Hi everyone,
 
De-energising a solar power system can be dangerous if not done correctly as two system owners recently discovered - and they also discovered their inverters were subject to a recall notice. Find out what happened here.
 
Is the looming solar waste "crisis" all that it's cracked up to be - and is solar panel recycling the best option? Learn more.
 
In other news, the Clean Energy Regulator has announced changes that will impact the amount of solar subsidy available in some areas from the beginning of next year and Victoria's Essential Services Commission wants to compel electricity retailers to offer both a single rate and time-varying solar feed in tariff – and set lower minimum rates for both.
 
More on these stories and other 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

A Tale Of Exploding Isolators: Alliance Solar, Can You Hear Us?
Two people have posted tales of exploding solar isolators. This dangerous situation can happen when a solar power system is de-energised incorrectly. In both cases, it also turned out the solar power systems' inverters were subject to a recall notice.
 
Tossing Old Solar Panels Into Landfill Is Greener Than Recycling Them
The conventional response to criticism of solar waste is panels can simply be recycled. But is that the greenest option?

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

Go-Ahead Given For Maryvale Solar Farm
A $188 million solar energy project at Maryvale, near Wellington in New South Wales has been approved by the state’s Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
 
Small-Scale Solar Postcode Zone Changes Take Effect On January 1
Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator has announced changes to postcode zones for solar power system installations will kick in from the beginning of next year; impacting on the amount of subsidy available in some areas.
  
AEMC Releases Residential Electricity Price Trends Report 
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) thinks cheaper electricity bills are on the cards for many Australians over the next few years, largely thanks to the impact of renewable energy. But your mileage may vary.
 
WA’s Consumer Protection Flags Growing Solar Complaints
The popularity of solar power in Western Australia is accompanied by an increase in related complaints according to Consumer Protection. 
 
Trash To Treasure – Summerhill Solar Farm Operational 
The City of Newcastle flicked the switch on its new five-megawatt solar farm on Wednesday, which will save Council (and ratepayers) millions of dollars.
 
More Solar Energy For WA’s City Of Busselton
Western Australia’s City of Busselton Council says it is expecting a 2-3 year payback on its latest solar power system installations.
 
Solar Feed In Tariff Reduction Proposed For Victoria
Victoria’s Essential Services Commission wants to compel electricity retailers to offer both a single rate and time-varying solar feed in tariff – and set lower minimum rates for both.
 
SEIA : Impact Of Trump Solar Tariffs “Devastating”
The introduction of tariffs on imported solar panels and cells in the USA has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in new private sector investment says a solar industry trade association.
 
Green Light For West Wyalong Solar Farm
The NSW Government has approved development of a $135 million solar power + battery storage project in the state’s Central West region.
  
Read more from the blog

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 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 | Installers 
 
Pick up some tips on writing a review.

USEFUL SOLAR INFO

NEW! 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.