Hi everyone,
 
We hope you're all doing as well as possible in the current situation. It's still business as usual (with extra precautions) for us and installers in the SQ network; but we feel greatly for those who have been far more severely impacted.
 
On to solar stuff - I get approached all the time by confused homeowners who’ve been quoted solar and they’ve had the salesperson enthusiastically sell them on the merits of their mono or poly panels (depending on what they are selling). Is there really enough difference to be concerned about it? Here's what you need to know.
 
On the topic of panels - U.S. headquartered Solaria is a relatively new entrant on the Australian solar panel market - find out more about Solaria here.
 
Have solar panel optimiser manufacturers been too optimistic in their performance claims? A Danish study indicates optimisers can be the opposite of optimal.
 
Over to Virtual Power Plants - the Tesla VPP in South Australia networks thousands of residential Powerwall batteries to work together, support the grid and make money. How did it go in its first 12 months? Pretty good - find out more.
 
More on these and other stories 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

Polycrystalline Vs. Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Some solar sales people play up the supposed superiority of monocrystalline over polycrystalline solar panels. But is this justified for most homeowners going solar? Here’s Finn’s view on the issue. 
 
Danish Study Shows Solar Panel Optimisers Aren’t Always Optimal
A Danish study suggests thinking twice before adding optimisers to your solar power system. In some situations you may get less energy with optimisers.
 
AEMO Judgement On SA VPPs: Yes, They Help The Grid And Turn A Profit
South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant isn’t just delivering electricity to consumers in that state – it’s also proven successful at helping the SA grid respond to grid-scale events. And that grid-response is a profitable sideline for the VPP. 
 
Solaria Solar Panels Available In Australia
Solaria’s “Pure Black” solar panels are now available in Australia – here’s a look at this new entrant competing for Aussie rooftop space.

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 Donating 1 Million Face Masks And Other PPE
Chinese solar panel manufacturing goliath JinkoSolar is doing its bit to help in the coronavirus battle outside its home country’s borders.
 
Sunnier Days At SMA
German inverter manufacturer SMA has delivered an upbeat report regarding its performance last year and is sticking by its 2020 guidance indicating further improvement.
 
Energy Businesses Directed To Protect Households And Small Business
On Friday, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) outlined its expectations for energy retailers and networks during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating they must “go above and beyond” to support customers.
 
Swansea University Chooses Redflow ZBM2 Flow Batteries
Britain’s Swansea University has purchased a bunch of batteries from Australian energy storage manufacturer Redflow.
 
A Different Earth Hour This Year
While probably not high up on many Australians’ to-do lists at the moment, the nature of Earth Hour meant it could go ahead this year – but there were some changes.
 
Renewable Energy And Storage As An Essential Service
Australia’s response to COVID-19 needs to clearly recognise the essential nature of renewable energy and energy storage says the Clean Energy Council.
 
Victorian Solar Rebates Go Begging
Uptake of solar panel rebates in Victoria continues to slow, making it a good time for those considering solar or crowded out by the previous rush to take another look.
 
Sydney’s Sutherland Shire Council’s Carbon Neutrality Motion
The issue of carbon neutrality was on the agenda for last night’s Sutherland Shire Council meeting.
 
200MW Solar Farm Decision Nearly Foiled By Coronavirus
A decision on approval for a solar farm + battery storage facility in Victoria’s north was very briefly put backburner due to COVID-19, but then approved under delegation.
  
Read more from the blog

RELEVANT COVID-19 INFO

The Value Of Solar In Uncertain Times
Solar installers are still working – albeit with extra precautions. Make your investments dependent on the strength of the sun – not the strength of the economy.
 
8 Reasons Why Right Now Is A Great Time To Go Solar
Australians have been a little distracted lately – and who can blame them? But the distraction is leading to some missing out on the advantages of installing solar panels right now.
 
Most Commercial Solar Can Now Get Instant Asset Write-Off Until June 30
The Federal Government announced a $17.6 billion economic stimulus including tax deduction incentives that makes commercial solar power even more attractive
 
How The Financial Stimulus Can Help Your Solar Business
If you own a solar business, the government has announced a surprisingly generous support package for small/medium businesses. Here’s what you need to know.

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! - 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.
 
NEW! 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.
 
NEW! 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.
 
NEW! 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.