Hi everyone,
  
It used to be that installing panels facing south was almost as big a mistake as installing them upside down. But given the huge decrease in the cost of solar panels over the past ten years, putting solar panels on a south-facing roof is certainly worth it nowadays. Learn more about the ins and outs of south-facing solar here.
 
There was some interesting news from Maxeon Solar Technologies late last week - the company has beefed up product and performance warranties on SunPower Maxeon solar panels in Australia to 40 years! If you've only recently had these panels installed (since the beginning of this year) - you're in luck as you'll be covered too. Find out more about the SunPower Maxeon warranty boost.
  
In other news, "no-interest" solar and battery packages are becoming more popular, but there are some things you should be aware of about these arrangements.
 
And the latest SolarQuotes auSSII report has been released, showing what Australian buyers were wanting in a solar power system last month.
  
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

Solar Panels On A South Facing Roof Can Pay Anywhere In Australia
In 2010, when Australian rooftop solar power really started to take off, nearly every Australian solar system faced north to maximise energy yield. But today, on an unshaded roof, panels facing any direction can pay for themselves. This includes the ‘worst’ direction: south.
  
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index: February 2022
Discover what Australian buyers were wanting in a solar power system last month in the February 2022 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

Another SA Water Solar + Battery Storage Installation
A wastewater treatment plant in Adelaide’s southern suburbs is the latest SA Water asset to have a renewable energy makeover. 
  
South Australian Government Claims Victory Over Electricity Prices
SA’s Marshall Government is strutting its renewables street cred and spruiking electricity bill savings over the last four years, while sledging Labor’s previous performance on power prices. 
 
SunPower Maxeon Solar Panels May Outlive You
Premium solar panel manufacturer Maxeon is very confident its modules will last a very long time. So much so, the company has beefed up the warranty on its flagship SunPower Maxeon product line.
 
“Interest-Free” Solar And Battery Bundles – What You Should Know
Zero interest finance solar power and battery storage deals can be tempting – but crunch the numbers and shop around to see if you can get a better deal.
 
Kalbarri Microgrid Launched, Local School To Join VPP Pilot
It’s all happening in Western Australia’s Kalbarri, where Australia’s largest connected microgrid is (finally) officially launched and the local high school has been chosen to join a Virtual Power Plant initiative.
 
Georgia Power Abandoning Coal
It once had the dubious distinction of co-operating the largest single point of carbon emissions in the USA, but Georgia Power now wants out of coal power altogether.
 
Solar Powered Vertical Farm For Western Australia
Construction will soon commence on Australia’s first solar-powered commercial-scale vertical farm at Peel Business Park, south of Perth.
 
Victoria Readying For Next Stage Of Net Zero Emissions Goal
Victoria’s Andrews Government has recruited an expert panel to advise on an interim reduction target for 2035 as the state heads towards a goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
  
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.