Hi everyone,
  
EnergyAustralia's Solar Home Bundle, which offers a solar and battery system installation for no money upfront, is currently available in NSW and may be rolled out to other states. It doesn't look like a good deal. Ronald explains why in this in-depth review.
 
In a solar power system, the panels tend to steal the limelight. But it's the inverter that is the real workhorse. Where and when did these devices originate, how have they evolved - and why are they called inverters? Discover the answers to these questions and more in Kim's brief history of solar inverters.
  
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 ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SQ VIEWS

EA Solar Home Bundle: Free Solar & Battery Comes At High Cost
Energy Australia — the country’s third largest electricity retailer — is offering to install a solar and battery system for no money upfront. Ronald checks out the deal.
  
Why Is It Called An Inverter? A Brief History Of Solar Inverters
Over the past 100 years, many electrical and electronic devices have changed our lives and raised our living standards. One of these is the solar inverter – and in particular the grid-tied solar inverter.
 
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

Swiss Celebrate Solar Power With New Coin
Continuing a three-part “Energy of the future” series, Switzerland’s Federal Mint is to issue a coin showcasing solar energy this week.
 
Chevron’s WA CCS Caper An Ongoing Cock-Up
Chevron Australia says it’s proud to have the world’s largest operational carbon capture and storage (CCS) system. What it shouldn’t be proud of is the results to date. 
  
VIC Libs Pledge To “Turbo-Charge” Home Solar And Battery Uptake
An elected Liberal/ Nationals Government in Victoria will build on the state’s existing solar power and battery subsidy scheme for owner-occupiers and landlords under its own program – “Power To The People”.
 
Somerset Council To Power Up More Solar Panels
Another Queensland Government grant will help Somerset Regional Council crank even more clean power from atop its buildings.
 
The Future Of Australia’s GreenPower Program
A long-running scheme providing renewable energy to Australian households and businesses via electricity retailers is going to need some nips and tucks.
  
South Fremantle Solar Farm A Fizzer
After being in the pipeline for years, it’s looking like a proposed urban solar farm in Western Australia’s South Fremantle won’t be going ahead.
  
Solar Panels: Parallel Imports, Support And Warranty
A solar panel brand with an Australian presence should mean expedited warranty claims and support handled locally – but that may not always be the case.
 
Solar Patent Wars: Tigo Takes On SMA
Solar power conversion and storage product manufacturer Tigo Energy Inc. has filed a lawsuit against inverter giant SMA in relation to Tigo’s rapid shutdown technology patents.
 
Dubbo Council Leads With Second-Life Solar Panels
Pre-loved solar panels are continuing their service lives on the rooftop of a Dubbo Regional Council building.
  
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.
 
EV Charging 101
This comprehensive guide covers pretty much everything you’ll need to know about EV charging at home and away from it; and all explained clearly.