#95 - Solar Surge w/ Andrew Burgess

Send us Fan MailAndrew Burgess from Solar Juice joins the podcast to discuss Australia’s renewable energy landscape — from the evolution of Solar Juice and its return to Australian ownership, to the rise of battery storage, electrification, and the future of sustainable energy innovation.This episode is proudly sponsored by Southwell Solar Training—delivering practical, standards-based CPD that installers actually find useful. Their online courses cover real-world issues like defects, labelling, battery installation, and system upgrades, helping solar professionals stay compliant while building confidence on the job.Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice. 00:00:00 Introduction and Energy Industry Catch-Up00:01:31 Melbourne Weather and Upcoming Events00:02:15 SIG Energy Update from Tasmania00:03:45 Company Administration and Industry Struggles00:06:05 Software Platforms and Market Challenges00:06:41 Nigel’s Upcoming Solar Installation Plans00:08:05 Electrification in Mining and Transport00:09:45 Marine Batteries and Heavy Equipment Innovation00:10:10 Introducing Guest — Andrew Burgess (Solar Juice)00:11:00 Early Career and BP Solar Days00:13:00 Founding of Solar Juice in 200900:15:00 Acquisition by SPI and Initial Growth00:17:00 Share Collapse and Hard Lessons Learned00:19:20 Operating Under a Parent Company00:21:00 Loyalty, Culture and Team Legacy00:22:00 Dolores and Industry Pioneers Remembered00:24:10 Australian Ownership Restored at Solar Juice00:26:30 Electrification and Partnerships with Fortescue00:28:20 Cheaper Home Batteries Program Discussion00:30:00 Government Briefings and Policy Insights00:31:10 Supply Chain and Product Quality Concerns00:33:00 Corporate Responsibility and ESG Compliance00:36:10 Battery Stewardship and Recycling Programs00:38:20 Sustainability and Long-Term Accountability00:39:45 Company Culture and Employee Retention00:42:00 Trade Shows and Customer Engagement00:44:00 Family Values and Relationship Building00:45:30 Creative Marketing and Brand Innovation00:46:50 Battery Program Margins and Market Pressure00:47:45 Government Rebates and Industry Impact00:50:00 Future of Solar and Electrification Trends00:52:30 Work-Life Balance and Personal Reflection00:54:00 Lessons on Business Growth and Adaptation00:54:30 Final Comments and Tesla Energy Update00:55:30 Industry Networking and Tesla Initiatives00:56:20 Labour Demand and Installer Shortages00:56:45 Nigel’s Reflections on Podcasting and Family00:57:30 Closing Remarks from Andrew Burgess00:58:00 Farewell and All-Energy Expo Invitation