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: solar
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 […]
Diagno: Maximizing renewable portfolio benefits with actionable O&M intelligence
In this article, we review case studies of two recent issues that the Diagno team was able to identify and have rectified.
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
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.
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, […]
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 […]