Hi everyone,

This week, our in-house installer/blogger Anthony took on a meaty topic that should interest anyone considering a budget-end solar system: Are Growatt inverters any good? 

He also found the time to write the follow-up to his popular post on Tesla Powerwall alternatives. This time, he delves into hybrid inverter systems.

Solar for strata properties with shared roof-spaces is usually a non-starter due to byzantine rules and issues around fair allocation of generated solar energy. Allume Energy's SolShare tries to make solar for strata a lot more compelling. 

Over to EVs - Ronald reports on Chinese battery manufacturer CATL's new high-specific-energy battery. If used in a typical EV today, it could increase their range by over 80%!

Still on EVs - While Tesla make up the lion's share of the Aussie EV market, that doesn't mean you're stuck with them when it comes to choosing an EV charger.

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 ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SQ VIEWS

Top Rated Canberra Solar Installers in 2023

We’re back with another instalment of our “Top Rated Solar Installers 2023” series, and this time we’re focusing on Canberra. 

Beyond Tesla - An Australian Installer's Take On EV Chargers

It’s early days for most Australian electricians when it comes to deciding which EV chargers they will offer going forward. Lacking smart features, the Tesla charger misses the opportunity to be an obvious choice in the market.

The Net Zero Australia Report and the $7-9 Trillion Panic

The Net Zero report describes in great detail what Australia needs to do to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.  It’s an extremely interesting report that took an immense amount of work from a wide range of experts and is mostly wrong.  

Are Growatt Inverters Any Good? Here's An Installers Opinion

Growatt Are Growing Up. About Time.

Solar for Strata: The Definitive Guide to SolShare's Pros and Cons

If you’re a strata-titled property owner researching rooftop solar, you’ve likely come across Allume Energy’s SolShare, a solar-sharing solution that’s turning heads. While this cutting-edge technology has great potential, it’s essential to consider if it’s the right fit for your particular strata.

Zappi EV Charger Hack (and Why I Wouldn't Do It)

An enthusiastic reader recently contacted SolarQuotes with some information on how a small modification could control a myenergi zappi EV charger via wifi to take advantage of low-tariff electricity.

Tesla Powerwall Alternatives Part 2: Hybrid Inverter Systems

As a solar installer in Australia, I’ve looked at many Powerwall alternatives for residential battery storage systems. In this guide, I want to share my knowledge about using hybrid inverters for grid-connected solar battery systems.

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

CATL Condensed Battery Promises 1,000km Range EVs
Last week the world’s largest battery manufacturer — CATL — launched a new high-specific-energy battery.  If used in a typical EV today, it would improve its range by over 80% with no increase in battery pack weight. 
  
Read more from the blog

SOLAR TOOLS & REVIEWS

There's a bunch of hardware and installer reviews along with handy and easy to use tools and calculators on SolarQuotes. Find them 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.

FINN'S "101" GUIDES

Understanding Solar
This runs through the basics of residential solar energy and the components that make up the system. It demystifies the magic turning sunlight into clean power for your home that can save you a bundle of cash on your electricity bills, and clearly explains some important concepts you should understand.
 
Buying Solar
My original guide, updated for 2023 that also includes a printable and video version. Now you have a basic understanding of all the bits that make up a solar power system and how they work to generate electricity, it’s time to think about getting quotes. After reading this, you’ll be able to communicate effectively with a salesperson and be confident you’re paying the right amount of money for a properly-sized system with the right components  – and from the right installer.
 
Owning Solar
The panels are now on your rooftop and the installers have packed up and left. What should you do now and how can you make the most of the new valuable addition to your home? From checking the installation to maximising electricity bill savings, find the answers here.
 
Understanding Home Batteries
This chapter will provide you an understanding of solar batteries – and will help you determine if installing one is right for you. It covers topics such as how a home battery works, the different types of energy storage and how energy storage can save you money.
 
Buying Solar Batteries
My guide to buying solar battery storage provides useful advice on how to go about purchasing a good quality home battery system installation at a reasonable price – and how to identify some of the traps. By reading this, you’ll be better equipped to make a solid purchase decision.
 
Owning A Battery System
As the proud new owner of home energy storage, you’ll want to make the most of it. This chapter provides very useful information about owning a battery system and maximising the benefits it can provide.
 
EV Charging 101
This comprehensive guide covers pretty much everything you’ll need to know about EV charging at home and away from it; and all explained clearly.