Hi everyone,

Canberra Battery Test Centre just released more solar battery testing results, which were again disappointing. The majority of home batteries experienced problems ranging from temporary breakdowns to complete failure. Find out how each brand fared in this SolarQuotes report.
 
Still on energy storage, but for a different application - I recently took my Tesla electric car on a 2,000 kilometre road trip - much of that through rural areas - and gave range anxiety a bit of a workout. Here is my story.
 
On a related note, SQ TV Episode 10 is all about electric cars. Discover everything you need to know about EVs and how home solar power will play a crucial role in supporting the electric vehicle revolution in Australia. Check out SQ TV Episode 10 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 ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SQ VIEWS

75% of Home Batteries Faulty In Long Term Battery Testing
Only 2 of 8 battery brands' systems tested worked as they were supposed to. Clearly, home battery storage reliability needs to improve.
  
EV Range Anxiety Test: 2,000km Tesla Trip In Australia
Can a Tesla electric car cover long distances in Australia when rural travel is a big chunk of the journey? Finn finds out in this EV field test.
 
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

Chevron Australia Buying Offsets For CCS Fail
Chevron Australia’s Gorgon carbon capture and storage (CCS) project wasn’t – and probably still isn’t – living up to expectations.
 
NSW NPWS Aims To Be Carbon Positive By 2028
Solar power is set to help New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service achieve its carbon emission reduction goals. 
 
Risen Energy Spruiks Alloy Steel Solar Panel Frames
Major Chinese solar panel manufacturer Risen Energy says it is addressing the emissions footprint of aluminium module frames through the use of coated alloyed steel. But there’s a lot of missing detail in its announcement.
 
EV Charger Recommendations From A Solar Installer
This seasoned Australian solar installer has branched out into EV chargers. Find out what he’s installing, the cost involved and other electric car charging recommendations for solar owners.
 
Solar Panels + Electric Car = Zero Electricity And Fuel Bills
How much can you save with an electric car if your home has a rooftop solar power system? In this solar/EV owner’s case, a significant amount.
 
What Is The International Solar Alliance?
Australia has been part of it for years and the USA just joined it – so, what is the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
 
Longi Inks Solar Panel Supply Deal With Australia’s OSW
Solar panel supply agreements can be a bit ho-hum. But given issues in Australia at the moment, such deals are good news.
 
Clive Palmer’s Proposed Coal Power Station May Be Called In
Queensland’s Planning Minister says he wants to ensure sure the community have their say on Clive Palmer’s Waratah Coal power station.
  
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.