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: Standards
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 […]
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 […]
New version of the Wind Actions Standard AS/NZS 1170.2
This article lists the main changes to the 2021 version of AS/NZS 1170.2
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 […]