Hi everyone,
 
The 2020 results of PVEL's solar panel torture testing are out. While Astronergy, Canadian, Longi and REC did well, questions remain about PID failures. Find out more here.
  
The Australian Competition And Consumer Commission (ACCC) is seeking submissions on whether the Clean Energy Council’s Approved Solar Retailer scheme should be re-authorised. Here are some reasons it shouldn't be.
   
This is cool - South Australia's PVDynamics has developed a fast, low-labour way to put solar panel roofs on outdoor structures.
 
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

2020 PV Reliability Scorecard: Astronergy, Canadian, Longi & REC Do Well
PV Evolution Labs, or PVEL for short, has published their 2020 PV Module Reliability Scorecard. This annual report reveals the Top Performers from their latest round of solar panel testing. 
 
The CEC Approved Retailer Scheme Is Not Voluntary & Is Anti-Competitive
The Australian Competition And Consumer Commission — ACCC for short — is seeking submissions on whether or not the Clean Energy Council’s Approved Solar Retailer scheme should be re-authorised.
 
New Solar Carport Design Allows 72 Panels To Be Installed In One Day
PVDynamics in South Australia has come up with a fast, low-labour way to put solar panel roofs on outdoor structures such as pergolas and car parks.

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

Woolworths Unveils 100th Supermarket Solar Installation
Woolworths have added a very corporate touch to its latest PV installation – solar panels arranged in the shape of the company’s logo. 
 
Solar Powered Smiley Face Speed Signs Improve Driver Behaviour
A trial in the ACT of smiley face road signs powered by the sun appears to have been a success, and will be continued.
 
Western Australia’s Kalbarri Skywalk Opens
Kalbarri Skywalk in WA’s Kalbarri National Park officially opened on Friday, with the attraction’s kiosk to be powered by a stand-alone solar and energy storage system. 
 
Northern Territory Electricity Market Priority Reform Program
On Friday, the Northern Territory Government announced an electricity market reform program it says will address system security and reliability, encourage private investment and boost renewable energy. 
 
Cairns Council “Mini Solar Farms” Project Update
Five waste water treatment plants in the Cairns region are currently having a bunch of solar panels installed.
 
UNEP: Renewables “One Of The Smartest, Most Cost-Effective Investments
Governments around the world are to inject huge amounts of money into their economies as part of the COVID-19 recovery process. A new report says plowing dollars into renewables rather than fossil fuels will buy more generation capacity than ever and provide stronger action on a major threat to the entire planet – climate change.
 
Seraphim Scores 50MW Solar Panel Supply Deal In Australia
China’s Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co., Ltd. has inked a solar panel supply agreement with Australian wholesaler and importer Raystech Group.
 
Multi-Million Dollar “Solar Trees” Project For Townsville
An upcoming new attraction in Townsville powered by solar energy is, well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say.
 
100% Renewable Electricity In City Of Stirling’s Sights
Western Australia’s City of Stirling council is looking to source all its electricity from renewables by 2030 and slash overall corporate carbon emissions.
  
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

NEW! - 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.
 
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.