Solar Coaster Podcast (AUS) | Exclusive Rebate Update - with David McElrea, CEO Smart Energy Council

🎙️ Listen on Spotify: https://b.link/scspotify 🎵 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://b.link/scapple ➡️ Other platforms: https://b.link/solarcoaster Welcome to a special edition of the Solar Coaster Podcast, brought to you by Supply Partners, an Australian Solar & Battery Distributor. In this episode, Lliam Ricketts, Innovation Director at Supply Partners and New Energy Training, sits down with David McElrea, the new CEO of the Smart Energy Council. Together, they dive deep into the latest developments in the Australian solar and battery market, offering exclusive insights on the Cheaper Home Battery Scheme. This includes where the rebate stands, current trends, and what’s next for the industry. This discussion covers critical issues facing retailers, installers, and suppliers: from the risks of “battery orphans” and the importance of quality standards, to the dramatic impact solar and storage are having on power prices across the country. Listen in as they address challenges in the commercial and industrial space, the ongoing skills shortage, political uncertainties, and the existential threats posed by proposed tariff reforms. This episode is packed with timely updates and analysis for Australia’s clean energy future. Whether you’re a retailer, installer, or just tracking the future of batteries in Australia, this episode delivers insights and up-to-the-minute updates on the battery rebate rollercoaster. 🎙️ Listen on Spotify: https://b.link/scspotify 🎵 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://b.link/scapple ➡️ Other platforms: https://b.link/solarcoaster ABOUT THE PODCAST: Welcome to the Solar Coaster. A podcast for navigating through the ups and downs of the Australian Solar and Energy Industry. Hosted by the Supply Partners Technical team and joined by industry professionals each episode to help you turn chaos into stability. We'll be talking about solar, batteries, EVs, Electrification and much more, so sit back and enjoy the ride. Supply Partners - Your Australian Distributor for Solar, Energy Storage and more. https://supplypartners.com.au/ New Energy Training - Registered Training Organisation for the Solar Industry https://newenergytraining.com.au/ Chapters: 00:00 Solar panel and battery market issues 03:49 Household battery market trends 07:16 Australia's booming battery market 10:21 East coast summer energy relief 13:33 Political support challenges and successes 17:36 Challenges in commercial energy sector 20:40 Discussion on changing STC thresholds 26:16 Addressing skilled worker shortage 28:22 Role of Australian Energy Market Commission 30:41 Fighting corporate lobbying power 36:10 Discussing installation energy outputs 37:55 Discussing industry predictability and sustainability 40:40 Battery funding and stock planning