Hi everyone,
 
What's the best way to heat water - solar panels or solar thermal? From flat plate thermal systems to heat pumps and solar PV diverters, in this video and transcript I take a look at your solar hot water options.
  
In our latest auSSII report we’ve added stats to answer the question everyone has been asking – what proportion of Australian solar buyers are interested in microinverters? OK, so perhaps not *everyone* has been asking that - but we thought it would be an interesting addition to the report.
 
In other news, the Australian Electricity Market Commission (AEMC) recently released an issues paper to gather input on how best to integrate electric vehicles with the grid.
 
They say it's an ill wind that blows nobody any good. While the coronavirus is creating all sorts of misery and creating some challenges for the supply of solar components, its impact on temporarily reducing air pollution from coal power in China was significant.
 
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

The Best Way To Heat Your Water – Solar PV Or Solar Thermal?
From flat plate thermal systems to heat pumps and solar PV diverters, in this video Finn takes a look at your solar hot water options.
 
Coronavirus: More Lives Saved Than Lost Due To Lower Air Pollution
Every cloud of infectious phlegm has a silver lining. In the coronavirus' case it's the reduction in air pollution in China from coal power.

AEMC Wants Your Ideas On Grid-Integrated EVs
The Australian Electricity Market Commission recently released an issues paper to gather input on how best to integrate electric vehicles with the grid.
 
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index – March 2020
In our latest auSSII report we’ve added stats to answer the question everyone has been asking – what proportion of Australian solar buyers are interested in microinverters?

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

Longi Supplies Panels For Huge Floating Solar Farm
Chinese solar panel manufacturer Longi has announced its modules have been used in a major floating solar energy project in China’s Hunan Province.
 
NSW Solar + Battery Scheme Finally Kicks Off – Sort Of
The NSW Government’s Empowering Homes scheme that offers interest-free loans for battery and solar-battery systems launched on Friday as a pilot program.
 
South Australian Home Battery Scheme Subsidy Reduction Flagged
The South Australian Government has announced the subsidy level and cap for its Home Battery Scheme will be decreased soon. 
 
Blacktown City Council Commits To 100% Renewables (Electricity)
On Wednesday night, Sydney’s Blacktown City Council voted in favour of a target of 100% renewable electricity for its operations by 2025.
 
Small Utility Scale Solar Surges In South Australia
MPower’s Mannum Solar Farm projected is now completed and Terregra Renewables has been given the green light for several solar projects in the Murray Bridge region.
 
UniSuper Urged To Dump Fossil Fuel Investments
One of Australia’s largest superannuation funds is under increasing pressure to completely divest from fossil fuels.
 
Central Highlands Water Installing Solar For Sustainability – And Savings
Victoria’s Central Highlands Water is increasing its use of solar energy – and its new PV project is thanks in part to people power..
  
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! - 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.