Posts By Michael Bloch On SolarQuotes

About Michael Bloch

Michael caught the solar power bug after purchasing components to cobble together a small off-grid PV system in 2008. He's been reporting on Australian and international solar energy news ever since.

Myth-Busting Australia’s Solar Panel Rebate

Learn how Australia’s solar panel rebate works and how to avoid heartache, headaches and hip pocket pain by recognising shonky ads. [Read more…]

Sneaky Energy Bill Tactics Slammed In ‘Super’ Complaint

Energy bill confusion

Consumer group CHOICE has asked the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to look into what it says are whiffy energy bill tactics that could be costing many Australians a significant chunk of change. [Read more…]

Solar Inverter Security Scare: Rogue Tech Or Political Theatre?

A Chinese solar inverter

SolarQuotes has been receiving enquiries about a Reuters story published last week alleging the discovery of undocumented communication devices found in Chinese solar inverters and batteries in the USA. Is it something for Australian home solar owners to be worried about? [Read more…]

Official Home Battery Rebate Rules Revealed

Australian government battery rebate

The first official set of written intended eligibility criteria for Australia’s Cheaper Home Batteries program was published yesterday. Here’s what we learned. [Read more…]

Energy Bills: ‘Loyalty Tax’ Targeted In Victoria

Energy bill with loyalty tax

Victoria’s Essential Services Commission (ESC) has proposed new rules that would compel the state’s energy retailers to shift some customers onto cheaper electricity and gas plans. [Read more…]

Buying Solar Panels: How Many Will You Need?

Here’s what you need to know when it comes to buying the right and right number of solar panels for your home in 2025 — and discover the biggest mistake to avoid. [Read more…]

New EV Chargers From Enphase/Sungrow For Australia

Sungrow AC22E-01 and Enphase IQ 2 EV chargers

It shouldn’t be long before the new Sungrow EV charger will reach our shores and the “V2X-capable” Enphase IQ 2 won’t be far behind it.  Here’s a taste of what’s to come and (approximately) when. [Read more…]

Australian Home Energy Report: Opportunities And Challenges

Energy efficient appliance.

Many Australians are eager to invest in energy efficiency upgrades for their homes, but cost isn’t the only perceived obstacle according to a new report. [Read more…]

Getting Off Gas Cooking: Do It For The Kids

Gas stovetop burner releasing toxic emissions

Still tossing up on getting rid of gas appliances in your home in favour of electrification? Here’s another compelling reason for making the switch, particularly if you have kids – you’ll be helping to protect their health. [Read more…]

Longi Unveils Monster 510W Residential Solar Panel

Longi EcoLife solar panel

Chinese solar panel manufacturer Longi offered a look at its new line of heterojunction back contact modules boasting up to 510 Watts capacity at Intersolar Europe last week. The EcoLife series still manages to sneak within what would be considered suitable sizing for residential rooftop installations – but only just. [Read more…]

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