Hi everyone,
 
Welcome to another issue of the Solar Quotes weekly newsletter - please feel free to forward it on to others.
 
Solar panels are great, but solar panel performance warranties are crap says Ronald - however, he points out buyers are protected by Australian Consumer Law no matter what the small print says.
 
Also from Ronald in the last week was his in-depth look at a new type of solar feed-in tariff in Victoria - what is it and is it any good? Find out here. On a related note, with regard to the promised solar feed-in tariff review for Tasmania, well, that's still in limbo.
 
In other news, it seems the Robertstown region in South Australia will soon become a hive of energy activity, with construction to start on a huge solar + storage facility early next year and the tiny town to potentially host one end of the proposed SA/NSW interconnector.
 
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

Bad News: Your Solar Panel Performance Warranty Is Probably Crap
Solar panels are great. Solar panel performance warranties are crap - but you are protected by Australian Consumer Law no matter what the small print says.
 
Victoria’s New Time Varying Solar Feed-In Tariff Is Worth Getting
A new type of solar feed-in tariff is now available in Victoria. It’s called a time varying tariff and the amount of money it pays for solar electricity depends on the time of day it’s sent into the grid.

THE GOOD SOLAR GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE

7 Steps To Tiny Bills For Australian Homeowners!

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

Germany Generates 104 *Billion* Kilowatt Hours From Renewables In H1
During the first half of this year, Germany’s renewables fleet cranked out more than 100 billion kilowatt hours (100,000 gigawatt hours) of electricity according to E.ON.
 
CEC Flags Solar Panel “Expiry Date” Deadline
While there’s no best-before or use-by dates for solar panels, there is an expiry date on PV modules that impacts on eligibility for Australia’s solar rebate. 
 
Craig Kelly: Demonising Coal “An Act Of Treason”
In the wee hours of Monday morning, Liberal backbencher Craig Kelly continued his attack on Australians opposed to coal, opining it was a crime against their country. 
 
Proposed SA/NSW Electricity Interconnector A Step Closer
ElectraNet has published a draft report providing more detail on the proposed construction of a high capacity interconnector between South Australia and New South Wales. 
 
Commercial Solar Pilot Program Proposed For Port Moresby
The use of grid-connected commercial solar power systems in Papua New Guinea is currently illegal. That may be about to change and the country’s commercial solar sector could kick off under a program that Australia will be a part of. 
 
City Of Sydney Shows Off Solar Power + Tesla Powerpack Installation
The City Of Sydney’s new Alexandra Canal Depot in Alexandria boasts a bunch of solar panels on its rooftop and a shiny new Tesla Powerpack energy storage system. 
 
Tasmania’s Solar Feed-In Tariff Review Still In Limbo
The future of Tasmania’s solar feed in tariff from next year is still as unclear as when the Hodgman Liberal Government was returned to office in March. 
 
Europe’s First Dedicated Solar Panel Recycling Plant Opens
The first dedicated solar panel recycling facility in Europe has been opened by environmental services company Veolia in Rousset, France. 
 
QLD Solar Loans Program Kicks Off – Battery Grants On The Horizon
The Palaszczuk Government has announced the launch of interest free solar loans for Queensland households, plus a few more details have been released on upcoming battery and solar + storage support. 
 
Massive Solar + Storage Facility For South Australia To Proceed
The necessary approvals have been granted for the Solar River Project – a huge solar + battery storage facility to be constructed in South Australia’s Mid-North.
 
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.