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. 
 
By the way, 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

Not All Australian Solar Quotes Are Created Equal
Just as there are fantastic, good, average and terrible solar power system installers, the same can be said for Australian solar quotes service providers.

SOLAR NEWS

Gas Lamps And Electric Cars: Dr. Alan Finkel
Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr. Alan Finkel has defended electric vehicles and taken on the naysayers, saying that instead of focusing on the current challenges, we should look at the potential of EVs. 
 
SA Government Announces Site Of New State-Owned Power Plant
The Bolivar Waste Water Treatment Plant will become the new permanent home for South Australia’s so far barely used turbine generators.
  
State Supported Solar Capacity In New York Grows More Than 1,000%
New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced last week NYSERDA-supported solar power capacity in the state increased more than 1,000 percent from December 2011 to December 2017. 
  
Mandatory Solar Power For New Australian Homes?
A report released last week recommends solar panels or other renewables be compulsory for new homes built in Australia; saying such a measure would help slash energy bills, network investment and emissions.
 
Kalbarri Microgrid Project Powers Ahead
The awarding of a $6.8 million contract for a 100 per cent renewable energy-powered microgrid project for Kalbarri in Western Australia was announced last week.
 
Latest U.S. Solar Jobs Census Reports First Drop In Years
While U.S. solar industry employment dropped 3.85% last year, there’s still just over a quarter of a million Americans working in the nation’s solar power sector – twice as many as in coal. 
 
Redflow’s First Thai-Made Battery Stacks Arrive In Australia
Australia energy storage company Redflow announced last week the first battery electrode stacks manufactured at its new Thailand facility had arrived in Brisbane. 
 
From Peddling Death To Producing Clean Power?
Researchers at USA’s Michigan Technological University believe tobacco farmers could turn better (and more ethical) coin by harvesting the sun instead of the deadly crop. 
 
More Big Energy Storage Projects For South Australia
South Australia’s standing as a renewable energy powerhouse will soon be matched by its reputation for energy storage uptake, boosted by news of more major projects.
 
More Solar Power For Club Mulwala
A new solar energy project at Club Mulwala in the Riverina region of New South Wales will mean lower electricity bills for the club and cooler customers.
 
A Permafrost Mercury Time Bomb?
As if there weren’t enough concerns regarding the potential impacts of climate change, a new one has been added to the steadily growing list – the release of mercury from melting permafrost in the Northern Hemisphere.
 
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.