We’re well into the first month of 2025, but before getting carried away by the fact we’re now obviously living in the future, I thought it would be a good idea to look back at which solar panels tested well last year, according to the Kiwa PVEL 2024 PV Module Reliability Scorecard.

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Recently I’ve seen a stirring in the solar marketplace. Big solar systems are great but the trend to giant oversized panels must be nipped in the bud. Please read on while I explain why commercial and industrial products don’t belong on domestic roofs.

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The whiter the image, the hotter the area.

Recently, I found myself back on the roof of a shed I hadn’t worked on for at least a dozen years. The solar hadn’t gone anywhere, but damn, it needed a clean. [Read more…]

Galvanised roofs with aluminium-framed solar panels attached will rust. Read on, and I’ll explain why this happens, what to do if you already have a galvanised roof, and how to buy a shiny metal roof that won’t rust when you add solar panels.
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Solar panel bypass diodes – those unassuming little electronic components quietly working in the background of your solar panels. What are they, why are they there, and do we really need them? [Read more…]

It’s that time of the year again when I reveal the results of our annual Installers’ Choice Awards for Best Solar Panels in 2024. [Read more…]

QCELLS solar panels installed in Australia

In a significant development for the Australian solar market, solar panel and battery importer, Hanwha QCELLS Australia – who operated in the mid to high end of the market – has let the solar industry know it will be closing its business in Australia. [Read more…]

In the competitive solar panel market, Trina Solar stands out as a brand synonymous with reliability and value. They’ve built a reputation on promises of quality and durability, making them a trusted choice for Aussie homeowners. However, a recent chat with a fellow installer reveals a stark reality that may leave you questioning their reputation; and us questioning their place on the SolarQuotes recommended panel chart. [Read more…]

Wondering if your solar panels’ are still operating at their optimum efficiency? A free online tool from Solcast precisely calculates how much energy your panels should have generated yesterday, enabling you to swiftly identify any performance issues. Here’s how to use it.
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