Hi everyone,

Solar tech tinkerer Tom has been tussling with coordinating his solar power system's inverter, home battery, electric car charger, hot water load and electricity provider to work together the way he wants. Find out more about Tom's trials and tribulations here. If you've solved the challenges mentioned, leave a comment on the post and let us know how you've done it!
 
While on the topic of challenges: if you have a flat roof, consider solar panels tilted east-west instead of flat for more energy, longer panel life and a lot less panel cleaning. Learn more about east-west tilts - and a mounting product for the job.
 
Over to electric vehicles and SolarQuotes' reviews ninja Ned’s test drive of the Mini Electric Cooper SE tempted him to cross over to the dark side. Find out what happened.  Also, I answer a common electric car charging question: single-phase vs. three-phase chargers – which are better?
 
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,

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SQ VIEWS

Tom’s Solar, Battery And EV Tech Struggle – Can You Help?
Meet Tom, a solar tech tinkerer who’s had a heck of a time getting his solar system’s inverter, home battery, EV charger and other related gear to play nice with each other.
 
Solar Panels On A Flat Roof? Consider East-West Tilts
If you have a flat roof, consider solar panels tilted east-west instead of flat for more energy, longer panel life and a lot less cleaning.
 
Ned’s Mini Electric Review
SolarQuotes reviews ninja Ned’s test drive of the Mini Electric Cooper SE tempts him to cross over to the dark side and earns a rebuke from Finn. Find out what happened.
 
EV Chargers: Single-Phase Vs. Three-Phase
Finn answers a common electric car charging question: single-phase vs. three-phase chargers – which are better?
 
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

Gina Gets It Wrong On Solar (Again)
Mining magnate and cattle queen Gina Rinehart has taken another swipe at solar power, and again appears to be working with curious figures.
 
WA’s Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund Launched
Western Australia’s McGowan Government has officially launched a fund for installing solar panels, batteries and virtual power plants at public schools across the State. 
  
Shoalhaven Solar Farm Nears Prime Time
It won’t be long before a community-driven solar farm project on the New South Wales South Coast will be helping to power buildings in Sydney.
 
Cities Power Partnership 2021 Climate Awards Winners Announced
Australia’s largest local government climate network recognised outstanding council-led initiatives from across the country yesterday in the fourth annual Cities Power Partnership Climate Awards.
 
Autonomous Electric Vehicles Trialled At Solar Farm Construction Site
Honda has been putting prototype autonomous battery electric vehicles through their paces at the site of what will be a 120MW solar farm in the US state of New Mexico.
 
City Of Newcastle Celebrating Solar Energy Success
City Of Newcastle’s solar farm started cranking clean electricity two years ago, and Council has continued to install panels across its assets since.
 
EV Charging Chat With Chargefox’s Evan B.
Evan Beaver from Chargefox shows us his home EV charger setup and discusses differences in electric car charging.
  
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.
 
NEW! 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.
 
NEW! 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.
 
NEW! 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.