Hi everyone,
  
Following on from Ronald's dissection of the Canberra Battery Test Centre's latest (and final report) last week, he's put together a comprehensive summary of all 12 of the Centre's reports on home battery performance and reliability.  It's not great news.
  
I asked Anthony to write about the most challenging solar installation he's ever had to do. It's quite a story - but not just because of the 109 panels, the terracotta tiles or the 20+ roof faces. (Trigger warning for solar nerds – this story has a very sad ending).
  
Emergency solar management was introduced in Western Australia early this year. So, what is it and what do WA solar owners need to know? Find out in my latest video (transcript included).
  
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

Canberra Battery Test Centre Final Report
A comprehensive summary of all 12 of the Canberra Battery Test Centre's reports on home battery reliability. Unfortunately, it's not great news.
 
The Most Challenging Solar Installation I Ever Did
Finn asked me to write a post on the worst solar installation I ever had to do. The worst? Ah, let me count the ways I could interpret that… this could become a series.
 
Emergency Solar Management In WA: What You Should Know
Emergency solar management in Western Australia – what is it? And should you be worried? Finn explains.
 
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

Big Appetite For Solar Batteries In Australia, But …
A recent survey indicates the majority of Australian solar owners are keen on getting a home battery – but there’s a common issue continuing to stand in the way of many doing so.

“Earth’s Black Box” Development Application Lodged
A proposed solar powered “black box” project in Tasmania will record humanity’s progress – or lack thereof – on addressing the climate crisis should it get the green light from West Coast Council. 

Cameron Park Community Battery Operational
Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP) Ausgrid has taken the wraps off its Cameron Park Community Battery at Lake Macquarie in NSW; its third community battery on the east coast and the first outside Sydney.

WA Going Gangbusters On Solar Schools
Another 96 schools in Western Australia are getting solar panels through the McGowan Government’s $44.6 million Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund.

The Australian Leapton Solar Panel Saga
Australians visiting a local Leapton Solar branded web site might come away from the experience believing the company is no longer operating here. That’s not the case.

Canadian Solar Adding Polysilicon Production
Canadian Solar Inc. has announced the firm is getting into the polysilicon production game, increasing its level of vertical integration.

Another Step Forward For Geurie Solar Farm
New South Wales’ Western Regional Planning Panel has given its blessing – with conditions – to the development of a small solar farm incorporating battery storage in the Dubbo Regional Council area.

Free Solar Panel Recycling For Greater Bendigo
Residents of Greater Bendigo who have solar panels they wish to dispose of are now able to do so for free.
  
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
EV Charging 101
This comprehensive guide covers pretty much everything you’ll need to know about EV charging at home and away from it; and all explained clearly.