Hi everyone,
 
Welcome to another issue of the Solar Quotes weekly newsletter - please feel free to forward it on to others.
 
Which Australian capital city has the shortest simple solar payback time - what about the longest? Ronald has crunched the numbers and reveals the results.
 
In other news, after having to swallow a 10.9% increase in electricity costs last year, Western Australians will be digging deeper into their pockets again from July 1 to pay for power; so we're expecting to see an increase in solar uptake in WA. 
 
While on the topic of budgets, there was little in the recent federal budget directly related to renewables, but small businesses have been provided an extended incentive to go solar.
 
More on these stories and other SQ solar news from home and abroad below!
 
By the way, 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 Payback Time For Each Australian Capital
Discover what typical solar payback is where you live. I use conservative calculations for electricity generation and self consumption so you can be confident that your payback will be close to these estimates.
 
LG Solar’s Product Warranty Now 25 Years For All Panels
LG Solar Australia has informed us that the solar panels they sell in Australia manufactured after October 1, 2017 are now covered by a 25 year product warranty.

SOLAR NEWS

Mercury NZ Takes Big Stake In Tilt Renewables
New Zealand energy company Mercury NZ Limited has announced it will take up to a 26.8% stake in NZX and ASX-listed Tilt Renewables.
 
WA’s Dunsborough Primary To Fuel Its School With Solar Energy
Dunsborough Primary School in Western Australia has set a goal of running on 100% renewables, and solar power will make a significant contribution.
 
Solar Powered Helicopter Drone To Fly On Mars
Boffins at NASA have been successful in their efforts to develop a solar powered helicopter drone that will be part of the Mars 2020 rover mission. 
 
Australian Councils Flock To Solar Power
The Australian Local Government Climate Review 2018, published early this month, reveals the nation’s councils are performing well in delivering energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. 
 
Sunny Days And New Horizons For SolarEdge
SolarEdge has announced it achieved record revenues and profitability in the first quarter of this year and is expanding and diversifying its business. 
 
Electricity Prices To Rise In Western Australia (Again)
“Western Australians set for lower increases in household bills,” says the WA Government. It was a curious way of telling people electricity will soon cost them more. 
 
Positive News From Budget For Small Commercial Solar Power
There was little in Budget 2018-19 directly related to renewables, but small businesses have been provided an extended incentive to go solar. 
 
Mackay Regional Council Investing $2 Million In Solar Power
The $2 million Queensland’s Mackay Regional Council will plow into solar energy will save ratepayers nearly $17 million in electricity costs over the next two decades.
 
Solar PV Supported 3.37 Million Jobs Globally In 2017
The total number of people employed in the renewable energy industry globally passed the 10 million mark for the first time last year, with solar PV jobs leading the way. 
 
Queensland Energy Legislation Overhaul Commences
A 10-yearly review of the laws that regulate energy in Queensland kicked off this week with an issues paper released – and submissions from all interested parties are invited.
 
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.