Hi everyone,
  
Early Friday our time, Elon Musk rounded up his fans and workers in Texas and held a huge hoedown he called a Cyber Rodeo. Find out what happened (and unpleasant things not mentioned) at the Tesla event - yee-haw!
 
Closer to home, a campaign was recently launched urging solar owners to ensure their systems are regularly inspected.
 
And a mix of home and abroad - Germany saw impressive uptake of home solar batteries last year, and 2022 is also shaping up to be a corker. How does Germany's progress compare with Australia's? Find out here.
  
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

Elon Musk Holds "Cyber Rodeo" As Tesla Announce 127,785 Car Recall
Last Friday, not only did Tesla have a huge factory opening, but they also announced a massive recall of 127,785 Model 3 vehicles in China.
 
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

Showing Your Solar Power System Some Love With Servicing
Energy Safe Victoria recently launched a campaign encouraging solar owners to ensure their systems are regularly serviced. In essence, it’s an important message the millions of system owners across Australia should heed.

Solar Power Shines In Adelaide’s CBD
This pretty impressive solar panel installation recently popped up in the heart of Adelaide, on the rooftop of jewellery company Shiels’ headquarters. 
 
Solar Powered Resort A Sustainability Winner
Queensland’s Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort won the Sustainable Tourism category in this year’s Banksia National Sustainability Awards for its shift to 100% renewables.
 
Gundary Solar Farm Community Consultation Kicking Off
It’s very early days for Lightsource bp’s proposed huge Gundary Solar Farm near Goulburn in New South Wales, but the company is already potentially facing headwinds.
 
Germany’s Home Battery Sales Charging Up
The pandemic, supply chain issues and increasing production and raw material costs didn’t put a dampener on Germany’s home battery storage market last year – and this year is also shaping up to be a corker.
 
Coal Power Plants Producing Less Electricity, Pumping More Pollution
New analysis of National Pollutant Inventory data indicates while some Australian coal power stations are generating less electricity, a number saw levels of toxic pollutants increase.
 
Bargara’s Community-Scale Tesla Battery System Nears Prime Time
It won’t be long before a Tesla Megapack battery installation at Bargara near Bundaberg in Queensland starts soaking up locally-generated surplus solar power.
 
Victoria’s Mitchell Shire Joins Cities Power Partnership
Solar power looks set to play a bigger role in Mitchell Shire Council’s efforts to further slash its carbon emissions.
 
Victorian EV Subsidy Update
It’s been 11 months since Victoria’s Andrews Government launched its Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Subsidy – so how are things tracking with the program?
  
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.