Hi everyone,
 
SolarQuotes TV episode 6 is live!
 
This month we focus on winter - how do solar power systems fare? Another important question is also answered - can a Tesla Powerwall cook a human? See the outcome of a battery powered sauna battle! Plus, making solar work in Tasmania, heat pumps, PV payback, panel angles and much more - check it out here!

In other news, Victoria's solar panel rebate was a dog's breakfast when it was first launched a couple of years ago. While things have settled down, whether it was even necessary has been called into question. A graph I whipped up suggests it wasn't - find out more here.
 
Solar silicon prices have gone from USD $7 kg to over $28 in the last 12 months. How will that affect the cost of solar in Australia? Ronald crunches the numbers and also answers the question - how much silicon is in a solar panel?
 
On a related note - what were Australian solar shoppers wanting in a system in June? Check out the latest SolarQuotes auSSII report.
 
Over to energy efficiency and a new air conditioner heating and cooling energy rating labelling system can save you money and help the environment. Discover how it works in this guide.
 
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

The Dark Side: Solar Power In Winter – SQTV Episode 6
The truth about solar systems in winter and how they perform in your city. Plus, can a Tesla Powerwall cook a human? - a battery powered sauna battle. Also, making solar work in Tasmania, heat pumps, solar panel angles and more in the winter edition of SolarQuotes TV!
 
Victoria’s Solar Panel Rebate Scrutinised
Was the Victorian solar panel rebate necessary? SolarQuotes founder Finn Peacock suggests it’s had no effect on solar demand in Victoria.
 
Silicon Price Hike Increases Solar Panel Production Cost By Around $34
With an sharp increase in the cost of silicon used in solar panels, how much will this increase the cost of solar in Australia? And how much silicon is in a solar panel? 
 
New Energy Rating Labels For Air Conditioners Are Brilliant
The most energy-efficient and cost-effective way to heat your home is to use your reverse-cycle air conditioner. But it's important to choose the right one. Find out how new air conditioner energy efficiency rating labels can help.
 
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index: July 2021
While winter may have kicked off last month, that didn’t stop thousands of Australians getting busy on buying an electricity-bill busting solar power system.
 
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

Another Bayswater Power Station Pollution Penalty
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined AGL Macquarie Pty Limited for an “alleged” water pollution offence at Bayswater Power Station – again.
 
More Solar Panels For City Of South Perth
Four more City of South Perth council buildings have had solar panels installed, helping to further slash Council’s emissions and providing significant savings on energy costs.
 
AGL Demerger “Green Lipstick On A Pig”
Greenpeace Australia Pacific is again turning up the pressure on AGL after the company confirmed its intention to demerge.
 
UK Brings Forward Coal Power’s Use By Date
It’s official – the UK Government is set on bringing forward a deadline to phase out coal power entirely from Great Britain’s energy system.
 
850,000 Victorian Electricity Customers Paying Too Much For Power
Victoria’s Essential Services Commission is encouraging households to contact their electricity retailer to ensure they are getting the best deal.
 
Australia’s ClearVue Snags Another Solar Window Order
Would you like windows on your home that generate electricity? A new order for ClearVue solar glass provides an indicator of what the technology costs.
  
Read more from the blog

POPULAR SOLAR TOOLS

There's a bunch of handy and easy to use tools and calculators on SolarQuotes. You can find a selection of my most popular tools 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.

USEFUL SOLAR INFO

Solar Battery Reviews
We've kicked off our new battery reviews section with more than 40 manufacturers listed where you can find more information on energy storage companies and read or submit reviews.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.