Hi everyone,
 
While smart meters provide some advantages, there's a problem when their installation is used as an excuse to attempt to foist a time-of-use (TOU) tariff on new solar owners. Here's what you should know.
 
It was a huge year for small scale solar and renewable energy generally in Australia last year - and the Clean Energy Regulator expects more of the same in 2021. Find out more, and learn why right now is a particularly good time to install a system.
 
On a related note, while materials, component and production capacity issues are pushing up the price of panels elsewhere, Australian solar buyers have been protected (so far). Here's why.
 
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

Don’t Let Retailers Force You On To Time-Of-Use Tariffs When You Go Solar
Installing a smart meter is sometimes used as an excuse to try and foist a time-of-use tariff on solar owners who would rather not have one. Here's what you need to know.

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

AlburyCity Council Celebrates Solar Energy Success
Albury scored the top honour at the NSW 2020 Sustainable Communities Tidy Towns Awards over the weekend – and solar energy played a role.
 
Solar Powered Transportable Classrooms Make Canberra Debut
Kids may have it easier these days in some ways, but that can be a very good thing when it comes to their learning environment. 
  
Product Warranty Boosted On Leapton Solar Panels
We’ve been reliably informed that the product warranty on Leapton solar panels has been significantly increased for modules installed in Australia.
 
Solar Panels: Polysilicon Price Pressure Persists
What does the ongoing increase in the cost of polysilicon used in the production of solar panels mean for Australian solar buyers in 2021?
 
Canavan Keeping The Nuclear SMR Vaporware Dream Alive
Coal power’s demise and the 10-year anniversary of the Fukushima disaster in Japan have put the nuclear energy debate in Australia in the spotlight again.
 
Angus, About The Yallourn Power Station Reliability Thing
Federal Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor was quick to try and set folks on edge after the announcement Victoria’s Yallourn Power Station will be retired in mid-2028.
 
Regulator Expects Another Huge Year For Solar In Australia
The Clean Energy Regulator’s latest Quarterly Carbon Market Report reaffirms what a successful year it was for renewable energy in Australia in 2020 – and more of the same is expected this year.
 
Australian Energy Businesses Fork Out Millions In Penalties
The mid-year compliance and enforcement update from the Australian Energy Regulator reveals energy businesses paid $4.38 million in penalties between July and December last year.
 
SuniTAFE Scores Digital Farmhand
It’s not clear if the Victorian Government’s grant covered the purchase of the solar model, but SuniTAFE has acquired an Australian designed and produced agricultural robot called The Digital Farmhand.
  
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.