Hi everyone,
 
The botched rollout of the second phase of Victoria's Solar Homes program is already claiming victims. Solar workers are being laid off and businesses are closing their doors. It's tragic, avoidable and will have knock-on effects for existing solar households and the wider Victorian community.
 
A rally to be held in Melbourne this Thursday (I'll be attending) will highlight the disaster caused by the rejiggered rebate in an effort to get the Victorian government to listen - and to do something about the rapidly escalating crisis.
 
In other news, last week’s post about solar inverter security sparked a lot of interest and a few good questions, which Richard has answered in his latest article on solar power system security.
 
Over to energy storage now - if you want to charge your electric car with a home solar battery for environmental and financial reasons, charging  from the grid is cheaper and greener - find out why.
 
While on the topic of batteries, SA Energy Minister Dan Van Holst Pellekaan hosted a "Home Battery Forum" last week. Discover what he claimed about solar battery payback and Tesla Powerwall 2 costs.
 
Do you understand the difference between power and energy, and between kilowatt and kilowatt-hour? It's important you do - learn about the difference in my latest video and transcript.
 
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

Absolute Solar Power Basics – The Difference Between Power And Energy
When it comes to solar power, the absolute fundamental thing you need to know is the difference between power (kW) and energy (kWh). I explain the difference in my latest video and transcript.
 
SA Energy Minister Says $9,300 For A Tesla Powerwall 2 Is “Very Expensive”
SA's Energy Minister hosted a "Home Battery Forum" last week. Discover what he claimed about solar battery payback and Tesla Powerwall 2 costs.
 
Security Jitters: Can They Hack My Solar Power System?
Most modern solar inverters are connected to the internet. Is yours at risk of being hacked? What could happen if hackers access your solar power system?
 
Charging Your EV From The Grid - Cheaper & Greener Than From A Home Battery
Want to charge your electric car with a home solar battery for environmental and financial reasons? It's a great attitude, but not a great idea. Here's why.

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

Development Application Approved For Pallamana Solar Farm
It’s been reported the development application for a proposed large-scale solar + storage facility near Murray Bridge in South Australia has been given the thumbs-up. 
  
Victoria’s Day Of Solar Action This Thursday
A rally on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House this Thursday will endeavour to get it through the Victorian Government’s skull that not only is the nature of the Solar Homes PV rebate crippling the state’s solar industry, many Victorians are missing out on reaping the benefits of solar power. 
 
A Big Week For Big Solar In Australia
A lot has been happening on the large-scale solar energy front in Australia in the past week – here’s a roundup of some of the notable events. 
 
Inquiry Into Sustainability Of Energy Supply And Resources In NSW
A new inquiry by the New South Wales Legislative Assembly’s Environment and Planning Committee is delving into the economic opportunities for renewables in the state, and how to support communities affected by changing resource markets.
 
Cedar Grove Environmental Centre Construction Update
Construction of a wastewater treatment facility with a curious name – Cedar Grove Environmental Centre – is 40% complete says Queensland’s Logan City Council.
 
Rebate Rage: The Battle To Save Victoria’s Residential Solar Industry
Workers are being laid off and solar businesses are closing their doors in Victoria. Solar buyers, system owners and the Victorian community in general should also be worried as the crisis will have some serious knock-on effects.
 
Noosa, City Of Melbourne Councils Declaring Climate Emergencies
Two more Australian councils are joining the growing number of local governments to declare climate emergencies – Noosa Shire and City of Melbourne.
 
Product Warranty Boost In Australia For Phono Solar Panels
Sumec Australia has announced a 15-year product warranty now applies to all standard modules delivered from Phono Solar since the beginning of January 2019.
  
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.