Solar&StorageXtra: The Podcast
Welcome to the Solar&StorageXtra podcast! ☀️ Join us as we explore the world of solar and energy storage with industry leaders driving the transition to a greener future. Each episode brings you the latest news, expert insights, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on the technology and trends shaping energy today. Whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier, installer, or part of the commercial, industrial, or utility sector, this podcast is for you. Brought to you by Solar&StorageXtra, part of Solar & Storage Live - a global marketplace for solar and storage solutions. Tune in now! For podcast, editorial, thought leadership and commercial opportunities, get in touch with the Solar&StorageXtra team: catie.owen@terrapinn.com
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Episodes
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Where are developers going wrong in their solar contracts?
In this episode of Solar&StorageXtra’s podcast, guest host Ken Davies speaks with Rhiannon Morgan-Williams, Partner at Ashfords LLP and a leading legal expert in renewable energy development.
With over a decade of experience advising developers and funders in solar and battery projects, Rhiannon shares her insider perspective on the evolving legal landscape around landowner agreements, option contracts, and the complexities developers face - from initial negotiation to grid connection.
From contract tips to agrivoltaics insights, this episode is essential listening for developers, landowners, and legal professionals in clean energy.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction by Ken Davies
02:15 - How legal processes have evolved in renewables
06:32 - What's driving contractual tensions with landowners
10:40 - Option agreements: trends in duration and terms
15:30 - Common developer mistakes and how to avoid them
21:10 - Grid connectivity delays and legal impacts
Credits:
Guest host: Ken Davies
Guest: Rhiannon Morgan-Williams, Partner at Ashfords LLP
Producer: Catie Owen, Editor of Solar&StorageXtra
Marketing: Katie Devaney, Marketing Director for Solar & Storage Live Europe
This podcast is a Terrapinn production. Discover the latest solar and storage news at solarstoragextra.com
For podcast, editorial, thought leadership and commercial opportunities, get in touch with the Solar&StorageXtra team: catie.owen@terrapinn.com
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Is Ireland’s rapid solar growth sustainable?
In our second episode, guest host Ken Davies sits down with Conall Bolger, CEO of the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA), to unpack the rapid growth of solar in Ireland.
With the country’s solar capacity growing by 43% between 2023 and 2024 and a national target of 8 GW by 2030, it’s a pivotal moment for the sector.
Conall shares how ISEA has driven policy change, navigates the opportunities and obstacles facing the Irish market, and explores innovative approaches like agri-PV and hybrid energy solutions.
The conversation also tackles grid constraints, the role of auctions, and how Ireland balances land use concerns with its clean energy ambitions.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction by Ken Davies
02:10 - What’s behind Ireland’s solar boom
05:45 - ISEA’s recent policy successes
09:30 – Ireland’s grid constraints and solutions
13:00 - Balancing agri-PV and land use
16:40 - The role of auctions and their impact on market growth
20:25 - Hybrid & co-location projects.
24:00 - What’s next for the Irish solar sector
Credits:
Guest host: Ken Davies
Guest: Conall Bolger, CEO of the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA)
Producer: Catie Owen, Editor of Solar&StorageXtra
Marketing: Katie Devaney, Marketing Director for Solar & Storage Live Europe
This podcast is a Terrapinn production. Discover the latest solar and storage news at solarstoragextra.com
For podcast, editorial, thought leadership and commercial opportunities, get in touch with the Solar&StorageXtra team: catie.owen@terrapinn.com
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Can the UK hit 60GW of solar by 2030?
In our first-ever episode, guest host Ken Davies, a chemical engineer with extensive industrial experience, speaks with Gemma Grimes, Director of Policy and Delivery at Solar Energy UK.
Together, they explore the UK’s bold clean energy targets, policy shifts, and the real-world challenges of scaling solar to 60GW by 2030 - and potentially 90GW by 2035.
Gemma unpacks the economic value of solar, key infrastructure hurdles, and why skills development is critical to reaching net zero. She also tackles land-use misconceptions, rooftop solar potential, and how future standards could drive (or hinder) adoption.
Key Topics & Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction by Ken Davies
02:30 – Solar deployment milestones & 2030 targets
04:45 – Political support & policy direction
07:00 – Economic benefits & job creation
11:40 – Grid infrastructure & planning challenges
16:00 – Skills gap and talent development
22:00 – Land-use myths & public perceptions
24:30 – Future Homes Standards & Policy Outlook
25:30 – Optimism for solar's future in the UK
Credits:
Guest host: Ken Davies
Guest: Gemma Grimes, Director of Policy and Delivery at Solar Energy UK
Producer: Catie Owen, Editor of Solar&StorageXtra
Marketing: Katie Devaney, Marketing Director for Solar & Storage Live Europe
This podcast is a Terrapinn production. Discover the latest solar and storage news at solarstoragextra.com
For podcast, editorial, thought leadership and commercial opportunities, get in touch with the Solar&StorageXtra team: catie.owen@terrapinn.com