Hi everyone,
 
The Clean Energy Council's Approved Solar Retailer Scheme could be about to enter a dangerous new phase. Murmurings from Victoria suggest soon only CEC Approved Solar Retailers may be able to install systems under the Solar Homes Package rebate scheme. I believe this would be disastrous for the solar industry and consumers. Here's why.
 
Not sure if your solar power system is performing as well as it should? A new easy-to-use free online tool from Solcast tells you how much energy you should have generated in the last week - learn more about it here.
 
Ever heard of Tongwei Solar? You wouldn't be Robinson Crusoe if you haven't. It turns out Tongwei is one of the world's largest producers of solar cells - Ronald checks them out.
 
In other news, the first 400 watt solar panel for the Australian residential market is now available from SunPower – the Maxeon 3.
 
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

Approved Solar Retailer Status Mandatory in Victoria? Disaster.
Murmurings from VIC suggest soon only CEC Approved Solar Retailers may be able to install systems under the Solar Homes Package rebate scheme.
 
Tongwei Solar: The Biggest Solar Company You’ve Never Heard Of
Tongwei Solar: one of the world's largest producers of solar cells. The only thing missing is a company song. So we wrote one for them.
 
SolarQuotes Vodcast Episode #7
Finn gets in trouble with the Police, we discuss why the CEC Approved Solar Retailer Scheme might be about to enter a dangerous new phase and more.
 
SolarQuotes Vodcast Episode #6
Join Ronald and I from the SolarQuotes office in Adelaide CBD where we discuss the previous week’s happenings on the blog.

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 Cash For Northern Territory Councils
The Northern Territory Government has announced a $2 million energy efficiency and sustainability grant funding pool for local government councils.
 
60 Million Tonnes Of Toxic Coal Ash At Lake Macquarie
Accumulation of coal ash and water discharge from New South Wales’ Eraring and Vales Point power stations is creating a toxic aquatic environment in Lake Macquarie states a new report.
  
More Solar Power For Port Stephens Council
Port Stephens Council has a shiny new solar power system that will provide a very rapid payback and slash the building’s electricity related emissions.
 
SunPower Announces 400W Solar Panel Availability In Australia
The first 400 watt solar panel for the Australian residential market is now available from SunPower – the Maxeon 3.
 
Check Your Solar Is Working Properly – With This Simple & Accurate New Tool
Unsure if your solar power system is performing as well as it should? This simple tool tells you how much energy you should have generated in the last week.
 
Noosa Council To Crank Up Its Solar Capacity (Again)
In another step towards its goal of carbon neutrality by 2026, Noosa Council is installing more solar power – this time expanding the installation on its Tewantin Administration Building.
 
Hanwha Q Cells Claims Patent Infringement By Jinko, Longi And REC
In a fight between Hanwha Q Cells and JinkoSolar, Longi Solar and REC Group, who would win? We’re going to find out.
 
Solar And Battery Upgrade For Mount Frankland Communications Tower
After 20 years of service in what were probably at times pretty harsh conditions, the solar panels and batteries at Western Power’s communications tower at Mount Frankland needed replacing . It wasn’t an easy task.
 
Esperance Farms To Go Off-Grid With Solar + Storage And Generators
Fourteen remote farms in Western Australia’s Esperance region will soon be ditching electricity supplied via conventional powerlines for solar energy based micro power systems (MPS) from Horizon Power.
 
Queensland’s Government Kicks Off Solar For Rentals Rebate Trial
A huge number of Australian households who are renters are locked out of solar power savings. A new initiative from the Queensland Government is trialling a way to help address this – but there are a few catches.
  
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.