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 […]
Category: Regulations
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 […]
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 […]
Localised networks and demand side participation
The National Electricity Market (NEM) has been traditionally set up as a two sided market which allows for participation from the Supply Side and the Demand Side. With the rapid and continuous uptake of distributed generation and storage, the terminology and regulatory framework surrounding the “two sided” approach will have to change significantly. This article […]
Professional Development for the Energy Storage Industry – Who needs it?
The ever increasing publicity and media surrounding ‘Energy Storage’ is promulgated by all sectors of the energy market: industry journalists, network operators, energy retailers, equipment retailers, wholesalers, system designers, and installers. What training is currently available for the energy storage industry? From GSES’ perspective, as an engineering consultancy and training company, the additional knowledge and […]
State Feed in Tariffs to End, what happens next?
Next year at about this time, three states will terminate part of their feed-in-tariff programs: • Victoria’s Transitional and Standard Net metering programs end on 31 December 2016, • South Australia’s Customer Group 4 Net metering program ends on 30 September 2016 and • New South Wales $0.60/kWh and $0.20/kWh Solar Bonus Scheme ends on […]
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 […]
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 […]
Sealing Roof Penetrations
Roof penetrations for PV systems are often the most difficult parts of installing a PV system, especially on tile roofs. Installations on tile roofs typically require grinding out the underside of numerous tiles for the mounting feet and then having to drill holes for cable entries, then to properly seal these holes can seem tedious […]