Hi everyone,
 
- and a slightly belated Happy New Year!

Michael was up the ladder again last week as part of checking out how his solar system performed during a 41C scorcher.
 
Looking back at 2022, an event late in the year many South Australians would like to forget was a major storm in November. This saw South Australia decouple from the rest of the power grid. Anthony takes a deep dive into how SA's electricity system managed until reconnected, and the impacts on small-scale solar.
 
2022 certainly wasn't a good year for global emissions, which reached record levels. But thanks to superhuman levels of optimism, Ronald has found a silver lining. He's confident that from this year onwards, emissions *should* be heading down. Find out why.
 
And in case you missed it given the holiday break, I recently took an in-depth look at a pioneering bi-directional EV charger installation in South Australia, where an electric car is helping to power a home and business - with a lot of assistance from solar of course. It's really exciting stuff, but some surprising limitations are revealed.
 
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

SA Proves You Can Go Off-Grid With A Million People
In November 2022, South Australia experienced a ferocious storm that decoupled us from the rest of the electricity grid. Functioning as an island, we couldn’t export to the bigger national network. Without that safety valve, SA Power Networks (SAPN) was obliged to pull out all the stops to maintain stability.
 
Good News! 2022 Was The Worst Year Ever For Emissions
I’m going to come straight out and say — when it came to greenhouse gas emissions — 2022 was the absolute worst.
 
Solar Panels Vs. Summer Scorcher
Things got pretty toasty here in Adelaide last week. Discover the impact it had on my solar power system’s performance.
 
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

New Year, New Renewable Energy For Bathurst Council
As of January 1, NSW’s Bathurst Regional Council’s operations have been fully powered by renewable energy.
 
2022 Another Remarkable Year For Australian Renewables
For all its trials and challenges, among the bright spots in 2022 was Australia’s progress on renewable energy.
 
Green Light For Big Battery At QLD Green Power Hub
Neoen has given the all clear for construction of a huge battery system to commence at its Western Downs Green Power Hub project site in Queensland.
 
NT’s First Lithium Export Readying To Set Sail
The first lithium product from Core Lithium’s Finniss mine in the Northern Territory should soon be making its way into EV and other batteries.
 
Queensland Microgrid Pilot Fund: Applications Open
First Nations and storm-prone regional communities in Queensland can now apply for a helping hand to boost their energy independence and resilience through the Palaszczuk Government’s microgrid pilot fund.
 
Solar Polysilicon Price Check: Big Drops In December
After some slow easing in polysilicon prices starting in the latter half of this year, December has seen significant further drops for the sought-after material that plays such an important role in the solar power industry.
 
Lismore’s Solar Car Park Cranking And Charging
Lismore City Council’s Clyde Campbell solar carpark is providing shade for shoppers, generating clean electricity and charging electric vehicles.
 
LG Solar Battery Recall: Desperate Times And Measures
I haven’t seen cash prizes offered in connection with a recall of potentially dangerous products before, but LG Energy Solution has taken that leap for its solar battery recall in Australia.
  
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.