Hi everyone,
 
The myth of batteries as a sustainability silver-bullet is leading some homeowners to choose solar batteries over 'boring' efficiency upgrades - an unwise decision. While on the topic of batteries, an Australian Standard for battery testing is getting closer.
 
Over in Victoria, the State Government (and solar buyers) are revving up for the return of the Victorian solar rebate, which will kick off again on July 1. But the number of solar panel rebates available will be limited each month - and even more limited will be support for batteries. Learn more here.
 
In other news, Ronald takes a look at recent solar panel torture testing and how various brands fared.
 
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

Good People Making Bad Decisions: A ‘Community Solar’ Case Study
The myth of batteries as a sustainability silver-bullet is leading to some homeowners unwisely choosing solar batteries over 'boring' efficiency upgrades.
 
New Solar Panel Reliability Scorecard For 2019 — GCL, JA, And Longi Do Well
2019 testing showed improvements in solar panel reliability except under damp heat, which can cause PERC panels to suffer from deterioration known as LeTID.
 
Australian Standard For Battery Testing Gets Closer
Q. How do you compare solar battery data sheets when there's no standard for the tests that give rise to battery specifications? A. Have standardised tests!
 
SolarQuotes Vodcast Episode 20 – Fishy Figures
Finn and Ronald discuss the latest solar panel torture testing results, the Victorian solar rebate (subsidy), rooftop isolators, a forecast based on very dodgy figures and more.

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

XXXX Beer Now Brewed With A Helping Hand From Solar Energy
There will be a bit of sunshine in every XXXX beer thanks to a rooftop solar power system installed at the Castlemaine Perkins brewery in the Brisbane suburb of Milton.
 
City Of Sydney (Council) Vote On Climate Emergency Declaration
At the City of Sydney Council meeting on Monday evening, councillors voted in favour of declaring a climate emergency and putting more pressure on the Federal Government to act on climate change.
 
NSW Solar-Battery Interest Free Loans Update
The NSW Government has flagged its interest-free solar-battery loans program – Empowering Homes – could commence towards the end of this year.
 
Proposed Winton Wetlands Mokoan Solar Project Announced
The Committee of Management of Winton Wetlands in Victoria is calling for expressions of interest from companies to build and operate a proposed large-scale solar farm on part of the site.
 
Horizon Power To Allow More Solar Installations In Regional Western Australia
Western Australia’s government has announced more households and businesses in regional WA will have the opportunity to install rooftop solar panels.
 
New CEC Solar Install And Supervise Guidelines Kick In Soon
The Clean Energy Council’s Grid-Connected Solar PV Systems: Install and Supervise Guidelines for Accredited Installers – Version 13 come into play from the beginning of July.
 
Clean Energy Regulator Wants To Change (Some) Solar Postcode Zones
Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator is requesting feedback on its proposed changes to solar postcode zones, which will impact the amount of solar rebate available in some locations.
 
Get Ready For Victoria’s Solar Power Rebate .. Err, Subsidy – Round Two
The Victorian Government is warming up its Solar Homes Package engine – and households in Victoria wanting to take advantage of the generous rebate (now a subsidy) should do too.
  
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.