Hi everyone,
 
Welcome to another issue of the Solar Quotes weekly newsletter - please feel free to forward it on to others.
 
In September, SolarQuotes was a hive of activity - we reveal what Australians were looking for in a solar power system. On a related note, Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator estimates small scale solar capacity installed this year will be up 44% on 2017.
 
In other news, solar fans would be familiar with SunPower, a company that's generally considered solar panel royaly. SunPower heavily promote their 25 year solar panel product warranty that claims to cover any defects. But they don't always consider a crack a defect. We investigated such an occurrence.
 
More on these stories and other 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 VIEWS

Is SunPower’s Product Warranty All It’s Cracked Up To Be?
SunPower heavily promote their 25 year solar panel product warranty that claims to cover any defects. But they don't always consider a crack a defect.
 
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index – October 2018
There’s no slowing Australia’s home solar revolution it seems, with September seeing even more Australians looking to take control of their electricity bills via our service here on SolarQuotes

THE GOOD SOLAR GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE

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 download the first chapter free today!

SOLAR NEWS

Solar Farm At Chernobyl Officially Opened
Late last week, a solar panel installation at the site of the infamous Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine was officially unveiled. 
 
NT Renewable Energy Target – Movement At The Station
It appeared the Northern Territory Government was so busy fracking around with gas in recent times, it had forgotten its renewable energy commitment.
 
Volvo Turns To Solar Power
Solar panels recently installed at Volvo’s car factory in Ghent, Belgium represent the first time the company has used solar power for its manufacturing operations.
 
Light Rail On Water – Solar Powered Ferries For The Gold Coast
Solar powered catamaran ferries may be quietly cruising the waters of the Broadwater and Nerang River on Queensland’s Gold Coast next year. 
 
Another Record-Breaking Year For Solar Power In Australia
Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator estimates 1,600 megawatts (MW) of small scale solar capacity will be installed this year, a 44% jump on 2017. 
 
Microgrid Funding For Birchip Cropping Group Project
A solar + storage microgrid project to be constructed at Birchip Cropping Group’s (BCG) facility has been provided funding under the Victorian Government’s Microgrid Demonstration Initiative (MDI).
 
IPART Weighs In On New South Wales Retail Energy Market
NSW’s Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) says energy prices have stabilised in the state, but some households are still paying too much.
 
New Solar Panels From Winaico Available In Australia Soon
The Australian subsidiary of Taiwan’s largest solar panel manufacturer, Winaico, unveiled new products for the local market last week.
 
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.