Hi everyone,

In this era of buying just about everything online, do you really need a pre-purchase site visit before buying a solar power and/or home battery system? Almost certainly. Here's why.
  
When buying (or even as the owner of) a solar power system, it's important to get a handle on some of the jargon - and many still confuse kW (kilowatts) and kWh (kilowatt-hours). Check out this clear explanation about how power (kW), energy (kWh) and time relate to appliances, household electricity consumption, rooftop solar, home batteries and electric cars.
 
Over to pricing of solar systems; find out what's happened where with system costs in SolarQuotes’ latest solar price report.
 
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

10 Reasons To Get A Solar Or Battery Site Inspection, And 1 Reason Not To
Part of buying a rooftop solar power and/or battery system is getting the site inspected by the installer, preferably before signing on the dotted line. This can be done physically on-site, or remotely, thanks to the wonders of modern technology.
 
Are You Confusing kW With kWh? You’re Not Alone
The difference between kW (kilowatts) and kWh (kilowatt-hours) is one of the most misunderstood, and hence, widely discussed topics in the solar industry. However, energy literacy is not just a matter of semantics, but also economics.
 
Australian Solar Prices: January 2023 Update
While prices for solar systems increased a little in WA last month, the state still had the cheapest systems in Australia on an average cost per watt basis. Find out what happened where in SolarQuotes’ latest solar price report.
 
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

Solar’s Role In Saving Christmas Island Wildlife
An Australian Government investment saved thousands of Christmas Island’s native creatures last year, with some help from solar power.
 
MPower Completes Faraday Solar Energy Project Acquisition
It’s taken a while and there’s still nothing to see yet, but work should start soon on Sydney-headquartered MPower’s Faraday Renewable Energy Project in Victoria.
  
Solar Powered Eco Resort For SA’s Louth Island
It may not look like much at the moment, but Louth Island in South Australia could soon be home to an eco-resort.
 
NSW Vehicle Emissions Offset Scheme An Indulgence?
When New South Wales drivers go to renew their vehicle registration, they now have the option of also offsetting their emissions.
 
Canberra’s First Permanent Electric Bus Hits The Road
After a successful trial in 2020, the first of what will very soon be a dozen Yutong E12 electric buses has gone into service in Canberra.
 
Solar Power Helps Logan City Council Hit Carbon Neutrality
Queensland’s Logan City Council has joined a still-exclusive club, receiving carbon neutral certification under the Australian Government’s Climate Active initiative.
 
Wholesale Electricity Prices Plummet, But…
The good news is wholesale electricity prices in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) dropped a long way during the December quarter. The bad news is prices were still well above a year prior.
 
Cairns – Townsville SuperGrid Link Work Charging Ahead
Work currently underway on a 275kV SuperGrid Link between Cairns and Townsville will unlock up to 500MW of additional renewable energy capacity says the Palaszczuk Government.
  
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.