Hi everyone,

In the solar panel space, two new products have hit (or are about to hit) our shores. Taiwanese manufacturer WINAICO has just released their new 430W Gemini series of panels, and inverter manufacturer Goodwe have announced their unique glue-on Galaxy frameless panel.

For those of you in Victoria - state government body Solar Victoria have announced two major changes to their offerings:

Firstly - the $2,950 battery rebate is being phased out in favour of an interest-free loan scheme.

Secondly - they have added new rules for PV, battery and heat pump installations.

Over to EVs - Recently Volvo has been showing off its electric trucks, although Australian design rules need to be changed before they’re sold here. Volvo says it wants to manufacture them in Brisbane.

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

US Study Shows EV Batteries Should Last An EV’s Lifetime

How long do electric vehicle batteries last?  According to a study by Recurrent — a US company devoted to helping people buy and sell used EVs — it’s a long time.

New WINAICO Panels Help Installers Navigate Australia’s 600V Rule

WINAICO will soon take orders for a range of high-yield panels offering up to 430 watts per unit. Our in-house installer Anthony provides some technical notes.

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

Update On The LG Battery Recall: Straight From The Horse’s Mouth

Keen SolarQuotes readers will no doubt recall the ongoing saga which began when LG Energy Solution Australia issued a recall notice for various LG Chem RESU models and battery packs back in February 2021. Since then, the recall has spread to other manufacturers containing the affected LG batteries.

Solar Victoria Add More Rules For PV, Battery & Heat Pump Installations

Solar Victoria has published the 2023-2024 Notice To Market, including five new mandatory requirements and rather more recommendations.

Victoria Replacing Battery Rebates with Interest-Free Loans

Victoria’s 2023-2024 state budget hit the headlines with a billion dollars to re-establish the State Electricity Commission, focusing on driving the state’s switch to renewables. A much lower profile move was a rejig of Solar Victoria’s support for home batteries.

Glued-On GoodWe Galaxy Solar Panels Land In Australia

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) company Umax Energy has been signed as the Australian master distributor for Shanghai-based module vendor GoodWe.

AER Points to Solar PV as a Factor in Electricity Price Hikes

Electricity prices in Queensland, NSW and South Australia will rise by as much as 23.9% in July, with the Australian Energy Regulator publishing its final Default Market Offer (DMO) determination for 2023-2024.

Volvo Touts Brisbane-Built Electric Trucks – But Only If Australian Design Rules Change

Volvo is showing off its electric trucks, although Australian design rules need to be changed before they’re sold here. Volvo says it wants to manufacture them in Brisbane.

ClearVue’s Solar Windows Attract $2m Funding from WA Government

The Western Australian government is granting solar window company ClearVue $2 million to support its WA component manufacturing plans.

  
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.