Hi everyone,
 
Often people come to us with two quotes asking for advice. Both quotes list the same brands of solar panels and inverter, but one quote is much cheaper - and isn't from a SolarQuotes-referred installer.
 
They ask: "Surely all installations are the same? So why shouldn't I go with the cheaper quote?". 
 
It can be quite hard to explain the difference between a good and bad installation over the phone. So we made this video (transcript included) demonstrating a "gold-class" installation, while pointing out some of the installation shortcuts that are taken by the dirt-cheap subcontractors.

While on the topic of videos and in case you missed it, last week SQTV episode 6 went live, focusing on winter – how do solar power systems fare? Another important question is also answered – can a Tesla Powerwall cook a human? See the outcome of a battery powered sauna battle! Plus, making solar work in Tasmania, heat pumps, PV payback, panel angles and much more. Check out SQTV episode 6 here!
  
In other news, despite what you may have heard, South Australians are not being forced onto a time-of-use retail electricity tariff when they get solar panels installed. Find out more here.
 
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 VIEWS

What Makes A Great Solar Power Installation?
What separates a great solar power system installation from a crappy one – even if exactly the same panels and inverter are used in both? Watch a “gold-standard” installation performed from start to finish (transcript included).
 
Don’t Panic: SA Homes Can Remain On Flat Tariff When Getting Solar
Last week I heard from a South Australian concerned they’d be forced onto a time-of-use tariff after installing solar panels. Since this was at the start of the new financial year, my initial response was, “Oh god! What are the electricity retailers doing now?”
 
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

Trina Solar Joins Science Based Targets Initiative
Chinese solar panel manufacturing giant Trina Solar says it has formally joined the global Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
 
WA Non-Profits Score Solar Power Systems From Synergy
Synergy has announced its 2021 Community Solar Fund recipients. And the winners are…
 
Risen Energy Proposes Solar Farm For Wagga
Solar manufacturer and developer Risen Energy has formally signalled its intention to construct a small solar farm in North Wagga, New South Wales.
 
Central Coast Council Charging Ahead With Electric Cars
NSW’s Central Coast Council is putting the the pedal to the metal in acquiring battery and hybrid electric vehicles – with more to come.
 
More Victorian Community Power Hubs Energised
16 solar energy projects will be delivered before the end of this year by Community Power Hubs supported by the Victorian Government.
 
CEFC Invests In Solar Power Assisted Plastic Recycling Facility
A facility under construction in Albury-Wodonga that will recycle the equivalent of an estimated one billion plastic bottles a year has gained support from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
 
Dubbo Council’s Solar Power Rollout Under Way
Seven of Dubbo Regional Council’s facilities are currently having solar power systems installed, using solar panels manufactured in Australia.
 
WA’s First Regional Climate Alliances Named
A McGowan government program encouraging regional local governments in Western Australia to partner up on addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions has kicked off.
  
Read more from the blog

POPULAR SOLAR TOOLS

There's a bunch of handy and easy to use tools and calculators on SolarQuotes. You can find a selection of my most popular tools 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.

USEFUL SOLAR INFO

Solar Battery Reviews
We've kicked off our new battery reviews section with more than 40 manufacturers listed where you can find more information on energy storage companies and read or submit reviews.
 
Virtual Power Plant Comparison Table
Find out details of various Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs on offer in Australia with our regularly updated VPP comparison table. See which VPP might be best for your home or business.
 
Solar And Battery Calculator
Our  new solar calculator provides you a complete picture of the savings and payback for solar power in Australia - with or without batteries - and it's very simple to use.
 
Solar In Your Location
Our extensive database contains useful information and up-to-date statistics on solar energy for practically every town and suburb in Australia.
 
Compare Electricity Retailers: Solar Feed-In Tariffs & Energy Prices
An easy to use comparison tool enabling you to instantly see which electricity retailers would be cheapest for a typical solar power system owner in your postcode.

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?
 
Solar Battery Comparison Table
Discover battery prices and specifications of dozens of energy storage solutions with our solar battery storage comparison table.