Recent updates to the Australian Standards relating to photovoltaic systems (AS/NZS 5033:2012) have led to questions about the difference between functional earthing and equipotential bonding in photovoltaic systems. This article aims to clarify what is meant when terms like earthing and bonding are used, and to briefly explain why each of these methods is needed.
Tag: storage
Solar Sales Tips: 14 Pillars to a successful solar company.
If you are starting in sales with a solar company, its easy to be overwhelmed. Here are 13 solar sales tips, or “pillars” that are the foundation of a quality company. In recent years, rapid growth in the solar industry has resulted in a decrease in custom designed systems in favour of generic “one-size fits […]
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.
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 […]
Oversizing PV Arrays
‘Array oversizing’ refers to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that have been designed so that the solar array has a higher peak capacity than the inverter. A solar system of a given installed capacity under irradiance consistent with Standard Test Conditions, may actually deliver up to 20% less than the nameplate rating of the solar array. […]
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 […]
GSES Releases New eBook Publication: Solar Water Pumping Guide
Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty Ltd (GSES) announces the release of their first eBook publication: the Solar Water Pumping Guide. This comprehensive resource has been released to include the industry’s progression to the current revised industry best practices, system design and product criteria. Susan Neill, GSES Director, commented: “The need for reliable water supplies in […]
GSES releases a technical paper “Localised Networks and Demand Side Participation in the NEM”
Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty Ltd (GSES) has released a technical white paper, entitled Localised Networks and Demand Side Participation, covering the issue of the rise of embedded networks; how they can transition into micro grids and topological power plants, and also provide demand reduction in the National Electricity Market (NEM). The article explains what […]
GSES releases a technical paper: Hoverboards, fires, and residential battery storage
Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty Ltd (GSES) has released a technical white paper, entitled Hoverboards, fires, and residential battery storage, in response to the recent incidents surrounding the popular Christmas toy. The article explores the possible reasons for the recent fires in hoverboards and the implications of this in the developing distributed energy storage market. […]
GSES’ Professional Development courses for 2016 now available
Since October 2014, Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty Ltd (GSES) has been running a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training day for accredited solar installers. Due to the success of these courses, GSES had developed a new set of three courses for 2016. The GSES CPD program offers installers the opportunity to complete all of their […]