Off The Grid

Epizode

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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/
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  #004 - The TRUTH Behind Three Hours of Free Power 16.06.2026 10min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://special.sourceenergygroup.com.au/opt-in-spotify-orgIn this new episode, Jason and Cam react to viral clips on power prices, coal exports, and the government’s three‑hour free power scheme. They cut through the noise to show what’s really driving the confusion.This episode covers:◼️ Why “cheap renewables” don’t match rising bills◼️ The contradiction between Australia’s coal exports and local costs◼️ The catch behind three hours of free powerTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:11 - Government Spending on Renewable Energy00:00:30 - Federal Government's Renewable Energy Requirements00:00:47 - Impact on Electricity Retailers and Homeowners00:01:19 - The Myth of Cheap Renewables00:01:38 - Australia's Coal Exports and Energy Costs00:02:15 - Comparison of Power Costs: Australia vs. China00:02:58 - Government's Solar Sharer Scheme00:03:25 - Hidden Costs of the Solar Sharer Scheme00:04:50 - Unsafe Work Practices in the Renewable Industry00:05:11 - Reasons for High Power Bills00:05:42 - Gas Prices and Their Impact on Electricity Costs00:06:42 - Future of Power Prices and Renewable Energy00:07:08 - Australia's Natural Resources and Energy Policy00:07:26 - Excess Solar Power and Free Electricity00:08:27 - Economics of the Solar Share Offer00:09:07 - Regional Launch of the Solar Share Offer00:09:44 - Solar Subsidies and Battery Uptake00:10:07 - The Need for Battery StorageFollow 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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  #003 - How He Reduced His Power Bill From $1,800 To $0 10.06.2026 22min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://special.sourceenergygroup.com.au/opt-in-spotify-orgIn this episode, Jason and Cam sit down with Jamie, a Queensland homeowner who went from thinking solar was a scam to eliminating his $1,800 quarterly power bills entirely.This episode covers:◼️ Why a massive $1,800 power bill isn't something you just have to accept◼️ The exact system size required to run ducted air conditioning 24/7 without paying for it◼️ How smart battery storage completely changes the financial return of solar◼️ What to look for to avoid dodgy installers and ensure your system lastsTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:18 Meet Jamie00:01:00 Why Jamie Originally Thought Solar Was A Scam00:01:44 Breaking Down An $1,800 Quarterly Power Bill00:03:24 The Design Process And Financial Payoff00:04:47 Why Batteries Are The Real Game Changer00:05:21 Getting Paid To Export Power At Night00:06:15 Sizing The System For A 4-Bedroom Home00:08:29 The Problem With Off-The-Shelf Solar Packages00:09:14 Real-Time System Monitoring And Performance00:11:21 Why Customer Service And Aftercare Matter00:12:35 Advice For Homeowners Still Skeptical About Solar00:14:38 Comparing Energy Retailers For The Best Return00:16:17 How To Spot Shonky Solar Companies Online00:17:59 The Exact Moment Solar Made Sense For Jamie00:19:28 Is Solar Worth It If Your Roof Isn't Perfect?00:21:26 The 3 Things Every Homeowner Must Look ForFollow 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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  #002 - 5 Solar Mistakes That Cost Home Owners Thousands 05.06.2026 23min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://special.sourceenergygroup.com.au/opt-in-spotify-orghttps://special.sourceenergygroup.com.au/opt-in-apple-orgIn this new episode, Jason and Cam reveal the five solar mistakes that cost homeowners thousands, and how to avoid them before you sign anything.This episode covers:◼️ Off‑the‑shelf solar packages and why they fail◼️ Undersized and oversized systems that drain your savings◼️ Sending excess power to the grid instead of storing itTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:18 - Mistake 100:03:41 - Understanding Solar System Sizes00:05:01 - Marketing Schemes in Solar Industry00:07:00 - Long-Term Issues with Cheap Packages00:07:34 - Mistake 200:09:16 - Misconceptions About Solar Effectiveness00:10:23 - Educating Customers on Solar00:12:27 - Mistake 300:13:09 - Financial Implications of Oversized Systems00:13:53 - Government Rebates and Battery Storage00:14:38 - Mistake 400:15:29 - Undersized and Oversized Batteries00:16:26 - Importance of Proper Energy Audits00:17:21 - Mistake 500:18:09 - Technological Advances in Solar Panels00:19:44 - South-Facing Panels and Production00:21:34 - Key Questions to Ask When Considering Solar00:22:04 - Designing Systems for Individual HomesFollow 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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  #001 - Massive Solar Shift Coming July 1 (Prepare Now) 03.06.2026 14min

  Book your free energy audit 👉🏻 https://special.sourceenergygroup.com.au/opt-in-spotify-orghttps://special.sourceenergygroup.com.au/opt-in-apple-orgElectricity rules in Australia change on July 1st, and what looks like “three hours of free power” could actually push bills higher if you’re not set up correctly. In this first episode of the Source Energy Group, Jason and Cam break down the hidden details behind the solar share offer, revealing why most homeowners miss the bigger picture unless they take action.This episode covers:◼️ Why three hours of “free power” could cost more than it saves◼️ How rebates, tariffs, and supply charges are shifting◼️ The smart moves early adopters are making to lock in savingsTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:18 - Introduction to the Solar Share Offer00:02:05 - Hidden Costs of the Solar Share Offer00:02:22 - Effect on Non-EV Owners and Battery-less Homes00:03:35 - Benefits of Solar and Battery Storage00:04:26 - Daily Supply Charges and Grid Connection Fees00:05:01 - Virtual Power Plants (VPP) as a Solution00:06:39 - Selling Power Back to the Grid00:07:31 - Real-life Examples of Solar and VPP Benefits00:08:10 - Government Rebates and Early Adopters00:09:16 - Long-term Benefits of Solar Installation00:10:17 - Impact of Battery Rebate Budget Cuts00:11:33 - Realistic Expectations for Power Bill Reduction00:12:53 - Addressing Common Concerns About Solar Installation00:13:25 - Financial Benefits of Solar Over TimeFollow 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/