The OpenSolar Podcast

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.

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.

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 UKAnker Solix's installer training model,  including attending your first on-site installThe Canton RFC community solar project and saving 62% on monthly electricityWhat the Warm Homes Plan means for installers right nowWhy Ireland is one of Europe's fastest-growing solar marketsFollow us for more episodes of The OpenSolar Podcast.

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.

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 scaleHow policy and consumer demand are aligningWhy batteries are already embedded in everyday energy useWhat it takes to build a resilient, long-term solar industryWith 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.

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 contractorsFollow us for more episodes like this and look out for season 2 of The OpenSolar Podcast.

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 infrastructureWhy locally led installations are key to long-term energy resilienceWhat energy access means for education, women’s empowerment, and community prideThe power of partnerships to unlock meaningful climate and social outcomesLessons from building microgrids in some of the world’s most remote and vulnerable regionsWhether 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

In this episode of The OpenSolar Podcast, we're joined by Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council, and Professor Andrew Crossland, energy systems expert, to break down the real impact of tariffs on solar energy, what’s changing in global energy policy, and why distributed solar and storage are still gaining ground, despite political noise.Note: This episode was recorded in April 2025. All facts and figures shared were accurate at the time of recording.We explore:What new tariffs from the US and other markets really mean for solar growthWhy rooftop solar is still a vote-winner across the political spectrumThe “Electric Bill of Rights” and how it could unlock access to clean energy for allWhy grid integration and fair compensation are policy prioritiesHow local, behind-the-meter solutions are transforming national energy systemsWhether you’re a policymaker, solar pro, or just tariff-curious, this episode unpacks what’s shaping the clean energy future without the fluff.Support the Global Solar Council → https://www.globalsolarcouncil.orgConnect with Prof Andrew Crossland CEng FEI  → https://www.mygridgb.co.uk/about-me/ Learn more at opensolar.comGuest ProfilesSonia Dunlop is the CEO of the Global Solar Council, leading the charge to accelerate solar and storage deployment worldwide. With a background in EU and UK solar policy, she’s worked across trade associations, think tanks, and climate advocacy to shape energy systems that are cleaner, fairer, and fit for the future. Sonia is a powerful voice for global collaboration, skills development, and putting solar at the heart of the world’s energy transition.Andrew Crossland is a global expert in distributed energy systems, dedicated to enabling decarbonisation and empowering people to take control of their energy. He’s led pioneering solar and battery projects across four continents, from the UK to East Africa and the Pacific Islands. A published author, award-winning innovator, and creator of MyGridGB, Andrew combines deep technical insight with a relentless drive for real-world impact.Follow The OpenSolar Podcast for more.

What does it actually take to electrify your life and why would someone leave a traditional economics career to do it?In this episode of The OpenSolar Podcast, host Melissa sits down with OpenSolar CEO Andrew “Birchy” Birch to explore his personal journey from economics and corporate energy to building a global solar platform and fully solar-powered lifestyle.Birchy doesn’t just talk about solar, he lives it. From running a 600-year-old Devon farmhouse on solar and heat pumps, to raising a climate-conscious family and driving EVs for over a decade, he shares what electrification looks like in real life. The systems, the savings, and the mindset shift it requires.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:🔁 Why Birchy left economics for solar energy🏡 How to electrify your home — from heat pumps to solar panels to EVs💸 Affordability: how Birchy cut his energy costs by more than 50%🌍 The S-curve of global solar adoption🧒 Raising a family with climate literacy and clean energy habitsWhether you're curious about going solar, unsure how to make the switch, or already part of the clean energy movement, this conversation will leave you with a deeper understanding of what’s possible, and how to take action.This episode is for:Anyone seeking clarity and motivation in the transition to a sustainable futureHomeowners who want to cut energy bills and reduce emissionsClean energy professionals and solar contractorsListen now and discover how one person’s shift from economics to electrification is helping reshape the future of energy.Follow The OpenSolar Podcast for more.Andrew Birch “Birchy” - Andrew Birch or Birchy, as he’s known across the solar world, is a clean energy economist and the Co-Founder of OpenSolar. With over two decades of experience accelerating the global solar movement, Birchy is on a mission to make solar accessible, affordable, and scalable for all.His career has spanned the full arc of solar’s rise, from grassroots beginnings to global impact and he's known for combining deep industry insight with a bold, optimistic vision for the future.Find out more at www.ebirchy.com

What does it really take to scale solar in the UK?In this episode of The OpenSolar Podcast, Birchy sits down with Liz Cammack — industry veteran and Global Board Advisor at Segen, the UK’s largest solar distributor for a behind-the-scenes conversation.🎯 From walking the halls of government to powering her own electrified home🔍 From navigating market chaos to contractor consolidation📦 From supply chain friction to policy frameworks that actually workLiz shares sharp insights on what’s holding the UK market back and what’s moving it forward. If you care about clean energy, local installers, or just how the solar sausage really gets made, this is the episode.This weeks guest:Liz Cammack - Liz Cammack, is the Global Board Advisor at Segen, the UK’s leading distributor of solar PV and energy storage. With over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and leadership, Liz has helped shape the UK’s clean energy landscape through roles spanning founder, managing director, and policy advisor. She also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Solar Energy UK and chairs the Supply Chain & Innovation Sub-Group on the UK Government’s Solar TaskForce, working toward the national goal of 70GW of solar by 2035.Host:Andrew Birch “Birchy” - Andrew Birch or Birchy, as he’s known across the solar world, is a clean energy economist and the Co-Founder of OpenSolar. With over two decades of experience accelerating the global solar movement, Birchy is on a mission to make solar accessible, affordable, and scalable for all.His career has spanned the full arc of solar’s rise, from grassroots beginnings to global impact and he's known for combining deep industry insight with a bold, optimistic vision for the future.

What happens when two experienced solar professionals move from working on the ground to shaping the future of the clean energy transition?In this episode of The OpenSolar Podcast, host Melissa talks with Sophie Wright and Jimmy Gatland about their journey from hands-on solar work to driving innovation at OpenSolar. They share honest insights on navigating the ups and downs of the solar industry, the "solar coaster" and how their on-the-ground experience is informing the development of world-class clean technology.Key topics include:The shift from customer calls and on-site installs to software and product leadershipReal-world challenges and opportunities in solar energyBreaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industryAdvice for solar professionals looking to evolve their careers and contribute to the energy transitionWhether you're a solar installer, clean energy entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of renewables, this episode offers inspiring stories and valuable insights from inside the industry.Sophie: Sophie Wright is the General Manager for OpenSolar in Australia & New Zealand, where she leads innovation and impact across the solar industry. With a background in renewable energy, technology, and business strategy, Sophie collaborates with installers, manufacturers, and industry leaders to accelerate the transition to clean energy.Sophie is also a founding Director of AWISE (Australian Women in Solar Energy), where she champions diversity and leadership opportunities for women in the industry, and a member of the Solar Victoria Industry and Consumer Reference Group, helping to shape forward-thinking solar policyJimiJimi is Director of Pro Experience for OpenSolar in Australia & New Zealand, where he leads initiatives to help solar professionals succeed and thrive on the platform. An experienced leader and mentor, Jimi brings deep industry insight from his years as a solar pro, combined with expertise in SaaS platforms and user experience.Throughout his career, Jimi has built and scaled businesses within the renewable energy sector, led high-performing teams, and driven strategic initiatives to boost customer acquisition and profitability. Today, he’s dedicated to helping OpenSolar Pros grow and advancing the clean energy transition through innovative, customer-first business practices.

In this premiere episode of The OpenSolar Podcast, hosts Nigel Morris (solar industry veteran) and Andrew Birch (OpenSolar Co-Founder) kick things off with a powerful deep-dive into Australia’s world-leading rooftop solar story and what the rest of the world can learn from it.They explore how solar energy policy in Australia has dramatically accelerated adoption, spotlighting 2025’s battery rebate schemes, solar installation processes, and the distributed energy models that are reshaping the grid.Through firsthand insights and lively debate, Nigel and Birchy unpack:How Australia scaled solar power faster than any other nationThe policy decisions that helped reduce solar costs for everyday AussiesA case study on distributed energy models and their real-world outcomesThe key differences between Australia's and the US’s solar landscapesWhy Australia is on track to hit record-breaking rooftop solar penetration in 2025Whether you’re a solar pro, policy nerd, or just clean-energy curious, this episode offers a front-row seat to the forces shaping the future, starting with the country that's already living it!Follow and learn the lessons that matter, only on The OpenSolar Podcast.