Subject: Powerwall, Sungrow battery pros and cons, WA sees the light, QLD EV charger rule and more

Solar Quotes

Hi everyone,

Tesla's Powerwall may be a really good home battery, but it's not perfect. Check out Powerwall pros and cons according to an Australian solar and battery installer.
 
Still on home energy storage; Sungrow solar batteries won SolarQuotes' 2023 Installers' Choice Award as the most popular low cost battery - and there are good reasons why. Read what SQ's Anthony has to say.

Over to solar panels, and Trina's powerful 440W Vertex S+ designed for residential rooftops has arrived in Australia.
 
Some good news - common sense has prevailed concerning a main switch circuit breaker rule in WA’s South West Interconnected System (SWIS) that was creating headaches for some households and businesses.
 
Some not so good news - Queensland EV owners looking to install a hard-wired charger on their homes need to be aware of a significant gotcha in the state’s electricity connection rules.
 
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,

Finn Peacock

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SQ VIEWS

Pleasures & Sorrows Of Tesla’s Powerwall: An Installer’s Perspective
SolarQuotes has sometimes faced accusations of lacking independence, with critics suggesting Tesla must be footing the bill for our positive coverage of the Powerwall. We’ve also been accused of rigging Tesla’s gold medal in our 2023 Installers’ Choice Awards.

Sungrow Wins ‘Best Budget Battery’: An Installer’s Reaction
The words ‘budget battery’ strike fear into many installers’ hearts. The thought of a too-cheap battery going wrong is the stuff of nightmares.
 
Even more news below!

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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.

Learn more about The Good Solar Guide

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?

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SOLAR NEWS

Plibersek Spruiks Australia’s Renewables Superpower Potential
Australia’s Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek spent part of her Easter Break spruiking the Albanese Government’s progress on renewable energy.

Liddell Power Station: The End Is (Really) Nigh
First switched on back in 1971, coal- fired clunker Liddell Power Station will very soon be switched off for good. So, what impact will this have on electricity prices? Will there be blackouts?

Bridgestone’s Solar Powered, Greener Tyre 
Bridgestone Americas has announced production of demonstration tyres for EV SUVs and crossovers made with 75% recycled and renewable materials – and solar power also plays a role.
  
Queensland’s Home EV Charger Gotcha
Queensland EV owners looking to install a hard-wired charger on their homes need to be aware of a significant gotcha in the state’s electricity connection rules.
  
CCWA Warns On WA Critical Minerals Mining Rush
New sites for mining critical minerals crucial to the clean energy revolution will have to go somewhere, but they cannot go anywhere says the Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA).
 
Western Australia Sees The Light On Circuit Breaker Rule
Common sense has prevailed concerning a main switch circuit breaker rule in WA’s South West Interconnected System (SWIS) creating headaches for some households and businesses.
 
Solar Powered Security For Berrigan Shire
Australian manufactured vandal-resistant “solar poles” will soon be powering lighting and CCTV at a bunch of locations in New South Wales’ Berrigan Shire.
 
Australia’s 5B: Onwards To Automation
It may not look like much, but the fixing of this first bolt was a big moment for Australian “solar farm in a box” pioneer 5B.
 
Trina Solar’s Powerful 440W Vertex S+ Lands In Australia
Rooftop solar panels keep getting more powerful and Trina’s Vertex S+ range continues to push the envelope.
  
Read more from the blog

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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.

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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!

Fresh Solar Quotes

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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.

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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 2023 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.

Learn more
Solar Quotes
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