Hi everyone,
 
Another challenging week for everyone - we hope you're doing ok and staying safe.
 
On the topic of social distancing, going solar doesn't need to involve close in-person contact - find out more here. On a related note, discover what Australian solar buyers were wanting in March.
 
Solar string inverters, micro-inverters and power optimizers. What’s the best choice? Are optimizers and microinverters worth the extra money? Here's my view.
 
During these uncertain times, a little humour can go a long way. Ronald's traditional April Fools Day post this year was pretty popular - it discussed solar power in ancient Egypt.
 
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

Is Solar Panel Optimisation Worth It?
Solar string inverters, micro-inverters and power optimizers. What’s the best choice? Finn offers his point of view in this video (transcript included).  
 
Making Going Solar A COVID-19-Free Experience
In among all the challenges of late, some good news is arranging the purchase of a solar power system and having it installed doesn’t require you to be in close physical contact with anyone – social distancing can be observed.
  
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index – April 2020
March 2020 was a month unlike any other, but there were still plenty of Australians interested in solar power – with some perhaps spurred on by the prospect of bigger electricity bills through staying at home. 
 
Archeologists Uncover Ancient Egyptian Solar Power
A set of papers published in the International Journal of Antiquity last month has revealed ancient Egyptians may have had access to a technology that, in our modern world, has only taken off over the last few decades.

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

Raw Deal For New NT Solar Owners And Installers
The Northern Territory’s distinction as having the hands-down best solar feed in tariff has been lost for new system owners. Installing solar will still be worth it, but payback will be significantly extended.
 
Dubbo Regional Council Joins Cities Power Partnership
New South Wales’ Dubbo Regional Council has announced it is now a member of the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership (CPP) program. 
 
Barwon Water Becomes Sustainable Housing Estate Developer
Victoria’s Barwon Water is turning surplus land previously forming part of the Highton Basin landholding into a sustainable housing estate, with all homes to have solar power systems.
 
A Strong 2019 For Canadian Solar
Canadian Solar recently released its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2019 indicating another great year for solar panel shipments.
 
Power Bill Support For Western Australians
Western Australia’s McGowan Government has announced more details on electricity bill relief and support for households, businesses and community groups as part of its $1 billion COVID-19 package.
 
Edward River Council Turning To Solar Energy
New South Wales’ Edward River Council is another step closer to what appears to be its first significant solar power installations.
  
Read more from the blog

RELEVANT COVID-19 INFO

The Value Of Solar In Uncertain Times
Solar installers are still working – albeit with extra precautions. Make your investments dependent on the strength of the sun – not the strength of the economy.
 
8 Reasons Why Right Now Is A Great Time To Go Solar
Australians have been a little distracted lately – and who can blame them? But the distraction is leading to some missing out on the advantages of installing solar panels right now.
 
Most Commercial Solar Can Now Get Instant Asset Write-Off Until June 30
The Federal Government announced a $17.6 billion economic stimulus including tax deduction incentives that makes commercial solar power even more attractive
 
How The Financial Stimulus Can Help Your Solar Business
If you own a solar business, the government has announced a surprisingly generous support package for small/medium businesses. Here’s what you need to know.

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.