Hi everyone,
  
In the wake of damage from storms in South Australia on Saturday, some solar owners in areas not impacted by blackouts saw their systems shut down as electricity powers-that-be struggled to get on top of the situation. This *may* continue for a couple of days yet. Find out what happened and why.
 
The SA blackouts will understandably stoke interest in home batteries. But what if you're not made of money (or maybe you just can't abide Elon Musk)? What alternatives are there to the Tesla Powerwall? Learn about a bunch of Powerwall alternatives here.
 
Do you have a 10+ year old inverter that has finally died? Here's a guide to repairing or replacing your old-school solar inverter.
 
Over to EVs now - discover how an electric car could help power your home or provide grid services via V2L, V2H and V2G technologies, and how they relate to home solar. And while on the topic of electric vehicles, Michael has posted his review of the BYD Atto 3 after taking one for a spin.
  
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 ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SQ VIEWS

8 Tesla Powerwall Alternatives To Consider (And One You Shouldn’t)
I remember the Tesla Powerwall 2 hitting the Australian market like it was just 7 years ago. It was the shining white pioneer that lit the way, the stroke of marketing mastery, the name now appropriated by an entire industry to describe a brick full of batteries.
 
Help! My Vintage Solar Inverter Has Finally Failed
If you are reading this because you have a failed ‘vintage’ inverter, you probably bought your solar power system ten or more years ago. 
 
BYD Atto 3: EV Newbie Test Drive Review
Michael recently took a BYD Atto 3 for a test drive – the first EV he's ever driven. Here’s what happened on this momentous occasion.
 
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

JinkoSolar Closing In On 100% Renewables Goal
Solar panel manufacturing goliath JinkoSolar says it is more than halfway towards reaching a commitment to power all its operations with renewables-based electricity. 
 
SA Storm Blackout Aftermath: Solar Shutdowns
Some solar power system owners in SA are seeing their systems disconnect after a major storm event. Find out what's happening and why.
 
Tim Tams Made With Solar Power On The Way
Arnott’s Group has inked a deal with CleanPeak Energy that will see the iconic biscuit maker’s manufacturing facility in Sydney transition to 100% renewable energy for its electricity needs.
 
Victorian Labor Promises Neighbourhood Battery Blitz
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday pledged to spend a bunch of bucks on neighbourhood batteries if Labor is returned to power. He also revealed his own rooftop solar status.
 
Crookwell Water Plant Gets PV Power Boost
NSW’s Upper Lachlan Shire Council (ULSC) has jumped into solar power with the installation of a ground-mount system at the Crookwell water treatment plant.
 
Sydney Council Helping Local Business Battle Power Price Pain
Sydney’s Northern Beaches Council is going above and beyond the 3Rs (roads, rates and rubbish); seeking to connect local businesses to cheaper, cleaner renewables-based electricity.
 
Inverter Manufacturers Hit Back On QLD Emergency Backstop
Several major solar inverter manufacturers have expressed their concerns over Queensland’s plans to introduce a very blunt tool to manage some new solar and battery systems remotely.
 
Surf Coast Shire Microgrid Project Progress
Victoria’s Surf Coast Shire Council is encouraging Torquay and Lorne residents to have their say on potential renewables-based microgrids.
  
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 2022 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.