Hi everyone,
 
SA Power Networks has been granted authorisation to remotely shut down solar systems in rare circumstances. What does this mean for new and existing solar owners? Find out more here.
  
Over the border in Victoria, the agency overseeing that state's solar panel rebate insists Victorian solar installers follow a strict code of conduct. But they don't appear to follow it themselves. Discover what Solar Victoria has done to raise our ire (again).
 
On a more positive note, a good solar monitoring system has a long list of benefits. Now we can add helping to solve high voltage problems to that list.
 
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

How Monitoring Solved A Savvy Solar Owner’s High Voltage Problem
We recount the story of how Solar Analytics’ R&D head Jonathon Dore used his company’s monitoring data to dramatically reduce curtailment of output from the solar power system at his Blue Mountains home.
 
Solar Victoria Runs Misleading Ads They Wouldn’t Accept From Installers
If there is one thing I hate, it’s dodgy solar installers who mislead the public with deceptive advertising and fake deals. But when a state government engages in misleading ads it’s fine and I don’t mind at all. No… wait a minute! It’s actually worse! 
 
SA Solar Shitstorm 2: Remote Disconnect
SA Power Networks has been given the green light to remotely and temporarily shut down solar power systems in “rare circumstances” from September 28. Here’s what it means for new and existing solar owners, as we currently understand the situation.

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

Feed-In Tariffs In South Australia: State Of Play In 2019/20
A new report from ESCOSA indicates South Australian solar owners had access to a wide range of feed-in tariff offers and generally had access to the same best-priced electricity plans as non-solar customers in 2019-20.
 
Shepparton Council Kicks Off Community Sustainability Grants
Greater Shepparton City Council’s Community Sustainability Grant program could provide a great opportunity for groups to get solar panels on their rooftops.
 
Solar Energy And Mornington Peninsula’s Climate Emergency Plan
Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula Shire Council last week unanimously adopted its ambitious Climate Emergency Plan – and solar power plays an important role in it.

Warning From FRNSW On Solar Power System Safety 
Fire and Rescue NSW has sounded a new warning after another solar PV related incident in the state.

Hobsons Bay City Council VPP To Maximise Solar Self-Consumption
Melbourne’s Hobsons Bay City Council has announced a Virtual Power Plant project that will involve the installation of solar panels on dozens more of its buildings initially and community participation down the track.

Uniting Church: Future Must Remain Renewable
Uniting Church WA and Uniting Church VIC TAS are encouraging their members to write letters expressing concern over renewable energy funding to several senators.

Solar-Powered Skydive From SolarStratos
What’s claimed to be the first ever free-fall and skydive from a from an electric plane occurred yesterday (Australian time). That may be a little ho-hum for the non-skydivers among us, but the plane certainly isn’t.

Solar Energy Helps Woollahra Council Achieve Carbon Neutrality
Sydney’s Woollahra Municipal Council says it is third local government in New South Wales to attain net-zero emissions.
  
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.