Hi everyone,
  
Last week, Tasmanian households and businesses were next in line to get bad news about electricity prices - but there will also be a big boost to solar feed-in tariffs. And over in New South Wales, solar owners should also be receiving more for their exported surplus solar electricity soon. 
 
This is the way things should work with feed-in tariffs when wholesale electricity prices increase - but the real value from going solar remains in maximising self-consumption of electricity generated.
 
From financial payback to energy payback: a thoroughly debunked solar myth is it takes more energy to manufacture a solar power system than it will generate during its service life. A study from inverter manufacturer Fronius and Germany's Fraunhofer Institute estimates a fully installed rooftop solar power system in Australia will pay back its embodied energy in under 1 year.
 
Over to EVs, and high petrol prices are resulting in more South Australians considering an electric vehicle purchase.
  
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,

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SQ VIEWS

Energy Payback Of Solar Is Under 1 Year In Australia
A Fronius study estimates a fully installed rooftop solar power system in Australia will pay back its embodied energy in under 1 year.
 
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

AVL Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Project Update
A 300 kWh vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) earmarked for an Australian miner should be making its journey across the ocean soon – and a residential VRFB solution is still in the works.
 
ESB NEM Capacity Mechanism Design: Reactions
The Energy Security Board has released its thoughts on a proposed capacity mechanism to help heal what ails the National Electricity Market. Not everyone is impressed.
 
Majority Of SA Drivers Considering An Electric Vehicle
An RAA survey indicates most motorists in South Australia are considering acquiring an EV when next purchasing a car.
 
Electricity Price Hike, Solar Feed-In Tariff Boost For Tasmania
The bad news on electricity prices continues, with Tasmanian households and businesses also hit by power cost increases. But solar owners will see a better feed-in tariff.
 
Electricity Crisis: What Is “Lack Of Reserve”?
There have been many mentions of “lack of reserve” at various levels during the electricity crisis in Australia’s eastern states – what does it all mean?
 
UN Chief: More Fossil Fuel Funding “Delusional”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has again called for OECD countries to fully ditch coal power by 2030, and all others by 2040.
 
BS Called On Queensland “Sun Tax” Scare
An article claiming a “sun tax” looms for solar power system owners in Queensland had the interwebs abuzz yesterday; well, a corner of it.
 
Better Feed-In Tariffs For NSW Solar Owners
There’s some good news for owners of solar power systems in New South Wales from the state’s Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
 
Solar Energy Shoves WA Coal Power Out The Door
Rooftop solar power and other renewables have put the final nails in WA’s state-owned coal-fired power stations.
  
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 2021 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.