Hi everyone,

What are the latest solar and battery trends for homeowners? The SolarQuotes auSSII report puts its magnifying glass over the month of April to see what mattered most to Australians in the market for renewable energy products.

Speaking of solar batteries - this week, it was all about battery warranty issues.

First up - Kim covered a homeowner who had to pull teeth to get his Tesla Powerwall replaced under warranty. 

Then, Ronald did a deep-dive into the new Jinko Suntank solar battery and its warranty document, which leaves a lot to be desired.

Over to EVs - Queensland owners will find it easier to charge their cars in the future, with plans to double the amount of government-funded chargers in the state from 44 to 88.

The fantastic Charge HQ app, whose software makes it easy to coordinate your EV charger, battery and electricity tariff, is now finally introducing a $7 monthly subscription after leaving beta. We think it's worth every dollar.

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

May 2023 Australian Solar Systems Interest Index

What are the latest solar and battery customer trends? The auSSII report puts its magnifying glass over the month of April to see what mattered most to Australians in the market for renewable energy products.

Drowning In Despair:  A Deep Dive Into The Jinko Solar Suntank Warranty

Jinko Solar launched their Suntank low-voltage home battery in July 2022.  This article is Ronald's opinion of its warranty.  While it’s possible the battery could be good, he can tell you right now its warranty isn’t.  

Tesla Powerwall Warranty Claim Turns To Nightmare

As a solar and/or home battery owner in Australia, it is generally assumed that the first point of contact in a warranty claim would be the installer. After all, they sold you the product, so shouldn’t they also come to the rescue when it stops working?

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

Queensland’s EV Super Highway To Almost Double Charger Locations

Queensland will add 44 EV chargers in more than 30 towns, co-funded by $10 million from the state government and several charger operators.

Victorian Government Gives Go-Ahead to VNI-West Transmission Line

The long-awaited VNI-West interconnector project has taken a small step forward in the planning process, with Victoria’s minister for energy and resources Lily D’Ambrosio on Saturday confirming approval for the AEMO to move ahead with the project.

Brunswick Gets Two Community Batteries Despite Lacklustre Solar Uptake

Yet another council is getting ready to add a community battery to its infrastructure: Merri-bek City Council will build a community battery in Brunswick after securing a federal government grant.

Building Grid-Resilience: A Look Inside Healesville’s $2m Microgrid

A 108kWh battery has been installed at Healesville Community Link, as part of a microgrid trial granted nearly $2 million by the federal government.

More Community Batteries: Narrabri and Mornington Peninsula

Australia is awash with new community battery stories – hardly surprising, since applications under the first round of the federal government’s $120 million Community Batteries for Household Solar program, closed in April.

Redflow’s Biggest Deal Ever: The Paskenta Racheria Microgrid

Zinc-bromine flow battery specialist Redflow has signed its largest deal to date: $18 million to provide 2000 of its ZBM3 batteries to a Native American-owned microgrid in California.

Charge HQ Exits Beta, Introduces Subscriptions

Charge HQ is coming out of beta, and as a consequence is introducing fees for its app.

  
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 2023 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.
 
EV Charging 101
This comprehensive guide covers pretty much everything you’ll need to know about EV charging at home and away from it; and all explained clearly.