Hi everyone,
 
When buying solar panels in Australia, which brands can you trust? Discover the top 3 brands for 2021, both high-end and budget, based on votes from installers in the SolarQuotes network.
 
Dynamic, or flexible, solar exports have stirred up a lot of discussion. Find out why I think this is the future for Australia (and the world), and why it's a good thing.
 
And now to something that definitely isn't - taxes on electric vehicles. Victoria's planned "ZLEV Road-User Charge" has been called the worst EV policy in the world.
 
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

Best Solar Panels In Australia? Top Brands Chosen By Installers In 2021
Since I started writing about solar energy in 2009, one of the most common questions put to me is: “Finn, what are the best solar panels?”
 
Dynamic Solar Exports Are The Future – And A Good Thing
I believe dynamic (aka flexible) solar exports are the future for home solar power in Australia – and around the world. Here's why.

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

Tasmanian Liberals Pledge Cash For Solar Schools
Not to be outdone by Tasmanian Labor, the Tasmanian Liberals have committed to investing in solar power systems for all government schools in the state.
 
Mildura Council Eyes More Solar – And Virtual Energy Network
Mildura Rural City Council’s Draft Towards Zero Emissions Strategy was released on Friday, outlining its approach to achieving zero net carbon emissions by no later than 2050. 
 
Geelong’s Energy Future – Without Gas
Geelong’s energy future was discussed at a sold-out event last week, convened in response to plans for more gas infrastructure in the city.
 
Strathbogie Shire Votes For Climate Emergency Declaration
Victoria’s Strathbogie Shire Council endorsed a Notice of Motion to declare a climate emergency at its meeting last Tuesday.
 
Victoria’s Electric Car Tax “Worst EV Policy in the World”
Dozens of companies and organisations have put their names to an open letter to Victorian Parliament encouraging a vote against an electric vehicle tax in the state.
 
IEA: Big Emissions Jump In 2021, Courtesy Of Coal Power
The economic recovery from COVID is currently anything but sustainable says the International Energy Agency, as it is being driven in part by a resurgence in coal power.
 
Deakin Renewable Energy Microgrid Officially Opened
The $23 million Deakin Renewable Energy Microgrid at Deakin University’s Geelong Waurn Ponds campus was officially opened last week.
 
Powershop Pinged For Alleged Solar Discrimination
Meridian Energy subsidiary Powershop has coughed up $300,000 in penalties for allegedly discriminating against Victorian solar households under its Kogan Energy brand..
  
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

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.
 
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.
 
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.