Hi everyone,
 
SolarQuotes TV episode 9 is live!

Living off the grid with solar is now more accessible than ever. In the latest episode of SolarQuotes TV, you'll discover how to go off-grid properly as we show you the best examples of off-grid living in Australia - from a whole island off Tasmania down to a tiny DIY 'Earthship' in the Adelaide Hills. Check it out here!

On a related note - while you can now go off-grid with a $10,000 battery, just because you can do something, it doesn't mean you should. Ronald has listed 5 good reasons keeping your grid connection. 
 
Over to new tech, and Australian battery innovator Gelion hopes it can start manufacture of its zinc-bromine batteries in Western Sydney by year's end. Discover more about Gelion's battery technology here. 
 
Richard also reports on an interesting gadget that deals with a thorny issue for some NZ solar owners with three phase power - and may be useful to Australian three-phase households too. 
 
In other news, we look at differences between electricity plans for solar owners in terms of costs, how to switch plans and the power of solar energy self-consumption in maximising savings. 
 
The latest SolarQuotes auSSII report has also been published, indicating Australians are continuing to pursue their desire for big systems, with many wanting to fill their rooftops with solar panels.
 
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 VIEWS

5 Reasons You Should Keep Your Grid Connection
If you want energy independence, here are the 5 reasons you will be better off buying a solar battery and remaining grid connected. 
 
Gelion: Ready For Battery Manufacturing After COVID Delays
Australian battery innovator Gelion hopes it can start manufacture of its zinc-bromine batteries in Western Sydney before the end of 2021.
  
Kiwi Startup Readies Three-Phase Power Balancer For Market
NZ solar owners are disadvantaged by 3-phase net metering. A new device solves this problem and may be useful to Australian solar owners too.
 
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index: October 2021
Solar systems are getting bigger and many Australian households are wanting to fill their rooftops with solar panels – find out more in the latest auSSII report.
 
Going Off-Grid Done Right – SolarQuotes TV Episode 9
In this episode of SolarQuotes TV, discover how to go off-grid properly. Finn showcases some of the best examples of off-grid living in Australia and the solar hardware making it increasingly possible.
 
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

New FIMER Solar Inverters And Battery For Australia
Inverter and energy storage manufacturer FIMER has provided a glimpse of new solar products heading to Australia next year.
 
Solar Inspections In Victoria Get A Boost
A pilot mentoring program seeks to create a more robust and streamlined solar power system inspection regime in Victoria under the state’s Solar Homes program.
  
The Power Of Solar Energy Self-Consumption
Australian solar owners don’t need no stinking feed-in tariffs. No, that’s not accurate – they are certainly welcome, but a greater focus on solar energy self-consumption without a battery can pay big dividends.
 
ABC Building Solar Battery Buzz
A couple of recent ABC reports will have more panel owners interested in solar batteries. So, what do Australians need to know about home energy storage before taking the plunge?
 
When Is A German Solar Inverter Not German?
Perceptions matter – the provenance and pedigree of solar power system hardware can help it sell. But picking and choosing origins to mention can mislead.
 
So, You Want To Switch Your Electricity Plan?
If you’re the proud owner of solar power system and have found a more attractive electricity plan, here’s what you should know before you switch.
 
Expensive And Cheapest Electricity Plans For Solar Owners Compared
The electricity plan Australian solar owners choose can make a big difference to the financial benefits they enjoy. On the wrong plan, the difference over a few years could translate to thousands of dollars in missed savings.
  
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.