Hi everyone,
 
It was announced at Elon Musk’s Battery Day in September that Tesla would cut the cost of batteries in half by 2025. But the company has recently boosted the price of Powerwall by $800. What gives? Find out more.
 
In other news, the Australian Energy Market Commission's (AEMC's) draft determination on proposed National Electricity Rule changes impacting rooftop solar and other distributed energy resources will be delayed.
 
While on the topic of controversial charges, South Australia’s State Budget 2020-21 contained a nasty surprise for the state’s electric car owners and potential EV buyers.
 
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

Tesla Increases Powerwall Price Again - This Time By $800
Despite promising to reduce energy storage costs, Tesla keeps increasing the price of its Powerwall home battery.

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

Solar Panels, Hail Storms And STCs
Owners of solar power systems that were damaged by recent hail storms in south-east Queensland may not be able to claim the “solar rebate” again on replaced solar panels says the Clean Energy Regulator.
 
Health Coalition Calls For Greater Commitment To Climate Change Action
Imagine if climate change was addressed with the same energy, urgency and resources as tackling COVID-19. That’s what a collective of Australian health care organisations want to see happen.
 
More Cash For NSW Health Solar Power Program
Thirty-seven health facilities have had solar panels installed under the $5.5 million NSW Health Solar Program – and there’s more cash and installations to come.
 
Rooftop Solar Export “Tax” Draft Determination Deferred
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) said on Thursday its draft determination on proposed National Electricity Rule (NER) changes impacting rooftop solar and other distributed energy resources will be delayed.
 
AustralianSuper Joins The Net-Zero Bandwagon
Superannuation fund AustralianSuper announced last week it has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions for its investment portfolio by 2050, stating that it was in members’ interests to do so.
 
Sandy Creek Solar Farm Development Application Lodged
BayWa r.e. is keen to build a solar farm near Wagga Wagga in the Riverina region of New South Wales, between the small town of Uranquinty and Kapooka Army Base.
 
SA’s Proposed Electric Vehicle Road Charge (Tax): Reactions
South Australia’s State Budget 2020-21 promised an ‘adrenalin hit’, but it also contained a hit the state’s electric car owners and potential EV buyers won’t appreciate.
 
Longi Signs On To EV100 And EP100
Already a member of the RE100, solar manufacturer Longi has now joined the Climate Group’s EV100 and EP100 initiatives.
 
Senator Sam McMahon Still Backing Nuclear Power For NT
Country Liberal Senator for the Northern Territory Dr. Sam McMahon has clarified her views on renewable energy, but remains steadfast in her support of nuclear power for the NT.
  
Read more from the blog

POPULAR SOLAR TOOLS

There's a bunch of handy and easy to use tools and calculators on SolarQuotes. You can find a selection of my most popular tools 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.

USEFUL SOLAR INFO

NEW! - Solar Battery Reviews
We've kicked off our new battery reviews section with more than 40 manufacturers listed where you can find more information on energy storage companies and read or submit reviews.
 
NEW! - Virtual Power Plant Comparison Table
Find out details of various Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs on offer in Australia with our regularly updated VPP comparison table. See which VPP might be best for your home or business.
 
NEW! Solar And Battery Calculator
Our  new solar calculator provides you a complete picture of the savings and payback for solar power in Australia - with or without batteries - and it's very simple to use.
 
Solar In Your Location
Our extensive database contains useful information and up-to-date statistics on solar energy for practically every town and suburb in Australia.
 
Compare Electricity Retailers: Solar Feed-In Tariffs & Energy Prices
An easy to use comparison tool enabling you to instantly see which electricity retailers would be cheapest for a typical solar power system owner in your postcode.

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