Hi everyone,

A well-meaning plumber installing a new hot water system made a mistake that could have cost Ronald's friend - who is still on a premium solar feed-in tariff - hundreds of dollars. Thankfully Ronald was on hand to set things right. Find out what happened here.
 
The latest SolarQuotes auSSII report is out; showing what Australian solar shoppers were wanting in a PV package during January.
 
Over to electric vehicles and there's been some more bidirectional EV charger buzz - Enphase has unveiled its upcoming and very Enphase-centric product.
 
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

Premium Feed Tariff & New Hot Water System? Avoid This Mistake!
A well-meaning plumber recently made a mistake that could have cost a friend hundreds of dollars. I was on hand to save the day by explaining that because of her high solar feed-in tariff, her hot water system should only be turned on at night.
 
Update: ACT’s 0% Sustainability Loans Scheme Gets Better & Worse!
Zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 are available to most Canberra households and can be used to purchase a range of energy-saving home improvements and electric vehicles.
 
February 2023 Australian Solar Systems Interest Index
With another year of high electricity costs ahead, interest from Australians during January in going solar remained strong. Discover what they were wanting.
 
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

Australians Skipping Meals, Eating Less To Pay Energy Bills
A recent survey has found energy poverty to be a serious ongoing problem in Australia – and temporary energy bill relief isn’t the answer.
 
Perrottet Pledges Power Price Relief With NSW Energy Bill Saver
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet has promised to help ease gas and power bill pain with a cash sugar hit if the NSW Liberal Party and Nationals are re-elected.
 
Enphase Bidirectional EV Charger Unveiled
Microinverter and battery storage manufacturer Enphase has provided a first look at its bidirectional EV charging device.
 
Queensland Neighbourhood Battery Rollout Kicking Off
Dozens of neighbourhood batteries will soon be appearing across Ipswich, soaking up surplus solar energy goodness from locally installed solar panels for use when it’s needed.
 
New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) Launches
Here comes the new code, same as the old code? Replacing the Approved Solar Retailer (ASR) program, what is the NETCC and why does it matter?
 
Wind/Solar Powering Mildura Council Towards Emissions Goals
Mildura Rural City Council’s latest sustainability report reveals good progress being made in the organisation’s efforts towards net-zero emissions.
 
Fears Of EU Coal Power Rebound “Dead”
Record growth in wind and solar energy helped cushion the blow from a triple crisis in the EU’s electricity sector last year – which only caused what’s been termed a “minor ripple” in coal power growth.
 
Arafura Looks To Renewables To Power NT Rare Earths Project
Arafura Rare Earths Limited has chosen a greenhouse gas emissions reduction pathway for its mining project in the Northern Territory.
  
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 2022 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.