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 […]
Tag: storage
Work Recommences on Draft Battery Storage Units
The hiatus in development of the draft Units of Competency UEERE4002A – Install, Maintain and Fault Find Battery Storage Systems for Grid Connected Photovoltaic Systems, and UEERE5001A – Design Battery Storage Systems for Grid Connected Photovoltaic Systems as a result of reforms in the Vocational Education and Training sector is finally over. The reform saw […]
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 […]
GSES at Australian Energy Storage Exhibition
GSES participated at the Australian Energy Storage Alliance’s Conference held at the Australia Technology Park, on 1-2 June 2016. GSES’ booth attracted much attention, especially the “Grid Connected PV with Batteries” training developed and delivered by GSES. GSES provides the training pathway to the Clean Energy Council’s “Grid Connected Energy Systems with Battery Storage” endorsement. […]
GSES in Brisbane! Grid Connect Solar and Battery Storage: Training Course delivery in Brisbane
GSES recently completed a purpose-built trailer to deliver the practical training components for: Grid Connect PV Systems: Design and Installation Grid Connect PV Systems with Batteries: Design and Installation GSES has joined forces with Master Electricians Association and Careers Australia to deliver this training in Queensland. How then to provide the best working examples of these two […]
Configuring Battery Storage Products – Comparing Apples and Oranges?
The renewables market is currently being flooded with energy storage products to meet the increasing demand and hype for this technology. All of these products present a similar, well-scripted value proposition and all offer to deliver similar functionality. As a result, this rapid rush to market of these products and their advertising has created the […]
Standalone: Past, Present and Future
Stand Alone Photovoltaic (PV) systems are amongst the oldest of applications of photovoltaic systems and are a testament to photovoltaic technology’s ability to operate in the most extreme of conditions. They are typically used in isolated locations with low or no population, or in place of conventional grid infrastructure in less-developed regions. Standalone systems, as […]
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 […]
The Use of Variable speed drives with solar water pumping systems
The use of solar photovoltaics (PV) technology as an alternative to traditional energy sources such as petrol and diesel generators to power electric water pumps has become increasingly apparent. Solar PV technology is used extensively by remote villages and farmers as the power source to pump water for domestic consumption, sanitation, livestock and irrigation. A […]