When Jake Warner first climbed onto a roof to install a solar system back in 2015, he had no idea he’d go on to launch one of the most trusted names in clean energy. But as Founder and Managing Director of PSC Energy, formerly Penrith Solar Centre, that’s exactly what he’s done.
At the time, Warner wasn’t chasing recognition or trying to build a business empire. He was simply frustrated with the way things were done, especially when he knew he could do better.
“Over the years, I saw firsthand how fragmented and unreliable the solar industry had become: sales teams promising one thing, subcontractors delivering another – and no one sticking around after the install,” Warner tells The CEO Magazine.
“In 2016, I founded Penrith Solar Centre with a mission to change that. I wanted to build a company that controlled the full experience from education to installation to long-term support. That vision has grown into PSC Energy, and today we’re known as one of Australia’s most trusted names in clean energy.”
Becoming a national leader
From the very beginning, Warner made it clear that his business wouldn’t be just another solar installer. His vision was to build a company that delivered quality, accountability and trust – everything that was missing in the industry at the time.
“The solar industry was flooded with cheap systems, hard sales tactics and little aftercare,” he explains. “When I realized families were making huge financial and environmental decisions based on misinformation, I knew there had to be a better way.
“That’s when I committed to building a business rooted in education, transparency and quality. We’re not just selling solar. We’re helping Australians take ownership of their energy future.”
“We’re not just selling solar. We’re helping Australians take ownership of their energy future.”
With the right motivation driving them, the company grew. And as the company grew, so did its ambition. The rebrand to PSC Energy this year marked a pivotal moment, representing a stronger commitment to innovation.
“The rebrand was more than a name change for us,” he explains. “It marked our evolution from a local solar installer into a national leader in clean energy systems.
“We’ve expanded into batteries, energy monitoring and commercial systems. Now, we’re helping families produce, store and consume their own energy like never before. This transformation has allowed us to futureproof our business while amplifying our impact.”
Overcoming challenges
Transitioning from a solar installer to a long-term energy partner hasn’t been without its hurdles. The biggest challenge, Warner explains, was internal – changing the mindset of the business and the team.
“It took retraining our team, refining our customer journey and holding our ground when competitors undercut on price,” he points out.
“Today, our reputation speaks for itself.”
“But we overcame it by investing heavily in our people, our systems and our brand. We educated our customers on why quality and accountability matter.”
And the investment has paid off.
“Today, our reputation speaks for itself,” he says, with a smile. “We’ve had customers come back years after a conversation because they remembered how we made them feel – respected, informed and looked after. That’s when you know you’re doing something right.”
Driven by values
Warner is a strong believer that a company’s greatest competitive advantage comes from leading with values. And if he’s clear on one thing, it’s that shortcuts don’t build legacies.
“I don’t make decisions based on quick wins,” he says. “I think about how they’ll impact our team, customers and the planet ten years from now.
“I hire slowly, invest in training and lead with honesty – even when it’s hard. Our culture is built on doing the right thing, which isn’t always the easy thing.”
It’s this culture that has shaped PSC Energy into a force for good. The company employs and trains its own installation teams rather than outsourcing. It has also built an in-house training facility to upskill electricians and attract new talent to clean energy careers.
“We prioritize education over sales, helping customers make empowered decisions that reduce emissions and lower bills,” Warner explains.
“And through community events, sponsorships and industry advocacy, we’re doing our part to accelerate Australia’s transition to a more sustainable future. Our success is measured not just in revenue, but in impact.”
Energizing the community
Beyond the business, PSC Energy leads community information nights and partners with schools and local organizations to support energy literacy. The team has even contributed to national conversations around consumer protections and battery rebate programs.
“We regularly run community information nights to demystify solar and battery storage, giving everyday Australians a clear path to energy independence,” he reveals.
“Our mission extends beyond installs. For us, it’s about creating lasting change in the way people think about and use energy.”
“And we use our platform to advocate for better consumer protections and industry standards. We’ve even helped shape conversations around federal and state battery rebate programs.
“Our mission extends beyond installs. For us, it’s about creating lasting change in the way people think about and use energy.”
Charging ahead
Looking ahead, Warner sees a major shift on the horizon for the sector.
“The biggest opportunity is the integration of home energy management systems,” he says.
“As battery storage becomes more accessible and bidirectional vehicle charging enters the mainstream, households will play a much bigger role in Australia’s energy grid.
“The companies that succeed will be those who can deliver end-to-end solutions – smart, seamless and scalable. That’s exactly what we’re building at PSC Energy.”
At the end of the day, this isn’t just business for Warner. Becoming a father intensified his sense of purpose and made his mission deeply personal.
“I live by the principle of making decisions as if they’ll be featured in a highlight reel watched by my children in the future,” he emphasizes.
“It’s this perspective that propels me to ensure every action I make keeps me aligned with my quest to build the greatest solar company of all time. I will not stop until we are done.”
