Off The Grid

Epizode

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  #024 - Exactly What’s Wrong With The Solar Industry And Why We’re Fixing It 16.09.2026 22min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Luke and Tim to break down the real problems inside the solar and battery industry, from bottom‑dollar sales companies to rushed installs, poor support and homeowners left stranded when something goes wrong.◼️ Why sales‑only companies keep burning good homeowners ◼️ How bottom‑dollar pricing leads to shortcuts and unsafe installs ◼️ The communication gap between sales and installers ◼️ The structure we use to fix the industry from first call to long‑term support Timestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:25 Sales Companies Selling Bottom‑Dollar00:02:01 How Cheap Deals Create Bigger Issues00:03:43 The Three Parts Of A Proper Solar Business00:04:36 Bottom‑Dollar Pricing And Installer Pressure00:05:23 Cheap Products And No After‑Sales Support00:06:07 Blame Shifting Between Sales And Installers00:07:41 Why Shortcuts And Rushed Installs Happen00:09:00 The “In‑House Installer” Sales Tactic00:10:35 Site Checks And Building Trust00:11:01 Removing The Divide Between Sales And Install00:12:15 Making The Installer’s Day Easier00:13:37 Teamwork For Smooth Installs00:14:01 Industry Shifting And Better Advertising00:15:24 Why We Only Take 10 Percent Upfront00:16:04 How Big Deposits Trap Homeowners00:17:43 Taking Two Days When Needed00:18:16 Looking After Installers So They Look After Clients00:19:22 Housekeeping And On‑Site Care00:20:52 The Difference Between Us And Cheap Sales Companies00:21:29 When Products Don’t Match What Was Sold00:21:34 The Real Problem: Sales‑Only Companies00:22:00 Choosing A Proper Solar And Battery TeamFollow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #023 - Ranking Every Solar Battery Brand in 2026 11.09.2026 20min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Luke and Tim to rank the major solar battery brands in Australia for 2026, comparing real‑world performance, support, mounting design and long‑term reliability.◼️ The top battery brands worth considering in 2026 ◼️ Which systems offer the strongest backup and support ◼️ The brands installers rate highly after real on‑site experience ◼️ The products we’d be cautious about and why Timestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:35 Installer Experience And Support00:00:48 GoodWe Ranked Number One00:01:07 Why GoodWe Leads The Market00:01:33 SIG Energy Ranked Second00:02:00 Early SIG Issues And Improvements00:02:25 GoodWe vs SIG For Backup00:03:02 Price And Support Differences00:03:24 Why Installers Prefer Simplicity00:03:56 Sunro Ranked Third00:04:37 Enphase Performance And Price00:05:12 Enphase Support And Real‑World Issues00:06:01 Alpha Battery Variants And Reliability00:06:49 Alpha AC vs DC Coupled Issues00:07:06 Alpha Ranked Low Tier00:07:18 Fox Battery Concerns00:08:07 Mounting Issues And Exposed Cabling00:08:59 Why Fox Stagnated At 3.2kWh Modules00:09:26 Fox vs Daya Comparison00:10:01 Daya Opposing Installer Experiences00:10:45 Daya Wall‑Mounted Complexity00:11:22 Why Mounting Capacity Matters00:11:48 Daya Stackable Systems Reviewed00:12:38 Daya Backup Capability00:13:16 Daya Off‑Grid Performance00:13:57 Mid‑Tier Placement For Daya00:14:09 Solax Support But Limited Data00:14:38 Solax Ranked Low Due To Unknowns00:14:46 Tesla’s Strengths And Weaknesses00:15:13 Tesla Accreditation And Price00:15:26 Tesla Backup Capability00:15:31 Tesla Ranked A/B Tier00:15:36 Growatt Concerns00:16:17 Why Growatt Misses The Board00:16:56 Tech Support Issues And Reliability00:17:13 Sonnen Early Experience00:17:43 Sonnen Mounting And Backup00:18:23 Sonnen Support Limitations00:18:43 Sonnen Removed From Board00:19:05 Reviewing The Tier System00:19:25 What To Look For In A Battery Brand00:19:32 Fire Suppression Across Brands00:19:52 Why Mounting And Appearance MatterFollow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #022 - I Wish Everyone Knew THIS About Their Electricity Bill 09.09.2026 15min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Luke and Tim to break down the major battery brands in Australia and how they stack up in 2026, from performance and safety to support and long‑term reliability.◼️ The brands leading the market in 2026 ◼️ Which batteries offer the strongest cycle life and warranties ◼️ How installation, support and design affect real‑world performance ◼️ The systems homeowners should avoid and why Timestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:24 Breaking Down Your Electricity Bill00:01:07 Supply Charge Explained00:02:30 Why You Can’t Remove The Supply Charge00:03:31 What The Supply Charge Really Covers00:04:06 Time Of Use vs General Use00:05:20 How Retailers Pinch More Through Tariffs00:06:23 Why Bills Feel Confusing On Purpose00:07:02 General Use vs Time Of Use00:08:24 Why Export Tariffs Keep Dropping00:09:47 How Retailers Lift Prices To Pay For “Free” Power00:10:51 The Fine Print Behind Free Power00:11:16 Subsidies Making Bills Look Smaller Than They Are00:12:02 Undersized Systems Caused By Misleading Bills00:12:49 Why Supply Charge Is Always The Starting Point00:13:21 Designing Systems Around Real Usage00:13:56 Why You’ll Always Have Something Left To Pay00:14:03 Long‑Term Savings vs Rising Bills00:14:49 Understanding Your Bill Before Designing A System00:15:03 Helping Homeowners Read Their Bill ProperlyFollow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #021 - How We Reduced His Power Bills From $1,500 to $20 04.09.2026 16min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/In this new episode, Jason and Luke sit down with Ashley Baxter from Townsville to share how his family cut quarterly power bills from $1,500 down to around $20 with a properly sized solar and battery system.◼️ Life before solar and battery in a high‑usage household◼️ How a 49kWh battery changed daily routines and bills◼️ Why oversizing today protects against future costs◼️ The importance of tailored design and local supportTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:00 Power Bills Before Solar And Battery00:02:15 Tracking Usage And Early Savings00:03:30 Why A Big Battery Changed Daily Routines00:04:45 Comparing To The Old 44 Cent Tariff00:06:00 Loan Repayments Versus Power Bills00:07:20 Blackouts And Full Home Backup00:08:40 Oversizing The System For Future Needs00:10:00 Household Usage With A Growing Family00:11:30 Exploring Tariffs And Connection Fees00:13:00 Exporting Power Back To Cover Supply Charge00:14:20 Why Tailored Design MattersFollow Source Energy Group:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #020 - How Long Does Your Solar and Battery Really Last? 02.09.2026 17min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this new episode, Jason and Cam explain why a 10‑year battery warranty doesn’t tell the full story and what really determines how long your system lasts.◼️ What a 6000 cycle warranty actually means ◼️ How daily usage changes battery lifespan ◼️ Why installation location impacts performanceTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:02:09 Why Usage Patterns Change Lifespan00:02:19 Oversizing Batteries To Extend Life00:02:44 6000 Cycles Equals 16 Years00:03:22 Factoring In Degradation00:05:10 Why Location And Installation Matter00:06:33 Heat And Sunlight Impact Performance00:07:17 Installer Responsibility For Placement00:08:02 Protecting Batteries With Covers00:09:01 Why Warranties Assume Worst Case00:09:28 Extra Protection Extends Lifespan00:09:49 Poor Installation Shortens Battery Life00:10:18 Impact Of Older Solar Systems00:11:19 Full Charge And Discharge Best Practice00:11:43 Correct System Sizing With Panels00:12:21 Oversized And Undersized Battery Issues00:14:27 Incentives Distorting Battery Design00:14:44 Why Design And Support Matter00:15:22 Asking The Right Questions00:15:26 Some Batteries Offer 10,000 Cycles00:15:42 Why Payback Period Isn’t Everything00:15:59 Reality Of Longer Lifespans00:16:36 Planning For ROI Beyond Warranty00:17:16 Final Thoughts And Battery RankingsFollow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #019 - How He Reduced His Power Bills From $600 to $50 25.08.2026 36min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Bob to break down how adding a 16.6kWh battery to his existing 8.6kW solar system cut his grid use to almost nothing and dropped his quarterly bill from $600 to around $50.You'll hear:◼️ Why his old solar setup wasn’t enough◼️ How the 16.6kWh battery changed his grid usage◼️ Real consumption data from his SEMS portal◼️ How he uses heating and appliances to maximise savings◼️ Why correct system design beats cookie‑cutter quotesTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:27 Installing the 16.6kWh Battery00:03:40 Reviewing His SEMS Portal Data00:04:51 Battery Levels During Cold Months00:05:41 Designing the System Around Real Usage00:06:48 Why 16–24kWh Batteries Fit Similar Homes00:07:03 How Feedback Reduced His Bill to $8000:08:26 His Thoughts on Joe and Customer Support00:09:52 Why Source Energy Started the Business00:11:03 Generator Setup and Backup Options00:12:24 Reconfiguring for On-grid Generator Charging00:15:58 Why System Design Must Be Personalised00:21:21 Payback Period vs Rising Power Prices00:23:36 Taking Action Today vs Waiting00:31:33 Low-usage Household BenefitsFollow Source Energy Group:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #018 - Answering Every Single Solar Question You Have In 24 Minutes 19.08.2026 24min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this episode, Jason, Cam and Delphi rapid‑fire through the most common solar questions homeowners ask, breaking down panel sizing, battery choices and why proper design matters for every household.This episode covers:◼️ Understanding real household usage ◼️ Sizing panels and batteries correctly ◼️ Charging speeds and inverter limits ◼️ How long batteries actually last ◼️ Choosing the right battery for your homeTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:54 Is 10kWh Enough?00:01:34 Panels Needed for 10kWh Battery00:02:48 Price Comparisons00:03:29 Charging a 10kWh Battery from the Grid00:04:25 How Long a Powerwall Runs a Home00:05:25 Panels vs Batteries00:06:37 Do You Really Need a Battery?00:08:15 Best Battery for Home Solar00:09:18 Disadvantages of Solar Batteries00:10:23 Cost of a 13.5kWh Battery00:12:30 Panels Needed for 13.5kWh Battery00:14:54 How Long a 13.5kWh Battery Lasts00:17:41 Real Household Usage Example00:18:31 Cost of a 13kW Solar System with Battery00:19:58 Runtime of a 13.5kWh Battery00:21:26 Lithium-ion vs LiFePO400:22:42 Why Proper Design Matters00:23:42 Industry Improvements00:24:11 Final Site Inspection Process00:24:36 Closing RemarksFollow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #017 - Watch Us Live Fix This Electricity Bill In 26 Minutes 14.08.2026 26min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with a real household power bill and break it down line by line, showing exactly where the money goes and how a properly designed solar‑and‑battery setup changes the numbers.This episode covers:◼️ Breaking down a real household bill ◼️ Understanding daily supply charges ◼️ Reading actual usage and kWh patterns ◼️ Comparing solar-only and solar‑plus‑battery setups ◼️ Exploring future electrification impactsTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:23 - Breaking Down a Real Electricity Bill00:00:44 - Understanding the Components of Your Bill00:01:15 - Daily Supply Charges Explained00:02:10 - Importance of the Supply Charge00:03:02 - Calculating the Supply Charge00:04:06 - Designing a Solar System for Your Home00:05:10 - Import and Export from the Grid00:06:00 - Daily Average Usage00:07:05 - Daytime vs. Nighttime Usage00:08:01 - General Usage Charges00:09:03 - Matching Bill Data with Usage00:10:08 - Consumption Graph and Production Target00:11:13 - Designing the Solar System00:12:01 - Panel Placement and Roof Capacity00:13:08 - Solar Production vs. Consumption00:14:03 - Adding Battery Storage00:15:07 - Battery Modules and Supply Charge00:16:00 - Future-Proofing with Battery Storage00:17:05 - Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Benefits00:18:05 - Return on Investment00:19:30 - Infrastructure and Compliance Checks00:20:24 - Future Electrification Considerations00:21:07 - Impact of Future Additions on Bill00:22:23 - Adjusting for Future Usage00:23:31 - Comparing Current and Future Bills00:24:12 - Impact of Rate IncreasesFollow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #016 - 5 Worst Solar System Design Mistakes Homeowners Make 11.08.2026 29min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/ Bad solar design can cost you more than having no system at all. In this episode, Jason, Cam and Delphi break down the five most common design mistakes, how they happen, and what to check before anyone installs a system on your roof.◼️ 5 Worst Design Mistakes ◼️ How To Avoid Bad Solar Installs ◼️ Full Home Backup ExplainedTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:24 - Mistake 1: Choice of Company00:01:36 - Mistake 2: Shading Issues00:02:20 - Explanation of Shading and Hot Spots00:03:07 - Role of Optimizers in Solar Systems00:03:49 - Misconceptions About Optimizers00:05:04 - Importance of Proper System Design for Shaded Areas00:06:00 - Mistake 3: Not Assessing Property's Max Demand00:07:05 - Impact of Air Conditioning and Three-Phase Power00:08:08 - Future-Proofing for EVs and Other Technology00:09:10 - Seasonal Usage Trends and Their Impact00:10:52 - Planning for Future Electrical Purchases00:12:25 - Mistake 4: Off-Grid and EPS Backup Requirements00:13:47 - Full Home Backup vs. Partial Backup00:15:32 - Detailed Explanation of Full Home Backup00:17:59 - Importance of Proper Sizing for Backup Systems00:18:27 - Managing Usage During Power Outages00:18:38 - Clarifying Off-Grid Backup Capabilities00:19:39 - Benefits of Goodwe ESA and Panel Oversizing00:21:12 - Undersized Systems and Government Rebates00:22:14 - New South Wales 0% Interest Loans00:25:14 - Comparison: Goodwe ESA vs. Sungrow SPH00:26:04 - SIG Energy Systems and Future Developments00:27:04 - Micro-Inverter Systems and Their Use Cases00:28:00 - Recap and Key Questions to Ask Your InstallerFollow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #015 - $10k Vs $20k Vs $30k Solar Quotes (Which Is better?) 05.08.2026 19min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/In this episode, Jason, Cam and Delphi break down why three solar quotes for the same home can vary wildly in price. They explain what you actually get at the $10k, $20k and $30k levels, how product quality and company structure affect long‑term costs, and why the cheapest quote often becomes the most expensive mistake down the track.They cover brand‑ambassador style companies, subcontractor‑level installs, and full‑service providers with proper after‑sales support. The team also unpack the risks of battery‑only installs, ownership transfer, compliance issues, and the “poor man pays twice” problem that shows up in real customer stories.◼️ $10k vs $20k vs $30k Quote Breakdown ◼️ Why Cheap Solar Costs More Later ◼️ How To Compare Quotes ProperlyTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:09 - Understanding Price Differences in Solar Quotes00:01:45 - The Low-End $10K Solar Quote00:02:07 - The Mid-Range $20K Solar Quote00:02:30 - The High-End $30K Solar Quote00:03:02 - Comparing Quotes: Are They the Same System?00:03:44 - Real-Life Example: Ellen's Client Experience00:05:43 - Importance of Understanding Your Needs00:06:13 - The Cookie Cutter Approach in Solar Quotes00:07:10 - Hidden Costs in Lower-End Quotes00:08:08 - Long-Term Costs and Risks of Low-End Quotes00:09:01 - The Blame Game: Issues with Low-End Installers00:10:23 - Misconceptions About Adding Batteries to Existing Systems00:11:44 - Real-Life Example: Uncle Shane's Experience00:12:54 - Risks and Rewards of Cheaper Systems00:13:39 - Designing the Right System for Your Needs00:14:50 - Changing the Stigma Around Solar00:15:07 - Customer Satisfaction and Reviews00:16:55 - Final Advice: Understanding Price DifferencesFollow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #014 - How We Chopped Randall’s Power Bills 31.07.2026 30min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/In this episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Randall, a Source Energy client whose quarterly power bill dropped from $990 to just $100, a 90% reduction in one install. They break down how a 15.2 kW system with the right battery setup transformed his household, why roof space limitations didn’t stop the savings, and how proper design makes the difference between “just panels” and a complete solution.You'll hear:◼️ How Randall Cut His Bills By 90% ◼️ Why Battery Design Matters More Than Size ◼️ Living Comfortably With Solar And BatteryTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:04 Cutting Randall’s Bill By 90 Percent00:00:09 Roof Space Limitations And System Size00:00:25 Jason And Cam Introduce Source Energy00:00:32 Randall Joins The Episode00:01:05 First Meeting With Cam00:01:19 Why Randall Considered Solar00:01:36 Batteries As The Missing Piece00:02:04 Brother’s Research And Influence00:02:29 Wife’s Role In The Decision00:02:38 Return On Investment Matters00:03:14 Discovering The True Power Bill00:03:59 Annual Cost Of $400000:04:35 Solar Panels Alone Are Half The Solution00:05:07 Why Household Usage Patterns Matter00:06:14 Living Comfortably With Air Conditioning00:07:15 Emotional Impact Of Using Power Freely00:08:05 Comparing With Other Clients’ Experiences00:09:01 Lifestyle Benefits Beyond Savings00:09:36 Randall’s Bill Now Down To $10000:10:05 Using Solar And Battery Without Guilt00:11:01 Air Conditioning Efficiency Insights00:12:09 System Design And Roof Space Limits00:13:12 Choosing The Bigger Battery For Long‑Term Value00:13:49 Preparing For Electric Vehicles00:14:52 Battery Rebates And Early Adopters00:15:31 Randall’s Review Of The Installation Crew00:16:09 Comparing With Brother’s Poor Experience00:17:27 Industry Stigma And Service Quality00:18:49 Randall’s Positive Experience With The Team00:19:00 Using The Monitoring App00:19:37 Real‑Time Data And Rewards00:20:25 Battery Performance On Overcast Days00:20:53 Exploring VPP And Globird Options00:22:03 Exporting Power And Small Daily Earnings00:23:09 Other Providers Like Amber00:23:57 Political And Infrastructure Considerations00:25:05 Is Solar A Scam?00:25:13 Why Solar Without A Battery Falls Short00:25:32 Adding A Battery Makes Solar Work00:25:39 Fuel Costs Compared To Power Bills00:26:08 Solar And Battery For EV ChargingFollow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #013 -Solar Panels Are NOT Worth It (Without THIS) 29.07.2026 15min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Samantha Delphin to break down why solar panels on their own are not the full answer. They explain why so many homeowners still end up with a power bill even after installing panels, how export limits and collapsing feed‑in tariffs make panel‑only systems underperform, and why a correctly sized battery is now essential for real savings.They also cover rising supply charges, the impact of the three‑hours‑free‑power plans, the myths around solar being a “rip‑off”, and how proper system design eliminates the issues most people complain about.◼️ Why Panel‑Only Systems Fail ◼️ How A Battery Turns Solar Into Real Savings ◼️ The Truth About Feed‑In Tariffs And Export LimitsTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:00 Supply Charge and Usage Rate Increases00:01:26 Why Solar Seems “Not Worth It” Without a Battery00:02:04 Feed‑In Tariff Collapse00:02:30 Export Limits on Single‑Phase Homes00:03:00 Daytime Export vs Night‑Time Costs00:03:17 How a Battery Restores Real Savings00:04:06 Rising Daily Supply Charges00:04:36 Three Hours of Free Power Discussion00:05:39 Using Free Power with a Battery00:06:08 Why Some Homeowners Think Solar Is a Rip‑Off00:06:31 Common Design Mistakes00:07:07 Correct System Design Eliminates the Issues00:07:36 Partial Savings Still Increase Over Time00:08:14 Why Education Around Batteries Matters00:08:31 Misconceptions from Advertising and Sales Tactics00:09:32 Reviews, Trust and Industry Stigma00:10:00 Fake Reviews and Industry Noise00:11:18 Solar Is a Power Generation Unit, Not Just a Bill Saver00:11:55 Risks of Poor System Design00:12:13 Commission‑Driven Sales vs Proper Design00:13:03 Tailor‑Made Systems for Each Home00:13:50 Solar Is Not a Scam When Done Right00:14:07 Why You Must Capitalise on Rebates00:14:26 Solar and Battery Rebates Dropping00:14:31 Power Prices Rising While Rebates Fall00:14:55 Waiting Only Makes It More Expensive00:15:11 Solar and Batteries Are Worth It When Designed ProperlyFollow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #012 - Government Solar Rebates Reduced! (Is Solar Still Worth It?) 23.07.2026 24min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Ellen to break down what’s actually happening with the government’s solar and battery rebates, why they’re being reduced, and whether homeowners should be worried. They unpack the new tiered rebate structure, explain how 0% interest plans and bill‑relief measures offset reductions, and answer the big question: does solar still make financial sense in 2026?◼️ Why Rebates Are Dropping And What It Really Means◼️ How The New Tiered Battery Rebate Works◼️ Is Solar Still Worth It With Rising Supply Charges?Timestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:34 What Happens When Funding Changes00:00:44 Are Solar & Battery Rebates Ending?00:01:23 Why The Budget Was Reduced00:02:41 Big Bulky Battery Installs00:02:43 Rebate Reduction Timeline00:03:10 New Tiered Battery Rebate Explained00:03:36 Large Battery Owners Still Eligible00:04:32 Solar Rebate Annual Reduction00:04:59 Combined Solar + Battery Rebates00:05:13 How Rebates Actually Work00:06:32 Installer Claims & STC Rules00:06:42 Confusion: $0 Upfront Vs Rebate00:07:57 Bill Relief Measures After Rebate Drops00:08:55 Why Bills Change: Usage Vs Dollar Value00:09:45 Government Bill Credits & Hidden Costs00:10:25 Usage Down, Bills Up Example00:10:34 What Happens If Government Changes00:11:14 Why Solar Still Makes Financial Sense00:11:36 Rebate Vs Feed‑In Tariff Confusion00:12:19 Export Rates Dropping To 2 Cents00:12:38 Early Adopters Losing 44c Tariff Soon00:13:04 Why Upsizing Now Makes More Sense00:13:35 Supply Charge Increases00:14:24 Daily Supply Vs Usage Charge Changes00:15:23 Why Customers Must Shop Around00:15:53 Insurance Replacements & Tariff Confusion00:16:46 Human Nature: Want Vs Need00:17:26 Solar “Scam” Misconceptions00:17:46 Federal Vs State Rebates00:18:39 Federal Rebate Reductions Until 203000:19:25 Underselling Batteries Under New Rules00:19:51 Why The New Rebate Model Is A Double‑Edged Sword00:20:41 Grid‑Tied Vs Off‑Grid Systems00:21:12 Off‑Grid Eligibility For Rebates00:22:48 Off‑Grid Equipment Requirements00:23:10 Rural Properties & Export Limitations00:24:05 When Should Homeowners Act?00:24:23 Why Waiting Costs MoreFollow Source Energy Group:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #011 - Top 4 Best Solar Batteries Going In 2026 16.07.2026 30min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Braden to break down the top four solar batteries homeowners should be considering in 2026. They compare performance, safety, and design across leading brands, explaining what makes each system stand out and how choosing the wrong one could cost thousands in lost efficiency.◼️ The top four batteries for 2026 and how they compare ◼️ Why the GoodWe ESA leads for safety and whole‑home backup ◼️ How installation design and support differ across brandsTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:38 Why Batteries Aren’t All The Same 00:01:00 AC‑Coupled Vs DC‑Coupled Vs All‑In‑One 00:01:16 Braden’s ESA System And Why It Stands Out 00:01:42 Top Four Batteries For 2026 00:02:24 Why GoodWe ESA Is Ranked Number One 00:03:02 GoodWe Vs Sig Energy Whole‑Home Backup Differences 00:03:44 Fire Suppression And Safety Design 00:04:42 Why Installation Cleanliness And Layout Matter 00:07:03 Why Mixing Old Solar With New Batteries Causes Issues 00:08:14 String Trackers And Design Flexibility 00:09:20 SunGrow Inverter And Battery Setup 00:10:12 Why Inverter Choice Is Critical 00:11:06 Placement Rules For Windows, Exits And Wall Space 00:12:00 Stackability And Future Expansion 00:13:12 Sig Energy Price Drops And Gateway Changes 00:14:02 Wall‑Space Comparison: ESA Vs Cheaper Batteries 00:15:59 Sig Energy Strengths And Off‑Grid Capability 00:17:19 Why ESA Overtook Sig Energy In 2026 00:18:00 Solax In The Off‑Grid Market 00:20:11 SunGrow EPS Backup Vs Whole‑Home Backup 00:21:24 ESA Whole‑Home Backup Performance In Outages 00:22:42 Why Australian‑Based Support Matters 00:25:07 GoodWe Support And TransparencyFollow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #010 - What It’s Really Like Getting A Home Solar System 14.07.2026 36min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Ellen to break down the entire solar and battery installation process, from the first conversation to install day and after‑care. Homeowners often worry about disruption, timelines and trust, so this episode shows exactly what the real experience looks like and what to watch out for.◼️ How the full solar and battery process works from start to finish ◼️ The red flags Ellen sees in the industry and how to avoid them ◼️ What homeowners should prepare for before designing their systemTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:30 Pre‑Install Site Check and Quality Assurance00:01:44 Installation Day: Workmanship and System Walkthrough00:02:48 Ongoing Support and Monitoring00:03:24 Why Homeowners Delay Going Solar00:04:27 Ellen’s Background and Industry Experience00:06:11 Red Flags Ellen Has Seen in the Industry00:08:16 Why Follow‑Up, Installation and Aftercare Matter00:10:00 The Deposit Red Flag: 50–60% Upfront00:11:33 Missing the Rebate Due to Delayed Installs00:12:03 What Ellen Looks For Before Designing a System00:13:02 Renters’ Rebate and Investment Property Considerations00:14:23 Planning for EVs, Pools, Granny Flats and Future Usage00:15:12 Understanding Household Usage and Bills00:17:41 Using the Consumption Calculator To Show Real Usage00:18:52 Solar‑Only vs Solar + Battery: Export Losses00:20:01 Why Backup Capability and Inverter Choice Matter00:23:25 Kilowatts vs Kilowatt Hours Explained00:24:52 EV Charging and 3‑Phase vs Single‑Phase Differences00:26:24 Future Electrification and Planning Ahead00:27:24 Why Waiting Costs More: Rebates and Rising Power PricesFollow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #009 - How He Now Saves $1200 on His Electricity Bill 10.07.2026 28min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Braden to walk through his full before‑and‑after journey, from $1250 quarterly bills and uncomfortable penny‑pinching to wiping out almost the entire bill with a premium solar and battery system.◼️ His real usage and bills before solar◼️ How the install went and what actually matters on install day◼️ The exact savings he now sees and how he cut his bill to almost nothingTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:06 Real Numbers vs Marketing Claims00:00:19 Sitting Down With Braden00:00:25 His Power Bills Before Solar00:01:25 Penny‑Pinching To Save $250–$30000:02:36 Comfort Sacrifices To Reduce Usage00:03:58 How Power Bills Controlled Daily Life00:04:37 Life After Installing Solar and Battery00:05:50 Bill Reduced To Supply Charge Only00:06:26 Daily Cost Breakdown: $13.33 Down To $1.3300:07:59 Free Power Windows and VPP Options00:11:00 Poor Install Quality in the Building Industry00:12:36 Cheap Installs Ruining Homes00:14:56 Overseas Call Centres and Low‑Quality Packages00:17:03 Install Day: Team, Weather and Quality00:19:23 Post‑Install Support and Battery Update Fix00:21:44 Timeframe From Signing To Install00:22:49 Importance of After‑Install Support00:23:31 Braden’s Mindset Before Solar00:24:37 Why He Always Believed in Solar00:25:13 Advice for Homeowners Choosing a Solar Company00:26:01 Why Bills Always Grow Without Solar00:26:48 Government Rebates and Snoozing Costs00:27:35 Why Waiting Means Paying for Everyone Else’s RebateFollow Source Energy Group:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/Follow Braden Nolan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-nolan-8340bb368/
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  #008 - Dodgy Installs, Fake Savings, Experts Reveal The Doggiest Solar Operators. 03.07.2026 10min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/Power bills are rising even when usage is dropping, dodgy installs are still happening, and homeowners are left wondering what’s real.In this new episode, Jason and Cam react to viral clips, industry claims and everyday stories, showing what solar and batteries actually change.◼️ Why window tinting and “better offers” don’t solve the cost‑of‑living squeeze◼️ How cowboy installs, sales tactics and overseas call centres keep burning homeowners◼️ Why properly designed solar and battery systems cut bills and protect against inflationTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:42 - Solar and Battery Installation Benefits00:01:22 - Importance of Bird Proofing Solar Panels00:02:01 - Choosing a Good Solar System and Installer00:02:11 - Issues with Solar Installations00:02:54 - Rising Electricity Bills Despite Lower Usage00:04:09 - Inflation and Electricity Costs00:04:39 - Window Tinting vs. Solar and Battery Systems00:06:14 - Questionable Solar Sales Practices00:07:09 - Better Offer Notices on Power Bills00:07:50 - Challenges of Switching Electricity Providers00:08:48 - Electricity Price Reductions in QueenslandFollow Source Energy Group:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #007 - How To Assess If A Solar Installer Is Dodgy 30.06.2026 22min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://go.sourceenergygroup.com.au/The solar industry has a massive trust problem, and most homeowners only realise it once something goes wrong.In this new episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Braden to break down the exact red flags that help you spot a dodgy installer before you sign anything.◼️ Why 50% deposits signal cash flow issues and high risk◼️ How product overload, overseas call centres and contractor swaps expose poor operators◼️ Why site inspections, spare tiles, workmanship warranties and consistent products matterTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:43 - Red Flags: High Deposits and Financial Instability00:01:52 - Supplier Relationships and Product Knowledge00:02:28 - Warning Signs: Too Many Product Options00:03:30 - Importance of Specialization in Solar Products00:04:20 - Pre-Installation Site Inspections00:05:32 - Common Installation Issues: Roof Damage and Repairs00:06:11 - The Importance of Accurate Site Assessments00:07:58 - Shading Issues and Their Impact on Solar Design00:10:40 - Designing Systems for Future Energy Needs00:12:07 - Understanding Energy Bills and Savings00:13:06 - Supply Charge Increases Post-Solar Installation00:14:11 - Monitoring Energy Usage with Apps00:16:29 - The Role of Customer Support and Communication00:18:30 - Red Flags: Overseas Call Centers and Cost-Cutting00:20:09 - Reviewing Customer Feedback and ExperiencesFollow Source Energy Group:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/Follow Braden Nolan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-nolan-8340bb368/
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  #006 - Is Solar A Scam? (Experts Reveal The Math) 24.06.2026 15min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://special.sourceenergygroup.com.au/opt-in-spotify-orgSolar gets called a scam every day, but the truth only shows up when you look at the maths.In this new episode, Jason and Cam break down why the industry feels messy and what actually drives the confusion.◼️ Why most “solar is a scam” stories come from bad installs, not the technology ◼️ How payback periods, rebates and zero upfront finance really work ◼️ Why proper design and long term support make or break your outcomeTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:31 - Understanding Solar Payback Periods00:01:00 - Return on Investment in Solar00:01:55 - Impact of Adding Batteries to Solar Systems00:03:08 - Comparing Solar ROI to Other Investments00:03:52 - Government Rebates and Upfront Discounts00:04:38 - Financing Options for Solar Installations00:05:24 - Insurance and Maintenance Concerns00:06:15 - Maintenance Requirements for Solar Systems00:06:56 - Issues with Pushy Sales Tactics00:07:36 - Importance of Proper Energy Audits00:08:43 - Pre-Installation Site Inspections00:09:50 - Differentiating Price and Long-Term Cost00:10:33 - Market Segments in the Solar Industry00:12:07 - Challenges for New Solar Installers00:12:50 - Mid to High-End Market Support00:14:17 - Long-Term Customer Support and SatisfactionFollow Source Energy Group: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/
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  #005 - Can Solar Can Save You From The Cost Of Living CRISIS? 18.06.2026 10min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://special.sourceenergygroup.com.au/opt-in-spotify-orgIn this new episode of Off The Grid, Jason and Cam break down whether solar can genuinely protect Australian households from rising inflation and the cost of living crisis.They unpack the numbers behind power price hikes, battery value, and why homeowners with solar are seeing far smaller increases than everyone else.◼️ How solar acts as an inflation shield when grid prices rise◼️ Why batteries matter as feed‑in tariffs disappear◼️ The real return on investment compared with inflation and offset accounts◼️ How financing can lock in a fixed energy cost for up to ten years◼️ Why solar and batteries can increase home value and rental appealTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:29 - Solar as an Inflation Shield00:00:50 - Impact of Solar on Power Bills00:01:47 - Decline of Feed-in Tariffs00:02:15 - Storing Power with Batteries00:03:00 - Return on Investment for Solar00:03:47 - Financial Benefits of Solar vs. Mortgage Offset00:05:02 - Financing Solar Systems00:07:14 - Long-term Savings with Solar00:07:25 - Solar as a Home Value Add00:08:11 - Solar for Rental Properties00:08:27 - Return on Investment Comparison00:09:31 - Savings Over a 10-Year Period00:10:11 - Compounding Savings with SolarFollow Source Energy Group:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sourceenergygroup.solarFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sourceenergygroup.solar/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sourceenergygroupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/123473935/