Hi everyone,
 
A solar power system is very low maintenance, but needs to be inspected and tested by a qualified professional from time to time to ensure it keeps humming along nicely. But inspections are not necessary as often as some may lead you to believe - assuming you have a good quality system. Discover more.
 
Speaking of keeping an eye on your system, owners with Solar Analytics installed can now be automatically notified if a cheaper electricity tariff becomes available. Find out more here (and what you can do if you don't have Solar Analytics).
 
A black box of electronics sitting beneath a solar panel baking in the hot Australian summer sun, year after year - find out how much heat Enphase microinverters can handle and see temperature readings from installations working in real-world conditions here in Australia.
 
Over to string inverters - owners of 8kW Growatt inverters recently installed in NSW, QLD and Victoria should check this recall situation, triggered due to an electrical safety standards issue.
 
Overseas now and it appears the US can cut grid emissions 95% by 2035, with solar power to do the heavy lifting - increasing generation from today's 3% to an impressive 40%.
  
And, one final plug for the latest episode of SolarQuotes TV, which looks at innovations that have changed or will change how we buy and use solar power for the better - and one that won't. Check out SQTV Episode 8 here!
 
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

Biden Wants US To Go 40% Solar By 2035
You may have noticed the US President is looking less orange these days. Now that “sleepy” Joe Biden is in the White House’s egg-shaped office, American climate change policy is moving in the right direction. 
  
Solar Analytics Plan Optimiser Unravels Complex Electricity Tariffs
Electricity plan comparison products aren’t usually particularly exciting to many. But Nigel Morris from Solar Analytics is excited about the company's recently-launched Plan Optimiser, and Morris reckons both subscribers and solar installers will be as well.
 
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

Corporate “Greenwashers” Failing Renewables Test
While many of Australia’s top emitting ASX200 companies have set carbon neutral targets, few have committed to switching to 100% renewable electricity says Greenpeace Australia Pacific. 
  
Growatt Inverter Recall In Australia
Hundreds of 8kW Growatt solar inverters sold in Australia are subject to a recall due to an electrical safety standards issue.
  
Lord Howe Island Solar Hybrid Project Done And Dusted
More than seven years after the project was originally announced, Lord Howe Island’s completed Hybrid Renewable Energy Project has been handed over to the Island’s Board.
  
Shakeup For The Australian Rooftop Solar Power Industry
There are some big changes ahead for Australia’s rooftop solar power sector – 13 recommendations from the Clean Energy Regulator to help weed out unscrupulous operators.
 
Battery Powered Electric Locomotive For Australian Miner
Roy Hill says it is set to be the first Pilbara miner to use a battery-powered electric locomotive to transport its iron ore to port.
 
Can Microinverters Take The Heat?
A black box of electronics sitting beneath a solar panel baking in the hot Australian summer sun. How do microinverters hold up in Australia’s scorching summers?
 
Bylong Coal Mine Project Defeated A *Third* Time
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. KEPCO did just that and has failed yet again in its efforts to establish a coal mine in New South Wales’ Bylong Valley.
 
Solar Power System Inspections – How Often And How Much?
How often should a solar power system be inspected by a suitably qualified professional – and what will it cost? It’s not as frequent or as expensive as some may lead you to believe.
  
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.

"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.
 
NEW! 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.
 
NEW! 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.
 
NEW! 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.