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: Technical Articles
To maintain our position as the preferred knowledge network for the industry and commerce of renewable energy innovation & technology, GSES communicates factual, up-to-date and evidence based information for publication. These include information on the issues surrounding DC circuit breakers, earthing fundamentals, how to sell solar, and information on isolator enclosures.
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? […]
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 […]
Solar Installation: Common Mistakes and Best Practices
In 2023 the Clean Energy Council suspended 166 accreditations and cancelled 51. Most of the cases opened came from the Clean Energy Regulator’s inspections program [1] which focuses on quality and compliance of installations across the country. GSES has been part of the Clean Energy Regulator’s inspection program for many years and has seen all […]
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 […]
NSW Work Health & Safety Amendment Bill 2023
Last month, the NSW parliament passed the WHS Amendment Bill 2023. The bill covers a number of updates in relation to increased maximum penalties, a new silica register and a new asbestos notice regime. The changes primarily impact PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking), as PCBUs are responsible for providing and maintaining a working […]
Managing Grid Constraints Related to Electric Vehicle Charging
As EVs become more common, so does issues with existing network and grid. This article explains how these issues are caused and a few of the possible solutions for them.
EV Charger Infrastructure and Procurement Guide
The EV charging infrastrucutre and procurement guide is a free document aimed at helping organisations procure charging infrastructure in a simplified, scalable, and cost-effective manner.