Hi everyone,
 
The ABC's Leigh Sales promised to reveal "the dark side of Australia's solar obsession" last night.  So, is the solar industry full of shonks like the ABC implied? Should you be worried? Here's what was fair and what wasn't in 7.30's lead story.
  
While on the topic of quality, Ronald has previously mentioned how the New Energy Tech Consumer Code was seeking submissions and given its current state it could definitely do with some, so he prepared his own - you can check it out here.
 
In solar hardware news, REC Group recently unveiled its much-hyped Alpha Series solar panels, boasting what the company says are "beast levels of power".
 
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

ABC 7:30 Report On Shonky Solar: Fair Comment Or Beat-up?
Is the solar industry full of shonks like the ABC implied? Should you be worried?
 
The New Energy Tech Consumer Code — I Submit!
Previously, Ronald wrote about how the New Energy Tech Consumer Code was seeking submissions. Given its current state he said it could definitely do with some, so he's lodged his own.
 
SolarQuotes Vodcast Episode 17 – Bureaucracy, Batteries And Beans
We cover the outcome of the recent election, solar rebates in Victoria, REC’s new solar panels, Ronald’s New Energy Tech Consumer Code submission, beans and more.

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

$545 million For Solar Homes Package In Victorian Budget 2019/20
The Victorian Budget 2019/20 sees $545 million allocated towards rolling out the next phase of the state’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes Package, which for solar power system subsidies restarts in July. 
 
ACT Feed-in Tariff Audit Could End With More Customer Refunds
We assume ACT solar installers already know that Evoenergy has had data problems, but we thought we’d take a look at what’s going on in case solar feed-in tariff schemes run into issues anywhere else.
 
Angus Taylor – Minister For Lowering Electricity Prices *And* Emissions
Angus Taylor, the “Minister for Lowering Electricity Prices” is now also the minister for getting emissions down, or doing stuff that appears to achieve that. 
 
Solar Powering Huggies Production Plant
Kimberly-Clark has flipped the switch on huge rooftop solar power system that will generate equivalent to 15% of the electricity used by its Huggies diaper (nappy) and baby wipe factory in 
 
Solar Power For Orange Regional Airport
Orange Regional Airport’s new solar power system won’t be a particularly big ‘un, but every panel and every clean kilowatt-hour counts.
 
Solar Energy Key To Achieving Electricity Access For All
The world is falling short of meeting UN global energy targets states a new report, but solar power can play a bigger role in helping it get there.
 
REC Unveils Alpha Series Solar Panels – Up To 380 Watts
Last week REC Group unveiled its much-hyped Alpha Series solar panels, which the company says includes the highest power 60-cell module in the world.
 
Victorian Solar Rebates For Many Who Jumped The Gun
Otherwise eligible households in Victoria that installed solar power systems during the first phase of the Solar Homes Package but didn’t follow the correct process will still get their rebate.
 
More Solar Power For Finland’s Helsinki Airport
Finland may have long, dark winters, but it still pays to make use of sunlight for generating electricity says Finavia, which maintains and develops 21 airports around the country.
 
Walkout Thwarts City Of Hobart Climate Change Emergency Debate
A debate on whether City of Hobart (Council) would officially declare a “climate and biodiversity emergency” had to be abandoned after three councillors walked out.
  
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.