Hi everyone,

Is lead dead? Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, including in solar energy storage systems. So, should you still consider old-school lead-acid? Anthony takes a look at the pros and cons of both battery types.
 
Still on batteries: read the (solved) mystery of misleading monitoring and a home battery staying suspiciously full. It's a rogue electrician whodunnit.
 
Want solar panels on your architecturally designed home? Well-designed solar can be installed over raked, vaulted and cathedral ceilings. Find out how here.
 
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

Kevin And The Case Of The Missing Kilowatt Hours
Not long ago, in a suburb not too far away from SolarQuotes HQ, a solar/battery system owner made contact. He was engaged in an age-old battle, arguing with his electricity retailer about what seemed to be excessive charges on his power bill.
 
Lead-Acid Vs Lithium-Ion Batteries. Is Lead Dead?
We live in an age where your camper trailer can power an induction cooktop, a mine can go off-grid, and giant grid-scale batteries are being announced almost weekly.
 
Installing Solar Panels with Raked Ceilings: Challenges and Solutions
They say that happiness is directly proportional to ceiling height. But raked/cathedral ceilings strike fear and loathing into the hearts of many solar installers. It doesn't need to be this way.
 
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

Renewables Could Improve Healthcare For A *Billion* People
Close to a billion people across the planet are served by healthcare facilities with unreliable access to electricity, or none at all. This is a life and death situation that can be addressed with renewable energy states a new report.
 
Making The Most Of Queensland’s Battery Boom
Stakeholders have the opportunity to help shape Queensland’s future battery industry after a discussion paper was released yesterday by Acting Premier Steven Miles.
 
Monster Mine Truck’s Monster Battery Arrives In Australia
WAE Technologies has delivered a really big battery to Australia – said to be the largest of its kind – for a really big prototype zero-emission battery electric mining haul truck.
 
Hybrid Systems Australia Secures WA Schools VPP Project Slice
Hybrid Systems Australia will be installing four fairly chunky solar and battery setups for a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) pilot project in Western Australia.
 
Solar Panel Manufacturers Spreading Their Wings
There was some interesting stuff happening at JA Solar, Qcells and Australia’s very own Tindo Solar last week.
 
Solar System Servicing: Energy Safe Victoria Reminder 
After several fires in the last few weeks involving older solar power systems, Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) has reminded Victorians about the importance of regular solar inspections and servicing.
 
Canberra’s Battery Rebate Bids Goodbye
After reaching its installation target, the ACT Government’s Next Generation Energy Storage (Next Gen) program has ended.
  
PCL Construction Scores Stubbo Solar Farm EPC
There’s been more progress on ACEN Australia’s huge Stubbo Solar project in New South Wales, with the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract now awarded.
  
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.