Hi everyone,
  
To electrify all vehicles in Australia would require a big increase in grid electricity generation. So, is it possible for Australia to generate enough electricity to enable a rapid transition to electric road transport? The short answer is yes - read the long answer here.
 
On a related note, the Western Australian Government has made generous EV rebates available (but will hit EV owners with a tax down the road). A summary of EV, solar and battery rebates and subsidies across Australia can be found here.
  
Over to solar hardware, and panel manufacturer REC has unveiled its next generation of high-powered Alpha solar panels that can be installed on residential rooftops  – the REC Alpha Pure-R Series.
  
Another high-end panel producer, Maxeon, has announced its interesting choice of energy storage and EV charging solutions partner for Maxeon's Sunpower One home energy ecosystem. Find out more 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,

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To Electrify Road Transport Australia Will Need 46% More Generation
Australia has more than 20 million vehicles, including 2 million heavy trucks. To electrify them all would require an increase in on-grid electricity generation of approximately 46%. This size of this increase raises the question: Is it possible for Australia to generate enough electricity to enable a rapid transition to electric road transport?
 
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

Thousands Of Solar Panels Airlifted Onto Tonsley Rooftops
2,000 solar panels were recently airlifted by helicopter onto the roofs of Renewal SA’s Line Zero building and TAFA SA’s campus in Adelaide’s Tonsley Innovation District.
 
Caravan Solar Panel Tragedy: Coroner Delivers Findings
The findings of a coronial inquest in Tasmania serve as a reminder to owners of caravans with solar panels to ensure they are properly secured.
 
Maxeon Hooks Up With AlphaESS For SunPower One
High-end solar panel manufacturer Maxeon has made an interesting choice of energy storage and EV charging solutions partner – AlphaESS.
 
WA Household Electricity Credit Great News, But..
The McGowan Government’s announcement of a $400 electricity bill credit for all Western Australian households was no doubt welcomed by many and eyed enviously by those in other states. But it again only provides short-term relief from the ongoing hip-pocket pain from power bills.
 
Solar Cash For Community Groups Up For Grabs In Bayside
Time is running out for non-profit community groups in Victoria’s City of Bayside to apply for a Council grant that could be put towards installing solar panels.
 
REC Alpha Pure-R Solar Panels Unveiled
REC has shown off the next generation of its high-powered Alpha solar panel family suitable for residential rooftops – the REC Alpha Pure-R Series.
 
Mars Solar Powered Helicopter Soldiers On
NASA’s solar powered helicopter Ingenuity was recently feared lost – but is battling on as it heads into a long Martian winter.
 
Commercial Solar Helps Make For Great NABERS
The use of solar power is continuing to help companies achieve strong NABERS environmental performance ratings for their buildings in Australia.
 
WA Electric Vehicle Rebate Launched, EV Tax On The Horizon
Western Australia’s McGowan Government is earmarking close to $60 million to boost uptake of electric cars and other zero emission vehicles, but will lump EV drivers with a tax further along the road.
  
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 2021 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.