Hi everyone,
 
“Big 3” electricity retailer EnergyAustralia has very recently updated its solar feed-tariff rates, with solar owners in three states to take a haircut. But this doesn't mean solar isn't worth it. As one commenter put it, returns from his system will just drop from "spectacular" to  "really bloody excellent" - and EA isn't the only show in town.
 
A reduction in feed in tariffs is usually a sign of decreasing wholesale electricity costs. A report released by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) predicts electricity prices will fall in all states except WA, thanks to renewable energy.
 
Bushfire smoke has had a noticeable impact on output from solar power systems in some places - find out how much here. On a related note, it appears the level of concern among Australians regarding climate change and its impacts has increased significantly in recent times.
 
Over to battery related stuff now and while Australia has lots of lithium, it takes a lot of energy to process into a form suitable for batteries. Luckily there are solutions to this problem.
 
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

AEMC: Electricity Prices To Fall Thanks To Renewable Energy
If you don’t live in Western Australia I have good news. A report released on December the 9th by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) says electricity prices will fall in all states except WA.
 
Analyst Says Australian Lithium Needs To Get Greener
Australia has lots of lithium. Unfortunately due to the nature of the deposits, it takes a lot of energy to process into a form suitable for batteries. Luckily there are solutions to this problem.

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

Celebrating Matt Kean Awareness Day
Here are some quick notes members of the Morrison Ministry may find handy in case they are ever asked who Matt Kean is. 
 
More Solar Energy For Somerset Regional Council
Solar panels have recently appeared on the rooftops of another three Somerset Regional Council buildings as part of a Council initiative to reduce energy costs and emissions. 
  
Longi Claims Another Solar Panel Efficiency Record
Solar panel manufacturing goliath Longi has announced what it says is “a new world record” for conversion efficiency in a monocrystalline module. But is it?
 
Bushfire Assistance Available From Solar Victoria
Solar Victoria has offered a helping hand to Solar Homes program rebate applicants, customers and installation businesses doing it tough as a result of bushfires.
 
EnergyAustralia Solar Feed-In Tariff Changes
“Big 3” electricity retailer EnergyAustralia has very recently updated its solar feed-tariff rates – with three states losing out.
 
Solar Energy Continues To Help Clean Up After UK Coal Mining
While deep pit coal mining ended in the UK in 2015, previous activity continues to impact the environment – and solar power has been helping to clean up the mess.
 
Climate Change Concerns Climb In Australia
The level of concern among Australians regarding climate change and its impacts has increased significantly due to the nation’s bushfire crisis.
 
Renewable Electricity Generation In Australia’s Water Utility Industry
How much on-site renewables-based electricity is generated by Australia’s water and wastewater utilities? Researchers at the University of Queensland sought to find out.
 
Bushfire Smoke Impact On Rooftop Solar Energy Output
A solar monitoring company has found output from rooftop solar panel systems in Sydney and Canberra was significantly impacted on recent heavy bushfire smoke haze days.
  
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.