Hi everyone,
 
Solar Victoria’s marketing department wanted to spruik the state's solar battery rebate - and the result raised Ronald's ire. Did Solar Victoria choose to mislead or inform the public? - you be the judge.
 
On a related note, some Victorians have held off applying for the state's solar panel rebate due to onerous identity verification requirements - the good news is these will soon be simplified.
 
In other news, we were recently asked to look into how electricity companies handle refunds of customer credits accumulated under solar feed-in tariffs. Here's what we discovered.
 
More on these and other stories 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

How To Get A Credit Refund From Your Electricity Company
If you want your energy retailer to send you any money they owe you, you generally need to ask for it. Here's what you need to know so you don't miss out.
  
Does Solar Victoria’s “Case Study” Violate Australian Consumer Law?
Solar Victoria’s marketing department wanted to spruik their solar battery rebate. Did they choose to mislead or inform the public?

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

SA’s First Electric Garbage Truck Doing The Rounds
What’s said to be South Australia’s first zero-emissions electric-powered kerbside garbage and recycling collection truck went into service in Adelaide last week. 
  
Victoria Solar Panel Rebate Signup To Be Simplified
Victorians scared off or frustrated by identification verification requirements for the state’s solar panel rebate program might be pleased with this news. 
 
Alice Springs Proposed VPP Progress
A proposed virtual power plant project intended to supply Alice Springs Town Council with more solar electricity has taken another significant step.
 
Solar Scammers On The Prowl
Solar shysters are reportedly on the prowl in Echuca, Victoria, and across the border in New South Wales an elderly woman had her purse stolen by a fake solar salesperson.
 
Sun Helping To Power Precision Group’s Port Adelaide Plaza
Commercial property investment and management company Precision Group has officially unveiled its completed $1.3 million PV project in Adelaide.
 
Enphase Shares Jump On Q4 2019 Results
U.S. solar manufacturer Enphase Energy, Inc. has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2019 – and the market appears very pleased.
 
IKEA To Sell Solar Power Systems In Australia
It won’t be long before Australians will be able to buy a solar power system along with their flat-pack furniture at IKEA.
 
Solar Powered PHASA-35 Completes First Test Flight In Australia
BAE Systems is celebrating the successful maiden flight of a solar powered High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) aircraft at the RAAF’s Woomera Test Range in South Australia.
 
CER Solar Panel Validation Initiative Update
More manufacturers have joined Australia’s Solar Panel Validation (SPV) Initiative and it’s time for the next step – the all-important logo.
  
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! - Virtual Power Plant Comparison Table
Find out details of various Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs on offer in Australia with our regularly updated VPP comparison table. See which VPP might be best for your home or business.
 
NEW! Solar And Battery Calculator
Our  new solar calculator provides you a complete picture of the savings and payback for solar power in Australia - with or without batteries - and it's very simple to use.
 
NEW! Solar In Your Location
Our extensive database contains useful information and up-to-date statistics on solar energy for practically every town and suburb in Australia.
 
NEW! Compare Electricity Retailers: Solar Feed-In Tariffs & Energy Prices
An easy to use comparison tool enabling you to instantly see which electricity retailers would be cheapest for a typical solar power system owner in your postcode.

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?
 
Solar Battery Comparison Table
Discover battery prices and specifications of dozens of energy storage solutions with our solar battery storage comparison table.