Hi everyone,
 
Following on from the popular SolarQuotes vodcast series is SolarQuotes TV! In this first episode Finn discusses the outlook for Australian solar, answers a bunch of questions from SQ readers, chats with Ronald about his epic Tesla Model 3 road trip (and review), field tests an induction cooktop and much more.
 
Check out the first episode here!
 

 
Also on SQ this week, Ronald looks at the boom in long distance electricity transmission projects, why this is happening and how this will impact electricity prices and renewable energy.
 
A good news story - Toowoomba's Highfields Pioneer Village is back from the brink and now powering ahead with the assistance of solar energy – it's another example of solar companies doing good in the community.

Staying local, check out what Australian solar buyers were wanting in a system in January in the latest auSSII report.
 
Over to hardware and Longi has unveiled a 66-cell Hi-MO 4M, while Maxeon has announced the SunPower Maxeon 5 AC Module is now available in Australia - this is a solar panel with a factory integrated microinverter.
 
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

SolarQuotes TV - Episode 1
Is the sun setting on Australian solar, a fugitive takes a Tesla Model 3 on an epic two-day road trip, and ditching gas cooking for induction. This is just some of what you'll find in SolarQuotes TV Episode 1, the follow-on from SQ's popular vodcast series in a fresh new format!
 
More Long Distance Transmission Needed. Low Interest Rates Can Make That Happen
Long-distance transmission sends electrical energy from where it’s generated to where it’s used. If we had more of it, electricity prices would be lower, and the integration of solar and wind farms would be easier. Thanks to record low-interest rates, more of it is exactly what we’re going to get. 

Australian Solar Systems Interest Index – February 2021
The start of 2021 saw many Australians hit the ground running in getting ready to install an energy bill busting solar power system.

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

NSW’s Hunter New England Health Heading For Carbon Neutral
Lots of solar panels and electric cars are on the cards for New South Wales’ Hunter New England Health as it strives for carbon neutrality by 2030.
 
Electric Hot Water System VPP Trial In South Australia
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced funding for Rheem’s Active Hot Water Control project in South Australia. The trial involves storing excess solar electricity – both self-generated and from the grid – using thousands of electric hot water systems.

Queensland Solar For Rentals Rebate Trial Results
Queensland’s Department of Energy and Public Works has revealed some of the outcomes of a trial involving rebates for solar power system installations on private rental properties.

Glenrowan West Solar Farm Construction Reaches Final Phase
Victoria’s Glenrowan West Solar Farm has moved into the final phase of construction and is expected to commence commercial operation in March this year.

Solar Saves Highfields Pioneer Village – Literally
Solar power is playing a crucial role in helping put Highfields Pioneer Village near Toowoomba in Queensland back on its feet.

Longi Unveils 66c Hi-MO 4m Solar Panels
Chinese solar panel manufacturing goliath Longi has added another variant to its Hi-MO 4m line-up – the 66-cell 66c.

SunPower Maxeon 5 AC Module Available In Australia
Some good news for Australian AC solar panel fans – the SunPower Maxeon 5 AC Module is now available here.
  
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.