Hi everyone,
 
Welcome to another issue of the Solar Quotes weekly newsletter - please feel free to forward it on to others.
 
On a recent Sunday, rooftop solar provided 60% of all South Australian electricity demand in the middle of the day. This was again well past the point where we were told solar power would destroy the grid and bring on the End Of Days.

Still in SA, Sonnen is no longer the only company to get a head start on the state's Home Battery Scheme, with announcements over the last week Alpha-ESS and Eguana Technologies have been approved. 

In other battery news, Queensland's battery/solar + storage grant scheme has started, but few will benefit - so those interested may need to get in quick.

While on the topic of subsidies, it's that time of the year again when some solar retailers are starting to scream that Australia's solar rebate/subsidy/incentive will reduce on January 1 - so, how much will it drop by? Find out here.
 
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

Record Breaking 63% Of Electricity Demand Met By Rooftop Solar In South Australia
On a recent Sunday, rooftop solar provided 60% of all South Australian electricity demand in the middle of the day. This makes SA the most solar powered state by far and puts it well past the point where we were told solar power would destroy the grid, cause your lamb roast to cost $100, and make your cows spin backwards.
 
Finn Peacock On ABC Radio’s Nightlife
Finn appeared on the ABC radio program Nightlife last week. I’m guessing you won’t be surprised to hear he talked about rooftop solar. I’m not saying he’s getting predictable, but I didn’t think the chances of him talking about home coal generation were very high..

THE GOOD SOLAR GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE

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

Eguana Technologies Joins SA Home Battery Scheme
Solar battery manufacturer Eguana Technologies is setting up shop in South Australia and has been approved for the state’s Home Battery Scheme.
 
CO2 Emissions Reduction Vs. Reducing Energy Bills – Poll Results
Recently published poll results indicate addressing energy pricing is considered a more important priority by Australians than reducing carbon emissions.
 
Plan To Make Export And Burning Of Thermal Coal Illegal In Australia
The Australian Greens are to introduce a bill that if passed would make it unlawful to dig, burn or ship thermal coal after 2030. 
  
Queensland Solar Battery Grant/Loan Scheme Kicks Off
While the QLD Government says its battery and solar + storage grants and loans are the next wave in the state’s renewable energy revolution, its effect will be more of a ripple. 
 
How Much Will Australia’s Solar Subsidy Reduce By In 2019?
‘Tis the season for solar subsidy scare tactics. It’s that time of the year again when some solar retailers are starting to scream that the solar rebate/subsidy/incentive will reduce next year, hoping to turn more browsers into buyers. 
 
Select Committee Into Fair Dinkum Power To Be Established
The upper house last week voted to establish a Senate select committee that will look into “fair dinkum power”, which start its work late this month.
 
Alpha-ESS To Manufacture Solar Battery Systems In Adelaide
Sonnen is no longer the only game in town for heavily subsidised energy storage in South Australia, with an announcement last week Alpha-ESS had joined the Home Battery Scheme. 
 
Gunnedah Solar Farm Referred To Independent Planning Commission
A major solar farm proposed for the Gunnedah area in New South Wales has been referred to the IPC as a result of the number of objections lodged. 
 
Intech Energy Container Arrives At Port Of Townsville
An Intech Clean Energy containerised hybrid solar + storage solution arrived in Australia yesterday, which will make its way to a property in north-west Queensland’s McKinlay Shire.
 
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?
 
Compare Solar Feed In Tariffs 
Make sure you are getting a good solar feed in tariff - try this easy to use comparison tool

Solar Battery Comparison Table
Discover battery prices and specifications of dozens of energy storage solutions with our solar battery storage comparison table.