Short Circuit EP3 - 10% of These Manufacturers Won't Be Here Next Year with Mark Hale

"I walk around Solar & Storage, I will guarantee 10% of these manufacturers won't be here this next year." Mark Hale, Managing Director of AlphaESS, joins Sarah Wallace and Phoebe Cho from LONGi on the LONGi stand at Solar & Storage Live 2026, NEC Birmingham. Sarah warns that there are a lot of products that go boom and bust, and that a big brand went under this year. Mark says they've seen two manufacturers go this year. He explains why some brands pull out of the market and what to check before you commit: on-site support, warranties, references and customer reviews. Don't get lured in by social media hype. The manufacturers will also put you in touch with a competent installer in your area. His verdict: if you see something cheaper from an unknown brand and an unknown installer, ask yourself why. ⚡ Short Circuit #3: one topic, no resistance. A short episode from the Only Panels Podcast, out every Sunday at 6pm. In this episode: • Phoebe: renewables are getting easier to buy into • Products that boom and bust • "10% of these manufacturers won't be here" • How to do your due diligence • Ask the manufacturer to recommend an installer • Cheaper? Ask yourself why Chapters 0:00 Cold open 0:18 Meet Mark Hale (AlphaESS) and Phoebe Cho (LONGi) 0:31 Phoebe: solar's getting easier to buy into 0:52 Products that boom and bust 1:55 "10% of these manufacturers won't be here" 2:54 How to do your due diligence 3:33 Ask the manufacturer for an installer 4:28 The verdict: cheaper? Ask yourself why Guest: Mark Hale, Managing Director, AlphaESS Hosts: Sarah Wallace & Phoebe Cho, LONGi Recorded on the LONGi stand at Solar & Storage Live 2026, NEC Birmingham. Subscribe for more from the Only Panels Podcast with Michael Stott & Dan Holliday. Show supporters: LONGi · A121 Training · AlphaESS #solar #batterystorage #homebattery #solarinstaller #UKSolar #AlphaESS #LONGi #SolarAndStorageLive #OnlyPanels Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8Be9ydCufVM