Hi everyone,
 
The latest auSSII solar report is out, indicating a greater proportion of Australians were interested in installing bigger solar power systems last month, and getting their solar panels installed sooner. 
   
Late last week, Ronald attended a SolarEdge webinar discussing how the company had responded to new South Australian solar inverter requirements rushed in before the industry had time to properly prepare. Find out more.
   
Customer reviews can play an important role in a solar purchase decision - and fake reviews are a scourge. A solar company was recently whacked with a fine of $6,000 for publishing fake testimonials on its website; including some copied from SolarQuotes that were subsequently altered. 
 
On a related note, we take very special care to help ensure customer-submitted installer, battery, inverter and panel reviews published on SolarQuotes are genuine.  While I can’t reveal all our screening methods for obvious reasons, every review submitted to SolarQuotes not only comes under automated scrutiny, but is also human-reviewed. That human is “Ninja Ned” - smart, stealthy, nimble and lethal. Ned sniffs out any questionable reviews, investigates thoroughly and if proven to be non-genuine, deletes with extreme prejudice before they are published.
 
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

New SA Inverter Rules Add $165 To Price Of SolarEdge Systems
The $165 fee for Remote Disconnection/Reconnection capability is the same for all new SolarEdge inverters installed in SA regardless of size.
 
Australian Solar Systems Interest Index – October 2020
A greater proportion of Australians using the SolarQuotes service were interested in installing bigger PV systems last month, and getting their solar panels installed sooner.

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

Vales Point Power Station Pollution Fine “Chump Change”
Less than a week after being tapped for a Federal Government grant, a fine has been issued for waste and pollution offences at Vales Point Power Station in New South Wales.

Electricity Meter Upgrade Complaints Drop In South Australia
South Australia’s Energy & Water Ombudsman handled fewer complaints in 2019-20; including regarding issues relating to meter upgrades for solar power system installations.

Trump Seeks To Expand And Boost Solar Tariff
U.S President Donald Trump wants to up punitive tariffs on imported solar panels and cells next year – blaming bifacial modules.
 
Solar Company Fined For Fake Reviews
A solar installation company has been whacked with a fine of $6,000 for publishing fake testimonials on its website.
 
Scania Tinkering With Solar Truck Trailers
Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania says it will develop a trailer clad in solar cells to help power a plug-in hybrid truck.
 
Another Rooftop Solar DC Isolator Up In Smoke
A problem child of solar installations – rooftop DC isolators – are continuing to demonstrate why they should no longer be required.
 
TAI Goes Into Bat For Australian Solar Households
The Australia Institute (TAI) has said proposed rule changes that would allow electricity distribution networks to charge households with solar PV for exporting electricity would be unfair unless they were also being paid fair revenue for the benefits they provide.
  
Tweed Shire Council’s Wind/Solar Energy PPA Kicks In
New South Wales’ Tweed Shire Council has commenced a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement that will see more than half its electricity for larger sites being generated by wind and solar farms.
  
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

NEW! - 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.
 
NEW! - 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.
 
NEW! 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.