Hi everyone,
 
Have your solar panels been impacted by ash from the bushfires? While this may reduce the output of your system, provided it wasn't hot ash or burning embers, it won't harm them. Pick up some tips on bushfire related solar power system safety and advice regarding cleaning sooty solar panels.
 
On a related note, The Australia Institute welcomed the Morrison Government’s recent $2 billion bushfire recovery fund announcement, but questions why regular taxpayers will be paying for it - suggesting instead fossil fuel producers should be wearing the cost.
 
In other news, Esperance in WA is to benefit from a major renewable energy project, over in South Australia SA Water is investing more than $300 million on its solar rollout this year, and the first community-scale battery storage facility in Queensland should be operational soon.
 
More on these and other stories 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

Solar Power And Bushfires: Safety, Shutdowns And Cleaning Off Soot
Lately, Australia has been having a bit of a problem with bushfires. You may have noticed. It’s been on the telly. Also, there’s a good chance you’ve been spluttering on vast clouds of smoke blowing across the country.

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

Merredin Solar Farm Nears Completion
Risen Energy Australia says its 132MW Merredin Solar Farm project in Western Australia should be connected to the grid next month. 
 
AGL Macquarie Cops $100,000 Coal Ash Penalty
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) says AGL Macquarie has entered into an Enforceable Undertaking that will see it coughing up $100,000 after another breach of regulations concerning the management of coal ash. 
 
New Wind, Solar, Energy Storage And Gas Power For Esperance
The town of Esperance in Western Australia is to benefit from a from a major project that will deliver cleaner and greener electricity at a greatly reduced cost.
 
REC Offers Another Warranty Boost For Its Solar Panels
Solar panel manufacturer REC last week announced improved warranty coverage for its products, but perhaps a little prematurely.
 
SA Water’s Big Solar And Storage Push In 2020
SA Water says it is investing more than $300 million in solar power installations and energy storage during the course of this year.
 
WA Government Funding Renewable Hydrogen Feasibility Studies
Western Australia’s McGowan Government has stumped up $1.68 million to support renewable hydrogen feasibility studies across the state.
 
Study: Coal Power Shutdowns Saved Lives And Crops
A study out of University of California San Diego states coal-fired electricity generation shutdowns in the USA have saved tens of thousands of lives and millions of bushels of important crops.
 
Queensland’s First Community-Scale Battery Project Nears Prime Time
The first community-scale battery storage facility in Queensland – featuring Tesla Powerpack batteries – will soon be operational according to the Palaszczuk Government.
 
Fossil Fuel Producers Should Pay For Bushfire Recovery Fund: TAI
The Australia Institute welcomed the Morrison Government’s $2 billion bushfire recovery fund announcement, but questions why regular taxpayers will be paying for it.
  
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 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.
 
NEW! 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.
 
NEW! 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.