Smart Energy Answers’ Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Lanzetta, has been at the helm of the company since 2018.
He moved to Australia from Italy in 2011 after studying in Europe, earning degrees in computer engineering and a master’s degree in electronic and management engineering.
Daniel built on his technical knowledge by developing practical expertise through seven years of experience in the Australian solar power industry before accepting his leadership role at Smart Energy Answers.
Daniel’s hands-on approach to leadership and passion for accelerating the uptake of renewable energy sees him directing business development while overseeing sales and marketing, products, and partnerships.
He took the time to share insights into the state of Australia’s solar energy industry, adaptability, accountability, inspiration, passion, people power, and what it takes to spark a renewable energy revolution.
Having steered the company through one of the more unpredictable and economically challenging periods in recent memory, Daniel highlights the need for adaptability and resilience through adversity.
“The last two years have been worth ten years, in terms of experience,” he commented.
“With the constant new rules and restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdowns, and the rain this past summer, there have been plenty of challenges.”
“When you are making decisions with the welfare of 35 to 45 staff in mind, it is important to be measured, remain flexible, and constantly strategise.”
Smart Energy Answers experienced a period of 250% growth through the latter half of 2018 and early 2020, which saw the expansion of operations in Victoria, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.
After moving the company headquarters to a new head office in December 2020 in Castle Hill, near the Norwest Business Hub, Daniel explained the need for consolidation throughout 2020 and 2021.
“The business has operated profitably throughout the entire pandemic period. However, we needed to pull back on some development opportunities and allow growth to plateau.”
“Now it is time to break the plateau.”
Image: Daniel with Sam and Brent from SolarEdge, and Tony from V&N, a commercial client.
The Smart Energy Answers team successfully transitioned to temporary working-from-home arrangements throughout the 2021 lockdown period.
However, Daniel explains that while working from home has advantages, the social side and culture of being in the office are completely different.
“Improving efficiency has been a primary focus,” Daniel explains.
“We have consolidated processes and automated many aspects of the business, including over 250 workflows in HubSpot.”
“We have implemented a new ticketing system, built a new website, and ensured compliance with all quality and safety regulations.”
“Another big achievement that we are proud of is earning the ProductReview.com.au Solar Installer Award for three years running in 2020, 2021, and again in 2022.”
The ProductReview.com.au awards are based on unbiased consumer reviews and independently recognise companies that consistently strive for customer satisfaction and act as benchmarks in their industries.
Image: Daniel with Andy and Deb from The Block.
When it comes to setting the standard for developing new technologies and accelerating the uptake of renewable energy solutions on a global scale, Daniel acknowledges the significant contribution of Tesla and company founder Elon Musk.
“Elon Musk is the most inspiring individual in technology and renewable energy. He has been changing the world with his visionary thinking and breakthrough innovations,” says Daniel.
“I have been in partnership with Tesla since the launch of their Energy division in Australia and the roll-out of the first Powerwall installations worldwide in 2017. I had the pleasure of meeting Elon at the launch of the Powerwall 2 in Hollywood, United States, in 2017.”
“We share the same mission of accelerating the transition to 100% sustainable energy, and it was inspirational to take part in a tour organised by Tesla to visit their Gigafactory in Nevada and their automotive plant in San Francisco.”
To live out Smart Energy Answers’ mission of empowering families, communities, and companies with clean energy from the sun, Daniel acknowledges that developing a strong company culture and onboarding the right talent is key.
“Finding bright recruits whose values align with our own and the company’s values is paramount,” says Daniel.
Young graduates with engineering backgrounds, along with those who have studied renewable energy, have made up a majority of the student intake at the Smart Energy Academy.
Some of these students have gone on to build careers working at Smart Energy Answers.
“The academy helps us identify and recruit the best candidates. We always reward merit and make a point to promote from within the company, providing our staff with a genuine career pathway.”
“We provide regular performance reviews with opportunities for talented individuals to rise through the ranks. The best installers can also be promoted to consultants and managers.”
“Whoever stays with the company grows with the company. We succeed together.”
Image: Daniel with some of the Smart Energy Answers team at the Sydney Head Office.
Innovation and education are core values at Smart Energy Answers, helping guide the company’s direction and the new projects we undertake.
“The uptake of energy storage on a much larger scale will be the biggest change we see in the renewables sector in the coming years,” Daniel says.
“Customers need to be educated on the benefits and risks. We are exploring new models such as Virtual Power Plants, or VPPs, where users are considered assets to the grid, rather than just customers.”
The transition to a renewable energy economy is already well underway.
As Daniel notes, within four years, 50% of the cars we see on the road could be electric.
“Add an electric vehicle to your household and your power consumption can double or more. This is why, for homeowners thinking long term, fitting a solar system and battery storage is a no-brainer.”
“Being smart is looking at the big picture. Fit a solar storage system and your home becomes your personal power station, providing EV charging, powering pool heating, air conditioning, and more.”
With the future of solar power in Australia looking brighter than ever, Daniel confirms that there is no place he would rather be.
“Renewable energy is changing the world. I have found my passion and purpose in life. To me, it is not just a job. It is what I do.”
“Having built a team of passionate professionals here at Smart Energy Answers who are making a difference, that is what I am extremely proud of.”
