Hi everyone,
  
Ronald wrote about this a while back, and a new report from the Australian Energy Market Operator confirms it - wholesale power prices have been shooting up in some states, which will mean bigger electricity bills on their way for many Australians.
 
It's always a good time to go solar, but upwards pressure on wholesale prices should also mean a boost to feed in tariffs in a few states. However, the most value from a system will remain in maximising solar energy self-consumption.
 
Access to various subsidies and loans for households and businesses under Victoria's Solar Homes program has been expanded. The state appeared to have the cheapest solar in Australia recently, so now could be a particularly good time for Victorians to install a system.  
 
Lessons from abroad: Norway has more electric cars per capita than any other nation and the combined capacity of all those rolling batteries is a whopping 34 gigawatt-hours. A Norwegian approach to EV incentives in Australia could supercharge renewable energy integration and reduce power prices for everyone.
 
Over to solar hardware and Enphase Energy has provided some indication on when its much-anticipated IQ8 microinverter should be available in Australia.
  
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,

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Norway's EV Battery Capacity Averages 13 kWh Per Household
Norway has more electric cars per capita than any other nation. They have over half a million EVs, one for every 11 people. The combined capacity of all those rolling batteries is a whopping 34 gigawatt-hours.
 
Even more news below!

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

Mike Cannon-Brookes’ Latest Move To Keep AGL’s Shit Together
Tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes’ Grok Ventures is now the proud but troubled owner of a shedload of AGL shares. And he’s already using his new-found clout.
 
More On The MSquare Solar Panel Saga
Further detail has emerged on the latest de-listing of MSquare Energy’s Australian-made solar panels from the Clean Energy Council’s Approved Modules List.
  
More Renewable Energy For Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island, home of the world-famous quokka, will soon host more wind and solar power – and utility-scale battery storage is to be added.
 
Rising Electricity Prices: It’s Time To Go Solar
Higher retail electricity prices will add to household hip-pocket pain, but make installing solar panels an even more attractive prospect.
 
Green Light For Narrabri’s Silverleaf Solar Farm
A solar farm pretty much on the doorstep of the NSW town of Narrabri recently received development approval after quite a lengthy review process.
 
Surf Coast Shire Council Sets Zero Emissions Target
Victoria’s Surf Coast Shire Council has marked 30 June 2030 on its calendar as the date for achieving zero emissions for all its operations – except one.
 
Enphase IQ8 Microinverter: Where The Bloody Hell Is It?
Enphase Energy indicated when we might finally see its IQ8 microinverter available here in Australia during the company’s latest earnings call.
 
Victoria’s Solar Rebate Program Expanded
The Victorian Government yesterday announced a number of changes to the state’s Solar Homes Program, providing greater access to various subsidies and loans for households and businesses.
 
Hillston Solar Farm Hits 100% Generation Ahead Of Schedule
Amp Power Australia’s 120MW Hillston Solar Farm in south- west New South Wales is now cranking at full capacity.
  
Read more from the blog

SOLAR TOOLS & REVIEWS

There's a bunch of hardware and installer reviews along with handy and easy to use tools and calculators on SolarQuotes. Find them 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.

FINN'S "101" GUIDES

Understanding Solar
This runs through the basics of residential solar energy and the components that make up the system. It demystifies the magic turning sunlight into clean power for your home that can save you a bundle of cash on your electricity bills, and clearly explains some important concepts you should understand.
 
Buying Solar
My original guide, updated for 2021 that also includes a printable and video version. Now you have a basic understanding of all the bits that make up a solar power system and how they work to generate electricity, it’s time to think about getting quotes. After reading this, you’ll be able to communicate effectively with a salesperson and be confident you’re paying the right amount of money for a properly-sized system with the right components  – and from the right installer.
 
Owning Solar
The panels are now on your rooftop and the installers have packed up and left. What should you do now and how can you make the most of the new valuable addition to your home? From checking the installation to maximising electricity bill savings, find the answers here.
 
Understanding Home Batteries
This chapter will provide you an understanding of solar batteries – and will help you determine if installing one is right for you. It covers topics such as how a home battery works, the different types of energy storage and how energy storage can save you money.
 
Buying Solar Batteries
My guide to buying solar battery storage provides useful advice on how to go about purchasing a good quality home battery system installation at a reasonable price – and how to identify some of the traps. By reading this, you’ll be better equipped to make a solid purchase decision.
 
Owning A Battery System
As the proud new owner of home energy storage, you’ll want to make the most of it. This chapter provides very useful information about owning a battery system and maximising the benefits it can provide.