#91 - Raising the Standard w/ Pat & Jo Southwell

Pat & Jo Southwell join us to unpack the state of inspections, the myths around labelling, and why real CPD matters. From running a family business to driving industry training and advocacy, they share what it takes to keep solar standards sharp as the industry shifts. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Southwell Solar Training—delivering practical, standards-based CPD that installers actually find useful. Their online courses cover real-world issues like defects, labeling, battery installation, and system upgrades, helping solar professionals stay compliant while building confidence on the job. 

Just Another Solar Podcast is hosted by Luke Beattie, Karl Jensen, Nigel Morris and Jess MacPherson. It's a casual conversation that shouldn't be taken as business, financial or legal advice. 

 0:00 – Intro & catching up with the crew
 2:00 – Nigel’s big life changes and new role at Smart Energy Council
 5:00 – Tindo Solar wins Sunshot Fund support
 7:00 – Battery sizing mistakes & system design challenges
 13:00 – Cashflow crunch from the battery boom
 17:00 – Welcoming Pat & Jo Southwell
 19:00 – How inspection changes hit their business
 20:30 – From inspections to turning systems on
 21:30 – How Pat & Jo got into solar
 23:30 – What’s holding Victoria back on batteries
 25:50 – Pat’s own mega solar + battery setup
 29:00 – The Solar Sidekicks podcast journey
 31:00 – Advocacy, emergency backstop & industry challenges
 37:30 – Launching Southwell Solar Training
 39:00 – The labeling minefield explained
 44:00 – Most popular courses & subscription model
 47:00 – Why CPD must be more than “beer and pizza nights”
 52:00 – Future training plans: apprentices, sales, and marketing
 56:00 – Closing thoughts & sponsor message