management.

Operating out of San Remo, Victoria, Mick brings a wealth of direct, on-the-roof and in-the-office experience. 
We dive deep into the engineering intricacies of designing solar arrays for high-salt coastal environments, why the industry faces a massive e-waste issue with decommissioning perfectly g...

What happens when electrification, data centres, renewables and customer behaviour all collide?
 
 In this episode, we sit down with Liz Fletcher , energy consultant and former Flow Power, Transgrid and Energy Power Systems professional, to examine the future of Australia's energy transition.
 
 From early work in wind, coal, lobbying and carbon policy, to corporate PPAs, data centres, energy efficiency, electrification and customer engagement, Liz brings a rare ability to connect the technical, commercial and human sides of the energy industry.
 
 We look into data centres, social licence, grid flexibility, commercial power purchase agreements, carbon accoun...

What happens when a chef, food journalist, start up founder, lecturer and energy innovator all become the same person?

In this episode, we sit down with Puja Ganguli-Kerr to explore nonlinear careers, innovation, sustainability, energy transition, entrepreneurship and community building.

From training as a chef and working in food journalism to building startups, lecturing at Monash University and helping shape innovation ecosystems across APAC, Puja's story is a masterclass in curiosity and impact.

⚡ What we cover:

✅ Nonlinear careers & innovation
✅ Food systems & sustainability
✅ Entrepreneurship & startups
✅ Community building & leadership
✅ Energy trans...

What happens when AI, automation and consumer protection collide in the solar industry?
 
 In this episode, we sit down with Sophie Wright, General Manager of OpenSolar Australia & New Zealand , to explore the future of solar software, battery sales, AI-driven workflows, and the growing risks facing the renewable energy industry.
 
 Sophie now leads one of the industry’s most widely used proposal platforms and she shares a brutally honest perspective on where the solar industry is now and where it is heading.
 
 We dive into AI tools, business burnout, workplace culture, proposal compliance, battery sales, E...

What happens when AI starts controlling the grid?

In this episode, we sit down with Gokul,  lecturer in electrical engineering at Swinburne University and researcher at the Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub,  to explore the future of renewable energy, AI-driven electricity systems, microgrids, and autonomous grid control.

From growing up in India and breaking TVs to learn how they worked, to researching AI agents that can coordinate batteries, buildings, EVs and energy systems in real time, this conversation goes deep into where the energy industry is actually heading.

We cover microgrids, grid-forming inverters, AI...

What does it actually take to sell solar systems properly?

In this episode, we sit down with Cameron Blair from Solarhart to unpack the real world of residential solar, batteries, heat pumps, commercial solar, and the sales process behind helping customers make the right energy decision.

Cameron’s journey starts far away from solar. From growing up in Ferntree Gully, becoming a diesel mechanic, moving into car sales, and then transferring those skills into renewable energy, this conversation is full of practical lessons about trust, process, detail and doing the job properly.

We ge...

In this episode, we sit down with Gaurav  Gaikwad from Pixii, an electrical engineer whose journey spans from Mumbai’s competitive hustle to Australia’s cutting-edge battery and microgrid industry.
 
 From early solar projects in India to large-scale PPAs and now advanced battery systems in Australia, this conversation explores how energy systems are evolving , and why batteries are becoming critical infrastructure.
 
 We dive into DC microgrids, community batteries, EV charging, and the real-world challenges of deploying energy systems at scale.
 
 If you work in solar, batteries, or the broader energy space — this episode is packed wit...

What actually powers the future of energy?

In this episode, we sit down with David Minchin,  an engineer’s engineer with over 40 years of experience across batteries, solar, telecommunications, and electrical standards,  to understand the reality behind modern energy systems.

From early off-grid solar in the 1980s to today’s lithium battery boom, David shares a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on how the industry has evolved… and  where it’s heading next.

This conversation goes deep into battery technology, system design, safety standards, and the hidden challenges of scaling renewable energy, with practical insights for install...

What if everything you’ve been told about your carbon footprint is wrong?

In this episode, we sit down with Alastair Matcott from Green Energy Trading to unpack the truth about climate change, clean energy, and the systems driving it all.

From calling out the origins of the “individual carbon footprint” narrative to breaking down how renewable energy incentives actually work, this conversation goes deep, with a mix of philosophy, industry insight, and raw honesty.

We cover:

✅ Why individual climate action might be missing the point
✅ The real role of big busine...

Join Laurie Kane from Solar Plus on Season 2 Ep 13 of THE GREENROOM podcast.
Laurie is an undisputed Industry veteran who takes us inside his journey.

We start in the middle of underground parties in Sydney… rooftops, wild nights, people pushing limits. The kind of chaos that somehow teaches you more than anything structured ever could!

The conversation will have twists and turns you wont see coming.

Music. Creativity. Trying to make something meaningful… and hitting that wall a lot of people hit.
"Is this actually doing anything?"

That question chan...

Discover how solar canopies are transforming the future of commercial solar, EV charging infrastructure, and sustainable design.

In this episode, we sit down with Will Beaumont from Canyon Solar to unpack one of the fastest-growing innovations in renewable energy - solar carports (also known as solar canopies). From prefabrication breakthroughs to reducing installation time from months to weeks, this conversation dives deep into how engineering, business strategy, and sustainability intersect.

We explore:

- Why solar canopies outperform traditional rooftop solar in certain applications
- How prefabrication is revolutionising installation efficiency
...

What does it take to spend over two decades at the forefront of renewable energy, and still be hungry for more?

From selling off-grid systems in the early 2000s to managing gigawatt-scale solar operations, Hayden has seen it all, and tells it exactly how it is.

In this episode, we sit down with Haydn Fletcher, a true pioneer of the Australian solar industry and now General Manager at Clenergy. 
From humble beginnings in regional Victoria to leading global renewable energy operations across Africa and the Middle East, Haydn’s journey is anything but ordinary.

Lee’s journey is anything but ordinary!

From growing up in Dubai and working his way into business at a young age, to now building a reputation in the Australian solar sector with companies like Canadian Solar and Prana Energy, Lee has carved out a powerful presence in the industry through relentless work ethic, deep technical knowledge, and a genuine passion for renewable energy.

Today, Lee is the founder of Amazon Energy, a fast-growing company focused on solar, batteries, EV charging, and full home electrification solutions. 
His mission is simple: help homeowners and businesses tak...

What does it take to build the next generation of Battery energy storage systems (BESS) powering the renewable energy transition?

In this episode of the GREENROOM, we sit down with Richard Maldini from Evo Power - an experienced engineer shaping the future of energy storage, grid stability, and battery technology. 

From Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to grid-forming inverters, FCAS markets, and large-scale battery systems, this episode explores the real engineering challenges behind the global shift to renewable energy.

We break down how commercial and industrial battery storage, advanced energy management systems and g...

Craig has spent over 25 years in the Australian renewable energy industry. He founded XESS to build practical energy storage solutions that actually work in Australian conditions.

If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to build, sell, and support serious off-grid power systems in Australia, this one’s for you.

Craig's someone who’s been in the renewables game since the late 90s. 

He started out winding transformers, worked through the early Selectronic era, helped grow battery manufacturing businesses, and now runs a battery and inverter brand focused heavily on off-grid and remote...

🎙️ The Journey of Building an Engineering Company in the Renewable Energy Era

What does it really take to build an engineering company from the ground up?
And keep it thriving in one of the fastest-changing industries in the world?

In this in-depth conversation,  Veli chats with Demian Khan to explore the real story behind the evolution of a renewable energy engineering firm, from early curiosity about wind turbines and solar technology, through university and industry experience, to founding and scaling a company delivering large-scale battery storage, solar farms, wind projects, and carbon solutions.

Th...

Is Australia leading the world in renewable energy, or falling behind in climate policy?

In this powerful episode of The GREENROOM Podcast, we sit down with Wayne Smith, renewable energy strategist, former political advisor, climate advocate, and long-time leader in Australia’s clean energy transition.

From working alongside Anthony Albanese and Peter Garrett to shaping national conversations around renewable energy targets, battery storage, solar policy, and Australia’s emissions trajectory, Wayne brings rare insight into how energy policy is actually made, and what’s at stake.

This is a deep dive into:

⚡...

The GREENROOM podcast is joined by Darren Johannesen - Executive General Manager of Sustainability from the Smart Energy Council, for a grounded and wide-ranging conversation on the future of renewable energy, climate responsibility, and the real challenges facing Australia’s clean energy transition.

Darren brings a rare mix of strategic foresight, policy experience, and systems thinking, cutting through surface-level climate talk to explore what actually matters: circular economy principles, solar panel recycling, materials recovery, energy infrastructure, and how renewables intersect with biodiversity and long-term sustainability.

It's an honest discussion about where the renewable energy sector is...

Welcome to one of the most technically satisfying renewable energy podcasts you’ll hear this year.

In this episode of the GREENROOM, we sit down with Gareth Thomas, Application Engineer at DPA Solar, to dive deep into the world of batteries, off-grid power systems, inverter technology, and emerging storage chemistries.

If you’re an electrician, solar installer, engineer, energy geek, or someone who genuinely gets excited by the words MPPT curve… buckle up!!

⚡ Topics Covered in This Episode

✅ How batteries actually work (beyond the marketing fluff)
✅ Lithium Iron Phosphate vs NMC — real-w...

Australia’s solar and battery industry isn’t being shaped by opinions: it’s being shaped by policy, regulation, market operators, and the people working behind the scenes to keep the grid optimal!

In this episode of the Greenwood Academy Podcast, we sit down with Alistair, a key voice from the Smart Energy Council, to unpack what’s really happening inside Australia’s energy transition from battery rebates to virtual power plants, and the regulatory levers quietly changing the entire industry.

This isn’t a surface-level chat, Inside this episode, we cover:
How the Cheaper Home...

🎙️  In this episode of THE GREEN ROOM, we sit down with Samir Jacob, Clenergy Global Marketing Director whose career spans solar, batteries, off-grid systems, manufacturing, and clean energy education.

From growing up across India, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia, to shaping some of the most recognised renewable energy brands, Samir’s journey offers rare insight into how the clean energy industry has evolved and where it’s heading next.

Unwrap:

🌍 Samir Jacob’s global upbringing and career journey
⚡ The evolution of the Australian renewable energy industry
🧠 How marketing, branding, and storytelling actuall...