Hi everyone,
 
Like many other trades, solar installers in Sydney have put down their tools until July 31 (at this point) except for emergency work due to COVID-19 restrictions, as have installers in South Australia and Victoria until Wednesday next week (again, at this stage).
 
It's a really crappy scenario for everyone affected. But this doesn't stop folks in affected states who are interested in slashing their electricity bills from learning about solar power and how to buy a good system - and getting quotes in preparation for an installation.
 
These activities can occur from the comfort of your home and without any physical face-to-face interaction. Over the last year or so, solar businesses have been increasingly using technologies such as video-conferencing in situations where any detailed discussions are required.
 
For those who are waiting for an install, they can learn more about owning a system in order to make the most of it. 
 
Past the lockdowns, everyone in the industry will be particularly keen to get cracking again, while of course closely observing COVID-Safe guidelines.
 
Over to hardware now, and Maxeon Solar Technologies has taken the wraps off another SunPower branded AC solar panel that will be available in Australia next month. Another new panel range heading our way in the next few months is the REC N-Peak 2.
 
On the solar battery front, if you have a home battery, a time-of-use tariff can provide bigger electricity bill savings. Learn more about time-of-use tariffs and how much you could save here.
 
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

Can A Home Battery On A Time-Of-Use Tariff Pay For Itself Yet?
If you have a home battery, a time-of-use tariff can provide bigger electricity bill savings. Discover how much you could save here.
 
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

Wraps Off The REC N-Peak 2 Solar Panel Range
REC Group has announced the launch of the REC N-Peak 2 solar panel range, which should be available in Australia in just a few months.
 
Grattan: How To End Petrol And Diesel Car Sales By 2035 
Sales of new petrol and diesel cars should be phased out in Australia by 2035 says the Grattan Institute – and it has recommendations to help make it happen. 
 
Heritage Bank Switches HQ To Renewables
Heritage Bank announced on Friday its Head Office building in Toowoomba, Queensland is now running on 100% renewable energy.
 
Sydney Solar Installations On Hold
Like many other trades, solar installers in Sydney have needed to put down their tools due to the COVID-19 situation.
 
Green Light For 400MW Solar, 200MWh Battery Facility In NSW
A huge solar power and battery storage facility for New South Wales’ Mid-Western Regional Council area has been given the State Government’s blessing.
 
Maxeon Unveils SunPower Performance 3 AC Solar Panel
Maxeon Solar Technologies has taken the wraps off another AC solar panel – and it looks like this one will be heading to Australia very soon.
 
Clean Energy Council Compliance Activity Update
The CEC has provided a snapshot of its Solar Accreditation Scheme related compliance activity between the beginning of July last year and the end of June this year.
 
Rethinking Solar Panel Shipping – PVpallet
Touted as a sustainable solar panel shipping solution, PVpallet is about to hit prime time.
 
More Solar Hosting Capacity For Broome
Imagine wanting to go solar and not being able to install panels because the local electricity network can’t handle it. That’s a scenario Broome residents have been living with for years..
  
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

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.
 
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.
 
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.