Hi everyone,
  
Home battery warranties in Australia are strong and automatic under law. But if your supplier wants to play hardball, you could be in for a fight. Find out why here.
 
For the installers and solar tech nerds out there, learn about a clause in the recently updated Australian Standard for PV installations that has caused a few headaches for solar installers and designers.
 
Some bad news: SQ's Ronald is expecting big hikes in electricity prices in 2023. The good news: solar feed in tariffs should rise too. Discover why.

It won’t be long before Australia’s national solar rebate - the generous up-front subsidy for a system purchase - will reduce again. Here’s what you need to know – and why getting quotes sooner rather than later could be a good move. On a related note, find out what Australian solar shoppers were wanting in a solar/battery system during September in the latest SQ auSSII report.
  
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

Home Battery Warranties And Musical Chairs: When The Music Stops
What’s the difference between a home battery warranty and a game of musical chairs? One is a situation in which people or things are moved, shuffled, or rearranged from one position to another, and the other is a game. 
 
One Point Two Five; It’s Like Orwell’s 1984, But For Solar
The recently updated Australian Standard for solar installations, AS5033:2021, contains a clause that has caused a few headaches for solar installers and designers.
 
Prepare For Even More Electricity Price Hikes
It’s October and Australia’s wholesale electricity price crisis has entered its sixth month. Massive retail electricity price hikes in the eastern states are becoming more likely (from July 2023).
 
October 2022 Australian Solar Systems Interest Index
A higher proportion of Australian solar shoppers wanted to fill their rooftops with solar panels in September. Find out what else they were looking for in a power bill busting PV system in the latest SQ auSSII report.
 
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

NT’s First Operational Lithium Mine Opened
The first lithium mine in production in the Northern Territory and Australia’s only lithium mine outside WA was officially opened yesterday.
  
Cash For QLD Community Groups To Install Solar And Batteries
Another round of grants is available for eligible community groups in Queensland to slash their emissions and energy bills with solar power and battery systems.
 
Solar Powered Wi-Fi Project Gets More NSW Government Backing
A company working to bring better connectivity to Australians living or travelling out the back of beyond has scored another injection of NSW Government funding.
 
NT’s First Virtual Power Plant Trial Commences
A Virtual Power Plant initiative kicked off in Alice Springs yesterday – the Solar Connect VPP.
 
Australia’s Solar Rebate In 2023: Looking Ahead
2022 has zoomed by, and it won’t be long before Australia’s national solar rebate will get another haircut. Here’s what you need to know – and why getting quotes sooner rather than later could be a good move.
 
VIC Community Groups To Slash Bills With Solar And Batteries
A bunch of community groups and councils across Victoria have scored funding from the Andrews Government to support installation of solar panels and batteries.
 
Sunny Days For Australia’s Lithium Industry
Australian lithium exports will more than double in the next 5 years states a new Federal Government report, and the country could potentially soon snag a significant chunk of the lithium hydroxide production market.
 
New Class Of Solar Inspectors For Victoria
A new class of licensed electrical inspector (LEI) specialising in renewable energy installations will be introduced over the next 18 months in Victoria.
  
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 2022 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.