Hi everyone,
 
Welcome to another issue of the Solar Quotes weekly newsletter - please feel free to forward it on to others.

As always, it's been an interesting week on the solar scene in Australia and overseas - check out the stories below. 
 
By the way, don't forget you can get 3 solar quotes from trusted solar installers at our website - and you can also stay in touch with what's happening on SQ via our Facebook page.
 
Regards,

SQ VIEWS

SA Virtual Power Plant - Virtually Brilliant, But Is It A Good Idea?
Some initial thoughts from Ronald on the announcement of the world's largest virtual power plant initiative in South Australia, which will be powered by 50,000 home solar + Tesla Powerwall battery systems.

South Australia’s New Diesel Generators Ready To Rumble - But Probably Won’t
All you need to know (and then some) about the South Australian Government's shiny new General Electric TM2500 hybrid diesel/gas turbine generators.

Australian Solar Systems Interest Index – February 2018
While January was accompanied by school and public holidays, this certainly didn’t stop Australians from pursuing their goals of reducing electricity bills through solar power.

SOLAR NEWS

QLD, NSW And Victoria Facing Major Electricity Price Rises : Report
Lack of significant Government intervention in the gas market could lead to households in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria facing hefty electricity bill increases says the McKell Institute. 

Solar Powered Microgrid For South Australian Produce Market
In yet another big renewables announcement for SA, the South Australian Produce Market in Adelaide’s northern suburbs will soon be home to a microgrid featuring solar and battery storage. 
 
South Australian Pride In Renewable Energy
A recent poll indicates the majority of South Australians are proud of the state’s wind and solar power achievements – and they want other states to follow SA’s lead. 

50,000 SA Homes To Get Solar Panels + Tesla Powerwall 2
The South Australian Government has again teamed up with Tesla, this time to install 5kW solar power systems, Powerwall 2 batteries and smart meters on 50,000 homes – at no cost to households – as the next step in its Energy Plan.

Solar + Storage Projects Proposed For Wee Waa And Gunnedah
Even more big solar may be on its way in New South Wales – Overland Sun Farming has submitted proposals for major solar farms near the towns of Gunnedah and Wee Waa. 

Trina Ships 9GW+ Of Solar Panels In 2017
2017 proved to be another busy year for Trina Solar, which shipped 9.0 to 9.2 GW of PV modules to destinations around the world according to the company. 

Trump : “War On Beautiful, Clean Coal Over”
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder they say, but the words beautiful, clean and coal used together by U.S. President Donald Trump in his State of the Union speech certainly raised a few eyebrows. 

Hivve Solar Powered Classroom Trial In New South Wales
Some lucky Australian school-age students have been kicking off their year in a comfy, high-tech solar powered classroom. 

More Aqua-Photovoltaics Projects Operational
From fish farms in China to water treatment plants here in Australia, sticking solar panels on top of bodies of water is growing in popularity. 

Australia’s Top Solar Postcodes Update
Facts and figures regarding solar power and battery system installations in Australia as at the end of December 2017, based on data from Australia's Clean Energy Regulator.

35 Councils Join Cities Power Partnership At Lismore’s Floating Solar Launch
The opening of Australia’s largest floating solar farm is served as a backdrop for the welcoming of dozens of councils throughout Australia to the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership.
 
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!

USEFUL SOLAR INFO

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.