The Warm Homes Plan & the Reality of UK Solar in 2026 | CEF Special with Mike Gadd

Over the past decade, solar technology has become more efficient, batteries have become more popular and the economics of clean energy have never looked stronger. Yet for many homeowners, one challenge still stands in the way: the upfront investment. In the Season 2 finale of The OpenSolar Podcast, Birchy is joined by Dave Hindle, CEO and Co-founder of Propensio, to explore why Integrated Finance is becoming an essential part of the customer journey. Together, they discuss how giving customers more payment options can remove friction, improve affordability and help more people confidently invest in solar. The conversation also explores how OpenSolar's Finance Marketplace is making it easier for installers to offer finance, why accessibility matters just as much as technology, and what the future of green finance could mean for the solar industry. Guest Profile Dave Hindle is the CEO and Co-founder of Propensio. With more than 30 years' experience in consumer finance, Dave has helped businesses make major purchases more accessible through simple, customer-focused funding solutions. Today, he works closely with the renewable energy sector to simplify finance for installers, helping more homeowners access clean energy through a smoother, more transparent buying journey.

Tax credits in the US have changed. Financing is tighter. Many installers are facing slower residential demand, while others are finding new ways to grow. In this episode of The OpenSolar Podcast, Birchy is joined by Dan Johnson, General Manager of Six Rivers Solar, to explore how successful solar businesses are adapting to today's market. Drawing on decades of experience and a business built on nearly 100% battery attachment, Dan shares why resilience, operational efficiency and honest sales have become more important than ever. Together, they discuss how shifting into commercial solar has created greater stability, why batteries are transforming the customer conversation, and how installers can continue creating value when incentives alone are no longer enough. This episode covers: Can the US solar industry thrive without tax credits?

One of the biggest changes to UK solar certification is here. In this episode of The OpenSolar Podcast, Birchy is joined by Daniel White, Market Development Director at MCS, to unpack MCS 2025 and what it means for installers across the UK. As the industry continues to mature, the conversation is shifting beyond compliance to focus on installation quality, consumer confidence and preparing for a future where solar, batteries and heat pumps work together as one home energy system. This episode covers: The biggest changes coming with MCS 2025

Australia's solar industry is entering a new phase. In this episode of The OpenSolar Podcast, Sophie Wright, GM Australia & New Zealand at OpenSolar, sits down with Blair Pester, Managing Director of WINAICO Australia and one of the industry's longest-serving voices. Together they unpack the battery boom reshaping the Australian market, why panel prices are rising, what installers should expect from the next wave of battery adoption, and why upgrading ageing solar systems could become one of the industry's biggest opportunities. They also explore the growing role of service, optimisation and electrification as Australia becomes a global case study for distributed energy at scale. Whether you're a solar installer, retailer, distributor or industry professional, this episode offers practical insights into where the market is heading next and how to stay ahead of it.

The UK solar market is moving fast and batteries, smart tariffs and solar-plus-storage are changing what homeowners expect from their energy systems. In this episode Melissa speaks with Hollie Carek, General Manager UK & Global Head of Partner Marketing Strategy at OpenSolar, about how the UK solar industry has evolved since 2019 and where it’s heading next. Hollie shares her perspective on the “solar coaster”, the impact of the energy crisis, the rise of battery adoption, and what installers need to keep pace in a high-growth market. They also discuss how OpenSolar Shop is helping installers and distributors work together more seamlessly, and why resilience, agility and diverse perspectives matter in climate tech. Guest profile: Hollie Carek is General Manager UK & Global Head of Partner Marketing Strategy at OpenSolar. With a background in advertising and years of experience in solar, she brings a sharp perspective on the UK market, installer needs and the partnerships helping accelerate solar adoption.