Hi everyone,

What are the best solar panels for Australian roofs in 2023? We asked our network of installers what solar panels they would put on their own homes. Check out the panel brands they voted for in the SolarQuotes 2023 Installers' Choice Awards.
 
From the rooftop to the road - Rob and Sally just drove from Sydney to Perth and back in an EV. What did they learn from driving 9,630 kilometres in an electric car? Find out here.

Over to inverters, and researchers in Switzerland have been keeping an eye on a bunch of old solar inverters and power optimizers to see how they are faring; with some interesting results.
 
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.
 
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SQ VIEWS

The Best Solar Panels In 2023: According To Aussie Installers
For three years now, we’ve asked our network of 500+ solar installers what brands of solar panels they’d choose to install on their own homes. The results are in for 2023.
 
What Rob & Sally Learned Driving A Tesla 9,630km Through The Outback
Rob and Sally needed a holiday, so they jumped in their EV and drove from Sydney to Perth – and back again. Here's what happened.
 
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

Solar Installer Drone Use: Flying In The Face Of Regulations?
Solar installers are increasingly using drones for inspections, portfolio shots and other activities. But some may not realise the sky has limits, or what all of them are as there have been recent changes.
 
$1.5 Million Solar Funding Boost For Cabonne Shire
New South Wales’ Cabonne Council can look forward to much cheaper electricity bills thanks to Resources for Regions funding.
 
South Australia’s EV Tax Officially Ditched
There wasn’t a great deal of fanfare, but legislation to repeal SA’s electric vehicle taxed passed the Upper House last week.
 
What’s The Life Expectancy Of A Solar Inverter?
Researchers in Switzerland have been keeping an eye on a bunch of old solar inverters and power optimizers to see how they are faring; with some interesting results.
 
New Renewables Deal Could Save Arnott’s Big Biccies
Australian biscuit maker The Arnott’s Group has inked a renewable energy deal with Stanwell Corporation for its factory in Brisbane. And it’s a biggie.
 
Clive’s Central Queensland Coal Project Scuttled
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has definitively dashed Clive Palmer’s dream of digging another dirty great hole in Queensland to extract dirty fuel.
 
Australian EV Adoption Speeding Up, But..
EV uptake may be accelerating, but Australia needs to push the pedal to the metal to meet emissions goals says the Electric Vehicle Council.
 
5B’s Fold-Out Solar To Help Power WA Lithium Mine
Rapidly deployable home-grown solar energy tech is to feature in a hybrid power station for a major lithium mining project in Western Australia.
 
NT’s Power And Water Rolling Out More Solar-Ready Smart Meters
Many Northern Territory residents will soon have snazzy new smart electricity meters appearing in their meter boxes.
  
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.