Hi everyone,
 
In this week's SolarQuotes vodcast, Ronald and I address the worrying development of the CEC Approved Solar Retailer Scheme (ASR) becoming effectively mandatory in Victoria.
 
In other news, AGL have launched a 'solar for renters' scheme called Offsite Solar. So, is it a good deal? Nope. Here's why.
 
Out in the middle of Australia are a bunch of solar panels from various manufacturers that have been undergoing performance testing for years - Which panels have performed best so far? Find out here.
 
On the topic of solar panels - ZNShine makes up a small but increasing portion of the solar panels being installed in Australia. Ronald takes a look at the company here.
 
Something a little different - a 30kW wall-mounted solar power system comprised of 105 solar panels was switched on at Australia’s Casey Research Station in Antarctica last week..
 
More on these stories and other news below!
 
Don't forget you can get 3 solar quotes from trusted solar installers at our website - and everyone can also stay in touch with what's happening on SQ via our Facebook page.
 
Regards,

SQ VIEWS

SolarQuotes Vodcast Episode 9: Approved Solar Retailer Edition
The Clean Energy Council's Approved Solar Retailer scheme effectively becoming mandatory in Victoria is a very worrying development - plus we also discuss some of last week's other solar news.
 
Off-Site Solar Scheme: Don’t Buy AGL’s Golden Handcuffs
AGL have launched a 'solar for renters' scheme. If you pay them $365, they will pay you about $80 per year for 7 years. Is it a good deal? No. Here's why...
  
Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre: Which Panels Are Winning In 2019?
Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre (DKASC) has been sun baking solar panels near Alice Springs for 10 years. Which panels appear to have performed best so far?
 
What The Hell Are ZNShine Solar Panels?
ZNShine solar panels are a low cost, Tier 1 solar panel mostly made in China. Discover more about the panels and company in this article.

THE GOOD SOLAR GUIDE - READ ONLINE FREE!

7 Steps To Tiny Bills For Australian Homeowners - An Amazon Best-Seller!

The Good Solar Guide, authored by SolarQuotes founder Finn Peacock, demystifies the solar buying process in Australia; showing you how many panels you need, which panel brands to buy, which to avoid, and how to find a great installer.

The seven-step process revealed in this book, developed over 10 years in the industry, walks you through understanding, evaluating, buying, installing and using solar to deliver on its promise of tiny electricity bills. Order the book (available in paperback or Kindle) or read the whole book online free! Yes, for free. Crazy eh?

SOLAR NEWS

Australia’s Solar Waste Problem "Underestimated"
Good quality solar panels will last decades. The problem is not all solar panels installed in Australia have been of good quality. 
 
Australia’s Pumped Hydro Prospects “Destroy” Wind And Solar Arguments
Research out of ANU indicates pumped hydro storage projects already on the board are “more than enough to back up the grid”. 
 
Applications For Synergy’s 2019 Community Solar Fund Close Soon
Community groups in Western Australia only have until Sunday, March 31 to lodge their applications for Synergy’s 2019 round of its Community Solar Fund. 
  
Geelong Council Heading For Half A Megawatt Of Solar Power
Installation of a couple of solar power systems this and next month will help take City of Greater Geelong (Council) over the 500kW total capacity mark. 
  
Solar To Help Power Gold Coast Seaway’s Sand Bypass System
A 100-kilowatt solar power system will soon be installed for the Sand Bypass System at The Spit on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
  
Proposed Baringhup Solar Farm Hits A Snag
Mount Alexander Shire Council will request the involvement of Victoria’s Minister for Planning in determining a planning permit application for the proposed Baringhup Solar Farm.
  
Greens Court Small Business With Energy Savings Policy
The Greens have launched a six- point plan the party says will assist small business in slashing power bills, improving energy efficiency and switching to clean energy.
  
Panasonic N330E HIT AC Solar Panel Availability Announced
Panasonic’s N330E HIT AC Series solar panel featuring the Enphase IQ 7X microinverter will be available to solar installers in late March – in the USA anyway.
  
Antarctica’s Casey Research Station Goes Solar
A 30kW wall-mounted solar power system comprised of 105 solar panels was switched on at Australia’s Casey Research Station in Antarctica yesterday.
  
Read more from the blog

FRESH IS BEST

If you're yet to get 3 obligation-free solar quotes from our network of trusted installers, or perhaps you didn't go ahead on a set of quotes issued previously for whatever reason and still want to install solar, now is a great time to submit for fresh quotes!

SUBMIT YOUR SOLAR REVIEW

If you're an Australian solar power system owner and would like to share a review of your solar panels, inverters or installer with other potential Australian PV buyers to assist them in a purchase decision, SolarQuotes is the place to do it!
 
Please note in the case of solar panel and inverter reviews, the equipment should have been installed for at least one year.
 
Submit a review: Panels | Inverters | Installers 
 
Pick up some tips on writing a review.

USEFUL SOLAR INFO

NEW! Solar Panel Comparison Table
Easily compare solar panels, specifications and their prices side-by-side in our new solar panel comparison table.
 
Solar Power Forecast Tool
We developed this handy tool in collaboration with WeatherZone to help you forecast your solar system's output up to 48 hours ahead. 

Important Mistakes To Avoid In Buying Solar 
Don't become a lost sheep in a field of wolves. Learn about the top 7 mistakes people make when buying solar power systems.



13 Questions To Ask A Solar Company
Before you sign on the dotted line, ensure you have satisfactory answers to these important questions.

Solar Battery Storage Explained
How to buy a solar system with battery storage. Do you need backup functionality or not? How much should you pay, and what batteries are safe and reliable?
 
Compare Solar Feed In Tariffs 
Make sure you are getting a good solar feed in tariff - try this easy to use comparison tool

Solar Battery Comparison Table
Discover battery prices and specifications of dozens of energy storage solutions with our solar battery storage comparison table.