Hi everyone,
 
Welcome to another issue of the Solar Quotes weekly newsletter - please feel free to forward it on to others.

As always, it's been an interesting week on the solar scene in Australia and overseas - check out the stories below. 
 
By the way, don't forget you can get 3 solar quotes from trusted solar installers at our website - and you can also stay in touch with what's happening on SQ via our Facebook page.
 
Regards,

SQ VIEWS

Why It Makes Sense To Fill Your Roof With Solar
It now makes sense to simply buy as many solar panels as will fit on your roof - thanks to increased feed in tariffs and cheaper panels.
  
WA Hikes Electricity Bills 20% For Poorest, 1% For Billionaires
On the first of July, electricity prices increased in WA. This was not a surprise. The surprise was they were increased in the worst possible way.

SOLAR NEWS

More Solar Power For Goulburn Mulwaree Council
Last week, New South Wales’ Goulburn Mulwaree Council voted to install solar panels on a new warehouse building – and it seems there’s plenty more PV in the pipeline. 
 
Redflow Batteries Beating Blackouts
Australian company Redflow’s ZBM2 energy storage solution has rescued a South African manufacturer plagued by rolling blackouts.
 
Poll : No Public Cash For Liddell Power Station Life Support
Results from a recent poll indicate 77% of Australians believe public money should not be used to keep coal-fired clunker Liddell Power Station open past 2022.
 
Solar Panel Validation Pilot Program Update
Unfortunately, solar panel switcheroos aren’t unheard of in Australia. Hopefully it won’t be too long before you’ll be able to easily find out for certain if a panel is genuine.
 
Approval Granted For 60MW Mareeba Solar Farm
Queensland’s Mareeba Shire Council has approved plans for Mareeba Solar Farm, a facility that will boast 196,000 solar panels. 
 
An Uncertain Future For The US Solar Industry
The USA’s solar sector is in for a nervous wait after a decision from the International Trade Commission that some imported solar cells and panels pose a threat to the nation’s domestic manufacturing industry. 
 
Solar Savings Bonanza From August Small Scale PV Installations
The latest Renewable Energy Index from Green Markets indicates rooftop solar panels (small scale systems) installed across Australia last month will deliver $180 million in electricity bill savings over 10 years. 
 
Go-Ahead For 250MW Western Downs Solar Farm
Western Downs Regional Council has announced approval of another large-scale solar farm in its region – the second to be approved by Council this week. 
  
22,000 Potential Pumped Hydro Storage Sites Identified Across Australia
Researchers at ANU say 22,000+ potential pumped hydro sites they have identified across Australia represent storage capacity of 67,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh), far more than the nation requires to support a reliable 100% renewable energy based electricity system. 
 
GFG Alliance Acquires Majority Stake In Australia’s Zen Energy
The new owner of Whyalla’s steelworks has taken a controlling stake in South Australia-based Zen Energy, stating it will create a new Australian “national energy champion”.
 
Ditch Wind And Solar Power Subsidies, Forget The CET : Abbott
Ex-Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s latest dummy spit on renewables is same-old, same-old – but it’s turned up the coal-fired heat on the Turnbull Government. 
 
University of Southern Queensland To Save Millions With Solar Power
Stage two of University of Southern Queensland’s Sustainable Energy Solution project is well under way, with solar panels being installed on rooftops at USQ’s Springfield and Ipswich campuses. 
 
Solar Powered Street Vending With Musana Carts
Musana Carts aims to improve the lives of street vendors in developing nations with solar-powered street vending carts.
 
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!

USEFUL SOLAR INFO

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.