Season 2 EP4 - 18 Years in Solar: Riding the Highs and Lows with Sam Waxman

Season 2 EP4 - 18 Years in Solar: Riding the Highs and Lows with Sam Waxman

🎙️ Welcome to Only Panels – Solar Installer Chats, the podcast for solar PV professionals and enthusiasts. In this episode: 🔹 We sit down with Sam Waxman, Managing Director of Waxman Energy, to reflect on his 18.5 years riding the extreme highs and lows of the UK solar market.🔹 From pre-Feed-In Tariff craziness to massive price drops, discover how a major distributor navigates an industry that moves at lightning speed.🔹 A deep dive into the shifting market: Why Waxman’s commercial and C&I (Commercial & Industrial) sectors are scaling rapidly up to 5MW ground mounts.🔹 Sneak peeks at upcoming tech, including a teaser for Van Der Valk’s highly anticipated "Valk Ace Mark 2" mounting system launching at InterSolar.🔹 Inside the training center: Why Enphase dubbed Waxman’s facility "the best training rig in Europe," and why distributors must actively invest in upskilling installers.🔹 Future-gazing real talk: Why 2026 is officially the "Year of the Gateway," how manufacturers are battling product FOMO, and why AI/software integration is the next frontier. 🎓 SHOW SUPPORTER SHOUTOUTLooking 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 [https://a121.co.uk/courses.php] ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Sam's 18-year history in solar and surviving the pre-FiT era.0:36 - Distribution vs Design: Inside Waxman Energy's total product kit.1:43 - The evolving 50/50 split between residential and C&I commercial solar.2:34 - Brand breakdown: Managing major partnerships from Longi to Enphase.3:19 - Product preview: Van Der Valk's new "Valk Ace Mark 2" launching at InterSolar.4:12 - Inside Europe's "best training rig" and uplifting the trade with Apprentice 121.5:45 - Massive physical growth: Expanding to 140,000 sq ft of warehousing.6:53 - Future trends: The "Year of the Gateway" and the shift toward AI.8:08 - Closing remarks and podcast wrap-up. 📍 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.panels [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtube.com/%40only.panels]Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6hK6YjzSti3iQrKDOuDXea?si=c00c11372fc64a2f [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://open.spotify.com/show/6hK6YjzSti3iQrKDOuDXea%3Fsi%3Dc00c11372fc64a2f]LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/only-panels [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://linkedin.com/company/only-panels]TikTok & Instagram: @onlypanels #Solar #SolarInstallers #OnlyPanelsPodcast #Renewables #SolarPV #WaxmanEnergy #SolarDistribution #Enphase #AlphaESS #VanDerValk #CommercialSolar

Season 2 EP3 – We Drank 5 Beers In A Dodgy Van To Review The Brand New Anker Solix XE 🚐💨

🎙️ Welcome to Only Panels – Solar Installer Chats, the podcast for solar PV professionals and enthusiasts.In this episode:🔹 We stack into Aaron's dodgy van at the Waxman event day to talk about the massive shift happening in the renewable market.🔹 A deep dive into the brand new Anker Solix XE—a 5kW inverter and 7kWh battery integrated into a single, Lego-like block that installs in 5 minutes.🔹 Stacking power: How the XE hits up to 120kWh in parallel with 3 MPPTs, C5 anti-corrosion, and a massive 10,000-cycle warranty.🔹 The "Cheap Becomes Expensive" reality check—why cheap battery brands going bust overnight has left installers and consumers vulnerable.🔹 Real talk on modern solar: Why traditional "ROI" talk is dead, and why premium gear like Longi panels are flying out of port faster than ships can dock.🎓 SHOW SUPPORTER SHOUTOUTLooking 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.📅 Next Course Date: 4th June | Solar Roofing Masterclass👉 Secure your spot and browse all masterclasses (Battery, Inverter, EV & 18th Edition) here: https://a121.co.uk/courses.php⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 - 0:09: Introduction to the product features.0:09 - 0:32: Welcome and introduction of guests.0:32 - 0:42: Guests introduce themselves.0:42 - 0:56: Discussion about new products from Anker Solix.0:56 - 1:26: Market insights and product launch details.1:26 - 1:53: Product specifications and features.1:53 - 2:08: Additional product features and benefits.2:08 - 2:41: Discussion on corrosion resistance and warranty.2:41 - 3:19: New build projects and product applications.3:19 - 3:52: Installation time and product scalability.3:52 - 4:21: Installation details and product components.4:21 - 5:07: Product flexibility and consumer benefits.5:07 - 5:58: Product features and AI integration.5:58 - 6:27: Integration with smart home systems.6:27 - 7:13: Industry insights and product positioning.7:13 - 8:14: Discussion on product affordability and quality.8:14 - 9:16: Market trends and product reliability.9:16 - 10:14: Warranty and company credibility.10:14 - 11:07: Product investment and consumer advice.11:07 - 12:09: Manufacturer support and installer importance.12:09 - 13:16: Closing remarks and episode wrap-up.📍 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 #AnkerSolix #Longi #BatteryStorage

Season 2 - EP2 – LONGi Hi-MO X10: Why You’ll Be Fitting These Next

🎙️ Welcome to Only Panels – Solar Installer Chats, the podcast for solar PV professionals and enthusiasts. In this episode, Michael and Dan sit down with Sarah Wallace from LONGi Solar to break down the latest panel tech, industry shakeups, and why back-contact panels are changing the game. In this episode: 🔹 The April 1st Price Hike: What the removal of the Chinese VAT subsidy means for module costs and your upcoming installs.🔹 Inside the Hi-MO X10: Exploring HPBC (back-contact) tech, the "TV screen" black aesthetic, and why losing the front busbars is a game-changer.🔹 The "North Roof" Strategy: Using north-facing arrays to maximize low-light performance and winter generation.🔹 Death by Panel: Surviving LONGi's extreme R&D testing (6,000 Pa pressure and ice ball strikes!) and unpacking their 30-30 warranty.🔹 Installer PSA: Why you should never drill into panel frames for bird protection. 📍 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/@OnlyPanelsPodcast [https://youtube.com/@OnlyPanelsPodcast] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/onlypanels [https://open.spotify.com/show/onlypanels] LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/onlypanels [https://linkedin.com/company/onlypanels] TikTok & Instagram: @onlypanels #Solar #SolarInstallers #OnlyPanelsPodcast #Renewables #SolarPV #LONGi #HiMOX10 #HPBC

Season 2 EP1 – Save the Date 23rd April - Roof Ripping, G99s, and Giving Back to the Industry

Season 2 is officially LIVE! First off, a massive thank you to everyone who tuned into Season 1. Honestly, the number of views and listens we had was overwhelming. We started this to help the industry, and seeing how many of you got stuck in was the best motivation to get back behind the mics. In this kickoff episode, we aren't hanging about. We’re diving straight into the "why" behind the new Hands-On Installer Training Day happening on April 23rd. We know the accredited courses often leave you hanging when it comes to the actual graft. That’s why we’ve teamed up—myself, Mike, Ollie (Zinc Electrical), Sam (Oval Renewables), and the legend that is Mark Allison (Apprentice 1-to-1)—to get people on actual roofs. No fluff, just real-world mounting, clamping zones, and navigating the nightmare that can be the ENA portal. What we cover in this one: * Where we’ve been (including some jet-setting to China). * Why "sandwiches and solar" is the training combo you didn't know you needed. * Getting hands-on with tile, slate, and Rosemary roofs. * Mastering G98/G99 applications and SolarEdge design tools. * A sneak peek at what’s coming this season (Longi Solar and the new Sigenergy Neo). Whether you’re a sparky looking to get onto the roof for the first time or a seasoned installer wanting to sharpen your tech game, we’re here to help you succeed. Join us every Wednesday at 7 PM. Links & Resources: * Book Your Training Place (April 23rd): a121.co.uk * Follow us on Instagram: @OnlyPanels * Check out Mark Allison: @Apprentice121 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review—it really does help the channel grow.Season 2 is officially LIVE! First off, a massive thank you to everyone who tuned into Season 1. Honestly, the number of views and listens we had was overwhelming. We started this to help the industry, and seeing how many of you got stuck in was the best motivation to get back behind the mics. In this kickoff episode, we aren't hanging about. We’re diving straight into the "why" behind the new Hands-On Installer Training Day happening on April 23rd. We know the accredited courses often leave you hanging when it comes to the actual graft. That’s why we’ve teamed up—myself, Mike, Ollie (Zinc Electrical), Sam (Oval Renewables), and the legend that is Mark Allison (Apprentice 1-to-1)—to get people on actual roofs. No fluff, just real-world mounting, clamping zones, and navigating the nightmare that can be the ENA portal. What we cover in this one: * Where we’ve been (including some jet-setting to China). * Why "sandwiches and solar" is the training combo you didn't know you needed. * Getting hands-on with tile, slate, and Rosemary roofs. * Mastering G98/G99 applications and SolarEdge design tools. * A sneak peek at what’s coming this season (Longi Solar and the new Sigenergy Neo). Whether you’re a sparky looking to get onto the roof for the first time or a seasoned installer wanting to sharpen your tech game, we’re here to help you succeed. Join us every Wednesday at 7 PM. Links & Resources: * Book Your Training Place (April 23rd): a121.co.uk * Follow us on Instagram: @OnlyPanels * Check out Mark Allison: @Apprentice121 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave us a review—it really does help the channel grow.

EP16 – Apprentice 121: Opening the Training Centre of the Future (with Mark Allison)

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.