We’re back at it again — this time live from the brand-new Apprentice 121 Training Centre, officially signed off by EAL and ready to deliver accredited solar, EV, and electrical training.
Join Mike, Dan, and the legend himself Mark Allison as we take a walk through the new setup — from the WECO battery wall and Solax rigs to the testing bays being built for 2391s.
We also chat with Dan “Sparky In Training”, Libby from Azzuri Electrical, and Mattie Allison, who’s stepping up to take the reins at PowerSonic while Mark focuses on the training side.
Plenty of laughs, cake, and real talk about the future of hands-on installer training in the UK.
👉 Listen in and find out what’s next for Apprentice 121.
Alpha ESS UK MD Mark Hale joins us at Waxman Energy. We dive into the G3 range, new heated UL9540 batteries, installer support, and C&I solutions like H50 (parallel up to 10). We touch on Octopus Intelligent Flux integration, an app refresh landing end-of-year, and a backup gateway coming Q1. Practical chat on insurance docs, commissioning in ~5 mins, and simplifying SKUs with interchangeable 4.8/9.6 kWh batteries.
00:00 Intro at Waxman Energy
01:13 Alpha ESS UK roots & longevity
02:30 UK installer support (ex-installers, first-install on-site)
04:17 G3 range overview (3.68/5/8kW, parallel)
05:34 New batteries: heating for cold installs
07:20 Safety: suppression, venting, UL9540 & insurance docs
09:05 1C cells (4.8 kWh) vs 0.5C; 9.6 kWh; scaling
10:00 Interchangeable 4.8/9.6 across single & three-phase
13:03 Installer Hub (docs, videos), 5-minute commissioning
15:00 C&I: 30/50/100 kW cabinets; outdoor, safety features
16:08 H50 cabinets, factory commissioning & sign-off
18:28 Care homes & farming use cases
19:36 H50 parallel (up to 10); M50 teaser
20:49 24/500 kW, 1.4 MWh container (late-year)
23:41 New app end-of-year
24:04 Octopus Intelligent Flux integration
25:18 Backup gateway coming Q1
26:31 Market shift & smarter customers
27:51 Waxman events & wrap
AlphaESS UK Website alpha-ess.co.uk
Waxman Energy waxmanenergy.co.uk
We hijack The Renewables Podcast studio to sit down with Mark Allison — the force behind Apprentice 121, Powersonic, and one of the most connected voices in the UK electrical industry. We talk about the brand-new Apprentice 121 Training Centre in Driffield and what proper, hands-on renewables training should look like.
In this episode:
How Apprentice 121 grew into a national training movement
Why classroom-only solar courses miss the mark
FIT retrofits with batteries, smart metering & commissioning quirks
PAS guidance, large domestic storage & practical safety tips
Gateways are coming – Tesla, SIG Energy, EcoFlow & more
Battery recycling, packaging waste & sustainability
SolarEdge vs SIG, Victron everywhere & manufacturer pitfalls
College drops: giving back to train the next generation
Guest: Mark Allison – Apprentice 121 / Powersonic / The Renewables Podcast
Hosts: Michael Stott & Dan Holliday – Only Panels – Solar Installer Chats
📅 Apprentice 121 Training Centre launch: 29 Oct 2025
🕖 New episodes every Wednesday 7 PM
🌐 onlypanels.com
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Three mics. One office. No filter.
Jay joins Mike & Dan back in the DMH HQ for a brutally honest chat about what life’s really like inside the business. From HGV driving to PV installs, broken panels, red-tape madness and why he’s still not trusted with the van keys — nothing’s off-limits.
This one’s half therapy session, half toolbox talk, all chaos.
What’s inside:
£10k career switch and the training company that went bust
Industrial vs renewables: real work vs red tape
Storm-proofing gone wrong (and right)
Josh the apprentice, the “whoever drives it washes it” rule
That moment when the smart meter hits 0 kW ⚡
Why renewables installers stick together tighter than duct tape
Heads-up: Recorded live in one room — bit of echo, plenty of energy.
New episodes every Wednesday 7 PM 🎧
👉 Subscribe. Comment. Tag a mate who needs to hear this.
We’re live at Solar & Storage Live 2025 with highlights straight from the NEC show floor. In this episode Michael dives into the brand-new AlphaESS G3 and H30/H50 storage systems, visits the Doncaster Cables stand for a look at their new PV-Ultra multi-core cable, and catches up with David from Cleantech Wholesale on their rebrand and what’s hot in distribution.
We also chat about Sigenergy microinverters, Fronius Wattpilot & Gen24 backup, and the rise of AI-driven grid trading with Sunsynk + Connectify.
New fire-safe, high-cycle batteries from AlphaESS
Doncaster’s 6-core PV-Ultra cable & bonding options
Why software matters more than hardware in solar
Huawei exiting the market – and who will fill the gap
The rise of OpenSolar, convenience, and solar being “bought not sold”
Anker Solix’s ambassador model and why it’s built to last
🎧 Whether you’re an installer, distributor, or just love solar tech, this episode is packed with insights and laughs from the UK’s biggest solar event.
🔔 New episodes every Wednesday at 7pm – subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast app.
Key Talking Points
We’ve dropped this one a day early ahead of Solar & Storage Live!
In Episode 11 of Only Panels – Solar Installer Chats, Michael and Dan are joined by Phil Joly from Van der Valk Solar Systems to talk about all things mounting:
🔹 The shift from Strongline to the new Valk Ace – what’s changed and why installers are switching
🔹 One hook that does both vertical & horizontal – the game-changer for tricky roofs
🔹 Cable management, optimiser clamps, and the “third hand” feature that saves time on site
🔹 The new ValkPro+ Next Gen flat-roof system designed for today’s larger panels
🔹 How installer feedback is shaping product improvements
🔹 Where to find Van der Valk at Solar & Storage Live 2025 – Stand D110 + daily Installer Hub training sessions
Van der Valk Installer Hub Training Times (NEC):
• Tuesday – 14:00 & 14:20
• Wednesday – 12:00 & 12:20
• Thursday – 12:20 & 12:40
Plus, we get into impact drivers, hats, and why Dan reckons Phil owes him new tools…
If you’re heading to the NEC this week, this is the perfect listen for the drive down. Then pop over to the Van der Valk stand (D110) and get hands-on with their kit.
Chapters / Highlights:
00:01 – Intro & why we’re early for Solar & Storage Live
01:29 – Meet Phil Joly, Van der Valk Solar Systems
03:19 – Valk Ace launch and feedback from installers
08:22 – Strongline vs Ace: price, performance & installer response
12:00 – The “third hand” feature, hooks & hardware tweaks
20:22 – Two impact drivers and the hat moment
26:00 – Cable management & full mounting system solutions
28:04 – ValkPro+ Next Gen flat-roof mounting for big panels
36:34 – Awards, tools, and looking ahead
🎧 Listen now on Spotify & YouTube
📍 Meet Van der Valk at Solar & Storage Live 2025, Stand D110
#Solar #MountingSystems #VanDerValk #SolarAndStorageLive #SolarInstallers #OnlyPanelsPodcast
In this episode of Only Panels, Michael and Dan are joined by Oli from Zinc Electrical to unpack one of the biggest questions in solar: how do you size a solar PV system properly?
We kick things off with highlights from Elex Coventry — including the Safe Isolate stand and plenty of installer chatter — before diving into real-world solar design.
Topics we cover:
Should you design a solar system based on household consumption, maximise roof space, or stick to a set budget?
The “120% rule” explained – why oversizing panels or inverters can actually improve performance.
Inverter sizing myths: why a smaller inverter can sometimes generate more power over the year.
Battery storage challenges – charge/discharge rates, hybrid inverters, and when to add batteries later.
Real-life analogies to make sense of kWp, kWh, and inverter ratings (think: car top speed vs speed limit 🚗⚡).
How to future-proof PV systems for EV charging, heat pumps, and growing family usage.
Oli also shares his personal journey: leaving corporate IT sales, training with Oval Renewables, and eventually launching Zinc Electrical. We talk about the realities of being a one-man-band installer, the importance of community in the UK renewables sector, and balancing business with family life.
Whether you’re a solar installer, an electrician moving into PV, or a homeowner thinking about solar panels and battery storage, this episode gives you practical insights into how systems are really designed — and why no two installs are ever the same.
📺 Watch on YouTube🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts
#Solar #SolarPanels #Inverters #BatteryStorage #Renewables #OnlyPanels #Podcast #InstallerLife #SolarDesign #SolarPV #HeatPumps #EVCharging
SolarEdge has been a household name in solar installs for years. Optimisers, panel-level monitoring, fire safety integration, strong warranties — it was the system many of us trusted and fitted as standard.
But in 2025, something feels different. You don’t see SolarEdge as much on roofs, in installer groups, or even across social media. Other brands have grabbed the spotlight. So the question is: Where’s SolarEdge gone? And why are some of us no longer using it?
In this episode, Michael and Dan have an open and honest chat about their experiences with SolarEdge — the good, the bad, and the future.
🔋 The battery problem – Why the Energy Bank is seen as too big, too heavy, and sometimes too late. We compare it to alternatives like Sigenergy and Anker SOLIX, and ask whether the new Nexus modular system can close the gap.
⚡ Optimisers explained – More than just shade mitigation. How panel degradation, voltage balancing, and DC safety set SolarEdge apart… and whether competitors are catching up.
🔥 Safety and insurance – Rapid shutdown, DC arc detection, and the growing pressure from insurers for safer installs. We ask if SolarEdge still has the edge, or if other brands are stepping in.
🛠️ Real installer experiences – From heavy warranty swaps to the reality of lifting a 110kg battery, we share stories straight from site.
🔄 Warranties and backwards compatibility – The upside of long product support, but also the challenge of steering a “big old tanker” in a fast-moving market.
🌍 The bigger picture – How SolarEdge’s global operations, Israeli roots, and shifts to US manufacturing might shape its future.
🔮 What next? – Will the Nexus range spark a comeback, or is it too little too late?
SolarEdge isn’t just another inverter company — it helped define panel-level optimisation and set the standard for safety. But as new players enter the market with sleeker batteries, simpler commissioning, and flashy marketing, installers are questioning whether SolarEdge is still the best choice.
For customers, it raises important questions too: if your installer no longer uses SolarEdge, should you? If you already have it on your roof, what does the future look like for your system?
Michael admits he doesn’t install SolarEdge as much anymore — and explains why. Dan remains a huge fan of the technology and is excited to see what’s next. Together, they explore the balance between installer preference, customer needs, and industry innovation.
Whether you’re an installer, supplier, or homeowner curious about your solar options, this is an episode packed with insights.
🎧 Tune in to hear where SolarEdge stands today, what went wrong, and whether it can win back the market in 2025 and beyond.
What we cover in this episode:Why this matters:Our take:
Dan is back in the studio this week and we’re joined by a special guest: Adam Stears (SOTA Electrical) — EV charger specialist, YouTuber, and all-round industry voice.
We dive into:
⚡ Adam’s 20+ year journey in the electrical industry
🔌 The rise of EV charging & what makes a good install
🔋 How to integrate EV chargers with solar & battery systems (without draining the home battery)
☀️ Payback times & the “is solar worth it?” question for different age groups
📱 How social media has transformed the way electricians win work and build trust with clients
🔧 Practical tips, pitfalls with DNOs, export limits, and charger brand talk (Zappi, Hypervolt, Tesla, SIG, GivEnergy, and more)
🚗 Future of EV charging — vehicle-to-grid, balcony solar, and where Adam sees things heading
There’s plenty of laughs too — from giant Snap-on cutters to barista chat, holiday solar spotting, and the reality of “customers who already know everything from YouTube.”
👉 Whether you’re an installer, EV owner, or just curious about the future of charging and batteries, this one’s packed with insight.
📅 Also in this episode:
Dan on his upcoming EV and charger choice for the DMH office
Michael on the challenges (and humour) of spotting solar in New York
Upcoming events:
• Elex Coventry – Super Rod Happy Electrician Bootcamp + Safe Isolation 11th Sept
• Solar & Storage Live (NEC, 23–25 Sept) – meet us there!
✅ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.
💬 Drop your EV charging or battery questions below – we’ll tackle them in future episodes.
In Episode 7 of Only Panels – Solar Installer Chats, we bring you a visual compilation of clips recorded at the Installer Show and CEF Live at the NEC 2025.
From sodium-ion batteries to stackable storage, hybrid heating, new EV chargers, EnviroTile solar roofs and more — this episode is packed with the latest product developments and installer insights.
👀 Best experienced on YouTube or Spotify Video — watch along to see the products in action!
📅 Release: Wednesday 19th August at 7pm
🎤 Guest: Aaron James Darvill – Senior Sales Manager, UK & Ireland, Anker Solix
🎧 Hosts: Michael Stott (East Renewables)
🔋 What do Christian Louboutins, balcony batteries, and the Solarcoaster have in common?
They all come up in this week’s episode with the one and only Aaron Darvill from Anker Solix — and trust us, this one’s got range.
Anker might be best known for USB chargers and power banks, but Aaron reveals how their leap into home energy storage has been years in the making — and why the Anker Solix X1 isn’t just another white box on the wall. From their obsession with installer education to their C5 corrosion-proof, IP66-rated design, Aaron lays out how Anker Solix is doing things differently.
We dive into:
⚡️ Aaron’s 15+ year journey in battery storage
⚡️ How Anker went from consumer tech to solar storage
⚡️ The wild story behind the TikTok shoes that weren’t the battery
⚡️ Why Solix only works with trained “ambassadors,” not just installers
⚡️ What to expect at Solar & Storage Live at the NEC
⚡️ Their new three-phase systems, SG-Ready integration, and EV chargers
⚡️ Balcony storage in Europe — and why the UK isn’t ready (yet)
Whether you’re an installer, distributor, or just into smart solar tech, this episode will give you insight into where the battery game is headed — and why it’s not just about kWh anymore.
🎉 Come meet us at Solar & Storage Live
📍 NEC Birmingham – 23–25 September
Anker Solix will be there — you’ll hear them before you see them.
Don’t miss the live tech talks, product demos, giveaways, and good vibes.
🛠️ Mentioned in this episode:
Anker Solix X1
Anchor Academy (installer training)
Segen, Callidus Wholesale, Western Solar
SG Ready integration with heat pumps
Solar Bank 3 Pro (balcony battery storage – EU only for now)
📲 Follow & Subscribe:
@onlypanelspodcast on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube
New episodes every week featuring real installer insights, product breakdowns, and honest industry chat.
#OnlyPanelsPodcast #AnkerSolix #SolarInstaller #BatteryStorage #Renewables #SolarStorageLive #NECBirmingham #EnergyStorage #InstallerLife #SolarCoaster #HeatPumps #EVChargers
🎙 Episode 5 – Mega Solar Installs with The Solar Composer
In this episode of Only Panels, hosts Michael Stott (East Renewables) and Dan Holliday (DMH Electrical & Renewables) are joined by Chris Nottingham, better known as The Solar Composer, founder of The Solar Roofing Company.
Chris is a legend in the solar roofing world, known for delivering some of the largest, most complex, and highest-quality solar installations across the UK. We dive deep into:
🚧 The unique challenges of large-scale solar projects
🛠 Combining roofing expertise with solar technology for flawless installs
⚡ Why attention to detail can make or break a project
📈 Scaling your operations while keeping standards sky-high
💡 Creative solutions to tricky installation environments
🤝 Building trust with clients and contractors
🌍 How big solar projects are shaping the renewable energy landscape
Whether you’re an installer, project manager, or just passionate about the clean energy transition, this conversation offers practical tips, industry insights, and inspiration from one of the best in the business.
Chris also shares his journey in the solar industry, his approach to team building, and how The Solar Roofing Company is helping redefine what’s possible on the UK’s rooftops.
🔊 Available now on Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.
💬 Have a question for our next guest? Want to share your installation horror story? Drop us a message at onlypanels.com
#SolarPV #SolarRoofing #OnlyPanels #InstallerPodcast #RenewableEnergy #SolarInstaller #TheSolarComposer #CleanEnergy #RoofingExperts #BatteryStorage #EnergyStorage #EVChargers #SolarProjects #SolarTips #GreenEnergy
In Episode 4 of Only Panels, hosts Michael (East Renewables) and Dan Holliday (DMH Electrical & Renewables) take a no-filter look at the chaos caused by G99 application rejections and long-winded DNO processes.
They share real-world frustrations of dealing with 45-week+ lead times, broken communication, outdated systems, and how this is crippling consumer trust, violating consumer codes, and outright stopping solar projects from going ahead.
From the ridiculous admin burden installers face, to the lack of accountability from network operators — this is a raw, honest chat on how the people actually doing the work are the ones being left out of the conversation.
💬 Key Topics:
Why G99 approvals take months (or get ignored altogether)
The broken DNO communication loop – no numbers, no updates, no help
How installer reputations are destroyed by grid delays
The tech gap between DNOs and modern solar systems
Why public pressure and industry reform is long overdue
This one’s for every installer who’s been ghosted by a DNO, held hostage by red tape, or blamed for delays outside their control.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube Premiere & all podcast platforms
🎙️ Featuring real on-the-roof insights from Michael & Dan
#OnlyPanels #G99Application #SolarInstallers #DNODelays #RenewableEnergy #GridConnection #InstallerTalk #CleanEnergy #SolarPV #BatteryStorage #MCS
🎙️ Episode 3: Is Tesla Powerwall 3 the Best Battery on the Market? And What Happened to GivEnergy?
This week on Only Panels, I’m joined by co-host Dan Holliday from DMH Electrical and Renewables, and special guests Libby and Francesca from Azzurri Electrical, as we deep-dive into the latest in solar PV, battery technology, and the shifting energy landscape in the UK.
We kick things off with the much-hyped Tesla Powerwall 3 — is it really the best battery solution available in 2025? We explore its AI-driven energy management, installation challenges, full appliance discharge capability, and how it stacks up to competitors like SIG and other energy storage brands.
Then, we turn our attention to GivEnergy, a name once synonymous with UK energy storage. We talk frankly about their apparent decline in installer popularity, product delays, and how shifting market dynamics and competition may be impacting their reputation — despite still offering solid technical support.
We also open up about the realities of working as solar and battery installers — from commissioning clunkiness to EV charger integration, solar metering, customer expectations, and future-proofing energy systems for homeowners and businesses.
🔥 Topics covered:
Tesla Powerwall 3 features and performance
SigEnergy and other Battery systems
GivEnergy’s market standing in 2025
Energy storage vs. battery backup
EV charger headaches (Zappi… we’re looking at you!)
Smart charging and virtual power plants
Monitoring systems and the importance of optimisers
The real-world experience of battery installation
The rise of electric vans and changing vehicle tech
The future of retail and smart home integration
📊 Key takeaways:
Powerwall 3 might be the best battery — but it’s not perfect
GivEnergy has lost market momentum
Battery sales are tough without strong education and support
Installation quality still varies wildly
The future is smart, monitored, and fully integrated
Installers play a critical role in shaping the industry
🔧 Whether you’re a solar pro, battery installer, or just curious about where the renewable energy industry is headed, this episode is packed with real talk, first-hand experience, and the kinds of discussions we need to improve standards across the board.
🔗 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review – it helps us spread the word and drive change in the solar game.
#TeslaPowerwall #GivEnergy #SolarPV #BatteryStorage #EVChargers #RenewableEnergy #SmartHome #SolarInstaller #EnergyStorage #Tesla #Zappi #EnergyManagement #VirtualPowerPlants #InRoofSolar #Commissioning #InstallerLife #UKSolar #OnlyPanels
🎙️ Ep2 – GSE vs Viridian: Which In-Roof Solar System Comes Out on Top?
In this episode of Only Panels, Dan from DMH Electrical & Renewables and Michael from East Renewables dive deep into the debate between two of the UK’s most talked-about in-roof solar mounting systems: GSE Integration and Viridian Solar Clearline Fusion.
Recorded live on Instagram, this unfiltered installer chat covers:
– Real-world pros and cons of GSE and Viridian systems
– In-roof vs on-roof solar mounting – what's the difference?
– Aesthetic impact, waterproofing, ease of installation, and MCS compliance
– Fire safety, airflow, and maintenance access considerations
– Viewer questions and some controversial takes you won't want to miss
Is GSE winning over more installers in 2025? Has Dan changed his mind? And which system do we now prefer for integrated solar roofs?
This episode is a must-listen for solar panel installers, renewable energy professionals, homeowners planning solar, and anyone comparing roof-integrated PV systems in the UK.
🔧 #SolarEnergy #InRoofSolar #GSEIntegration #ViridianSolar #SolarInstallerPodcast #RoofIntegratedPV #ClearlineFusion #RenewablesUK #OnlyPanels #EastRenewables #DMHElectrical
In this episode, we delve into the critical importance of proper installation techniques, particularly in the realm of solar panel setups. Join us as we uncover the pitfalls of substandard installations and the potential risks they pose, not just to property but to safety. Through real-life stories and expert insights, we emphasize why cutting corners can lead to costly consequences and how adhering to best practices ensures both efficiency and peace of mind. Tune in to learn how to safeguard your investments and ensure your installations stand the test of time.
See the full video mentioned from DMH Electrical and Renewables