Your Energy Answers

Send us Fan MailMarkus Lambert sits down with Sam Makis, an electrician turned solar farm contractor, to unpack how 89km/h winds allegedly left 22 of 80 tracker rows twisted at a 6.5MW solar farm near Griffith NSW, the half-million-dollar fight that followed, and why he says solar trackers need a Clean Energy Council approved list just like panels and inverters.Timestamps00:00 Half a million dollars of damage 01:20 Are we building solar farms in the wrong place? 04:18 Fixed vs tracking solar farms explained 08:27 The Griffith and Tamworth solar farm projects 12:26 The damper dispute: two per row or four? 21:04 29 August: the 89km/h wind event 28:03 Over $500K in damage and rebuilding it properly 32:52 Why solar trackers need an approved list 41:03 Administration, creditors and the personal tollLinks & Resources Visit Your Energy Answers: https://yourenergyanswers.com Find quality local installers: https://yourenergyanswers.com/find-an-installer/Read more on the topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/why-nobody-checks-the-trackers-on-australias-solar-farms/Your Energy SocialsTikTok: @yeanswers https://www.tiktok.com/@yeanswersInstagram: @yourenergy.answers https://instagram.com/yourenergy.answersFacebook: @yeanswers https://www.facebook.com/yeanswersTwitter: @yeanswers https://twitter.com/yeanswersLinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/your-energy-media

Send us Fan MailMarkus Lambert sits down with Will Shackel, the 20-year-old founder of Nuclear for Australia, who started the organisation at 16 and has spent four years campaigning to lift the country's nuclear ban.Timestamps00:00 "They treat Australia as a joke" — meet Will Shackel, who started Nuclear for Australia at 16 04:55 "Who's paying you?" — the attacks from both sides of politics 07:18 The case for nuclear: lifecycle emissions, Lucas Heights waste and the two canisters you can hug 14:05 Nuclear alongside renewables: TerraPower's Natrium, Germany's shutdown and France's grid 22:38 The 2025 election, the Coalition's mistakes and Dutton's "can of Coke" of waste 29:00 Have cheap solar and batteries made nuclear redundant? Build times, SMRs and microreactors 41:20 What nuclear really costs, coal-site transmission and the jobs argument 48:40 Chernobyl, Fukushima and Three Mile Island: how safe is it really? 57:58 How the 1998 ban happened in 10 minutes, Australia's uranium exports and China's 10 reactors a year#NuclearPower #NuclearAustralia #AustralianEnergy #EnergyCrisis #solaraustralia Links & Resources Visit Your Energy Answers: https://yourenergyanswers.com Find quality local installers: https://yourenergyanswers.com/find-an-installer/Read more on the topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/why-is-nuclear-power-illegal-in-australia/Your Energy SocialsTikTok: @yeanswers https://www.tiktok.com/@yeanswersInstagram: @yourenergy.answers https://instagram.com/yourenergy.answersFacebook: @yeanswers https://www.facebook.com/yeanswersTwitter: @yeanswers https://twitter.com/yeanswersLinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/your-energy-media

Send us Fan MailAustralia helped pioneer world-leading solar technology, so why did China become the global manufacturing powerhouse?In this episode of the Your Energy Answers Podcast, Markus speaks with Professor Renate Egan about Australia's solar research breakthroughs, the extraordinary rise of Chinese manufacturing, the future of solar panel efficiency, battery technology and the political decisions shaping our energy future. They also explore Australia's missed opportunities, the potential for local manufacturing and what it will take to build a stronger renewable energy industry.Timestamps00:00 – Why Australia leads in solar research but not manufacturing01:05 – Meet Professor Renata Egan02:22 – Renata's journey into solar research05:52 – The early days of solar manufacturing and Suntech07:24 – Why China overtook Western solar manufacturers09:10 – The evolution of solar panel technologies16:29 – From PERC to TOPCon and back-contact solar cells22:30 – Are solar panels approaching their efficiency limit?26:05 – Peak silicon and the future of solar technology29:20 – Solar farms, property values and community concerns31:40 – Why Australia missed its solar manufacturing opportunity34:49 – Can Australia rebuild its solar manufacturing industry?39:50 – Politics, coal exports and Australia's energy future48:50 – What Western economies can learn from China54:50 – Training the next generation of renewable energy experts57:00 – The massive opportunity for commercial rooftop solar01:00:00 – Battery storage, solar farms and electricity market challenges01:13:50 – Renata's vision for Australia's renewable energy future01:29:59 – Looking back at Australia's early solar industryLinks & Resources Visit Your Energy Answers: https://yourenergyanswers.com Find quality local installers: https://yourenergyanswers.com/find-an-installer/Read more on the topic here: Your Energy SocialsTikTok: @yeanswers https://www.tiktok.com/@yeanswersInstagram: @yourenergy.answers https://instagram.com/yourenergy.answersFacebook: @yeanswers https://www.facebook.com/yeanswersTwitter: @yeanswers https://twitter.com/yeanswersLinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/your-energy-media

Send us Fan MailMichelle Harrison joins Markus to share how a proposed solar farm next to her rural Moree property could affect her home, retirement plans and property value. Despite supporting renewable energy, Michelle questions whether large-scale renewable projects are doing enough to consult, protect and fairly treat the communities and individuals directly affected.Timestamps00:00 – Why put solar farms next to people’s homes?00:24 – Michelle’s story and connection to Moree03:02 – The solar farm development notice arrives04:06 – 42,000 solar panels proposed next door04:24 – Potential impact on property value06:20 – No direct contact from the developer08:48 – Concerns over how the visual impact was assessed10:28 – Flooding, glare and technical reports12:02 – Why Michelle says there is no compensation14:50 – Why not build solar farms further from homes?16:32 – Should affected neighbours be compensated?18:08 – The emotional impact on Michelle26:14 – Michelle’s message to the renewable energy industryLinks & Resources Visit Your Energy Answers: https://yourenergyanswers.com Find quality local installers: https://yourenergyanswers.com/find-an-installer/Read more on the topic here: Your Energy SocialsTikTok: @yeanswers https://www.tiktok.com/@yeanswersInstagram: @yourenergy.answers https://instagram.com/yourenergy.answersFacebook: @yeanswers https://www.facebook.com/yeanswersTwitter: @yeanswers https://twitter.com/yeanswersLinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/your-energy-media

Send us Fan MailLauren Hamilton from Smart Commercial Energy joins Markus to unpack Australia’s commercial solar opportunity, the new rebates changing the market, batteries, PPAs and the risks of a new wave of solar cowboys.They also discuss Australia’s electrician shortage, the overlooked “missing middle” of commercial solar, and how more women can build careers across the renewable energy industry.Timestamps:00:00 – Are solar cowboys making a comeback?01:48 – The commercial solar “missing middle”04:54 – New commercial solar rebates explained08:32 – Australia’s electrician shortage11:38 – Lauren’s path into renewable energy14:08 – Why commercial solar is still overlooked16:02 – How PPAs work for businesses19:02 – Commercial vs residential batteries21:48 – The risk of a solar cowboy boom25:22 – How businesses should size solar27:50 – NSW battery incentives and PDRS35:18 – Why commercial projects are more complex41:02 – Why installations can take so long59:02 – Getting more women into solar01:14:04 – Rebates, payback and final takeawayLinks & Resources Visit Your Energy Answers: https://yourenergyanswers.com Find quality local installers: https://yourenergyanswers.com/find-an-installer/Read more on the topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/commercial-solar-rebate-expansion-guide/Your Energy SocialsTikTok: @yeanswers https://www.tiktok.com/@yeanswersInstagram: @yourenergy.answers https://instagram.com/yourenergy.answersFacebook: @yeanswers https://www.facebook.com/yeanswersTwitter: @yeanswers https://twitter.com/yeanswersLinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/your-energy-media

Send us Fan MailMarkus sits down with David Veal from SolarPro to discuss what homeowners should really know before investing in solar and batteries. They cover rebates, battery payback, VPPs, choosing the right products, installer red flags, after-sales service, electrification and the growing opportunities for young people entering the trades.We also share how Automised Energy (https://www.automised.energy/?utm_source=yea_youtube) can help you slash your electricity bills right now by analysing your actual consumption data to find the absolute cheapest power plans available in your area.Timestamps00:00 – Why the cheapest solar quote can cost you more01:28 – How SolarPro started 18 years ago03:48 – What does a fully electrified home look like?05:18 – Can solar and batteries really deliver a $0 bill?08:42 – Battery rebates, grid charging and Solar Share11:22 – Solar, battery and commercial rebates explained13:54 – Sales pressure, disappearing installers and solar “orphans”17:30 – Door knockers and the importance of after-sales service22:04 – Should you install solar alone or solar with a battery?24:52 – Battery payback, lifespan and degradation27:22 – Are VPPs worth joining?32:12 – Future-proofing your system for EVs and higher usage35:38 – How SolarPro chooses battery brands41:54 – Are home batteries safe?44:16 – What matters most: product, installer or after-sales support?57:26 – NSW interest-free electrification loans01:07:52 – From quote to installation: the SolarPro customer journey01:19:16 – Keeping good staff, apprenticeships and the future of tradesLinks & ResourcesVisit Your Energy Answers: https://yourenergyanswers.comFind quality local installers: https://yourenergyanswers.com/find-an-installer/Read more on the topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/cheapest-solar-quote-real-cost-solarpro-sydney/Your Energy SocialsTikTok: @yeanswers https://www.tiktok.com/@yeanswersInstagram: @yourenergy.answers https://instagram.com/yourenergy.answersFacebook: @yeanswers https://www.facebook.com/yeanswersTwitter: @yeanswers https://twitter.com/yeanswersLinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/your-energy-media

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when an EV runs out of charge with no charger nearby? Mark Wexler from Alpine Energy (https://alpineenergy.com.au/) explains how mobile vehicle-to-vehicle fast charging could become the roadside assistance of the EV era.We explore Alpine Energy’s technology, EV range anxiety, charging reliability, grid resilience, the future of electrification and how mobile energy could eventually become an on-demand service.Timestamps00:00 – What is Alpine Energy?01:41 – The idea behind mobile EV charging02:25 – How vehicle-to-vehicle charging works03:22 – Getting 65 km of range in 15 minutes05:55 – How Alpine Energy started07:58 – EV range anxiety and rural charging13:40 – Roadside assistance, mining and grid resilience16:30 – Emergency power and a generator on wheels18:30 – Future EV charging bottlenecks20:11 – Why public EV chargers fail23:40 – Mobile energy as a service35:15 – The world-first pole-mounted battery project38:30 – The future of electrification and the grid45:35 – Alpine Energy explained simply48:50 – Australia’s EV charging infrastructure challenges57:25 – Hardware, safety and charging standards1:00:49 – Commercialisation and international interest1:06:35 – Where Alpine Energy could be in two years1:12:10 – Why Alpine Energy charges 20x fasterLinks & Resources Visit Your Energy Answers: https://yourenergyanswers.com Find quality local installers: https://yourenergyanswers.com/find-an-installer/Read more on the topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/alpine-energy-v2v-mobile-ev-charging-australia/Your Energy SocialsTikTok: @yeanswers https://www.tiktok.com/@yeanswersInstagram: @yourenergy.answers https://instagram.com/yourenergy.answersFacebook: @yeanswers https://www.facebook.com/yeanswersTwitter: @yeanswers https://twitter.com/yeanswersLinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/your-energy-media

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Markus sits down with Dean Spaccavento from Reposit (https://repositpower.com/) to unpack why Australia’s electricity market has become so complicated. They discuss rising supply charges, falling wholesale volatility, the impact of big batteries, the hidden costs of Solar Share, and why households can still face frustrating bills even after installing solar and batteries. Dean also explains Reposit’s approach to taking the uncertainty out of electricity costs.Timestamps00:00 – Why Australians are frustrated with electricity bills02:42 – Why wholesale electricity prices have flattened05:24 – How big batteries are changing electricity prices11:00 – Why daily supply charges have jumped12:22 – Is “free” Solar Share electricity really free?17:30 – How batteries changed the economics of Solar Share28:12 – How Reposit’s No Bill model works38:38 – Reposit’s new approach to existing home batteries53:46 – Reposit vs Amber and battery control1:20:42 – Who is Reposit actually for?Links & Resources Visit Your Energy Answers: https://yourenergyanswers.com Find quality local installers: https://yourenergyanswers.com/find-an-installer/Read more on the topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/australia-electricity-supply-charges-reposit-battery-subscription/Your Energy SocialsTikTok: @yeanswers https://www.tiktok.com/@yeanswersInstagram: @yourenergy.answers https://instagram.com/yourenergy.answersFacebook: @yeanswers https://www.facebook.com/yeanswersTwitter: @yeanswers https://twitter.com/yeanswersLinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/your-energy-media

Send us Fan MailMarkus speaks with Matt Peterson from Automised Energy (https://www.automised.energy/?utm_source=yea_youtube) about how the platform uses a household’s real electricity data to compare thousands of plans and find the most suitable option. They discuss potential savings, retailer loyalty penalties, small-business electricity costs, data security, solar and battery plans, free-power tariffs and why Australia’s energy market has become so difficult for consumers to navigate.Automised Energy uses your actual electricity usage data through Australia's Consumer Data Right to compare available plans and help find one that could save you money. They are completely independent and do not receive commissions from electricity retailers.👉 Google "Automised Energy" or visit:https://www.automised.energy/?utm_source=yea_youtubeTimestamps00:00 – How Australians could reclaim billions04:00 – Comparing 17,000 electricity plans08:54 – Monthly monitoring and the $50 subscription14:33 – Why Matt created Automised Energy21:00 – Solar, batteries, renters and future tools27:00 – Fixing inaccurate retailer data34:45 – Customer retention, reviews and results41:05 – Regional availability and government comparison tools47:01 – Plan eligibility, compatibility and personal preferences57:28 – Energy market complexity, privatisation and final thoughtsLinks & Resources Visit Your Energy Answers: https://yourenergyanswers.com Find quality local installers: https://yourenergyanswers.com/find-an-installer/Read more on the topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/find-cheapest-electricity-plan-australia/Your Energy SocialsTikTok: @yeanswers https://www.tiktok.com/@yeanswersInstagram: @yourenergy.answers https://instagram.com/yourenergy.answersFacebook: @yeanswers https://www.facebook.com/yeanswersTwitter: @yeanswers https://twitter.com/yeanswersLinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/your-energy-media

Send us Fan MailEnergy expert and author Saul Griffith (https://www.saulgriffith.com/) joins Markus to discuss why Australia’s electricity system is failing households, how privatisation contributed to rising power prices, and why electrifying our homes could save Australians thousands of dollars each year. Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:43 – Introducing Saul Griffith03:00 – Australia’s electrification opportunity07:22 – The three hours of free electricity plan13:51 – How electricity privatisation increased prices20:26 – Could electrification save households $4,000 a year?29:04 – Confusing electricity plans and retailer profits34:49 – What home electrification actually involves41:35 – Does gas still have a role in the energy transition?54:51 – China’s dominance of clean-energy technology58:57 – Could Australia rebuild renewable manufacturing?01:20:16 – Choosing quality solar and battery products01:36:09 – Saul Griffith’s position on nuclear power01:41:44 – Saul’s books and Rewiring AustraliaLinks & Resources Visit Your Energy Answers: https://yourenergyanswers.com Find quality local installers: https://yourenergyanswers.com/find-an-installer/Read more on the topic here: https://yourenergyanswers.com/saul-griffith-electrification-australia-energy-crisis/Your Energy SocialsTikTok: @yeanswers https://www.tiktok.com/@yeanswersInstagram: @yourenergy.answers https://instagram.com/yourenergy.answersFacebook: @yeanswers https://www.facebook.com/yeanswersTwitter: @yeanswers https://twitter.com/yeanswersLinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/your-energy-media