Hi everyone,
 
If you're in Victoria and planning to buy a battery system, it makes sense to get the state's battery rebate when it becomes available - but this means you must forfeit the Victorian solar panel rebate. Learn more.
  
In the last newsletter, we mentioned a guest post by John Inglis stating the case for inspections for 100% of all new solar and battery installations.  Ronald totally agrees we need consistent, reliable and independent inspections along with effective disincentives for shoddy/dangerous work - but he believes not all systems need to be inspected.
  
Dozens of countries have vehicle fuel efficiency standards, including India and China - and utes exist in every one of them. Find out how proposed fuel efficiency standards will work in Australia and the benefits they will bring if implemented.
 
More on these stories and other 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

Want A Battery? Then Don’t Claim The $2,250 Victorian Solar Rebate
If you are planning to buy a battery, it makes sense to get the Victorian battery rebate - which means you must forfeit the VIC solar panel rebate.
 
Random Solar System Inspections Are Effective And Low Cost
We need consistent, reliable & independent inspections of solar power systems combined with effective disincentives for shoddy/dangerous work. But not 100%. 
 
SolarQuotes Vodcast Episode 15 – Stamping Out Crap Solar
In episode 15, Ronald and Finn discuss recent posts on the SolarQuotes blog and other solar news, plus we learn way more than we ever wanted about Ronald’s digestive tract.

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

Torres Strait Islanders Take On Australian Government Over Climate Change
Lawyers acting on behalf of a group of indigenous Australians from the Torres Strait region allege the Federal Government’s failure to act on climate change is violating fundamental human rights. 
 
How Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Standards Work: Yes, You Can Still Buy A Ute
At least 35 countries have fuel efficiency standards, including India and China. Utes exist in every one of them. They just don't call them utes.
 
Trying Times Continue For SMA
Germany’s SMA continues to struggle in the fiercely competitive and crowded solar inverter market, but remains confident it’s on the right track.
 
QLD’s Maranoa Council Looks To Solar Power To Slash Energy Costs
Maranoa Regional Council decided last week to proceed to the detailed design phase for installation of solar power systems at 13 of its facilities. 
 
Longi’s 450 Watt Solar Panel Record Claim
Chinese PV manufacturer Longi Solar has announced its 72-cell bifacial half-cut monocrystalline PERC module has exceeded 450W power output – just on the front side.
 
ABB Unveils “CO2 Neutral” Factory
Solar inverter manufacturer ABB (and producer of many other things) has officially unveiled a new factory in Lüdenscheid, Germany featuring solar power and battery storage.
 
Mayors Demand Real Climate Action, More Support For Renewables
15 Mayors from councils across Australia have urged the Federal Government (whoever it is next) to make tackling climate change a top priority.
 
Victoria’s Solar Homes Package Rebate Update
Here’s the latest on Victoria’s hugely popular solar power rebate currently in hiatus, a situation that has frustrated PV buyers and solar retailers/installers alike – with potentially serious consequences for some of the latter group.
 
Nambucca Shire Council Installs EV Chargers, Solar To Come
Nambucca Shire Council has installed EV charging stations for public use in the towns of Nambucca and Macksville, and there could be a bunch of solar power on the way.
  
Read more from the blog

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 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 | Installers 
 
Pick up some tips on writing a review.

USEFUL SOLAR INFO

NEW! 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?
 
Compare Solar Feed In Tariffs 
Make sure you are getting a good solar feed in tariff - try this easy to use comparison tool

Solar Battery Comparison Table
Discover battery prices and specifications of dozens of energy storage solutions with our solar battery storage comparison table.