Hi everyone,

Last week, Sonnen unveiled its new home battery - the sonnenBatterie Evo. While an improvement on the Eco on a number of fronts, the Evo has some drawbacks. Find out the pros and cons in Ronald's in-depth sonnen Evo review.
 
The Evo will be imported from Germany. Sonnen received significant South Australian Government backing to set up battery assembly operations in SA, which the company is apparently now saving for "future use".
  
On a somewhat related note, an article from Ronald about buying imported solar panels vs. locally manufactured modules has created a bit of a stir in the comments section. Find out why. 
 
Speaking of Australian-made solar gear, it's a focus of the next episode of SolarQuotes TV; which should be released in the coming days. Subscribe to our Youtube channel to be notified as soon as it's live!
 
And it's that time of the year again where we look at what's happening with the solar rebate in 2022 - that is, the up front subsidy that knocks thousands of dollars off the purchase of a solar power system. We also take a look at what Australian solar buyers were wanting in November.
 
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

sonnenBatterie Evo. Finally! A Decent Battery From sonnen.
While greatly improved over sonnen's previous home batteries, the brand spanking new sonnenBatterie Evo solar battery still has some drawbacks - find out what they are in this in-depth review.
  
Buying Imported Solar Panels Does Not Hurt Australia
Some are happy to pay extra for Australian-made solar panels. But if you choose cheaper, imported panels are you harming our economy by not buying an Australian-made product?
  
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index: December 2021
What size solar power systems were Australians wanting in November? What proportion were considering a home battery? Find out in the latest auSSII 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 + Battery Powered Heat Refuge For Avenel
The tiny Victorian town of Avenel now has a place for residents to find relief from summer heat during a blackout event.
 
Coal Giant Peabody Pinged By Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator
Peabody Australia Holdco Pty Ltd has been put in the naughty corner by Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator for continually screwing up its emissions reporting. 
 
Labor Pledges “Solar Banks” And Community Batteries
Among Labor’s renewables related commitments are initiatives to make solar power accessible to some of the many Australians currently missing out.
 
Victoria’s Solar Feed-In Tariff Review
Victoria’s Essential Services Commission is reviewing the minimum solar feed-in tariff payable to system owners for the solar energy they export to the grid – and has released its draft decision.
 
Reclaim PV Recycling Adelaide Gets Cranking 
A solar panel recycling facility in Adelaide’s south officially commenced operations this week – and it should be kept pretty busy.
 
Australia’s Solar Rebate In 2022: What’s Ahead
Being the final month of the year, it’s a good time to look at what will happen with Australia’s hugely popular solar rebate when the calendar flips over to January 1, 2022.
 
JinkoSolar Q3 2021 Results Released
Shipments of JinkoSolar panels took a small hit in Q3 – but the Jinko juggernaut continues to rumble on.
 
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Joins Cities Power Partnership
Victoria’s Macedon Ranges Shire Council has joined more than 150 local governments across Australia that have signed on to the Cities Power Partnership.
  
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.
 
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.