The Renewables Podcast

Hide and Secure your solar battery with a bespoke COVER

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this one we explore the new product on the market for covering battery systems away. This has a few functions from asthetics to security and enviro...

How should you buy and sell Solar and battery systems? PART 2

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gary returns for Part 2 We have the huge privilege of chatting with Gary from  @GaryDoesSolar  about the solar market, its challenges, upsides, cons...

How should you buy and sell Solar and battery systems?

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We have the huge privilege of chatting with Gary from  @GaryDoesSolar  about the solar market, its challenges, upsides, consumer and installer thoug...

Solar price rises EXPLAINED with HDM solar one of the fastest growing wholesalers in the UK

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Adam and Ed join us to talk about importing, selling, specifying and loads more around the supply of solar PV and battery storage. We also get into th...

NEW solar panel technology with Sarah Wallace and LONGI

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We get into the weeds of solar panel evolution with returning guest Sarah Wallace, UK sales director for LONGI. This one was super interesting for bot...

It is so HARD runing a small business sometimes... INSTALLER DECOMPRESSION

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We get into the challenges lots of us face working in and running small businesses. This is a return of installer decompression and we have plans to b...

Add a battery to FIT solar but HOW ? Hybrid inverter or AC coupled ?

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We explore the challenges of adding battery storage to solar systems with aged FIT tariffs and some real world experiences of meters reading numbers c...

How to test solar PROPERLY with Test Instrument Solutions

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We get into solar PV testing and more with the legends Mark and Steve from  @testinstrumentsolutions  Was really interesting to learn about product ...

The Warm Homes plan - Solar and battery GRANTS ???

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Sam dive into the new government policy around the warm homes plan and what it might mean for the solar, battery, heat pump and more sectors!...

WINNING Business and AI in the solar/battery market

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Sam discus strategies they are trying in 2026 to grow sales and convert enquires! Along with the obsession (healthy or otherwise) to develop ...

Do you torque your solar mounting PROPERLY ???

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Heamar Renewable Solutions join us to discuss torque on roof mounting and cable lugs/crimps. This one is so interesting and lots for us installers to ...

Do you even need DC isolators and SPDs ???

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Sam get into DC isolators, SPDs and wider fire safety around renewables technology. This is an interesting topic and one we are keen to learn...

Run your home from a car battery, stay off grid and favorite podcasts and events of 2025

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Sam discuss this years episodes and some recent experiences with customers wanting energy resilience and powering homes from cars!We are livi...

Grow a HAPPY and SUCCESSFUL renewables business in 2026 and beyond PART 2

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We are back for part 2 with Malcolm and Mike to learn all about the Happy electrician community and what it has done for both Mark and Sam

How to grow a successful renewables business AND stay happy

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We are joined by the legends Malcolm Duncan and Mike Jones to hear all about the happy electrician movement. This is one Mark and Sam have put to the ...

Solar and Storage 2025 tour - What is new in Renewables

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We take around Solar and Storage 2025 at the NEC from back in September!

Is solar a fire risk ? How do we make it safe ? 5 simple steps...

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We get into safety of solar and battery systems. We are seeing worrying trends around scare mongering and simplification of cause/effect. But what do ...

Our favorite installs of 2025 - Grand Designs & Community led Installs

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Sam run through their favorite installs of 2025 they have completed.We also want to hear what your own favorite jobs of the year are. Tag us ...

Some roofs can catch you out.... Should every home have a wind turbine???

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We are joined by Magic Mike the man, myth and legend! To discuss the challenges some roofs catch us out with!We also get into a chat about residential...

What is the next big thing in Solar, Battery and Heat Pumps ???

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We get into the next thing coming.... Always something on the horizon be that innovation or regulations! Sam also gives an epic run through of the old...

The Energy storage association explained PART two

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We complete our chat with ESA CEO Jason Howlett learning about the new collaboration to elevate energy storage adoption, safety and installation. We l...

The Energy Storage Association with Jason Howlett

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jason joins us to talk about a new community he is developing alongside others to raise safety, access and awareness around energy storage. https://es...

How does the electricity grid work in Europe? Can we recycle batteries?

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We join Marco from Weco again to learn about the electricity grid in Europe and beyond. This was really interesting to learn about how things work on ...

AICO explain PAS and how we can get FREE training to learn more about fire detection

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We complete our chat with AICO about training, PAS and more widely fire safety in homes and businesses of the UK

What makes a great battery? We head to Italy visting WECO Batteries to find out.

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Marco and the WECO team shared with us an incredible manufacturing facility near Florence Italy. One that is about to get even bigger!This episode foc...

AICO explain fire/smoke detection in homes and businesses - PAS rules explained

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We get into a chat with AICO about the requirements for smoke detection in all homes but with a focus on those having battery storage and PV installed...

AI can build a CRM or Solar APP in minutes

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We get into AI and how it can build useful apps for both consumers, manufacturers and installers. Plus we go deep on the wider social impact and poten...

MCS update mounting system removals and how should solar be installed...

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We catchup on what we have been doing in the day jobs and installs we have going on around the UK. Along with chat around MCS and the recent news on m...

The legend Stuart Cato chats MCS, Earthing, Heat pumps, Consumer codes and loadssss more

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We have the honor of chatting with Stuart Cato one of the solar OGs and someone who has helped a lot of us out in industry. It was great to get his vi...

Solar Panels in space, meter cabinets and gardening!

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We went through some topics on this one! Discussing solar panels in space, running a business while on the road, what we would do if it wasnt renewabl...

Earthing and Bonding of solar panels part 2

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We continue the chat around solar systems and earthing!

Earthing, bonding and functional earthing of solar panels....

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We get into a chat about earthing solar systems both on roof, ground mount and the bits in between. Lots to consider here and we delve deeper in part ...

The solar miss selling EPIDEMIC - What can we do?

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We get into some of the miss selling and sales tactics used both today and of the past. Hopefully this can help some consumers before they are caught ...

Should inverters, batteries, solar panels and heat pumps be backwards compatible?

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We get into products that are not backwards campatible both in terms of hardware and software. From panel sizes to battery systems that wont integrate...

John talks heat pumps - service stickers - genius flashings and more Installershow 2025 completed!

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We chat with John about plumbing and heating with the crossovers into electrics, genius roof flashings explain the benefits of utilising flashing syst...

NAPIT talk heat pumps - Envirotile solar panel - Installershow 2025 HOUSE!

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Napit join us for a long chat around heat pumps and renewables, we hear all about the enivrotile solar panel and Sam shows us the epic installershow 2...

ECA, NICEIC share views at Installershow 2025 - Buried SWA anyone?

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We chat with Darren and Curtis from the ECA, Dan from the NICEIC and Mark from Porteus.

Sodium batteries and installer chat LIVE from installershow 2025

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We chat with several installers, eleven energy and Mick from installershow 2025!Thank you to everyone who came to say hello and made the time on the s...

New Zappi charger, heat pumps, safety shades and more - Installershow Part 2

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We have chats with myenergi on the new zappi glo, Proteus on our stand, Callidus wholesale, Alpha and trade shades! We have so many more conversations...

MCS explain the removal of certain solar mounting products

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The team at MCS caught up with Sam during last weeks installershow at the NEC. We get the what and why direct from them. Let us know what you think in...

I cant sell the inverter ANYMORE & Why did MCS remove some mounting kit?

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Sam discuss the effects personal branding can have on product sales and how that filters through to installers. Along with some chat around m...

Whats new in Renewable technology? CEF LIVE 2025 vs Solar and Storage 2025

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Sam visit 2 of the biggest trade shows in the UK at CEF live 2025 and Solar and storage London 2025. Visiting stands and other installers for...

How much should I sell solar for??? The HIDDEN costs of business in renewables

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Sam have a chat about business costs and some of the mistakes they have and perhaps still do make. Hopefully useful content for consumers and...

Can you mount solar panels on a wall or fence? Should you ???

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss wall mounted panels, potential issues with planning and damages. Also covering fence panels and similar ideas!With the growing demand to ma...

Are consumer units 125A rated ? Proteus explain some more leading features...

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We asked the question about 125A rated consumer units on a podcast a few weeks ago and Pete being the legend he is wanted to explain some of the reaso...

Riding the Solar Coaster is not EASY - Honest RAW chat

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Sam get into the ups and downs of operating renewables installation companies which probably goes way beyond just those areas across many mor...

Installer Show 2025 - June 24th to 26th BE THERE !

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Joe from  @installershow  joins to explain what is coming at installershow 2025 and the history of the event!From the social aspect to those exhibit...

Are Solar Panels and battery systems getting more expensive? Will tariffs change that?

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We get into the geo politics around solar and battery equipment. Including charismatic owners with high profile political ideas...How do you manage th...

Solar/Heat Pump Regs and Standards MATTER with the NICEIC & Paul Collins

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Paul joins us to discuss the role the NICEIC plays in the renewables sector for both PV and heat pumps. Along with discussing the changes coming along...

Can the grid work on Renewables nationally?

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We get into renewables at grid scale with some of the challenges around connections, reliability and backing up with gas peaking generation deals.Jami...

Can you modify or grow a FIT (Feed in Tariff) solar system

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We get into a chat around growing existing PV systems and how that might effect feed in tariff payments and the wider electricity grid. This is going ...

Is the UK electricity grid under STRAIN ???

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We delve into how the UK electricity grid works, how renewables plays a part and also presents problems. Our guest Jamie Blatant shares his knowledge ...

Big changes coming to MCS in 2025 - Everything you need to know

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We pick up our conversation with Ian Rippin about all the changes coming to MCS and what that means for industry, installers and consumers.One not to ...

MCS has changed FOREVER - Consumer codes, monitoring THE FACTS

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ian Rippin returns to explain how the new MCS is going to work. So do we need to be in a consumer code? Should we wait to join the new scheme or get e...

Solar and battery circuits need 30mA RCD protection on TT earthing ???

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We explore some of the challenges around RCD protection with solar inverters and in particular around TT earthing systems. With discussion around time...

Should Renewable consumer units be 125A rated or MORE ???

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We get into ratings of switchgear around renewables. Should they be 200A rated, 125A rated or fine as they are?Also discussing RCD protection and how ...

120 years of the Electrical Industries charity with Andy Reakes

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We are joined by Andy Reakes vice president of the  @electricalindustriescharit7815  to learn about the work he and the charity does. We are...

How do Solar optimisers work? Are they worth it? Which brand?

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Sam get into solar optimisers from  SolarEdgeTechnologies  EnphaseEnergy  and more!What are the benefits? How do they work? Why are they ...

How do Anker Solix support installers, consumers and wholesalers ?

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anker Solix and Aaron James Darvill explain what the new X1 solar inverter and battery storage system is. How they support the wholesale network, inst...

Renewables Podcast Intro!

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What is the Renewables podcast about?

Launch a new inverter and battery system in the UK - HOW ?

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anker Solix and Aaron James Darvill explain what the new X1 solar inverter and battery storage system is. How they support the wholesale network, inst...

How do you get an ECO home in 2025 ? SOLAR & HEAT PUMP

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark, Sam and Ben continue the chat around the energy market, options for heating and cooling homes/business of the UK and how things are going for a...

Are Energy costs a RIP off ??? Installers view of Solar, EV and Battery

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark, Sam and Ben from EVO renewables discuss the solar and battery storage market place along with Bens journey into Renewables via a meeting the Qu...

Can you bury SWA cable with DC solar power ???

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We get into the regulations and rules regarding DC distribution on PV systems. Using our views and experiences as installers and designers. But we w...

Installershow 2025 and Electrical Industries Charity support - Sam and Mark catchup

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We have some exciting news for the renewables podcast in 2025 with stand space at Installershow 2025 and using show revenue to help fund the electrica...

Solar PV and battery fires are a big deal - lets DO SOMETHING about it!

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Episode two with Luke Gonzales helping explain the challenges of in roof and on roof solar PV alongside wider safety of battery storage and EV. We ...

Could a solar or battery fire really happen??? Fire safety the FACTS

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Luke Gonzales helps explain the challenges of in roof and on roof solar PV alongside wider safety of battery storage and EV. We get into part B of ...

MCS working with contractors to build standards and deal with complaints THE FACTS

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Part two of the podcast gets into enforcement, reporting of poor installations, accountability, how standards are built, MCS charity, rival systems/s...

MCS is changing in 2025 - Ian Rippin CEO explains and answers questions on complaints and standards

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This two part podcast gets into enforcement, reporting of poor installations, accountability, how standards are built, MCS charity, rival systems/sta...

Health risks from birds nests and waste under solar panels - What do we need to know?

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bird mesh makes total sense, should the industry mandate its use in all roof solar arrays? Should construction workers, pest controllers and consumers...

Solar PV Bird protection - Do you need it? Is it worth it? PestFix explain

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is your home, safety and financial investment worth risking by excluding bird protection from your solar PV systems? We get into the health aspect ...

Can you recycle and repair LED lighting? Should Battery storage systems have emergency Lights?

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John Ford joins us to explain conversion of light fittings, recycling, energy efficiency to enhance battery storage systems and loads more.Perhaps we ...

Lighting efficiency and Renewables with John Ford

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John ford joins us to discuss LED lighting in terms of efficiency, health and financial payback. We also record in the first time at the studio spac...

New GivEnergy All in one features and lotssss more with Jason Howlett CEO Pt 2

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The global CEO of GivEnergy gets into cyber security, infastructure, energy poverty, Givenducation, the soon to be released All in one hybrid, PAS an...

New GivEnergy All in one features and lotssss more with Jason Howlett CEO

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The global CEO of GivEnergy gets into cyber security, infastructure, energy poverty, Givenducation, the soon to be released All in one hybrid, PAS an...

Do you need to be MCS registered to install solar, batteries and heat pumps ???

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We deleve into the requirements on MCS after a listener question came in to the podcast. Do you need to register with MCS, HEIS or RECC? We have ...

More New products in the solar and battery industry for 2024 - Live from Solar and Storage

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Sam return for episode 2 of solar and storage 2024 wiht visits to Star chargers, Doncaster cables, Genius, Napit, Hamar, Waxman, DEKS, Klauk...

The Struggle! New Build meter cabinets and Outdoor consumer units.

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Would you like to ask the author of the brilliant IET wiring matters article on outdoor consumer units a question? The article can be found here ht...

New solar and battery tech for 2024 - Live from Solar and Storage

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Sam return for episode 2 of solar and storage 2024 wiht visits to Star chargers, Doncaster cables, Genius, Napit, Hamar, Waxman, DEKS, Klauk...

What are the best new products in the solar and battery industry?

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Solar and Storage Show episode one, Sigenergy, Enphase, Power vault, GivEnery, Alpha stand run throughs with Mark and Sam. From the new Sigenergy co...

How to design / setup a solar string and inverter

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Solar design 101 - We take a look at VOC ISC and much more discussing all the common problems that can catch you out. Especially if you are called Ma...

The BIG solar and battery storage questions answered LIVE

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sam and Mark answer your questions live on instagram. Be that from the live audience or pre sent in! This was so much fun and hopefully we were abl...

Are energy companies and MCS letting consumers and installers down ???

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Damon, Sam and Mark discuss the role of MCS, the approach of installers and energy retailers and how that effects quality and efficiency of heat pumps...

Heat pumps - How do they work and is efficiency important???

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What is the magic that makes heat pumps work? Damon Blakemore joins us to explain what COP, SCOP, heat loss and more means! Along with tips on how ...

Installers are ripping people off... How much should solar, batteries and heat pumps cost???

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sam and Mark get into the crippling challenges around price slashing at an installer level. With some tips for both installers and consumers of thing...

Energy retailers destroying small electrical contracting firms, MCS and more. With Jordan from Artisan Electrics

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We get into a chat about MCS, what industry could do to support installers and consumers along with our views around pricing and the impact energy ret...

Jordan from Artisan Electrics talks business and the journey into Solar Part one

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Sam are joined by Jordan to talk about the journey into renewables, the growth challenges and lessons learned. Jordan also shares how he r...

How does renewables equipment get around the world - How do wholesalers manage that? Sarah explains

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Wallace from Waxman Energy joins us to share the difficulties in shipping equipment into the UK, the struggles with currency fluctuations and q...

Sub contracting as a solar installer - How do you it.... Michael Stott explains!

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mike explains his route into the renewables sector via re-roofing his own house and a chance interaction with Sam! We get into Mikes background in ...

Exciting podcast announcement - Thoughts on Renewables so far and what is to come....

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We catch up on the start to the podcast, what we have enjoyed, achieved, got right and wrong! We also have a reveal on a show sponsor... https://pro...

Aidan Ward - From the army to scaling a renewables business and beyond Episode two

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are joined by the Managing Director at Eco-Power Renewable Energy to talk about his journey from the army, via an apprenticeship to successful bus...

Aidan Ward - From the army to scaling a renewables business and beyond Episode one

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are joined by the Managing Director at Eco-Power Renewable Energy to talk about his journey from the army, via an apprenticeship to successful bus...

LIVE from the InstallerShow 2024 featuring NICEIC, EAL, Myenergi, Trades people and more!

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sam takes us for a look around the  @installershow  2024 featuring interviews with trades people, Super Rod, NICEIC, ESF, EAL, ETT Sparksafe, Myene...

myenergi discuss the technical challenges and recent installer difficulties

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jono and Thomas explain the recent issues some installers have experienced around communications with consumers. We also dig into the development of ...

Innovation with switchgear - Bidirectional RCBOs - 4 pole TPN rcbos - Busbar SPDs - Proteus explain

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pete Hemming takes us through the history of Proteus and the changes renewables has brought upon the business over the last few years. Its fair to ...

Jordan Brompton co founder of myenergi - Talks growth, challenges, success and difficulties

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We get into the huge changes myenergi have gone through over the last few years from a small startup to regional powerhouse now expanding into a glob...

Island mode isolation & earthing - PAS - BS 7671 AMD 3 - Coding EICRS - NAPIT get stuck in!

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Humphreys explains island mode earthing, bidirectional devices and the role NAPIT plays in helping industry navigate changes both in the renewa...

What do the bodies of industry do? NAPIT join us to explain and answer your questions

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Humphreys from NAPIT joins us to set out what role NAPIT play in the renewables industry. From MCS to training and wider member support, we get...

How much should a solar system cost??? Does it really pay back?

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rob explains the true cost of his solar system and sets out his experience on payback. We discuss the key choices he made in selecting both a system ...

The IET and chair of JPEL64 explain amendment 3 BS 7671 - Bidirectional RCBOs - PAS and lotsss more!

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We get into the recent AMD3 draft for public comment of BS761 dispelling myths and answering key concerns direct from the IET and chair of the commit...