Hi everyone,
 
There's a new code of conduct for solar retailers coming: The New Energy Tech Code Of Conduct (NETCC). Learn what it means for buying and selling solar power.
 
The Canberra Battery Test Centre's 7th report revealed of the 18 solar battery systems tested to that point, only 7 didn't need to be repaired, replaced, or buried at midnight under a crossroad.
 
While on the topic of batteries, South Australia’s Minister for Energy and Mining Dan “The Battery Man” van Holst Pellekaan was spruiking a new "battery bonus" deal for South Australians last week - but is it a good deal? Find out more here.
  
Over to electric vehicles and the quality of Tesla’s customer support was in the spotlight again after an Australian Model S owner was quoted $4,000 for a headlamp that failed a little over two years after purchase.
 
More on these and other stories 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

The New Energy Tech Consumer Code And ‘Interest Free" Solar Deals
The ‘CEC Approved Solar Retailer’ (ASR) scheme, a code of conduct for solar companies, may soon be obsolete. I think that’s a good thing.
  
The Canberra Battery Test Centre’s 7th Report: 83% Faulty
Of the 18 solar battery systems tested so far only 7 didn't need to be repaired, replaced, or buried at midnight under a crossroad.
   
Tesla, Crap Customer Service And Australian Consumer Law
Tesla’s notorious customer support is on display again, with a Model S owner offered a repair bill of $4,000 for a headlamp that failed a little over two years after purchase.
 
Big Solar + Battery Push For New Home Builds In SA
South Australia’s Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan is spruiking a new solar + battery deal for South Australians building homes. But is the “battery bonus” a good deal?

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

Oh No, Not You Again – Barnaby Aims For Nationals Leadership
The Nationals have been at it again - Barnaby Joyce took an unsuccessful shot at becoming the party’s leader (again) – and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister (again).
 
EIS For Culcairn Solar Farm Released
The exhibition period for Neoen’s proposed Culcairn Solar Farm project in New South Wales kicked off last week. 
 
Scientists’ Plea: Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Australia by 2050
Hundreds of scientists have called on the Morrison Government to develop science-informed policies to help combat climate change in an open letter.
 
Pandora Pledges More Solar Power
Jewellery manufacturer Pandora says it will make more use of solar power to help reach its new renewable energy and emissions reduction goals. 
 
Increasing Media Pressure On The Fossil Fuel Industry
An Australian superannuation fund takes out a full page print ad to push fossil fuel-free super, while a major media outlet says it will no longer take ad cash from fossil fuel companies.
 
Solar Power At More NSW Hospitals
In New South Wales, another four hospitals are being funded by the Berejiklian Government for the installation of solar power systems.
  
Australian Renewable Energy Agency To Run Out Of Cash Soon
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will reportedly run out of money for new projects around the middle of this year. The Australia Institute says the organisation should be re-funded.
  
Victorian Hospitals Going Solar
East Grampians Health Service (EGHS) has recently had solar panels installed at Willaura Healthcare and PV installation at its Ararat campus starts very soon.
  
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!

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 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 | Installers 
 
Pick up some tips on writing a review.

USEFUL SOLAR INFO

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.
 
NEW! 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.
 
NEW! 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.