Hi everyone,
  
Coordinating a solar power system, home battery, variable electricity tariffs and loads is a challenge. Meet the Australian with a SolarEdge Home Battery who has created a DIY solution using Home Assistant; a free, open-source application.
 
Speaking of challenges, solar voltage rise/drop is a problem for many homes in Australia. Discover why and your options if affected.
 
What happened with pricing of fully installed home solar power systems in Australia last month - did they go up or down? Find out in our latest solar price report.
  
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

SolarEdge + Home Assistant Hack Puts Battery Owner In Control
This is the story of Mathias Boer-Mah, a self-confessed tinkerer, energy nerd and SolarEdge Home Battery owner. Mathias wanted more control of his battery than SolarEdge could provide, so he hooked up his SolarEdge inverter to a free open-source software application for home automation.
 
The Problem Of Solar Voltage Rise/Drop And How To Fix It
Discover why solar voltage rise/drop is a problem for many homes in Australia, and what your options are if affected.
 
Australian Solar Prices: November 2022 Update
Did the cost of fully installed home solar power systems in Australia go up or drop in October 2022? Find out in SolarQuotes’ latest solar price report.
 
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

Darwin’s “Big Battery” Project Progresses
An important construction milestone has been reached for the Northern Territory’s Darwin-Katherine Battery Energy Storage System (DK BESS) project.
  
New Solar SPS Rollout In Esperance Soon
Esperance is to be the first area in regional Western Australia to benefit from another standalone power system (SPS, aka SAPS) rollout in the state.
 
Revealed: Electricity Network Reliability In Western Australia’s SWIN
WA’s Western Power recently added an interesting new electricity network reliability section to its website.
 
Coal Booster Ian Off Anna’s Xmas List
Annastacia Palaszczuk is keeping a list of who’s naughty or nice, and Queensland Resources Council’s Ian Macfarlane can expect a lump of coal in his stocking. He’d be completely fine with that.
 
City Of Whittlesea Plots Course To A Sustainable Future
Victoria’s City Of Whittlesea has adopted a strategy and plan to tackle climate change and environmental sustainability as it works towards a net zero emissions community by 2036.
 
REC TwinPeak 5 Solar Panel Production Kicks Off
Manufacturing of the fifth generation of REC’s TwinPeak modules is under way, with the first REC TwinPeak 5 solar panel shipments to arrive on Australian shores next month.
 
Wollongong Switching To Solar To Power Streetlights
From January 1 next year, Wollongong City Council’s 18,000+ streetlights will be running on solar energy via a power purchase agreement (PPA).
 
Victorian Election 2022 – Climate And Energy Pledge Roundup
It's all over, red rover for the Victorian state election, but here's some of what Victorian Labor, the Liberals/Nationals and Greens were committing to in terms of energy and climate.
  
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 2022 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.