As the power grid evolves to accommodate more electronic, decentralised, and energy-efficient technologies, it gains flexibility and resilience—but also faces new technical challenges. A key concern emerging from this shift is harmonic distortion, particularly as it relates to the widespread use of Consumer Energy Resources (CERs). In this article, we explore what harmonics are, how […]
Tag: renewable energy
Solar PV System & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging, also known as infrared imaging, is a powerful diagnostic tool in the inspection of Solar PV systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). It captures and visualises temperature variations on a surface, allowing inspectors to identify hot spots, hot joints and irregular heat signatures that could signify electrical faults, failing components, or degraded […]
Your Guide to CPD Points and Maintaining your SAA Accreditation
If you are an accredited solar designer or installer, or aspiring to be one, you may have heard of CPD points. This article will run you through what CPD points are, and how you can earn them to ensure you maintain your solar accreditation. What are CPD points? The Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme has […]
What Causes Solar PV Fires and How to Prevent Them
This article lists the main causes of solar fires and methods of prevention that can be used.
How To Use Chapters 5 And 5A From NER For Large Scale Embedded Generators
This article outlines the scopes of Chapter 5A, defines the systems it applies to, and provides a brief introduction to what you can expect should you start your connection application.
Moulded Case Circuit Breakers Explained
As installed system capacity continues to increase in the Australian PV market, it is valuable for system designers and installers to understand the mechanisms behind moulded case circuit breakers, and the meaning behind their ratings. A moulded case circuit breaker (MCCB) is a type of electrical protection device that is used to protect the electrical […]
Hacking the Battery Management System
First and foremost, it must be stated that GSES is very optimistic about the capability of new energy storage technology. GSES is confident that those that are involved in transition of the electricity grid are moving quickly to make new technology better, cheaper, safer and more secure. That said, a topic which has not been […]
The Pacific Perspective – The Energy Tri-lemma, Battery Storage in American Samoa and New Zealand Case Studies.
Last week Samoa held the Pacific Power Associations (PPA) 26th Annual conference in Samoa. As an allied member of the PPA and a Pacific training organisation, GSES attended the week-long conference. The Island Nations in the Pacific rely predominantly on diesel generators in large or micro-grid configurations for power supply. These Nations have turned to […]
The Role of CEC Accreditation in Renewable Energy Industry
The attainment of the Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditation for installation of Solar PV systems has been the standard for the industry as a result of its ties to the Federal Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) . However, the introduction of battery energy storage systems has sparked discussion with regard to the relevance of […]
Inverter Power Factor Modes: How do they affect voltage rise calculations?
As Australia continues to see the trend to increase system capacity to medium or large scale Grid-connected PV system, it becomes valuable for Inverter Energy Systems (IES) to have ways to support the power quality of the grid. The most recent revision of the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4777.2: Grid connection of energy systems via inverters […]