Hi everyone,
  
Australian households and businesses are particularly touchy about electricity prices given recent hikes - and who could blame them? So, you can imagine what happened last week when modelling from an electricity retailer suggested a 35% power price increase next year - people started rushing again to get solar quotes. 
 
Many Australians are keen on getting a Tesla Powerwall battery either as part of a new solar installation, or to retrofit to an existing system. But Powerwall's price is a barrier to uptake. That barrier recently became harder to clear with yet *another* Powerwall price rise. 
 
Bear in mind Powerwall isn't the only battery system available in Australia - I list a bunch here. And if you're not familiar with home energy storage, check out my guides to understanding, buying and owning home batteries.
 
In other recent happenings on SQ, Ronald has busted a myth regarding solar panels heating the planet and Anthony has published a really interesting article celebrating Australian solar energy pioneers.
  
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 ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SQ VIEWS

Another Solar Myth Busted: No, Solar Panels Do Not Warm The Planet
Recently, I’ve noticed a number of solar myths coming back to haunt the comments section of this blog. Here’s the latest one: “Those black solar panels actually heat the planet by increasing the amount of energy the earth absorbs from the sun? Ha! You never thought of that did you!”
 
Revealed: The Pioneers Of Australian Solar Energy
This article celebrates some of the events and people who pioneered the modern solar energy revolution in Australia over the past 80 years. Without these pioneers, Australia would not be the world leader in residential solar that it is today.
 
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

ACT Renewable Energy Innovation Fund Round 3 Kicks Off
Innovation in Canberra’s renewable energy sector is to get another boost under the ACT Government’s Renewable Energy Innovation Fund.
 
Ramsay Health Care Reaches Solar Energy Milestone
The Australian operations of a global healthcare provider’s solar power efforts to date have led to an impressive milestone, but some confusion on units of measurement. 
 
NSW’s Waratah Super Battery Site Confirmed
It’s official – the site of the old Lake Munmorah Power Station on New South Wales’ Central Coast is to host the proposed Waratah Super Battery.
 
10th Anniversary For WA’s Greenough River Solar Farm
Australia’s first utility-scale solar PV project, Greenough River Solar Farm, has been operating for a decade.
 
Spruiking The Sunshine Coast Using Solar Power
The virtues of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast have been showcased in what’s claimed to be the world’s first solar powered ad.
 
Get Off Gas And Save: Climate Council
New Climate Council analysis indicates Australian households could save up to $1,900 a year by switching from gas to electric appliances.
 
Electricity Price Modelling Sparks (Another) Solar Rush
Just as some of the recent heat was coming out of the home solar and battery market, modelling from an electricity retailer has sent more Australians scrambling for solar quotes.
 
Clipsal Solar Shifts Focus, Exits PV Installation Game
After a relatively short stay on Australia’s home solar sales and installation scene, a high-profile name has decided to hang up its physical tools to focus on virtual ones.
 
MidCoast Council Cranking On Renewables
NSW’s MidCoast Council has signed a contract to power all its small water and sewer sites with 100 per cent renewable energy – and will save a bunch of bucks.
 
Tesla Powerwall Price In Australia Shifts Into Ludicrous Mode
The cost of a Tesla Powerwall home battery system has been out of reach for many Australian solar power system owners – and that looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.
  
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.

FINN'S "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 turning 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 2022 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.
 
Understanding Home Batteries
This chapter will provide you an understanding of solar batteries – and will help you determine if installing one is right for you. It covers topics such as how a home battery works, the different types of energy storage and how energy storage can save you money.
 
Buying Solar Batteries
My guide to buying solar battery storage provides useful advice on how to go about purchasing a good quality home battery system installation at a reasonable price – and how to identify some of the traps. By reading this, you’ll be better equipped to make a solid purchase decision.
 
Owning A Battery System
As the proud new owner of home energy storage, you’ll want to make the most of it. This chapter provides very useful information about owning a battery system and maximising the benefits it can provide.
 
EV Charging 101
This comprehensive guide covers pretty much everything you’ll need to know about EV charging at home and away from it; and all explained clearly.