Utility Scale Solar: Dual Purpose Land Usage Opportunities

Recent months have seen the approval of many landmark developments of utility scale solar farms, such as the 2GW proposal in Bulli Creek, NSW and the 130MW proposal in Clair, QLD. These developments will take up vast amounts of land: the 130MW solar farm will take up 340 hectares of cane sugar fields, and the […]

Emerging Technologies: Perovskite

Over the last 40 years photovoltaic (PV) technology has been steadily increasing in efficiency and decreasing in cost. This has resulted in a booming PV industry where PV research and development have continued to improve the technology. Currently, the primary material used in solar PV cells is crystalline Silicon; however, there are other materials used […]

Power Factor and Grid-Connected PV

As the level of Grid-Connected PV penetration continues to rise, the importance of power factor and power factor correction is going to become increasingly relevant both from the perspective of the grid and the customer. This article explains what power factor is, what it is caused by, its impact on the grid, and how GridConnected […]

New CEC Endorsement Proposed for Grid Connected PV with Batteries: Training Requirements

New nationally recognised units of competency have been released in draft form setting out the knowledge and skills required for the design and installation of grid-connected PV systems with battery storage. The CEC has indicated that it will recognise completion of this training as an endorsement to Grid Connect PV Design and Installation accreditations: participants […]

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 […]

Grid Energy Storage

The grid energy storage market is buzzing and many new technologies are being thrust from the research and development realm into the commercial space. The question of which technology is going to be the big winner for the energy storage revolution is a discussion mired in speculation and clouded with preconceptions. However, it may just […]

Isolator Enclosures: more than just a box

Installing rooftop isolators is a requirement under AS/NZS 5033:2012. Rooftop isolators are required to ensure the safety of PV installations during maintenance and in emergency situations. However installing isolators correctly is essential if the full safety benefits are to be provided. This article clarifies the factors that installers need to consider when installing rooftop isolators.

Potential Induced Degradation (PID)

Potential Induced Degradation (PID) is a process that occurs in photovoltaic (PV) cells when the system has a negative potential relative to the ground. As a result, the PV module’s efficiency decreases over time. Although PID is a relatively new concept and is not widely understood, techniques already exist to minimise its undesirable effects. The […]

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