Earthing is a critical aspect of electrical safety in installations, ensuring that any exposed conductive parts are properly grounded to prevent electrical shocks or fire hazards. However, there is often confusion regarding the correct application of earthing requirements, especially when earth terminals are found unused in some installations. This document aims to clarify the circumstances […]
Category: Blog
Understanding the 1000V Rule in AS/NZS 4777.1:2024
The latest update to the AS/NZS 4777.1:2024 standard introduces significant changes for residential solar installations, with one of the most notable being the new 1000V rule. This change allows installers to implement higher voltage solar systems in residential settings, but only if they strictly adhere to the updated compliance requirements. What is the 1000V Rule? […]
Solar Jobs In Australia: How to work in the solar industry in 2024
Solar Is big, but are the jobs growing? In the past, solar jobs in Australia have risen and fallen on the “solarcoaster”. However, the solar industry is on steady legs now that solar is the cheapest form of electricity. The solar industry continues to show strong growth in Australia with greatly increasing rooftop solar and […]
Habitable Rooms and Restricted Locations for Battery Installation
With the introduction of new battery rebate programs in Queensland and the ACT this year, and a proposed rebate in NSW expected in November, the safe installation of batteries has become an increasingly important topic. A common concern among installers is determining suitable battery installation locations, particularly regarding what constitutes a habitable room and a […]
Battery Location Restrictions from AS/NZS 3000:2018
The installation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is governed by stringent safety standards as outlined in AS/NZS 5139:2019, specifically in sections 4, 5, and 6. These sections impose explicit restrictions on permissible installation locations to mitigate safety risks. In addition to the provisions specified within AS/NZS 5139:2019, compliance with AS/NZS 3000:2018 is also mandatory […]
New Accreditation Administrator Announced – Everything we know about Solar Accreditation Australia
The Clean Energy Regulator has just announced Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) as the new installer and designer accreditation administrator! This means that the CEC is no longer the accreditation scheme operator, and the SAA accreditation scheme is now in effect. SAA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation founded by the Smart Energy Council and Masters Electricians […]
Battery DC cables to Inverters may need to be oversized by 25%
Part of the design of extra low voltage battery systems involves sizing battery cables and fuses. There is one aspect that is often overlooked which can easily result in under dimensioning these vital components. This article is aimed at 48V, 24V and 12V systems which are either grid connected or standalone. It provides the background […]
GSES Partners with Hi Neighbour to Provide PV Training Scholarships
This year, GSES has had the pleasure of working with the not-for-profit organisation, Hi Neighbour, to provide subsidised solar accreditation courses to workers in high carbon industries. Hi Neighbour was started by actress Yael Stone, who wanted to create positive climate action in response to the devastation of the Australian bushfires in 2019-2020. What does […]
Accreditation Unit Changes 2023
In December 2022, the Australian Industry Skills Committee (AISC) and Clean Energy Council (CEC) announced major updates to the training units for small-scale renewables. The training units have been significantly restructured to reflect the updated skills and knowledge required to work on PV, battery and stand alone energy systems, as well as covering updated standards, […]
Your Guide to CPD Points and Maintaining your SAA Accreditation
If you are an accredited solar designer or installer, or aspiring to be one, you may have heard of CPD points. This article will run you through what CPD points are, and how you can earn them to ensure you maintain your solar accreditation. What are CPD points? The Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme has […]