Hi everyone,
  
Continuing on with our tips for buying solar series, veteran solar installer Anthony offers his - including one very important question you must ask an installer before signing on the dotted line.
  
The humble (or not so humble) backyard shed can be a good spot for solar panels. But what if the shed is a long way from the house? Read Anthony's top tips for putting solar on your man-cave. Or lady-lair.
 
Some consumer alerts: Several solar sparkies behaving badly have been caught out in NSW, and in WA an investigation into potential solar fraud is under way. Also in WA, Consumer Protection has issued a warning on shonky solar.
 
On the battery front, LG's battery recall is ongoing.
 
It's really important to do your due diligence when buying solar or batteries. That can be time-consuming, so take the SolarQuotes shortcut. I carefully pre-vet solar installers able to provide quotes via the SQ service, and back this with the SolarQuotes Good Installer Guarantee.
  
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

The 1 Question You MUST Ask Any Solar Installer (+ 6 Other Solar Buying Mistakes)
Here are the biggest mistakes I’ve seen people make buying solar during my years on and off the roofs of South Australia.
 
My Shed Is 75+ Metres Away, Can I Put Solar Panels On It?
So there’s a shed at your place that seems ideal for solar panels, but it’s well down the back of the block. Can you install solar panels on it, and if so, how much?
 
LG Home Battery Recall A Hot Mess?
There are unsettling aspects to an ongoing recall of certain LG home batteries and battery packs also used by six other brands.
 
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

Community Solar For South Hobart Tip?
A City of Hobart Councillor wants to see a solar farm established at the local tip site, for the benefit of Council and renters.
 
Australians Edgy About Climate Change Impacts
A 34-country survey for the World Economic Forum (WEF) found a significant amount of pessimism on the impacts of climate change, both here and abroad.
 
Solar Backpacks Tracking Critically Endangered Australian Birds
The habits of one of Australia’s rarest birds are being tracked with the assistance of tiny solar powered “backpacks”.
 
(Some) Solar Installers Still Behaving Badly: NSW And WA
Several NSW solar sparkies have lost their licences and in WA, search warrants were executed last week in an investigation into potential solar STC fraud.
 
ACT Expands Home Energy Support Program
As well as a rebate for solar power systems, eligible low-income households in the ACT can now also get a significant rebate on selected energy-efficient appliances.
 
Another Solar Energy Boost For Bega Valley Shire Council
New South Wales’ Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) is racking up another solar power system at its aquatic centre in Pambula.
 
WA’s Consumer Protection Warns On Crap Solar
Choose your solar installer wisely says Western Australia’s Consumer Protection after an increase in complaints about performance claims, shoddy systems and workmanship.
 
Canadian Solar Launching Home Battery: EP Cube
Canadian Solar’s subsidiary is set to launch a home battery system next week. Details are scant at this stage, but here’s what we know.
 
Solar Power And The Australian Not-For-Profit Opportunity 
Players in Australia’s solar energy and EV arena should be paying special attention to not-for-profit (NFP) organisations says the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA).
  
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 2022 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.