Hi everyone,

Earlier this month, the SolarQuotes team attended the annual Smart Energy Expo in Sydney to learn about the latest industry developments and product releases. Our in-house installer Anthony has put together a great summary of his experience.

While we're still talking about the Smart Energy Expo, chief blogger Ronald attended a presentation that made him wonder aloud - are home batteries finally taking off?

Over to EVs - Tesla is facing a class-action lawsuit in California, with the claim that a 2022 software update has resulted in “a drastic drop in battery performance and driving range in affected vehicles”. Read all about it 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

Tongwei Solar: A Lot Can Change In Five Years

It’s a little over five years since SolarQuotes first discovered Tongwei Solar, back then a manufacturer mostly turning silicon ingots into solar cells sold to panel manufacturers.

Surviving the Trade Show Trenches: Australia’s Energy Politics

In this post, Anthony focuses on the recent remarks made by Greens leader Adam Bandt at a session titled “The Opportunity For Australia”

Home Batteries Finally Taking Off?

This year’s Smart Energy Conference was abuzz with news on solar and batteries — more abuzz than a bucket of Queensland prawns on a hot tin roof.  The hottest of hot topics was home batteries.

Unmasking The Energy Illuminati: Notes From The Smart Energy Conference

Anthony's taken the plunge and weathered another trade show, Smart Energy 2023, so you don’t have to.

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

Tesla Sued Over 2022 Car Software Update

Tesla is facing a class action in California over claims that a software update issued in 2022 was “responsible for a drastic drop in battery performance and driving range in affected vehicles”.

WA, NT Start Commissioning Grid-Scale Battery Projects

Two grid-scale battery projects came closer to operation over the weekend in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

WA Signs Companies for ‘Green’ Hydrogen & Ammonia Precinct

The Western Australian government has allocated land to four companies in its Maitland Strategic Industrial Area, to develop allegedly ‘green’ hydrogen and ammonia projects.

April 2023 Australian Solar Systems Interest Index

Better late than never, the auSSII Report for all things customers wanted in solar and batteries for the month of March is finally here. Does size matter? When are they buying?.. and more.

Sydney Councils Push Back Against Community Batteries In Parks

Last November, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s 2022 “pledging spree”, put $200 million into around 400 community batteries.

  
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.