Hi everyone,
 
Using a smart 3rd party controller that will be available soon, your air conditioner can help a solar-laden grid balance supply and demand - find out more.
 
Speaking of challenges for grids, the Western Australian Government announced last week it was slashing the state's feed in tariff for new systems for electricity exported to the grid before 3PM and boosting it for later exports. Discover why (it's not just about grid management).
 
In other news, ANU researchers claim by 2030 hydrogen produced from renewable energy in Australia may cost $2-3 a kilogram. It could be much cheaper - learn why (and why it still won't be the car fuel of the future).
 
We also take a look at what Australian solar buyers were wanting in August.
 
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,

SQ VIEWS

Can Diverting Solar To Air Conditioning Help Reduce Overvoltage?
While regulators fret about the impact of solar power on low voltage distribution networks, developers are looking at ways to use household loads to relieve the stress.
 
ANU Claims Hydrogen At $2-3 A KG By 2030 — I Say Not Bloody Likely
Hydrogen is the car fuel of the future. Just not our future. 
 
Feed-In Tariff For New Solar Slashed In Western Australia
From 31 August 2020, new residential solar power systems installed in Western Australia will no longer receive the REBS or ‘Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme’ solar feed-in tariff of 7.135 cents per kilowatt-hour.
 
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index – September 2020
The latest auSSII report provides a snapshot showing what Australians were shopping for in solar power and battery systems during August.

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

US Gen Z’ers Want Solar Jobs Over Coal Careers
Adding to its woes, the coal industry is likely to have recruitment problems in the years ahead as many youngsters aren’t interested in a career in the sector. But when it comes to solar power, it’s a very different story.
 
Byron Shire’s Draft Net Zero Emissions Plan Up For Public Comment
New South Wales’ Byron Shire Council has invited the local community to provide feedback on its Net Zero Emissions Action Plan.
 
ACT Greens Dangle Subsidies And Free Rego For Electric Cars
The ACT Greens have announced a $50 million plan as part of a larger strategy supporting electric vehicle uptake in the Territory with the aim of getting “Canberra’s rEVolution” really into gear.
  
What Drives Queensland Electric Car Owners
Research out of Griffith University has revealed some interesting stuff about early-adopter electric vehicle owners in Queensland.
 
Sydney’s Inner West Council Residents Can Become “Solar Gardeners”
Some of the man residents of Sydney’s Inner West Council area currently locked out of solar savings will have the opportunity to access them through a proposed PV project 500 kilometres away.
 
emPOWER Homes – Solar For Social Housing In Queensland
Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) has jointly launched a proposal that would see solar panels installed and energy efficiency upgrades performed on social housing across the state.
 
AGL Acquiring Click Energy Group
AGL announced last Monday it is to acquire Click Energy Group Holdings Pty Ltd for $115 million, providing a significant boost towards AGL’s customer targets.
 
Early Coal Power Station Retirements On The Cards In QLD/NSW
The Australia Institute says New South Wales and Queensland are continuing to use less of their existing coal fired power stations, and this could lead to earlier retirements than currently planned.
  
Read more from the blog

POPULAR SOLAR TOOLS

There's a bunch of handy and easy to use tools and calculators on SolarQuotes. You can find a selection of my most popular tools 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.

USEFUL SOLAR INFO

NEW! - Solar Battery Reviews
We've kicked off our new battery reviews section with more than 40 manufacturers listed where you can find more information on energy storage companies and read or submit reviews.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.