Hi everyone,
 
Do microinverters always outperform a good string inverter when solar panels are shaded? The results of some recent testing may surprise you.
 
Five minute settlement of wholesale electricity prices in the National Electricity Market (NEM) will kick in soon. This will benefit grid-scale batteries and VPPs, but may reduce savings for non-VPP home batteries. Find out more here.
 
And while on the topic of batteries - a Tesla Megapack caught fire at the Victorian Big Battery site near Geelong on Friday. The good news is the incident was very limited and declared under control by CFA yesterday afternoon.
 
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

String Inverters Vs Micro-Inverters: Which Is Better With Shade? It Depends…
The micro-inverter debate has been stirred with two YouTube videos looking at the marketing claim that microinverters outperform string inverters when solar panels are shaded.
 
What Is 5-Minute Settlement And How Does It Help Batteries?
On October 1st, Australia’s National Electricity Market is changing from 30-minute to 5-minute settlement. In this article, I’ll explain exactly what Australian households need to do to prepare for this event.
  
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index: August 2021
While winter and COVID may be putting a dampener on life in general, there was still lots of interest in busting electricity bills with home solar power in July.
 
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

Jabiru Hybrid Renewable Project Powering Ahead
Clearing works have been completed for the construction of a new hybrid solar/storage/diesel power plant in the Northern Territory’s Jabiru.
 
Victorian Big Battery Fire Update
Victoria’s Big Battery project has experienced a setback after a fire broke out in a Tesla Megapack unit at the project site on Friday morning.
  
Victorian Solar For Business Rebate Update
Solar Victoria seems pretty pleased with response to its Solar for Business rebate (subsidy) program.
  
Lilium Electric Jet Project Progresses
Seeking to address the regional mobility market, this 7-seater vertical take-off and landing electric jet could be flying commercially in just a few years.
  
City Of Greater Geelong Eyes Net Zero Emissions Community-Wide
The City Of Greater Geelong’s ambitious Draft Climate Change Response Plan includes a target of zero net emissions by 2035 for the entire community.
  
Enphase Q2 Results And IQ8 Microinverter Update
Microinverter and battery storage manufacturer Enphase Energy reported another pretty good quarter. But what the fans (well, this guy anyway) really want to know is – where the bloody hell is the IQ 8?
  
More SA Home Battery Scheme Subsidy Changes Ahead
South Australians considering installing a home battery may want to make a purchase decision soon (but carefully).
 
NSW, VIC, SA Solar Installation Status Update
Solar installers in South Australia and Victoria have been busy, catching up on installations after lockdown.
  
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 that turns 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.