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 […]

PV overcurrent protection changes from AS/NZS 5033:2014 to 5033:2021

The requirements for DC overcurrent protection seem to have changed a lot in the AS/NZS 5033:2021 update upon first glance. But most of these changes are just rearrangement and new notation. This article will explain the old and new requirements. Skip to: AS/NZS 5033:2014 requirements AS/NZS 5033:2021 requirements Comparison of AS/NZS 5033:2014 and AS/NZS 5033:2021 […]

Deep dive on the new AS/NZS 5033:2021 Updates

AS/NZS 5033:2021 Update – What You Need to Know As part of the solar industry, you’re probably accustomed to the 2014 version of the standard, which had two amendments published in 2018. In November 2021, this standard was updated to reflect the rapid growth of this industry and provide updated safety practices. Knowledge is power, […]

AS/NZS 4777.2 2020 Updates – What You Need to Know

The 2020 updates to the inverter Standard AS/NZS 4777.2 Grid connection of energy systems via inverters, Part 2: Inverter Requirements is now available. If you’re a solar professional, you’re probably familiar with the 2015 version of the Standard. In December 2020, the Standard was updated to reflect changing conditions in the industry. These changes could […]

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 […]

AS/NZS 5033 amendment drafts out for comments: What are the changes?

The draft of amendments to AS/NZS 5033:2014 Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays was released for public comment in early February 2018. The comments period will close on 15th March 2018. The draft amendment 1:2018 and draft amendment 2:2018 are available for download free of charge from SAI Global. Standards updates and amendments […]

AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 – Key updates to the standard and what they mean for installers

The latest version of the Australian and New Zealand Standard: Grid connection of energy system via inverters – Installation requirements (AS/NZS 4777.1:2016) was released on 30 September 2016. There is a transition period of 6 months, therefore this standard will come into effect at the end of this month (30th March 2017). AS /NZS 4777.1:2016 […]

Industry wide Improvement in Ingress Protection Safety Thanks to CEC Guidelines

Under the Renewable Energy Target (RET) requirements, solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems must be installed to relevant Australian standards and Clean Energy Council (CEC) guidelines in order to receive Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). To monitor this, the Clean Energy Regulator’s RET inspection program has been running since 2010 and the CEC review the outcomes of […]

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