Hi everyone,

Does it make sense to buy a battery without solar? Ronald's crunched the numbers and found it's possible for a home battery to pay for itself even if a household doesn't have solar panels - under certain circumstances. Discover what those circumstances are.
 
The latest SolarQuotes auSSII report reveals a greater proportion of Australians considering solar in October wanted to fill their rooftops with panels - and more were also interested in home batteries.
  
Over to electric vehicles - I answer some of the most common questions I'm asked about my electric car, and also explain why your next car should be an EV.
 
On a related note and in case you missed its release last week, SQ TV Episode 10 is all about electric cars. I explain everything you need to know about EVs, why the electric vehicle takeover is inevitable and how home solar power will play a crucial role in helping make it happen. 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 VIEWS

Buying A Battery Without Solar Is No Longer A Crazy Idea
New solar sponge electricity tariffs now make it possible for a home battery to pay for itself even if a household doesn't have solar panels - under certain circumstances.
  
Why Your Next Car Should Be An EV
4 common questions Finn is asked about his electric car answered – and he explains why buying a new petrol or diesel vehicle now could be a bad move.
 
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index: November 2021
A greater proportion of Australians considering solar in October wanted to fill their rooftops with panels – and more were also interested in home batteries.
 
Australia Fails To Join Global Methane Pledge
It would be relatively easy for Australia to slash its methane emissions, but our leadership chose not to commit to the Global Methane Pledge at COP26.
 
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

Victorian Solar For Public Buildings Rollout Update
The Victorian Government’s Solar on Public Buildings program has seen dozens of solar installations completed, and dozens more to come.
 
By How Much Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?
There are a bunch of articles around indicating installing a solar power system can substantially increase the value of a home. Be aware of devil in the detail of some of the eye-popping estimates. 
 
Jinko Solar Ploughing Cash Into Polysilicon Producer
Solar panel manufacturer Jinko Solar has announced its intention to throw a bundle of bucks at a subsidiary of one of China’s polysilicon production giants.
 
Empowering Health: Solar + Battery Storage For Victoria’s GLCH
The team at Gippsland Lakes Complete Health is pretty excited about a big solar power and battery system on the way for its Lakes Entrance facility.
 
NSW’s Riverina Water Eyes Net Zero Emission By 2030
95% of Riverina Water’s greenhouse gas emissions come from mains electricity – and the utility is looking to solar power and other renewables to address this.
  
Giving Back To The Community: Tilbuster Solar Farm
Developers of a proposed large-scale solar development in New South Wales’ Armidale region will be giving back to the local community in a big way should the project go ahead.
  
Sunnier Days Ahead For Home Solar In Horizon Power Towns 
Solar energy export limits implemented in some parts of Australia can be a bummer, but being unable to install a grid-connected solar power system at all would really suck.
  
NSW “Sunset On Solar” Panel Recycling Project
Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) member councils are undertaking a project to divert solar panels from local landfills.
  
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.