Hi everyone,
 
How much deposit should you put down on a solar power system - and is that deposit protected? This information can be hard to find and interpret - here's what we discovered.
 
Thinking about installing Astronergy solar panels? We put the company under the spotlight.
 
For those of you who have installed solar power systems, I recently released a new video showing how to maximise your solar savings - check it out here (includes transcript).
 
More on these stories and other 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

How Big A Deposit Should You Pay Your Solar Installer?
This post arose from a couple of questions: what’s a “normal” start-work deposit to offer a solar PV installer, and is there deposit protection for consumers?
 
How To Maximise Electricity Bill Savings With Solar Power
If you’ve installed solar panels – congratulations! Here’s what Finn advises you do next to make the most of your solar power system so you’ll end up with the lowest possible electricity bills. 
 
Astronergy Solar Panels Review
Astronergy solar panels are manufactured by Chint group in China and Thailand. They're budget, tier 1 panels, but should you consider them for your roof?

Vodcast Episode 30 – Solar Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Finn and Ronald discuss how much deposit you should pay your solar installer, a major proposed wind/solar/storage project in SA, Project EnergyConnect and much more.

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

More Solar Energy For Gippsland Water
Victoria’s Gippsland Water announced last week it had installed more than 1,800 solar panels as part of its quest to slash the corporation’s carbon emissions.
 
Victoria Bitter Spruiks Its Solar Energy Street Cred
Carlton United Breweries (CUB) brand Victoria Bitter has launched a TV commercial highlighting its use of solar power – but the leadup was somewhat a misfire. 
 
In Brief – WA: Industrial Park Microgrid, Smart Meter Rollout Begins
What’s been called Australia’s first industrial renewable energy microgrid is to be established at the Peel Business Park in Nambeelup, Western Australia. Also in WA, Western Power’s big advanced meter rollout has begun.
 
A Green Light For Super-Cheap Solar And Battery Storage PPA 
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Board of Commission has given its nod to power purchase agreements offering the utility dirt cheap solar + storage supplied electricity.
 
South Australian Energy Minister Talks Up Project EnergyConnect
SA’s Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan was again spruiking the virtues of a SA-NSW interconnector last week.
 
Another Huge Renewable Energy Park Proposed For South Australia
Details of a proposed $1 billion wind, solar and battery storage project for South Australia’s Mid-North were revealed last week.
 
Solar Power Still The Favourite Energy Choice Of Australians
Solar power remains the most popular energy source among Australians according to The Australia Institute’s latest Climate Of The Nation report.
  
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! 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?
 
Compare Solar Feed In Tariffs 
Make sure you are getting a good solar feed in tariff - try this easy to use comparison tool

Solar Battery Comparison Table
Discover battery prices and specifications of dozens of energy storage solutions with our solar battery storage comparison table.