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 brands

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:38 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 Transparency

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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 system

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:30 Pre‑Install Site Check and Quality Assurance

00:01:44 Installation Day: Workmanship and System Walkthrough

00:02:48 Ongoing Support and Monitoring

00:03:24 Why Homeowners Delay Going Solar

00:04:27 Ellen’s Background and Industry Experience

00:06:11 Red Flags Ellen Has Seen in the Industry

00:08:16 Why Follow‑Up, Installation and Aftercare Matter

00:10:00 The Deposit Red Flag: 50–60% Upfront

00:11:33 Missing the Rebate Due to Delayed Installs

00:12:03 What Ellen Looks For Before Designing a System

00:13:02 Renters’ Rebate and Investment Property Considerations

00:14:23 Planning for EVs, Pools, Granny Flats and Future Usage

00:15:12 Understanding Household Usage and Bills

00:17:41 Using the Consumption Calculator To Show Real Usage

00:18:52 Solar‑Only vs Solar + Battery: Export Losses

00:20:01 Why Backup Capability and Inverter Choice Matter

00:23:25 Kilowatts vs Kilowatt Hours Explained

00:24:52 EV Charging and 3‑Phase vs Single‑Phase Differences

00:26:24 Future Electrification and Planning Ahead

00:27:24 Why Waiting Costs More: Rebates and Rising Power Prices

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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 nothing

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:06 Real Numbers vs Marketing Claims

00:00:19 Sitting Down With Braden

00:00:25 His Power Bills Before Solar

00:01:25 Penny‑Pinching To Save $250–$300

00:02:36 Comfort Sacrifices To Reduce Usage

00:03:58 How Power Bills Controlled Daily Life

00:04:37 Life After Installing Solar and Battery

00:05:50 Bill Reduced To Supply Charge Only

00:06:26 Daily Cost Breakdown: $13.33 Down To $1.33

00:07:59 Free Power Windows and VPP Options

00:11:00 Poor Install Quality in the Building Industry

00:12:36 Cheap Installs Ruining Homes

00:14:56 Overseas Call Centres and Low‑Quality Packages

00:17:03 Install Day: Team, Weather and Quality

00:19:23 Post‑Install Support and Battery Update Fix

00:21:44 Timeframe From Signing To Install

00:22:49 Importance of After‑Install Support

00:23:31 Braden’s Mindset Before Solar

00:24:37 Why He Always Believed in Solar

00:25:13 Advice for Homeowners Choosing a Solar Company

00:26:01 Why Bills Always Grow Without Solar

00:26:48 Government Rebates and Snoozing Costs

00:27:35 Why Waiting Means Paying for Everyone Else’s Rebate

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Follow Braden Nolan:

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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 inflation

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:42 - Solar and Battery Installation Benefits

00:01:22 - Importance of Bird Proofing Solar Panels

00:02:01 - Choosing a Good Solar System and Installer

00:02:11 - Issues with Solar Installations

00:02:54 - Rising Electricity Bills Despite Lower Usage

00:04:09 - Inflation and Electricity Costs

00:04:39 - Window Tinting vs. Solar and Battery Systems

00:06:14 - Questionable Solar Sales Practices

00:07:09 - Better Offer Notices on Power Bills

00:07:50 - Challenges of Switching Electricity Providers

00:08:48 - Electricity Price Reductions in Queensland

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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 matter

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:43 - Red Flags: High Deposits and Financial Instability

00:01:52 - Supplier Relationships and Product Knowledge

00:02:28 - Warning Signs: Too Many Product Options

00:03:30 - Importance of Specialization in Solar Products

00:04:20 - Pre-Installation Site Inspections

00:05:32 - Common Installation Issues: Roof Damage and Repairs

00:06:11 - The Importance of Accurate Site Assessments

00:07:58 - Shading Issues and Their Impact on Solar Design

00:10:40 - Designing Systems for Future Energy Needs

00:12:07 - Understanding Energy Bills and Savings

00:13:06 - Supply Charge Increases Post-Solar Installation

00:14:11 - Monitoring Energy Usage with Apps

00:16:29 - The Role of Customer Support and Communication

00:18:30 - Red Flags: Overseas Call Centers and Cost-Cutting

00:20:09 - Reviewing Customer Feedback and Experiences

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Follow Braden Nolan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-nolan-8340bb368/

Solar 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 outcome

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:31 - Understanding Solar Payback Periods

00:01:00 - Return on Investment in Solar

00:01:55 - Impact of Adding Batteries to Solar Systems

00:03:08 - Comparing Solar ROI to Other Investments

00:03:52 - Government Rebates and Upfront Discounts

00:04:38 - Financing Options for Solar Installations

00:05:24 - Insurance and Maintenance Concerns

00:06:15 - Maintenance Requirements for Solar Systems

00:06:56 - Issues with Pushy Sales Tactics

00:07:36 - Importance of Proper Energy Audits

00:08:43 - Pre-Installation Site Inspections

00:09:50 - Differentiating Price and Long-Term Cost

00:10:33 - Market Segments in the Solar Industry

00:12:07 - Challenges for New Solar Installers

00:12:50 - Mid to High-End Market Support

00:14:17 - Long-Term Customer Support and Satisfaction

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In 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 appeal

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:29 - Solar as an Inflation Shield

00:00:50 - Impact of Solar on Power Bills

00:01:47 - Decline of Feed-in Tariffs

00:02:15 - Storing Power with Batteries

00:03:00 - Return on Investment for Solar

00:03:47 - Financial Benefits of Solar vs. Mortgage Offset

00:05:02 - Financing Solar Systems

00:07:14 - Long-term Savings with Solar

00:07:25 - Solar as a Home Value Add

00:08:11 - Solar for Rental Properties

00:08:27 - Return on Investment Comparison

00:09:31 - Savings Over a 10-Year Period

00:10:11 - Compounding Savings with Solar

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In 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 power

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:11 - Government Spending on Renewable Energy

00:00:30 - Federal Government's Renewable Energy Requirements

00:00:47 - Impact on Electricity Retailers and Homeowners

00:01:19 - The Myth of Cheap Renewables

00:01:38 - Australia's Coal Exports and Energy Costs

00:02:15 - Comparison of Power Costs: Australia vs. China

00:02:58 - Government's Solar Sharer Scheme

00:03:25 - Hidden Costs of the Solar Sharer Scheme

00:04:50 - Unsafe Work Practices in the Renewable Industry

00:05:11 - Reasons for High Power Bills

00:05:42 - Gas Prices and Their Impact on Electricity Costs

00:06:42 - Future of Power Prices and Renewable Energy

00:07:08 - Australia's Natural Resources and Energy Policy

00:07:26 - Excess Solar Power and Free Electricity

00:08:27 - Economics of the Solar Share Offer

00:09:07 - Regional Launch of the Solar Share Offer

00:09:44 - Solar Subsidies and Battery Uptake

00:10:07 - The Need for Battery Storage

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In 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 lasts

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:18 Meet Jamie

00:01:00 Why Jamie Originally Thought Solar Was A Scam

00:01:44 Breaking Down An $1,800 Quarterly Power Bill

00:03:24 The Design Process And Financial Payoff

00:04:47 Why Batteries Are The Real Game Changer

00:05:21 Getting Paid To Export Power At Night

00:06:15 Sizing The System For A 4-Bedroom Home

00:08:29 The Problem With Off-The-Shelf Solar Packages

00:09:14 Real-Time System Monitoring And Performance

00:11:21 Why Customer Service And Aftercare Matter

00:12:35 Advice For Homeowners Still Skeptical About Solar

00:14:38 Comparing Energy Retailers For The Best Return

00:16:17 How To Spot Shonky Solar Companies Online

00:17:59 The Exact Moment Solar Made Sense For Jamie

00:19:28 Is Solar Worth It If Your Roof Isn't Perfect?

00:21:26 The 3 Things Every Homeowner Must Look For

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https://special.sourceenergygroup.com.au/opt-in-apple-org

In 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 it

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:18 - Mistake 1

00:03:41 - Understanding Solar System Sizes

00:05:01 - Marketing Schemes in Solar Industry

00:07:00 - Long-Term Issues with Cheap Packages

00:07:34 - Mistake 2

00:09:16 - Misconceptions About Solar Effectiveness

00:10:23 - Educating Customers on Solar

00:12:27 - Mistake 3

00:13:09 - Financial Implications of Oversized Systems

00:13:53 - Government Rebates and Battery Storage

00:14:38 - Mistake 4

00:15:29 - Undersized and Oversized Batteries

00:16:26 - Importance of Proper Energy Audits

00:17:21 - Mistake 5

00:18:09 - Technological Advances in Solar Panels

00:19:44 - South-Facing Panels and Production

00:21:34 - Key Questions to Ask When Considering Solar

00:22:04 - Designing Systems for Individual Homes

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https://special.sourceenergygroup.com.au/opt-in-apple-org

Electricity 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 savings

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:18 - Introduction to the Solar Share Offer

00:02:05 - Hidden Costs of the Solar Share Offer

00:02:22 - Effect on Non-EV Owners and Battery-less Homes

00:03:35 - Benefits of Solar and Battery Storage

00:04:26 - Daily Supply Charges and Grid Connection Fees

00:05:01 - Virtual Power Plants (VPP) as a Solution

00:06:39 - Selling Power Back to the Grid

00:07:31 - Real-life Examples of Solar and VPP Benefits

00:08:10 - Government Rebates and Early Adopters

00:09:16 - Long-term Benefits of Solar Installation

00:10:17 - Impact of Battery Rebate Budget Cuts

00:11:33 - Realistic Expectations for Power Bill Reduction

00:12:53 - Addressing Common Concerns About Solar Installation

00:13:25 - Financial Benefits of Solar Over Time

Follow Source Energy Group:

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