Hi everyone,

A SolarQuotes exclusive! I take an in-depth look at a pioneering bi-directional EV charger installation in South Australia, where an electric car is helping to power a home and business - with a lot of assistance from solar of course. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) are exciting tech, but some surprising limitations are revealed.

How did Michael's solar power system fare with a hot Xmas day, 21 people and an aging reverse cycle air-conditioner? Did he wind up having to pay Energy Australia for electricity? Find out here.  
 
On a related note; while heat reduces solar panel output, it's not enough to worry about. Ronald explains. 
 
Speaking of toasty places (but a bit further afield); recently things warmed up for a Tasmanian solar company when they delivered four off-grid solar power projects in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea.
  
Something else that's been particularly hot of late is uptake of solar power systems. Find out how much Australians were paying for fully installed systems in November.
 
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

EV Powers House: Australia’s V2G Bidirectional Charger Trailblazer
Exclusive! An in-depth look at a pioneering bi-directional EV charger installation in South Australia. V2G is exciting stuff, but some surprising limitations are revealed.
 
Heat Reduces Solar Panel Output. But Not Enough To Worry About
Solar panel output is hurt by heat. The hotter they are, the lower their efficiency. This seems like a major drawback for something deliberately exposed to the Australian sun. In practice, it’s not something anyone with a solar power system needs to worry about. 
 
Solar Power Takes On Xmas Day, Emerges Victorious
Some Christmas cooking, 19 visitors, an aging ducted reverse-cycle air-conditioner, a hot day and a rooftop solar power system. Find out how much Energy Australia made from him on the day for electricity.
 
Australian Solar Prices: December 2022 Update
As Australians raced to buy rooftop solar panels in November 2022, how much were they paying on average for systems? Find out in SolarQuotes’ latest solar price report.
  
Tasmanian Solar Company Brings Solar Power To PNG
Recently things warmed up for Tasmanian solar company I Want Energy when they partnered with Astra Solar in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, to deliver four off-grid solar power projects in Bougainville PNG.
 
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

Bundaberg Moves Towards Net Zero by 2030
Queensland’s Bundaberg Regional Council has endorsed a report in relation to the entire region achieving net zero emissions by the end of the decade – and renewables will of course play a major role.
 
Electric Vehicles: V2G Good To Go In South Australia
EV owners in South Australia can reportedly now apply to SA Power Networks to install V2G bi-directional chargers. While an important step towards making better use of electric cars, don’t get too excited just yet.
 
Victoria Home Solar News Roundup 
Residential solar systems installed in Victoria are getting bigger and battery rebates remain popular according to a Solar Homes industry update sent out yesterday. There’s also news of another feed-in tariff reduction on the horizon.
 
Is Solar. Is Good? Don KR’s Controversial PV Project
Not everyone is happy about Victoria’s Mount Alexander Shire Council allowing Castlemaine smallgoods manufacturer Don KR to construct a big solar power system; with conditions.
 
First Power From NSW’s New England Solar Project
The first trickle of power from the huge New England Solar project near Uralla into the grid should be followed by a mighty flow next year.
 
AU Backed Palau Solar + Battery Project Progresses
It shouldn’t be too long before the people of Palau benefit from a big injection of renewable energy into their electricity system; thanks in part to Australia.
  
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 2022 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.