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 […]
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.
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. […]
Renewable Energy Capacity Building vs. Building Capacity
Renewable Energy Capacity Building vs Building Capacity; Even though they are the same two words, the order and meanings are quite different. Building capacity, in the context of renewable energy, is deploying energy producing systems and associated infrastructure. Capacity building however, covers a myriad of matters associated with renewable energy, before, during and after the […]
Blast from the Past: History of Training and Accreditation in Australia
Attendees at first course (above). Back Row: David Bartley, Rick Potter, Lindsay Hart, Bob McDonald Stephen Garrett, Ray Prowse, Ron Tito, Roger Bunyan. Front Row: Tony Egan, Peter Browne, Stephen Ingrouille, Geoff Stapleton Words by Ray Prowse, first executive director of SEIAA, and Geoff Stapleton, Director Global Sustainable Energy Solutions (GSES) The history of the […]
Getting down to earth: Earthing explained
In an electrical network, an earthing system is a safety measure which protects human life and electrical equipment. As earthing systems differ from country to country, it is important to have a good understanding of the different types of earthing systems as the global PV installed capacity continues to increase. This article aims at exploring […]