🎙️ 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

⏱️ 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.

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