Hi everyone,
 
Well, that was a different sort of Easter; one that many of us will remember for a long time to come. 
 
Something that was particularly interesting here on SolarQuotes were the number of Australians actively researching solar power. Some of that would have been curiosity due to restrictions on other activities, but also many Australians are facing bigger electricity bills as a result of spending more time at home.
 
With many installers still safely working through these challenging times (see our COVID-19 related information section below), we'll continue to see more residential PV helping to bust Australians' electricity bills and greening up the country's grid.
 
On a related note, it was just a few years ago it was common to hear "Grids Can't Handle More Than 20% Renewable Energy". Those pundits have been proven hopelessly wrong.
 
More on this and other stories 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

Idiots Insisting “Over 20% Renewables Is Impossible” Go Into Hiding. Won’t Be Missed.
A few years ago it was common to hear “Grids Can’t Handle More Than 20% Renewables”. South Australia (among others) would beg to differ..

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

Patent Wars – Hanwha Q Cells Vs. JinkoSolar Update
Chinese solar panel manufacturer JinkoSolar has reported “favourable” developments in its solar technology patent battles with South Korea’s Hanwha QCells.
  
A Rush On Solar In The Northern Territory
A brief reprieve on changes to the Northern Territory’s solar feed in tariff for some new systems has seen a rush these past few days. But what next for NT solar installers? 
 
Solar Powered Helicopter Attached To Mars Rover
As the Mars 2020 mission launch approaches, another important step has been completed – attaching a solar powered helicopter to the Perseverance rover’s belly.
  
Printed Solar Cells – Are We There Yet?
Dubai headquartered Ecolog International has announced the inking of an agreement with the University of Newcastle relating to printed solar cells. 
  
Bass Coast Shire Invites Climate Action Plan Community Involvement
Victoria’s Bass Coast Shire Council is encouraging residents to contribute to the development of a climate action plan for the community.
  
2019 A Great Year For Renewables In Australia
While it wasn’t without its challenges, two reports released last week paint a very rosy picture of how renewable energy fared in Australia last year.
  
Eurobodalla Shire Council: Solar A Safe Bet
New South Wales’ Eurobodalla Shire Council recently sang the praises of residential and commercial solar power – and it has the experience under its belt to do so.
 
Door-To-Door Solar Sales Warning From CEC
Door-to-door sales haven’t been a good look for Australia’s home solar energy sector at the best of times. In the current situation, the practice would be just plain dumb.
 
Solar Boosting Community Safety In Douglas Shire
It looks like Queensland’s Douglas Shire Council put its Safer Communities grant money to good use – and solar power features in its purchases.
  
Read more from the blog

RELEVANT COVID-19 INFO

Making Going Solar A COVID-19-Free Experience
In among all the challenges of late, some good news is arranging the purchase of a solar power system and having it installed doesn’t require you to be in close physical contact with anyone – social distancing can be observed.
  
The Value Of Solar In Uncertain Times
Solar installers are still working – albeit with extra precautions. Make your investments dependent on the strength of the sun – not the strength of the economy.
 
8 Reasons Why Right Now Is A Great Time To Go Solar
Australians have been a little distracted lately – and who can blame them? But the distraction is leading to some missing out on the advantages of installing solar panels right now.
 
Most Commercial Solar Can Now Get Instant Asset Write-Off Until June 30
The Federal Government announced a $17.6 billion economic stimulus including tax deduction incentives that makes commercial solar power even more attractive
 
How The Financial Stimulus Can Help Your Solar Business
If you own a solar business, the government has announced a surprisingly generous support package for small/medium businesses. Here’s what you need to know.

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! - 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.
 
NEW! 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.
 
NEW! 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.
 
NEW! 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.