Hi everyone,
 
The situation is getting really serious for the residential solar industry in Victoria due to the cock-up that is phase two of the Solar Homes program. Good businesses will go bust and families will lose their homes unless drastic action is taken immediately. Discover what's happening and what needs to be done.
 
After watching a Channel 7 Sunrise segment last week, you'd think the secret to saving money is to splash out cash on batteries. This is really, really bad advice - and here's why. It's sad and frustrating we have to keep saying this, but misinformation on the economics of batteries at this point in time is still rife.
 
On a brighter note, Richard has taken a look at DIY options to consider if you wish to control a load based on how much solar electricity you are generating (or exporting).
 
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

Has Daniel Andrews Killed The Residential Solar Industry In Victoria?
This is serious. Really serious. Good businesses will go bust, families will lose homes unless drastic action is taken. Now. Right now.
 
Sunrise TV Gets It Wrong: Installing Batteries Will Lose Most Households Money
If you were to believe Channel 7's Sunrise, you'd think the secret to saving money was to splash out cash on batteries. You couldn't get worse advice.
 
DIY Solutions For Solar Power Diversion Through Home Automation
If you want to control a load based on how much solar electricity you are generating (or exporting) then here are lots of DIY options to consider.
  
SolarQuotes Vodcast Episode 22 – Dark Days
Finn and Ronald discuss the (avoidable) demise of Victoria’s residential solar industry, what a “cast mono” solar panel is, DIY solar PV diversion for home automation, PPA’s, coal ash and mainstream media getting it wrong again on batteries (again).
 
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index – July 2019
The start of winter is usually a quieter time for Australia’s solar industry, but there were still plenty of Aussie households interested in busting their electricity bills with solar panels during June.

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

Decision On Tamworth Solar + Storage Project Nears
A proposed solar farm on the outskirts of Tamworth in New South Wales that will feature battery storage will be discussed at Tamworth Regional Council’s meeting tonight. 
 
“Plenty” Of Victorian Solar Rebates Still Available (But Not The Right Type)
While Victoria’s solar power rebates are done and dusted for July, the Andrews Government says there are still plenty available for rental properties, solar hot water and battery systems. It’s not much of a distraction from the crisis unfolding for the state’s residential PV sector.
 
Europe’s Largest Conservation Charity Dumping Fossil Fuel Investments
National Trust announced last week it will divest from all fossil fuel companies within the next three years, as it continues its own journey towards 50% renewables by 2020.
 
Victoria’s Solar PV Rebate Done For July
As expected, the July quota for solar power system rebates under Victoria’s Solar Homes program was rapidly filled. It’s time to get ready for August.
 
Atherton Solar Farm Gets Development Approval
Queensland’s Tablelands Regional Council has approved the development of a solar farm near Tolga – but it wasn’t a slam-dunk decision and some confusing aspects of the project remain.
 
Australia’s Coal Ash Dumps A “Ticking Time Bomb”
One of Australia’s biggest waste problems – coal ash – presents a huge risk to human and environmental health states a new report.
 
Solar PPA Proves Popular At New Perth Housing Estate
Solar panel systems installed under a power purchase agreement (PPA) have been popular at a housing development in the Perth suburb of Girrawheen.
  
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.