SE3 EP1 - The Product of 2027? Solar & Storage Live 2026 Debrief

What does it actually take to run a solar install business in 2026? Live from the LONGi stand at Solar & Storage Live 2026, five people who do it every day talk customers, leads, kit, admin and standards.

The best bits from three days on the LONGi stand at Solar & Storage Live 2026

Cory Mac from Oy Electrical called the plug-in solar brands "sellouts" and planned a video on why he wouldn't touch it. Then installers across Europe got in touch, and he went to Germany to see real systems for himself.

Is plug-in solar a sellout or the entry point to renewables for millions of UK homes? Live from the LONGi stand at Solar & Storage Live 2026, Dan Holliday and Michael Stott sit down with Aaron from Anker SOLIX. YouTuber Cory Mac from Oy Electrical explains why he called the plug-in brands "sellouts", then went to Germany to see it for himself.

🎙️ Welcome to Only Panels – Solar Installer Chats, the podcast for solar PV professionals and enthusiasts. In this episode:🔹 The ongoing nightmare of G99 DNO applications, specific struggles with Northern Power Grid, and the crippling 45-working-day wait times holding the industry back. 🔹 Are some installers breaking the law? The massive liability and potential criminal offense of installing grid-tied 12kW systems with export limiters without prior DNO permission. 🔹 How administrative delays at the DNO level are actively risking customer deposits and causing Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) to expire before tools even hit the roof. 🔹 The shocking rise of DIY "plug-in" balcony solar and the terrifying reality of what happens when homeowners stack multiple 800W systems on a standard ring main. 🔹 The DNO double standard: Why heat pump approvals are highly automated and practically instant, while solar PV applications are stuck in the dark ages. 🔹 Giving back: A look at Dan's recent community solar rescue project in Richmond and why it's important to support the community. 🎓 SHOW SUPPORTER SHOUTOUT Looking to up-skill your team and stop making costly callbacks? This episode is proudly supported by A121 Training—the UK’s premier, 80% hands-on electrical and renewable training center.👉 Secure your spot and browse all masterclasses (Battery, Inverter, EV & 18th Edition) here: ⁠https://a121.co.uk/courses.php⁠⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 - The 12kW office ring loophole and plug-in solar risks.0:15 - Catching up: Sam Waxman, MCS accreditation, and Jeeves.1:51 - The G99 nightmare continues: Northern Power Grid delays.5:42 - Are installers breaking the law by skipping G99 approval?9:22 - Why Connect Direct is failing installers.11:23 - The real threat to customer deposits and IBGs.15:34 - Heat pumps vs. Solar PV: Why is one so much faster?20:36 - The balcony solar loophole: 800W plug-in systems.28:06 - Testing a new DNO application strategy.28:53 - Giving back: A community solar rescue in Richmond.📍 New episodes every week – subscribe so you don’t miss out.🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.👉 Join the conversation:YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@only.panels⁠Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6hK6YjzSti3iQrKDOuDXea?si=c00c11372fc64a2f⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://linkedin.com/company/only-panels⁠TikTok & Instagram: @onlypanels#Solar #SolarInstallers #OnlyPanelsPodcast #Renewables #SolarPV #G99 #NorthernPowerGrid #BalconySolar #DIYSolar #DNO