Hi everyone,
 
I certainly don't want to jinx things, but it looks like South Australia and Victoria will be coming out of lockdown after midnight tonight. Solar installations *should* be able to recommence in SA tomorrow and as for Victoria, it's not totally clear yet. Keep an eye on the SolarQuotes Blog as we may publish a related news item early tomorrow morning with an update.
 
As for Sydney, there's no change there at this point (but you can still organise quotes in preparation) and our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by the COVID situation.
 
When you punch, prod, freeze and cook solar panels repeatedly in a torture testing chamber, which brands survive? Check out the results.
 
In other news, CommBank has announced it has expanded availability of its low-interest Green Loan for home loan customers, which can be used to purchase items including solar panels and battery systems. On a related note, check out my guide to financing solar systems.
 
Solar farms can sometimes be controversial developments, but their benefits extend beyond clean energy production and a sugar-hit of construction jobs. 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,

SQ VIEWS

2021 Solar Panel Torture Testing: ET, LONGI, & SunPower Do Well
When you punch, prod, freeze and cook solar panels repeatedly in a torture testing chamber, which brands survive? Read these results to find out..
 
Even more news below!

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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

Another Callide Power Station Unit Back To Polluting 
A third generating unit of Queensland’s black coal-burning Callide Power Station returned to service yesterday.
 
CommBank Expands Low-Interest Green Loan Facility
More Commonwealth Bank home loan customers wanting to go solar but without the up-front cash to do are now eligible for the bank’s Green Loan.
 
People Power And Shoalhaven Solar Farm
Site works have kicked off for New South Wales’ Shoalhaven Solar Farm, a project driven by community group Repower Shoalhaven.
 
Waverley Council Sets 2030 Net Zero Emissions Target
New South Wales’ Waverley Council committed to bringing forward its zero carbon emissions target by 20 years at its meeting last week.
 
SA’s Walkerville Council Saving A Bundle With Solar
Adelaide’s Walkerville Council looks set to achieve rapid payback on a solar power project.
 
Solar Farms Do More Than Just Generate Clean Energy
Beyond the clean electricity, jobs and associated economic activity, many solar farm projects provide other positive and ongoing benefits in their local communities.
 
New Tasmanian Solar Schools Announced
The first batch of government schools in Tasmania to receive solar power systems under a new program have been named.
 
IEA: Global Emissions Set To Surge To New High
New analysis from the International Energy Agency indicates only around 2% of global government COVID recovery spending has been allocated to clean energy measures.
 
Cessnock City Council Switches On New Solar Power Installations
New South Wales’ Cessnock City Council is making good on its Cities Power Partnership pledges, with the installation of several solar power systems complete and now operational..
  
Read more from the blog

POPULAR SOLAR TOOLS

There's a bunch of handy and easy to use tools and calculators on SolarQuotes. You can find a selection of my most popular tools 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.

USEFUL SOLAR INFO

Solar Battery Reviews
We've kicked off our new battery reviews section with more than 40 manufacturers listed where you can find more information on energy storage companies and read or submit reviews.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.