Hi everyone,
 
While time-of-use electricity tariffs are often bad news for solar owners, for solar + battery system owners they can make a lot of sense. Find out why here.
 
If you're considering going solar, the good news is Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) values continue to remain high - this is a good thing in terms of the solar rebate.
 
On a related note, the Australian Energy Market Commission has finalised reforms designed to support the continued growth of small-scale solar in Australia. This has been met with a lot of debate, misunderstanding and at times, misinformation. Find out what the reforms mean here.
  
And in case you missed it, SolarQuotes TV episode 7 - Rise Of The Home Battery - is live! Are home batteries finally poised to go mainstream in Australia? And in a 17-kilometre race in to the city, which wins - a battery-assisted bike or an electric car? Also, Tesla Powerwall vs. lead acid batteries, a debate between a battery cynic and a true believer plus much more. Check it out here!
 
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

How Time Of Use Tariffs Can Boost Your Solar Battery Savings
I’ve been given a mission. It’s to determine how much money a home can save using a battery with a time-of-use tariff in every Australian capital. This isn’t easy to do.
 
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

LG Energy Solution Inks Major Australian Battery Metals Deal
South Korean EV battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution is to take all the nickel and cobalt from Australian Mines’ proposed Sconi Project based in Queensland. 
 
Cutting Red Tape For Solar Battery Installations In NSW
Proposed new planning rules in New South Wales will make it easier for households in the state to install solar batteries. But the NSW Government may need to tweak its explainer. 
 
Phytomining: Mining Battery Metals With Plants
Researching the potential for plants to pull battery metals out of the ground has received backing from the Queensland Government.
 
Strong STC Prices Good News For Solar Buyers
In good news for Australians considering going solar, prices for STCs continue to remain high. So, what is an STC and why is a high price a good thing?
 
SMA Supplying Inverters For Huge Australian Battery Project
Germany’s SMA has been selected to supply central inverters for AGL’s 250 MW/250 MWh battery project at Torrens Island in South Australia.
 
Reforms To Support A Smart Solar Future Finalised
The Australian Energy Market Commission has finalised reforms designed to support the continued growth of small-scale solar, along with batteries and electric vehicles.
 
Brisbane City Council Struts Its Solar Stuff
From libraries to cemeteries, dozens of Brisbane City Council sites now have solar power system installations.
 
SA Dynamic Solar Exports Start Date Floated
A start date in South Australia for mandatory inverter dynamic solar export support has been recommended. As for other states, this may be heading their way at some point too.
 
Stick-On Solar Panels Survive Typhoon
Solar panel manufacturer Sunman Energy is spruiking the typhoon survival street cred of its eArc stick-on solar panels.
  
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.

"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 that turns 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 2021 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.