Hi everyone,

What does the perfect solar panel look like from a solar installer's perspective? The answer is simpler than you might expect.
 
Over to warranty stuff and Ronald has taken a deep dive into Trina Solar panel and Fronius inverter warranties - both articles are well worth a read.
 
While on the topic of Trina, the company has won the 'Best Value Panels' category in the SolarQuotes Installers' Choice Awards 3 years in a row. But why? We asked several installers to tell us what drives this fierce loyalty to Trina. 
 
On a related note and if you missed the newsletter over the past couple of weeks, I unveiled the best inverter brands and the best solar panels for Australian homes in 2023, as voted by installers.
  
What's happening with solar power system costs in Australia? Find out in the latest SQ Australian Solar Price Report. And speaking of prices, Tesla has announced a significant price reduction for its Powerwall home battery.
 
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

Fronius Warranties Deep Dive: Better Than Most. Still Pretty Lousy.
Fronius is an Austrian company that makes high-quality solar inverters. They’re in demand by installers here in Australia because:
 
Trina Solar Panel Warranties: Deep Dive
Trina Solar is a giant Chinese company and in 2022 was the world’s second-largest producer of solar panels. Their products are among the most common electricity-producing rectangles on Australian roofs.
 
Hey, Solar Panel Manufacturers! What Installers Really Want.
After what seems like days of research and consultation, I’ve come up with a wish-list of what installers want when it comes to the solar panels they are bolting to roofs.
 
Trina Wins SQ ‘Best Value Solar Panels’ 3rd Year In A Row
For the third year in a row, Trina Solar has won “Best Value Panels” in the SolarQuotes Installer Choice Awards. Added to that, they’ve also rocketed up the list in the “Best Panels” category from 9th place last year to taking out the bronze in 2023.
 
Australian Solar Prices: February 2023 Update
Pricing for fully installed home solar power systems remained above the $1 per watt mark on average in January 2023 in each Australian state.
 
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

New Minimum VIC Solar Feed-In Tariffs Locked In
Victoria’s Essential Services Commission has published its final decision on minimum solar feed-in-tariff rates for the 2023-24 financial year.
 
Tesla Powerwall Price Takes A Tumble In Australia
Shock! Horror! But in a good way. Rumours of a Tesla Powerwall price drop turned out to be correct. Now it’s just expensive.
 
ARENA Gets Into Hot Water
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is stumping up funds for a trial involving controlling hot water loads to take advantage of cheap surplus solar energy.
 
“Snail Mail” Home Battery Offers: Be Wary
If something seems too good to be true – well, you know how the rest of the saying goes. And this wisdom certainly applies to home batteries.
 
City Of Casey Adopts Climate Action Plan
Victoria’s City of Casey has adopted a plan to guide Council towards achieving net zero corporate emissions by 2030 and support a community-wide target of net zero emissions by 2040.
 
Expanded Solar Energy Rollout For Australia’s Defence
The Albanese Government has announced an investment of $64 million under an expanded commitment to Australia’s Defence Renewable Energy and Energy Security 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 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.