Hi everyone,

Having solar panels installed on a tiled roof? Broken tiles are unfortunately common, so best grab some spares ready for the installers before they get to work. Check out Anthony's guide to the finer details of installing solar panels on a tiled roof.
 
From the rooftop to the wall, Ronald's taken a deep dive into Sungrow solar inverters. And while on the topic of inverters - what do installers want? Anthony reveals an installer wish-list. 
 
Over to batteries, and SolarQuotes' Jono has had Amber Electric controlling his solar and battery system for six months now. Discover how much Jono has saved - and the issues he's experienced along the way.
 
By the way, I was at the home energy and EV extravaganza Fully Charged Live in Sydney on the weekend. Keep an eye out for my review of the event on the SolarQuotes blog, which should be published later today or tomorrow.
 
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

Amber Electric Review: My First Six Months
Six months ago, I retrofitted a SolarEdge Energy Bank battery to my 6.6kW solar system. Finn encouraged me to join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) to add depth to my battery ownership experience. I chose Amber Electric’s ‘Amber for Batteries’.
 
What Solar Installers Want From A Solar Inverter
I asked fellow installers what they wanted from a solar inverter, and they answered decisively: More current, please.
 
A Deep Dive Into Sungrow Solar Inverters
Sungrow is either the largest or second-largest solar inverter manufacturer in the world. They’re duking it out with Huawei, and it isn’t clear who’s winning.
 
Installing Solar On A Tiled Roof? Why You Need Spare Roof Tiles
As a qualified builder and roofer, I should disclose that I really don’t like tile roofs.
 
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

JinkoSolar’s Stunning Solar Panel Shipment Tally
Chinese PV panel manufacturing giant Jinko Solar’s shipment numbers for 2022 are in. They are staggering, and 2023’s are likely to be even higher.
 
Rooftop Solar STC Value Still Solid
Value of the virtual bits of paper underpinning Australia’s national solar rebate is looking very strong – and that’s good news for solar buyers.
 
Grey Power: Solar Energy For NZ Retirement Villages 
New Zealand’s largest retirement village operator is getting into solar energy in a big way under a long term power purchase agreement.
 
SMA Has High Hopes For 2023
Germany-based inverter manufacturer SMA Solar Technology AG saw a significant boost in sales last year and is anticipating more of the same in 2023.
 
Canadian Battery Manufacturer Snaps Up Australian Solar Installer
Canada’s Eguana Technologies has announced acquisition of Adelaide-based solar and storage installation firm SolarLab Pty Ltd.
 
Households And Businesses Brace For Energy Regulator Decision
An Australian Energy Regulator draft decision setting the scene for electricity prices in several states should be published very soon. And the news isn’t likely to be good.
 
Australia Post Pleased With Volvo Electric Truck Trial
Deliveries originating from an Australia Post distribution centre on the outskirts of Brisbane have been bit greener lately with the addition of a Volvo electric truck.
  
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 2023 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.