How Brighte and Katherine McConnell are Making Renewable Energy Affordable for Australians
In this insightful podcast, Katherine McConnell, CEO of Brighte, shares her journey from the early days of renewable financing to running a multi-billion dollar company that supports Australia’s shift towards solar and battery-powered homes. Katherine discusses how Brighte provides accessible financing options at the point of sale, making solar energy upgrades affordable for households, businesses, and even renters across Australia.
Solar Financing with Brighte
Katherine started Brighte to address the challenges solar retailers faced in offering financing. Big banks often found solar financing at the point of sale risky, which created barriers for small-scale solar retailers. Recognising this gap, Katherine launched Brighte to help solar companies increase their sales by providing zero-deposit, flexible financing options that align with a customer’s monthly savings on energy bills. By allowing customers to finance their solar systems and battery storage, Brighte makes renewable energy adoption feasible and appealing to more Australians.
The Value of Home Battery Storage
As Katherine explains, adding a home battery is now essential for customers looking to make the most of their solar systems. With electricity costs rising and feed-in tariffs dropping, home batteries allow households to store excess energy for use during peak times, reducing their reliance on the grid. Katherine points out that battery storage not only reduces monthly bills but also boosts property values, making this technology increasingly attractive to homeowners and landlords alike.
EV Charging Solutions and Future Growth
Katherine also highlights Brighte’s role in the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Through partnerships and financing options, Brighte enables customers to power their EVs using solar energy, creating a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel. Katherine foresees significant expansion in this area as more Australians switch to EVs and require convenient, affordable home charging solutions.
“Using solar and battery storage, Brighte helps Australians reduce energy bills and align financing with their monthly savings.”
Supporting Solar Installers and Small Businesses
Brighte collaborates with over 2,600 retailers and installers, ensuring they have access to tools and training for selling high-value solar packages. Katherine mentions that Brighte’s comprehensive accreditation process is vital for building a trusted network of solar installers, enabling government programs to work effectively and allowing customers to feel secure in their renewable energy investments.
Advocating for Policy Change on the CEC Board
Katherine’s commitment to the renewable energy industry has led her to run for a position on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) board. She aims to bring her expertise in financing and her deep connections within the industry to advocate for policies that support both large-scale and household-level renewable initiatives. In particular, Katherine is focused on ensuring government incentives remain accessible and that renewable policies cater to diverse energy needs across Australia.
Government Partnerships for Renewable Expansion
Through initiatives like the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme and programs in Tasmania, Brighte works with local and state governments to facilitate loans for solar, batteries, and energy efficiency upgrades. Katherine notes that Brighte’s streamlined setup process helps governments deploy renewable incentives more rapidly, reaching households that might otherwise find solar systems and energy upgrades financially out of reach.
Driving Workforce Diversity in Solar and Energy Fields
Katherine acknowledges the industry’s need for more women in technical roles, such as battery installers and electricians, and Brighte’s scholarship initiatives in the ACT and Tasmania support women pursuing electrical trade qualifications. By promoting diverse career paths within the solar industry, Katherine believes Australia can meet the rising demand for renewable installations and ensure a more inclusive workforce.
Conclusion
Katherine McConnell’s vision for Brighte is to empower Australians to take control of their energy needs while providing essential support for the renewable sector. Her dedication to bridging the financing gap, fostering partnerships, and advocating for industry-wide policies positions Brighte as a central player in Australia’s clean energy future.
