Hi everyone,

The production of solar hardware of course involves the mining of resources for the materials needed to make it - and some get rather worked up about this. 
 
But the fact is while solar power is not impact-free and improvements can be made, far less material and mining per kWh are required compared to fossil-fuel based electricity generation. See the numbers here.
 
US company GAF Energy recently unveiled its "nailable" Timberline Solar roof shingle, and the comparisons to Tesla Solar Roof flowed. But they are very different beasts.
 
While on the topic of Tesla and solar roofs, a dedicated Tesla enthusiast has been closely watching construction of  the company's massive Giga Texas factory - and boxes of solar hardware recently appeared. Find out what Tesla is installing.
 
Closer to home and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is kicking in $40 million to support development of tech to make solar power even cheaper than it is now.
 
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

Coal Uses 100x More Mined Material Than Solar Per kWh Generated
Wind and solar power are not impact-free, but they need far, far less material and mining per kWh than fossil fuels. Here are the numbers....
 
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

A New Look For GoodWe In 2022
Chinese inverter manufacturer GoodWe has welcomed the new calendar year with a new look and kicking off construction of its new headquarters in Jiangsu.
 
$40 Million Funding For Australia’s Solar 30 30 30 Goal
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is throwing a fistful of cash at making solar power even cheaper than it is now. 
 
Sun Metals Hooks Up With Energy Vault
Australia’s Sun Metals’ parent company Korea Zinc is ploughing a significant chunk of cash into Swiss energy storage developer Energy Vault. 
 
Fortescue Forks Out For Battery Electric Locomotives
In another step towards achieving carbon neutrality, Australian iron ore producer Fortescue Metals Group has recently signed on the dotted line for a couple of battery-electric locomotives.
 
What’s Being Installed On Tesla’s Giga Texas Roof?
Boxes of solar panels, inverters and racking systems started appearing on the Tesla Gigafactory Texas roof recently – find out what’s being used.
 
Goulburn River Solar Farm Project Progress
A huge proposed solar and battery storage project in New South Wales’ Upper Hunter Region has taken another small step forward.
 
Enphase Finalises EV Charging Solutions Acquisition
Microinverter and battery storage manufacturer Enphase Energy announced on Wednesday it had completed acquisition of EV charging solutions company ClipperCreek.
 
Fronius – 30 Years Of Solar
There aren’t many companies around today that have been in the solar hardware game for as long as Austrian inverter manufacturer Fronius.
 
GAF Energy’s “Nailable” Timberline Solar Shingles
US company GAF Energy unveiled its Timberline Solar roof shingle product yesterday, and it’s created a fair bit of buzz.
  
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.
 
NEW! 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.
 
NEW! 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.
 
NEW! 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.