CBC Beyond Business: An Inspiring Day with Australian Solar Pioneer Huon Hoogesteger — Sharing the Values. Making the Impact. Changing the World Together. #TogetherWeAreStronger

Working for more than 20 years in our solar and CleanTech industry has taught me one fundamental truth: the true pioneers who joined this movement in its early days didn’t do it just to make money—they did it to make an impact. They were guided by resilience, values, and vision, and that is exactly what I experienced during a full day with one of Australia’s most authentic CleanTech leaders: Huon Hoogesteger, Founder of Smart Commercial Solar.

This unforgettable day started in Huon’s company headquarters, continued at his hand-built off-grid home in the bush, and ended with a heartwarming dinner in front of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Every moment reinforced what CBC stands for: the union of meaning, business, family, and global purpose.

Culture Rooted in Values

Stepping into the Smart Commercial Solar office felt less like visiting a company and more like joining a family. The warm energy, Employee of the Month recognition, and collaborative dynamic instantly reminded me of our CBC partners at Advait Group in India.

While Australia and India might seem worlds apart, it was moving to see how shared values and a genuine mission naturally shape companies in similar ways—regardless of continent or culture.

His wife Kathryn plays a key leadership role—bringing stability, trust, and heart into the business. I was also pleased to see so many women working in meaningful roles, reflecting the values of our CBC Empowering Women Initiative.

Huon also unveiled an exciting upcoming innovation: a one-stop solar kiosk powered by AI, enabling users to choose a solar, battery storage or EV charging system in minutes, including ROI calculations and financing options. It’s a game-changer that will make solar more accessible, transparent, and impactful for every Australian.

The Off-Grid Life: A Manifesto of Purpose

Even more inspiring than the office tour was our journey into the bush to visit Huon’s off-grid home, built entirely by his own hands. It’s a home filled with love, vision, and self-reliance—powered by a 40 kWh solar system with battery storage, surrounded by kangaroos, black swans, and even sacred Aboriginal carvings in nearby caves.

Each part of the house was added gradually as his four children were born, and today, he’s finishing a solar-powered sauna and jacuzzi—a symbol of sustainability meeting serenity.

Driving through the rugged terrain in a jeep, talking life, purpose, and nature, I was reminded of the timeless joy of childhood, before smartphones—watching his kids play freely in nature, grounded in reality, imagination, and joy. It reminded me of the family values we cherish in places like Poland or China—respect, roots, and connectedness.

🎥 Experience the Warmth of Family Values in Action

Conversations That Matter

As we sat on the hill overlooking the landscape, our conversation naturally flowed toward the philosophy of life and business. Huon shared his belief that success isn’t about endless growth or chasing money—it’s about building a sustainably growing business with a human face, while supporting Australia’s clean energy transition.

We talked about the roadblocks we all face—COVID-19 being a recent shared experience—and how positive spirit, community, and belief in the mission are what keep us moving forward.

These are exactly the values that define our CBC lifestyle: business infused with meaning, purpose, joy, and #TogetherWeAreStronger DNA. It's about creating impact through human-to-human (H2H) connections that reach across cultures and continents.

Reflections at 6HEAD

We concluded this special day with an inspiring dinner at 6HEAD, a heritage-listed restaurant housed in the restored 1830s Campbell’s Stores, overlooking Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. The name “6HEAD” refers to the first six head of cattle brought to Australia in 1788—a fitting symbol of new beginnings, resilience, and vision.

Somehow, it felt like the perfect place to reflect on the journey of a man who is helping write Australia’s clean energy future.

Huon Hoogesteger: A Purpose-Driven Leader

More than a solar expert, Huon is a visionary changemaker. Since founding Smart Commercial Solar in 2012, he has transformed Australia’s commercial solar landscape, working with major brands like Bunnings Warehouse and KFC, and pioneering Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

“Australia is probably the most energy-abundant country in the world. We've got energy everywhere. We just haven’t tapped it.”– Huon Hoogesteger, Energy Next 2023

Huon lives what he preaches—his off-grid lifestyle reflects a deep commitment to energy independence, sustainability, and a better future. As a speaker, he bridges technical depth with human insight, challenging audiences to not just adapt to the future—but to co-create it.

Industry Recognition

• 🏅 Finder Green Innovation of the Year (2022)

• 🏅 Clean Energy Council Design Award (2019)

• 🏅 Australian Innovation Challenge (2019)

• 🏅 Anthill Smart 100 (2018)

A Look Back: 7 Years of Passion

Let me take you back to seven years ago, when we recorded a TV Talk with Huon at the SolarJuice booth during All-Energy Australia in Melbourne.

Time flies—but our passion, and shared mission have only grown deeper with experience and the increasing urgency to protect our planet.

🙏 Special Thanks

A heartfelt thank you to our CBC Chair for Australia, Rami Fedda, Co-Founder of SolarJuice for introducing me to Huon. After this day, it’s easy to see why they collaborate so closely. They are like-minded visionaries on a shared journey toward a more sustainable world.

A Day That Recharged the Soul

As I left Sydney that night, I felt truly recharged, inspired, and blessed. It's rare to meet someone whose life so fully embodies the ideals they advocate. Huon’s story is proof that CleanTech is not just an industry—it’s a lifestyle, a purpose, and a legacy.

I’m deeply looking forward to working together to further amplify our impact—not only in Australia, but around the world.

Because, as we always say in CBC: #TogetherWeAreStronger. 💚

Tomasz, Founder & Vision Streamliner at the CleanTech Business Club