Hi everyone,
 
Welcome to another issue of the Solar Quotes weekly newsletter - please feel free to forward it on to others.

As always, it's been an interesting week on the solar scene in Australia and overseas - check out the stories below. 
 
By the way, don't forget you can get 3 solar quotes from trusted solar installers at our website - and you can also stay in touch with what's happening on SQ via our Facebook page.
 
Regards,

SQ VIEWS

Black Solar Panels: Is Lower Efficiency Worth The Sexy?
Should you buy black solar panels? An all-black solar panel array on your roof can look very slick. But because black panels get hotter, this will impact on efficiency.
 
Want Hundreds Of Dollars Worth Of Cool Cash? Buy An Energy Efficient Fridge
Need a new fridge, but are befuddled by all those energy rating stars? Ignore the stars - it's the number underneath you should note to gauge energy efficiency.

SOLAR NEWS

Childers And Susan River Solar Farms Construction To Start Soon
Commencement of construction of Esco Pacific’s Childers And Susan River Solar Farms in Queensland isn’t far off, and other Esco large-scale PV projects are progressing.

More Solar Power For Geelong Community Buildings
Another City of Greater Geelong facility has gone solar – Leisurelink Aquatic Centre in Grovedale – with other buildings to have solar panels installed this year.
 
Small Scale Solar Steps Up To The Plate In Summer
The 546,000+ rooftop solar power systems installed in Victoria and South Australia made a valuable contribution towards keeping the lights on and air-conditioners pumping in both states during recent stinking hot days.

Australian Energy Efficiency Legislation Review Under Way
The Australian Federal Government has announced the immediate commencement of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act’s (GEMS Act) first review. 

SA Power Networks’ Bid To Increase Electricity Bills Defeated
Another attempt by SA Power Networks (SAPN) to bump up the cost of electricity distribution (and consequently power bills) in South Australia has been defeated in the Federal Court. 

Australia A Standout In Renewable Energy Last Year, But…
Australia was a star performer in renewable energy investment last year says Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) – but it warns clouds may be gathering. 

InGRID AGM Energy Control System To Manage Monash Uni Microgrid
Madrid-based Indra says it has been selected by Melbourne’s Monash University as a key technology partner in MU’s Clayton campus solar powered microgrid project.

Solar + Storage Projects For NSW Riverina Region Seeking Approvals
Submissions relating to two proposed large-scale solar + battery storage facilities in the Edward River Council area in New South Wales are currently being reviewed.

Alinta To Roll Out More Renewables, But Loy Yang B To Burn On – For Decades
Alinta Energy says acquisition of the brown-coal fired Loy Yang B power station in Victoria will enable it to significantly increase the company’s investment in renewable energy assets. 

Waste Management Company Orders 50 Electric Tesla Semi Trucks
50 electric Tesla Semi trucks could be hitting United Arab Emirates’ roads as soon as 2020 after a purchase order from Shajah-based Bee’ah.
 
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!

USEFUL SOLAR INFO

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.