Hi everyone,
 
As mentioned last week, the CEC's Approved Solar Retailer Scheme is for all intents and purposes becoming mandatory in Victoria. Check out Ronad's in-depth look at why that's bad news - and not just for Victoria.

A recent press release from the South Australian Government regarding its solar battery subsidy is ...interesting. I dissect it here.

I also take a look at BrownPower, a joint initiative of the Federal Government and Australian mining industries to provide an accreditation program for fossil fuel energy (but note the date on the article).

In other news, the ACCC has renewed its call for an early end to Australia's major solar subsidy.
 
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

Fact Checking An SA Government Press Release Spruiking Their Battery Subsidy
This is a very simple blog post. I just rate each paragraph of the SA government press release on the subsidy based on my humble opinion of its truthfulness.
 
BrownPower: Finally Some Innovative Thinking From The Coal Industry
BrownPower is a joint initiative of the Federal Government and Australian mining industries to provide an accreditation program for fossil fuel energy. We published this on Monday, but as it's now April 2, we need to provide full disclosure - it's an April Fools Day piece.
 
Bad For Consumers & Business: CEC Approved Solar Retailer Scheme Now Mandatory In VIC
The CEC Approved Solar Retailer Scheme is now effectively mandatory in Victoria. Here's why this is not a good thing for consumers or good solar installers.
 
SolarQuotes Vodcast Episode 10: Grid Management By Press Release
In Episode 10 of the SolarQuotes vodcast, Finn and Ronald comment on “truth hygiene” issues in energy-related press releases from politicians and discuss other articles recently published on the SQ 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

530,000 Potential Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Sites Globally
Building on research carried out for Australia, ANU researchers say they have identified more than enough potential pumped hydro storage sites globally to make a world running on 100% renewables-based electricity a reality. 
 
Community Funded Solar Installations Officially Opened In Bendigo
Solar energy projects funded by Bendigo’s local community were officially opened last week in an event attended by Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio.
 
ACCC Again Calls For Solar Subsidy Axing
In a report released on Friday, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has repeated its earlier recommendation that Australia’s major solar subsidy should be prematurely ended.
 
City Of Sydney (Council) To Go 100% Renewable (Electricity)
In a decision endorsed by Council this week, the City of Sydney has committed to using 100 per cent renewable energy sources to meet its electricity needs.
 
Thermal Battery Unveiled In South Australia
Adelaide company CCT Energy Storage has taken the wraps off its thermal battery, a device it says has unique capabilities.
 
SA Voters Back 100% Renewable Energy By 2030
New polling indicates 69% of South Australian voters support a transition to 100% renewables-based electricity in the state by 2030. Even One Nation supporters seem pretty keen on the idea.
 
Pumped Hydro Storage: An Underwriting New Generation Standout
Pumped hydro storage projects made up half of the projects shortlisted under the Morrison Government’s Underwriting New Generation Investments program.
 
More Large-Scale Solar For Far North Queensland – Atherton Solar Farm
An application for a solar farm near Tolga in Queensland is currently in its public notification phase.
  
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.