Hi everyone,
 
Going solar in Tasmania is more challenging than on the mainland, but it can still deliver great results if you do it right. Here's how.
 
Back across Bass Strait now and it will soon be a very, very good time for small businesses in Victoria to go solar, with a new rebate set to launch in May.
 
Over to home solar generally - find out what Australians were wanting when shopping for a system last month.
  
And, in case you missed it in last week's newsletter, check out SolarQuotes TV Episode 2!
 
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

How To Succeed With Solar Power In Tasmania - Despite The Challenges
If you are lucky enough to live in Tasmania, I have some bad news. Using solar panels to get low bills is more challenging than on the mainland. But I also bring good news.
 
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index – March 2021
What were Australians wanting when considering buying a solar power system last month? Find out in the latest auSSII report.

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 EPA Coal Licence Review “Fail”
After spending more than 3 years reviewing operating conditions for coal power plants, Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is finally done – and its decisions have been found lacking.
 
Shalom College Solar Farm Officially Opened
Solar installer GEM Energy has another big commercial solar and storage project in the spotlight; this one at a secondary school in Bundaberg, Queensland. 
 
Victoria’s Solar For Business Program Rebate Details Announced
Eligible small businesses in Victoria will be able to apply for the state’s new Solar for Business Program rebate from May – and there will also soon be bonuses available for upgrading to energy efficient equipment.
 
Another Road Incident Involving Solar Panels
A solar panel is something you don’t want to see come flying towards you on the road to wherever. Another case of improperly secured solar panels – but a different scenario.
 
The STP And Going Solar In Australia In 2021
The Clean Energy Regulator has announced the Small-scale Technology Percentage (STP) for 2021 – here’s what that means for Australians considering going solar.
 
UN Chief: Cancel All Coal Power Projects – Globally
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has again called for an end to what he called the world’s deadly addiction to coal.
 
Victorian Neighbourhood Battery Initiative, Community Power Hubs Open
The application periods for the Victorian Government’s $3 million Neighbourhood Battery Initiative (NBI) and $3.3 million expanded Community Power Hubs program are now open.
 
More Solar Installations For Victorian Government Schools
A total of 171 government schools across Victoria will have solar power systems installed through the Greener Government School Buildings program.
  
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.