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.

New Twist In “Embarrassing” QLD EV Charger Saga

An electric car plugged into an EV charger

An EV charger rollout on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast halted for …odd… reasons is back in play, but now the supplier has reportedly bailed and time is running out to get the job done. [Read more…]

Misleading Home Battery Rebate Ads Flooding Facebook

A home battery buyer frustrated with misleading rebate ads

It didn’t take long for over-enthusiastic marketers and dodgy players to start distorting the nature of Labor’s proposed federal government battery rebate scheme in their advertising. [Read more…]

Frack Off: Australians Favour Renewables Over More Gas Power

A fracking rig

A recent survey indicates strong opposition in Australia to gas fracking, and majority support for expanding renewable energy with battery storage over expanding gas-fired power generation generally. [Read more…]

The Solar Power Legacy Of Pope Francis

Pope Francis: 17 December 1936 - 21 April 2025

Among the decisions Pope Francis will be remembered for is his as-yet unrealised vision of powering Vatican City entirely with solar energy. [Read more…]

Narrabri Community Battery Project Short-Circuited By Council U-Turn

Narrabri Community Battery Trial Project

A mockup of the Narrabri Community Battery

New South Wales’ Narrabri Shire Council has put signing a crucial agreement for the installation of a community battery on the backburner, threatening the project. [Read more…]

The True Cost Of $999 Solar + Battery Deals Revealed

Examples of ads promoting $999 solar + battery deals

Just $999 for a fully installed 10 kW solar panel and 10 kWh battery system in Victoria? If only it were so – the real cost is much, much more. [Read more…]

UQ Researchers Set New “Eco-Friendly” Perovskite Solar Cell Record

University of Queensland researchers with a tin halide perovskite solar cell

University of Queensland researchers have broken a world record for lead-free tin halide perovskite (THP) technology, and they are as pleased as punch. [Read more…]

Channel 7’s Anti-EV Beat Up Prompts Council To Cancel Chargers

An electric vehicle connected to an EV charger.

Plans to install the first public EV charging stations on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast have come to a screeching halt, thanks to a Channel 7 beat up linking Indonesian nickel mining to EVs without evidence. [Read more…]

Solar Manufacturer Fronius Celebrating 80th Anniversary

An old photo showcasing Fronius products.

From modest origins in a small Austrian workshop repairing radios in 1945, Fronius has grown into a solar innovation leader. In 2025, the company celebrates 80 years since it was founded. [Read more…]

Home Batteries By The Beach: Watch For Warranty Exclusions

A home battery installed on a beachside house

Sun, surf, sand – and solar batteries. Some home battery manufacturers have warranty exclusions for coastal installations that prospective beachside-dwelling buyers should be aware of; and even Australians living a little further away. [Read more…]

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