Hi everyone,
 
How should you heat your home? Reverse cycle air conditioners heat homes at a much lower cost than gas - and especially if you have solar panels. Find out more here.
 
Victorian solar households considering installing a home battery can take advantage of a Victorian Government subsidy of up to $4,174 currently. But a reduction is on the horizon. 
 
On a related note, if you're considering retrofitting a battery or installing a solar + storage system, try my solar and battery calculator. As well as payback estimates, the calculator will show you how savings are affected by a battery and solar panels separately.
 
And in case you missed it the last couple of weeks, check out SolarQuotes TV episode 7 - Rise Of The Home Battery. Is the battery age finally here? There's a lot of interesting stuff in this episode!
 
More 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

Air Conditioners Will Heat Your Home Cheaper Than Gas. Here’s Why.
The best way to heat your home is with a reverse cycle air conditioner. This is true whether your goal is to save money or save the planet. In this article, I’ll explain no matter how crap your air conditioner is, you’re likely to be financially better off using it for heat instead of gas.
 
Even more news below!

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

Victorian Solar Homes Program Update
A solar battery rebate reduction is on the horizon and a ban on door-to-door sales (finally) kicks in very soon for the Victorian Solar Homes Program.
 
Nillumbik Shire Rolls Out More Solar And EV Chargers 
Victoria’s Nillumbik Shire Council has another two significant rooftop solar power systems up and running – including what it says is the largest installation in the local government area.
 
Trina Solar Panels Back In Regulator’s SPV Good Books
Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator says it is satisfied with Trina Solar’s fixes relating to its participation in the Solar Panel Validation (SPV) initiative.
 
Community Solar And Battery Storage Bonanza In Victoria
More solar power and battery storage capacity is to be rolled out in Victoria under several programs focusing on neighbourhoods and public buildings.
 
APPEA Spruiking Carbon Capture And Storage (Again)
APPEA says if the world can fast-track and scale up carbon capture and storage (CCS) development, it will lead to net zero emissions faster. Of course it would (say that).
 
Daqo Doing Well From High Polysilicon Prices
While polysilicon giant Daqo New Energy sold a little less in the second quarter, its revenue jumped 72% due to high polysilicon prices.
 
CSIRO Shooting For Net Zero Emissions By 2030
CSIRO aims to be an exemplar of sustainable practices in line with its scientific research focus – and with that in mind has mapped a path to achieve net zero by 2030.
 
BHP Boosts Offtake From Merredin Solar Farm
A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) between Risen Energy and BHP has been expanded for BHP’s Nickel West operations.
 
Solar Power’s Role In Bendigo’s New Climate Plan
Greater Bendigo City Council yesterday released its draft Climate Change and Environment Strategy 2021-2026 for community comment.
  
Read more from the blog

SOLAR TOOLS & REVIEWS

There's a bunch of hardware and installer reviews along with handy and easy to use tools and calculators on SolarQuotes. Find them by clicking here.

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, battery 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 | Batteries | Installers 
 
Pick up some tips on writing a review.

"101" GUIDES

Understanding Solar
This runs through the basics of residential solar energy and the components that make up the system. It demystifies the magic that turns sunlight into clean power for your home that can save you a bundle of cash on your electricity bills, and clearly explains some important concepts you should understand.
 
Buying Solar
My original guide, updated for 2021 that also includes a printable and video version. Now you have a basic understanding of all the bits that make up a solar power system and how they work to generate electricity, it’s time to think about getting quotes. After reading this, you’ll be able to communicate effectively with a salesperson and be confident you’re paying the right amount of money for a properly-sized system with the right components  – and from the right installer.
 
Owning Solar
The panels are now on your rooftop and the installers have packed up and left. What should you do now and how can you make the most of the new valuable addition to your home? From checking the installation to maximising electricity bill savings, find the answers here.