Hi everyone,
 
SQ's Ronald recently took a Tesla Model 3 for a test drive around South Australia’s grape squishing district for two days. While the Model 3 may be a great electric car, it has one major problem - not with the vehicle itself but Tesla's claims about it. Find out more.
 
While on the topic of Tesla, the company has launched its own solar inverter. There's not much in the way of detail yet, but here's what we know. And in other solar hardware news, Winaico Australia says its Gemini solar panels will be available here next 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,

SQ VIEWS

Tesla Model 3 Review: Great Car, Ridiculous Claimed Range
My boss, Finn, gave me a nice little Christmas present this year. A Tesla Model 3 electric car …rental. Here's what I thought of it.

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

First Look At The Tesla Solar Inverter
Tesla recently took the wraps off its solar inverter. There’s not much information available on it yet, but here’s what we know.
 
Australian Trial Protecting Pears With Solar Panels
Researchers at Tatura SmartFarm in Victoria are tinkering with using solar panels to protect fruit trees from extreme heat events – one of the many potential applications for agrivoltaics. 
  
Polysilicon Giant Daqo Responds To Forced Labour Concerns
One of the world’s largest producers of a key material for solar panels, polysilicon, has addressed concerns its operations may be benefiting from forced labour.
 
Victoria Solar Homes Program Update
December 2020 was a big month for Victoria’s very popular Solar Homes program, with thousands more applications lodged and systems installed.
 
End Of An Era For FPL Coal Power In Florida
The USA’s largest electricity gentailer, Florida Power & Light, has closed down its last coal fired power station in the state.
 
Winaico Gemini Solar Panels For Australia In February
Winaico says its new Gemini solar panels will be available to Australian customers starting next month. The Gemini range consists of two panels, both featuring 9 busbars, half-cut cell design and reflective wires to reduce internal resistance.
 
Solar Research Funding Boost For ANU
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has provided a bundle of cash to support three more Australian National University solar research projects.
 
New Solar Panels For International Space Station
While the International Space Station’s solar arrays are still working pretty well, they are showing their age and NASA will start on an upgrade this year.
 
REC Racks Up Solar Patent Wins
In the ongoing saga between REC and Q Cells over solar technology patents, REC has claimed a couple of victories.
  
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.