Hi everyone,
 
The big - and happy - news for Victoria's solar industry in the past few days was the announcement solar installations can recommence in metropolitan Melbourne. It appears there are still some details needing clarification, but it's a step in the right direction. We could hear the cheers of solar installers and their customers from here in SA.
 
Speaking of South Australia, Ronald has learned that if SA needs to hit the big red button and shut down rooftop solar systems installed since 28 September 2020, SMA inverters can comply – at no extra cost to the owner. Find out more. 
 
In other news, Richard has been chatting with Amber Electric about the company's SmartShift solution, which can sync household loads to cheaper and greener wholesale electricity prices.
 
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

Amber Electric's Smart Shift Trial Automates Your Appliances
Maverick electricity retailer Amber Electric can automatically run your appliances at times when energy is cheaper (and greener).
 
SMA Inverters Will Meet SA's Disconnection Rules At No Extra Cost
If SA needs to hit the big red button and shut down rooftop solar installed after 28 September 2020, SMA inverters can comply – at no extra cost to the owner.

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

Residential Electricity Consumption In Australia’s NEM Spiked In Q2
An ACCC report indicates while overall electricity consumption in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) fell during the second quarter of this year, residential consumption jumped.
 
Out Of The Ashes II – The Coal Ash Threat In NSW
A report released by Hunter Community Environment Centre (HCEC) yesterday estimates 100 tonnes of harmful heavy metals leach into NSW waterways every year from coal ash waste in four regions. 
 
Solar Installations Back On Track In Melbourne
Huzzah! As of Monday morning, solar installations have been able to recommence in Melbourne – and metropolitan installers will be keen to get cracking.
 
Solar Energy Helps Councils Shine At Awards
The use of solar power has assisted a couple of councils towards a win in Local Government NSW’s (LGNSW’s) Excellence in the Environment Awards.
 
Caravan Solar Panels – Are Your Mounting Brackets Just Glued On?
“Glue and screw” is the message a camper trailer owner has for those installing solar panels on caravan roofs – it could save lives.
 
Blacktown City Council Solar Panel Installation Complete
The installation of solar panels for a 707kW PV project for Sydney’s Blacktown City Council involving multiple sites was recently completed according to Risen Energy Australia.
 
First Green Light For Gold Coast Region Solar + Battery Project
A solar farm project featuring battery storage that’s been in the pipeline for a few years inched closer towards reality last week at a City of Gold Coast council meeting.
 
IKEA Adelaide’s Solar + Storage Microgrid Project Progressing
The first solar panels have been lifted on to the rooftop of IKEA’s retail outlet in Adelaide as part of a major solar power + battery storage microgrid project at the site.
 
UN Secretary-General Again Calls For End To Fossil Fuel Subsidies
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged members of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action to keep pushing for a green COVID-19 recovery..
  
Read more from the blog

POPULAR SOLAR TOOLS

There's a bunch of handy and easy to use tools and calculators on SolarQuotes. You can find a selection of my most popular tools 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.

USEFUL SOLAR INFO

NEW! - Solar Battery Reviews
We've kicked off our new battery reviews section with more than 40 manufacturers listed where you can find more information on energy storage companies and read or submit reviews.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.