Hi everyone,
 
There's still a lot of bollocks being bandied about regarding Australia's solar rebate. So, is it ending? How much is it worth and how do you claim it? Find out more in my latest video (transcript included).
  
On the techie side of things, we've taken a closer look at SMA's optimistically-named ShadeFix inverter feature.
 
Over to the bigger picture regarding renewables in Australia - 100% renewable is expensive, but getting to 96% is easy and relatively cheap says Windlab’s David Osmond. But a major challenge for renewables is bureaucratic roadblocks are getting in the way.
 
More on these and other stories 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

Australia’s Solar Rebate In 2020 – Update
The “solar rebate”, is it ending? How much is it worth and how do you claim it? Finn provides an overview of Australia’s generous solar subsidy in 2020. 
 
SMA Says Their Inverter’s ShadeFix Software Reduces Effects Of Shade
SMA ShadeFix will help with the secondary effects of shade compared to a string inverter with more basic software, but how much is not clear.
 
100% Renewables Is Hard – But 96% Is Easy Says Windlab’s David Osmond
100% renewable is expensive, says Windlab’s David Osmond - but getting nearly all the way there in Australia, 96%, is easy and relatively cheap.
  
Build It And They Will Come: Transmission Key To 100% Renewable Energy
Getting power from renewable energy hubs to the wider grid in Australia shouldn't be difficult or expensive. Bureaucratic roadblocks are getting in the way.

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

Green Light For NSW’s 720MW New England Solar Farm
New South Wales’ Independent Planning Commission yesterday conditionally approved development of a $768-million solar farm in the Northern Tablelands region. 
 
Dumaresq Solar Farm Project Progress
If you haven’t heard of the Dumaresq Solar Farm project in New South Wales yet, it’s probably because little has been written about it. 
 
Victorian Solar Battery Rebate Charges Up
Victoria’s Andrews Government last week expanded its Solar Homes battery rebate scheme to a total of 247 eligible postcodes – and it’s not done yet.
 
UNSW Announces Further Fossil Fuel Divestment
UNSW Sydney is further distancing itself from fossil fuels by dumping more of its related investments.
 
100% Renewables-Based Electricity For Telstra By 2025
Telstra CEO Andrew Penn last week announced three new goals for the company relating to carbon emissions reduction and boosting renewable energy use.

Canterbury Bankstown Council Seeking More Solar
Sydney’s City of Canterbury Bankstown has kicked off an expression of interest process for the development of an urban solar farm within its boundaries.
 
Tasmanian Government Sets New Renewable Energy Target
Tasmanian Premier and Minister for Climate Change Peter Gutwein has again lifted the bar for his state’s renewable energy future.
 
FIMER Acquisition Of ABB’s Solar Inverter Business Complete
Italy’s FIMER has completed acquisition of ABB’s solar inverter business – and is eager to get cracking on next steps.
  
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! - 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.