Solar Sidekicks Podcast
Solar Sidekicks is the go-to podcast for all things solar, serving up essential insights with a friendly, down-to-earth vibe. Hosted by industry professional Pat Southwell and his co-host Lauren Ciconte, each episode explores technical topics, industry regulations, and the real-world challenges faced by solar installers across Australia.
Together they share practical knowledge from the field, tackle important issues affecting the industry, and stand up for what’s right by helping voices be heard on topics that can hit solar installers hard. They also highlight some of the great people working in the industry and help listeners stay across the constant changes in this fast-evolving sector.
Whether you’re a solar installer, apprentice, or simply interested in solar, Solar Sidekicks keeps you informed, connected, and up to date with what’s happening in the industry.
Solar Sidekicks Podcast
S3E18 - Jason Dickinson | Jet Solar
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Pat & Loz are on the road again — this week recording from the brand new Jet Solar HQ on Wellington Road, Rowville. And yes, the signwriting is real.
Jason Dickinson has been quietly running one of the best solar businesses in Melbourne for seven years, and this episode is a good insight into how he's done it. From driving forklifts in Dandenong at 18, to a residential apprenticeship, subbing for a mate at 60 bucks an hour, and eventually going out on his own — Jason's got a pretty honest take on what it takes to build something worth being proud of.
We get into his three non-negotiables for running a quality solar business, how he's building a team through local footy club sponsorships, why he's stuck to just four battery brands and why he thinks that's actually a competitive advantage, and what the new commercial STC changes might mean for businesses like his — and yours.
Also in this episode — the AusNet backstop update (Erin from Jet Solar has been doing serious work in the industry reference group), a chat about the upcoming CER battery audits and what that might look like for the industry, and a frank discussion about product selection and why selling everything under the sun creates more problems than it solves.
Plus a rapid-fire Q&A at the end, a tuna and rice cracker story, and a gel seat cushion that travels on aeroplanes.
Good one.