Hi everyone,
  
You can have solar panels installed on your home with a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) "0% interest payment plan" and pay nothing up-front – but should you? Here's what you should know about BNPL and solar.

Last week, Anthony wrote about solar cable conduit in and on the roof. But what about at the inverter end of things? Discover when it's appropriate to use cable conduit with a solar inverter or battery installation in Anthony's latest article - and the rules that must be followed.
 
Over to batteries and there's been a bit happening - a report on neighbourhood batteries was released, Australia's Redflow is (finally) good to go for ZBM3 commercial production and construction of Australia's first large-scale iron flow battery manufacturing facility has kicked off..
  
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 ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SQ VIEWS

Conduit & Solar Inverters: The Good, Bad & Fugly
The $200, 2-inch thick, spiral-bound 'AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations' is also known as The Wiring Rules, The Book, or The Bible. Electricians use it to beat each other over the head when they feel a fellow sparkie has strayed from the true path of holy electrical compliance..
 
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

Legal Intervention On Australian Coal And Gas Proposals
The Environment Council of Central Queensland (ECoCeQ) is urging Australia’s Environment Minister to reconsider 19 coal and gas proposals; using what it says is a rarely used provision of the EPBC Act.
 
Survey: Australian Homebuyers Will Pay More For Green Features
The majority of Australian homebuyers are keen on their new house having environmentally sustainable features – and solar panels are on most prospective buyers’ wish lists. 
 
CSIRO GenCost 2021-22: Renewables Still Cheapest, But …
While renewables continue to be the cheapest new-build electricity generation option in Australia (even when including storage), they haven’t been immune to local and global events.
 
Neighbourhood Batteries: Sharing The Power (And Knowledge)
A Victorian study has produced a guide to developing neighbourhood batteries as community assets.
 
IEA Calls For More Solar Panel Supply Chain Diversity
China has played a huge role in pushing down the price of solar panels. But heavy reliance on China for solar gear is problematic says the International Energy Agency (IEA).
 
Redflow’s ZBM3 Flow Battery Ready To Rock
Queensland-headquartered Redflow has announced its new third generation ‘Gen3’ flow battery – the ZBM3 – is (finally) ready for commercial sale.
 
Queensland Iron Flow Battery Hub Construction Begins
A sod-turning ceremony was held in Maryborough at the site of what will be Australia’s first large-scale iron flow battery manufacturing facility.
 
Solar Helps Inner West Council Further Distance From Fossil Fuels
Sydney’s Inner West Council has taken another big step back from fossil fuels, switching to 100% renewable energy for its electricity supply last week.
 
Gundary Solar Farm Battle Heats Up
Lightsource bp’s proposed huge Gundary Solar Farm near Goulburn in New South Wales is reportedly attracting some high-profile opposition.
 
Call Continues For Community Power Hub Funding
Residents of Victoria’s Apollo Bay are aiming to address local blackouts with a helping hand from renewables and a Community Power Hub. But for other towns and communities facing similar challenges, getting the expert advice needed can be difficult.
  
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 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.
 
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.