Hi everyone,
  
Australians considering a Tesla Powerwall purchase will be disappointed to discover a hefty recent price increase - find out how much here.
 
On a much lighter note, Ronald's world-famous April 1 posts continued for another year - this year's was on Tesla's Elon Musk's "Resilience Day" presentation; including a peek at the new Powerwall that has been taken in a rather unexpected direction.
 
Back to reality, and the latest SolarQuotes auSSII report reveals a greater proportion of Australians wanting to fill their rooftops with solar panels in March.
 
And on the topic of electric cars, Ronald delves into why EV uptake in Australia has been comparatively crappy (it's not just about cost) and where things may be heading.
  
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

10% of New Cars Sold Today Are Electric. In Australia It’s 2%
Australia has been slow to introduce EV incentives, and quick to introduce disincentives for electric cars. Now we're paying the price. Find out what's happening, why and where things may be heading here.
 
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index: April 2022
The latest SolarQuotes auSSII report reveals a greater proportion of Australians wanting to fill their roofs with solar panels to make the most of their valuable rooftop real estate.
 
Elon Musk Delivers Surprise “Resilience Day” Presentation
On April 1 at 2AM Adelaide time, Ronald watched Elon Musk's "Resilience Day" presentation. Here's what Elon announced, including the new Powerwall.
 
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

IPCC: Humanity At A Crossroads On Emissions
Without immediate and deep emissions reductions across the board, limiting global warming to 1.5°C will be beyond humanity’s reach says a new IPCC report.
  
LG Battery Recall Continues: Solax Power And Opal Storage Affected
A new recall notice went up on the Australian Government’s Product Safety web site last Wednesday in relation to LG batteries utilised in some energy storage systems from a couple of other brands. 
 
Another Big Tesla Powerwall Price Increase In Australia
Australians hankering after a Tesla Powerwall solar battery system will need to dig deeper into their pockets to buy one of the beasties.
 
Australian Solar Farms As Wildlife Habitats
A researcher at New South Wales’ University of New England (UNE) is delving into the potential for renewable energy zones to also act as valuable wildlife habitats.
 
Solar Panels In U.S. Commerce Department’s Crosshairs Again
For a government that says it’s eager to hugely expand solar capacity and really tackle climate change, the Biden Administration is doing some pretty weird stuff.
 
Yet Another Yallourn Power Station Incident
There’s been a fire at Victoria’s Yallourn Power Station, but thankfully renewables (and the brilliant efforts of firies of course) helped save the day.
 
Federal Budget Fails On Renewables And Climate
The smattering of new cash for renewables and the lack of real action on climate change in last night’s Federal Budget have been criticised.
 
Queensland Reforms To Better Back Homeowner Solar Rights
A bill introduced to Queensland’s Parliament yesterday seeks to reinforce the rights of homeowners in the state to install solar panels.
  
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.