AS/NZS 5033:2014 Amendment 2 changes to sizing DC isolators came into effect on 28th June 2019. The new requirements simplify the process of selecting an isolator and ensure that thermal effects are taken into account. It addresses fire risk issues and improves design and installation practices. This is an essential part of Grid Connected Solar Design […]
Author: GSES
Aluminium vs Copper DC Cables: Which is better?
Copper is by far the most widely used conductor in electrical wiring. It benefits from high conductivity and corrosion resistance, making it perfect for a wide range of applications. Due to high demand however, it is significantly more expensive when compared to alternatives such as aluminium. We we will clear up the debate of Aluminium […]
Oversized PV arrays and Battery Days of Autonomy in Stand-Alone Power systems
Introduction Battery energy storage is essential to stand-alone PV power systems relying on intermittent renewable energy as the primary generation source, and the sizing of this battery storage has long been a critical and sometimes contentious issue in the industry. Due to the nature of stand-alone power systems, it is always necessary to size the battery […]
Which mounting solution is best for the job: The impact of constraints on PV mounting solutions in large-scale projects.
Large-scale ground-mount PV solar projects now have a multitude of mounting options. Single-axis tracking solutions are now more affordable than ever and new mounting designs have been introduced to the market, each with their own benefits and limitations. Every project is unique and has its own set of constraints and design challenges, one of which […]
A Case of Pitch: The effect of a North-South split pitch on array output and a rethink of optimum design
Any PV installer or system designer knows that, in Australia, orienting a system north would enable the maximum year-round generation. For sites where a north facing pitch is not readily available, east west array is often considered the next best solution. Intuitively, south facing arrays do not make sense, and systems have been designed insofar […]
Hydrogen Energy in Australia: Do the numbers make sense?
Australia is one of the luckiest countries in the world in terms of natural resources. The future of Hydrogen Energy in Australia is in the news and will be for some time. Here is the US Central Intelligence Agency comment on Australia’s natural resources: Natural Resources: bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, […]
The Growing Potential of Stand-Alone Power Systems
Stand-Alone Power Systems (SAPS) have been an alternative and a solution for many decades to power devices, telecommunications, buildings and communities that experience practical or financial barriers to grid electrification, be it in rural areas or in developing countries. SAPS have been used to provide small scale portable lighting, water pumping, and power for general […]
Tracking – Another Option to Increase Yield
Large scale solar projects have seen tremendous growth in recent years, with notable projects including the 10MW capacity Greenough River Solar Farm in Western Australia and the 220MW Bungala Solar Power Project in South Australia. These projects require significant investment from system owners, and particularly for larger projects it is important to maximise financial return […]
Wiring Rules AS NZS 3000:2018 – Key Updates to the Standard and What They Mean for Installers
The latest version of the Australian and New Zealand Standard: Electrical Installations “Wiring Rules” (AS/NZS 3000:2018) has now been published, and will supersede AS/NZS 3000:2007. Updates to the Standard have been made to reflect new technologies, equipment, and installation techniques. This article explores some of the most significant changes presented in the standard, and how […]
Those who can, do…and they should also teach
George Bernard Shaw wrote “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach” in his 1903 play “Man and Superman”. This quote has been widely used to disparage teachers and, in addition to the quote being broad-brushed and obtuse, it also implies that the two are mutually exclusive. GSES has two core offerings; Training and Consulting. […]