Hi everyone,
 
Which batteries came out on top in latest testing by the Canberra Battery Test Centre - and which failed miserably? This (somewhat belated) analysis reveals all.
 
Speaking of batteries, it seems Liberal backbencher Craig Kelly thinks the Tesla "Big Battery" in South Australia is a failure - even though it's working exactly as it should.
 
Switching to solar panels, JinkoSolar has been named the top solar panel shipper in 2018 - and the number of panels it works out to is mind-boggling.
 
In other news, we recently started a SolarQuotes vodcast (video podcast) series where Ronald and I discuss blog news items from the previous week - catch the latest episode here. You can also subscribe to our Youtube channel to be alerted whenever we post new video.
 
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

Canberra Battery Test Centre Update — BYD Battery Comes Out On Top
The government has been funding a battery test centre in Canberra for some years. Discover which batteries performed well and which didn't in this update.
 
Craig Kelly Calls SA Big Battery A Failure – After It Works Exactly As Expected
Recently Craig Kelly published an essay on his Facebook page titled, "THE GREAT BATTERY CONJOB EXPOSED". All he's exposed is his own ignorance.
  
SolarQuotes Vodcast Episode 5
Finn and Ronald discuss selected stories from the week prior - battery testing, Approved Solar Retailer changes, best and worst solar installer reviews and more. Note: you can also subscribe to our Youtube channel to be alerted whenever we post new video.

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

Another Study Confirms Solar’s Popularity Among Australia’s Battlers
That solar power is a plaything for the rich is a myth that has been busted time and again, but it never hurts to have a fresh reminder given the furphy still regularly pops up. 
 
ScoMo’s Climate Solutions Package Panned
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison yesterday announced the climate policy he’ll be going into the next election with. If the aim was to elicit negative reactions, then it was a rip-roaring success. 
 
Solar Panels For Woolworths’ Adelaide Regional Distribution Centre
Woolworths’ expansion of its Adelaide Regional Distribution Centre (ARDC) at Gepps Cross will include the installation of a commercial-scale solar power system.
 
Not All Sunshine For QLD 1,500MW Solar + 500MW Storage Project
An “early groundbreaking ceremony” for a huge solar power and battery storage facility in Queensland was accompanied by very little fanfare – and probably for good reason.
 
JinkoSolar Ruled The Roost For Solar Panel Shipments In 2018
China’s JinkoSolar led the pack again in 2018 for solar panel shipments states a new report from data and analytics company GlobalData.
 
NSW Labor’s Latest Solar Power Pledge – Solar Skills Program
A Labor Government in New South Wales will invest $11 million to train and accredit the thousands of electricians that will be needed for work generated by the party’s Solar Homes Policy.
 
Swiss Company Boasts 29% Efficient Solar Panels
The use of tiny “space-grade” solar cells and lenses have enabled Insolight to achieve a claimed 29% efficiency for its high-tech solar panels, which are currently at the commercial pre-production stage.
 
Tasmania Has A New Electricity Retailer
As of the beginning of last week, a new electricity retailer is operating in Tasmania – and it’s looking to grab the attention of solar power system owners.
 
Amazon Commits To Cutting Carbon Impact Of Shipping
Online retail behemoth Amazon has set a goal of 50% of all the company’s shipments to be net zero carbon by 2030.
  
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.