Hi everyone,
 
Coal power's days are numbered in Australia. Despite what many politicians seem to believe, the cost of new renewable energy generation is less than that of new coal - and will soon be cheaper than existing coal. 
 
On a related note, it appears the Federal Government's Underwriting New Generation Investment Program as it currently stands has the potential for a High Court challenge. 
 
Speaking of fossil fuels, Shell announced on Friday its intention to acquire German battery maker Sonnen. Hmmm.
 
In other news, the Clean Energy Council announced some upcoming important changes to its Approved Solar Retailer program..
 
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

Australian Coal Power Will Be Quickly Killed By Low Cost Renewables
Coal power's days are numbered. The cost of new renewables is already less than the cost of new coal. Soon solar and wind will be cheaper than existing coal.

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SOLAR NEWS

Underwriting New Generation Investment Program “Unconstitutional”?
Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor apparently lacks constitutional authority over electricity and authority to fund projects under the Underwriting New Generation Investment Program in its current form.

Even More Solar Power And Battery Storage For SA’s Robertstown Area
SA Water has a couple of large-scale PV + energy storage projects in the pipeline (so to speak) for the Robertstown region in South Australia’s Mid-North.
 
CEC Flags Changes To Approved Solar Retailer Program
Changes to the Clean Energy Council’s Approved Solar Retailer Program will see suspended or cancelled participants publicly named. 
 
Shell To Acquire Solar Battery Manufacturer Sonnen
Shell announced on Friday its intention to acquire German battery maker Sonnen – the company will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the fossil fuel giant. 
 
NASA Farewells Solar Powered Mars Rover Opportunity
All good things come to an end, and that includes the mission of the solar powered Mars rover Opportunity.
 
Victorian Solar Hot Water Rebate Applications Open
Victorian home owners will are now able to apply for rebates of up to $1,000 on solar hot water systems under the Andrews Labor Government’s Solar Homes Package scheme.
 
Australia’s Neometals Approaching Lithium-Ion Battery Cell Recycling Goal
Australia’s Neometals Ltd has announced the successful commissioning of stage 1 of its lithium‐ion battery recycling pilot plant – but it’s not here.
 
TAS On-Farm Energy Audit And Capital Grant Cash Brought Forward
Farmers in Tasmania considering going solar may want to take advantage of the state’s On-Farm Energy Audit and Capital Grant program.
 
Solar Panel Validation Initiative A Success
The Clean Energy Regulator’s solar panel validation initiative has been a quiet achiever, and now covers more than half the solar panels associated with small-scale technology certificate (STC) claims.
  
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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 
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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.