The advent of Grid Connected Battery (GCB) systems in Australia has led to increased interest in coupling GCB systems with existing or new solar PV system to increase energy self-sufficiency. GCB systems can be connected to a PV system as a DC coupled system, where the PV array is connected through a charge controller directly […]
Category: Standards
A Practical Guide to PV Efficiency
At the end of June 2016, the world record for efficiency of rooftop solar modules was broken again: the US-based PV manufacturing company SunPower achieved an efficiency of 24.1% for a monocrystalline silicon-based PV panel, over 2% higher than the previous record. This news came shortly after the announcement earlier in the month of Hanwha […]
Residential energy storage: Are we ready?
The rise of residential batteries In the past year we have seen the first significant uptake of Grid Connected Battery (GCB) systems in Australia. In years gone by, batteries were used for standalone systems that were far from any poles and wires, i.e. in areas with no access to the electricity grid. However, we now […]
Micro Inverters vs DC Optimisers: An Australian Installer’s Perspective
In many ways the rapid uptake of PV in Australia over the last decade has caused the city-based PV installer a problem: many of the easy, large area, unobstructed, north-facing roofs have already been used. Often this leaves us with “sub-optimal” installation options involving small areas where only 1-4 modules will fit, roof areas that […]
I got 99 problems but a switch ain’t one (ONLY VALID UNTIL DATE OF PUBLISHED)
Correct isolator selection and installation is an extremely important aspect of ensuring PV systems are safe and up to standard. Through the extensive inspection work that GSES has conducted, and feedback from industry, interpreting isolator data sheets can be tricky for many installers. In response to this GSES has increased its focus on isolator selection […]
PV Training challenges & how they affect installations
Since being established in 1998, GSES has focused on assisting the growth of Australian and international PV industries by providing quality training. GSES is recognised for its expertise in providing the training required for grid-connected PV design and install accreditation. In training many electricians and engineers, GSES has identified certain areas that prove to be […]
Overview of incoming PCE requirements in AS/NZS 5033:2014
AS/NZS 5033:2014 states that the transition period for Power Conversion Equipment (PCE) will end on July 11th, 2015. After this date, all requirements for PCEs as described in AS/NZS 5033:2014 will be applicable. Although the changes are significant, they should come as no surprise to manufacturers of PCEs or the solar PV industry, as these […]
Microfractures in Solar Modules: Causes, Detection and Consequences
The significant growth of the Australian residential solar energy industry over the last 5 years (APVI, 2014) has focused attention on module quality and performance, as well as installation and safety standards. It is critical for the industry to maintain high standards so that not only are solar photovoltaic (PV) systems safe, but also customers […]
Solar Installations: Where are we going wrong?
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. Global Sustainable Energy Solutions (GSES) is an […]
DC Isolators: What are the Manufacturer’s Specification Sheets Really Telling You (ONLY VALID UNTIL DATE OF PUBLISHED)
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems use rotary DC isolators with multiple current and voltage ratings more commonly than DC rated circuit breakers. However, the flexibility of these DC isolators introduces instances of incorrect wiring when the manufacturer’s specifications are misunderstood, resulting in DC isolators being underrated for the PV system installed. This document is written to […]