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. There's a particularly interesting article from Ronald that details why electricity prices in South Australia have always been expensive - and the reasons have nothing to do with renewables.
 
By the way, last week I was on ABC Radio's NightLife program, discussing the ins and outs of home solar power in Australia and answering questions on the topic. If you're interested in hearing what was said, you can listen to the podcast here (solar segment starts 3 minutes in).
 
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

South Australia’s Electricity Has Always Been Expensive
SA has lots of renewable energy as it has always had high electricity prices. It doesn't have expensive electricity because of lots of renewables. Causality is important. 
 
Sydney Now Has The Most Affordable Electricity. Adelaide The Most Expensive
Due to big power price rises, Adelaide has gone from second cheapest capital city in Australia for grid electricity to most expensive. Sydney is now cheapest.
 
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index – March 2018
February was another busy month here on SolarQuotes, with thousands of Australians requesting pricing and details on home systems – here’s what they were interested in last month.

SOLAR NEWS

A Sting In The Tail Of QLD’s No-Interest Solar And Battery Loans Program
The upcoming Queensland Government’s “no-interest” solar and battery loans program holds an unpleasant surprise for some installers looking forward to a bit of extra work – and it will limit consumer choice. 
 
A Better Solar Feed-In Tariff For Tasmania Soon(ish)?
The Liberals have been returned to power in Tasmania – and the party has previously stated it wants to boost the uptake of small scale solar energy systems in the state.
 
Western Australia’s Emu Downs Solar Farm Completed
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced on Friday completion of Emu Downs Solar Farm, which is located approximately 200 kilometres north of Perth and 30 kilometres east of Cervantes. 
  
Enphase Energy Returns To Profitability
After a rather rocky period, the sun appears to be shining again for U.S-based microinverter giant Enphase Energy. The company’s return to profitability in Q4 has been described as a significant milestone. 
 
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Data Released
Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator published the annual National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting data for 2016–17 last week.
 
Minimum 2018-19 Solar Feed In Tariffs Set For Victoria
Victoria’s Essential Services Commission has published its final decision for minimum solar feed-in tariffs to apply from July this year, which will see electricity retailers being able to pay a single rate or time varying tariffs to solar owners. 
 
January Small-Scale Solar Installs To Save $197 Million Over Ten Years
Enough rooftop solar panels were installed in Australia during January to power 31,752 homes according the latest Green Energy Markets Renewable Energy Index (REI). 
 
Hydraulic Fracturing In The Northern Territory? No Fracking Way
An open letter to the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the NT and the Territory’s Government states development of onshore shale gas and shale oil fields should not proceed – under any circumstances.
 
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.