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.

Solar Panel Cleaning Study: Ditch Dishwashing Detergent

Solar panel cleaning - dishwashing detergent

Results from a Finnish study suggest solar panel glass can be safely cleaned using a few common cleaning products without negatively impacting performance – but not dishwashing detergent. [Read more…]

LNP Pushed On Promised Solar Scheme, New Battery Subsidies

Supercharged Solar for Renters - Queensland

The Queensland Conservation Council is urging the new-ish QLD government to make good on a commitment to providing solar subsidies for rental properties –  and to reintroduce a battery subsidy. [Read more…]

Aiko’s New Solar Panel Factory Kicks Off Production

Aiko solar panel factory in Jinan

The first solar modules were recently produced in Aiko’s new factory, which features a 1.5-kilometre-long integrated cell and module production line. [Read more…]

Victoria’s Draft 2025/26 Feed-In Tariff Rates: Brace Yourself

Victoria solar feed-in tariff for 2025/26

Victoria’s Essential Services Commission (ESC) released its draft decision on minimum solar feed in tariff rates for 2025/26 on Friday – and system owners won’t be happy. [Read more…]

Solar PV: Australia Vs. Germany In 2024

Solar power in Australia and Germany

Solar energy covered around 14 percent of electricity consumption in Germany last year, up from 12 percent in 2023. How does that compare to Australia? [Read more…]

Jinko’s Perovskite PV Progress – Another New Record

JinkoSolar perovskite solar cell efficiency record

Chinese solar manufacturer JinkoSolar has claimed another world record for solar efficiency, this one related to development of its N-type monocrystalline TOPCon-based perovskite tandem solar cell. [Read more…]

Yet Another Round Of Staff Cuts At SolarEdge

SolarEdge layoffs

After three rounds of layoffs announced in 2024, solar manufacturer SolarEdge will be shedding staff again – with hundreds more jobs to go. [Read more…]

Australian Home Battery Incentives In 2025 (So Far)

Solar battery incentives in Australia

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to smash your electricity bills with a home battery, here’s what government support is available and where to help some Australians on their way. [Read more…]

Hoymiles Unveils New Home Battery For Australia

Hoymiles LB-5D-G2 battery

There’s yet another choice for Australian home battery buyers – Hoymiles’ LB-5D-G2. While there’s missing information (nothing unusual with new solar gear launches), let’s take a look at some of its specifications. [Read more…]

Single Vs. Double Glass Solar Panels – Which Is Better?

Double glass solar panels

To add a bit of complexity in purchase choices for solar panel buyers, there can be a toss-up between single and double/dual glass panels. So, which is better? [Read more…]

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