Introduction

The Australian energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a surge in consumer adoption of renewable energy solutions.

The Clean Energy Regulator's (CER) latest Quarterly Carbon Market Report (QCMR) paints a promising picture, highlighting the increasing role households and businesses are playing in the clean energy transition.

https://cer.gov.au/media-release-australian-households-and-small-businesses-lead-renewables-charge

Solar Power Leads the Charge

The report reveals a remarkable achievement in rooftop solar installations.

In 2023, Australians installed a staggering 3.1 gigawatts (GW) of rooftop solar capacity, translating to a record-breaking 331,000 new installations.

This trend indicates a growing consumer preference for clean energy and a desire to control energy bills. The average capacity of these new systems is also noteworthy, reaching a record high of 9 kilowatts (kW). This suggests Australians are opting for larger systems, potentially aiming to power their entire homes or even generate excess electricity for feed-in tariffs.

Data and Impact on Consumers

The growth in rooftop solar translates to several benefits for Australian consumers:

• Reduced electricity bills: Solar power generation directly offsets household reliance on the grid, potentially leading to significant savings on electricity bills.

• Increased energy independence: Homeowners with solar panels have more control over their energy source and are less susceptible to fluctuations in grid prices.

• Environmental benefits: By generating clean electricity, solar panels contribute to reducing Australia's carbon footprint and combating climate change.

  

  This figure shows installed capacity under the SRES and approved capacity for wind and solar power stations under the LRET in gigawatts (GW) over time

Beyond Solar: Air Source Heat Pumps Gain Traction

The QCMR also highlights a significant increase in energy-efficient air source heat pumps. With 135,000 installations in 2023, representing a 55% rise compared to 2022, Australians are embracing this technology for heating and cooling their homes.

Air source heat pumps offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional gas or electric heating systems, further contributing to energy efficiency and emissions reduction.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter Renewable Future

The report underscores Australia's commitment to renewable energy at a larger scale.

The Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) and Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) continue to incentivize investments in renewable energy projects. In 2023, a remarkable 2.2 GW of large-scale renewable energy capacity was added to the grid, marking the sixth consecutive year with over 5 GW of new renewables.

This positive trend is expected to continue, with a strong pipeline of 6.5 GW under construction and anticipated first generation of electricity between 2024 and 2026. The government's Capacity Investment Scheme is also expected to further stimulate large-scale renewable energy investments in 2024.

Data Visualization: Australia's Renewable Energy Mix

Renewables are making significant strides, contributing to 39% of the nation's electricity generation. With continued investment and growth, Australia is well on its way to achieving its ambitious goal of 82% renewable energy by 2030.

STC supply in millions over time

What You Can Do: Embrace the Renewable Revolution

The data presented in the QCMR highlights a clear message: Australians are taking charge of their energy future. Here's how you can contribute to this positive shift:

• Consider installing rooftop solar panels: Explore government rebates and incentives available in your state to make solar power a more affordable option.

• Invest in energy-efficient appliances: Look for appliances with high energy star ratings to reduce your overall energy consumption.

• Switch to a renewable energy provider: Several electricity retailers offer plans that source a significant portion of their energy from renewable sources.

By making informed choices and embracing renewable energy solutions, Australians can collectively contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for the nation.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has appointed a new consumer panel to provide crucial input into the development of the 2026 Integrated System Plan (ISP). This is significant news for the renewable energy market in Australia, as it highlights the growing importance of consumer voices in shaping the future of the electricity grid.

https://aemo.com.au/newsroom/news-updates/2026-isp-consumer-panel-announced

What is the AEMO's Integrated System Plan (ISP)?

The ISP is essentially a roadmap for Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) over the next 20 years.

It outlines the most cost-effective path for developing essential infrastructure like power generation, storage, and transmission lines. The ultimate goal is to ensure a secure, reliable, and affordable electricity supply while achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as mandated by government policies.

Why is Consumer Input Important?

Traditionally, energy planning has often focused on technical and economic aspects from the perspective of utilities and generators.

However, consumers are the ultimate end-users of the electricity grid. Including their perspectives helps ensure the plan considers factors like:

• Cost impacts: Consumers are concerned about the affordability of the energy transition. The panel will ensure the ISP considers how infrastructure investments translate to electricity prices for households and businesses.

• Risk preferences: Consumers have varying risk tolerances when it comes to new technologies or grid upgrades. The panel will help AEMO understand consumer comfort levels with different investment options.

• Long-term vision: Consumers have a stake in the long-term sustainability of the grid. The panel will ensure the ISP considers consumer preferences for a clean and reliable energy future.

Looking Ahead: Ramifications for the Renewable Energy Market

A stronger consumer focus in the ISP development process can have several positive ramifications for the renewable energy market:

• Increased investment in renewables: By understanding consumer preferences for clean energy, the ISP may prioritize investments in renewable generation sources like solar and wind. This can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

• Focus on grid modernization: Consumers benefit from a reliable and resilient grid. The panel's input can encourage investments in grid modernization projects to integrate more renewables effectively and ensure stable power supply.

• Development of innovative solutions: Consumer preferences for cost-effective clean energy solutions could stimulate innovation in areas like energy storage and demand management technologies.

Data and Examples:

Unfortunately, the press release doesn't include specific data points. However, we can look at past trends to understand the potential impact of consumer focus on the ISP.

• A 2023 report by the Australian Clean Energy Council found that 89% of Australians support a faster transition to renewable energy [Source: Australian Clean Energy Council website]. This consumer preference is likely to be reflected in the ISP through increased emphasis on renewables.

• The 2022 ISP already highlighted the need for significant investment in grid infrastructure to integrate more renewables. Continued consumer focus in the 2026 ISP can further solidify this priority.

Conclusion

The appointment of a consumer panel for the 2026 ISP demonstrates a positive shift towards a more consumer-centric approach to energy planning in Australia.

This can lead to a more sustainable, affordable, and reliable renewable energy future for all Australians. By incorporating consumer voices, the ISP can chart a course that benefits both consumers and the environment.

Introduction

‍In this article we look at a solar DC combiner box that we used on a 100 kW ground mount project at Mitiamo Water authority.

This system also included a 404 kWh energy storage system in addition to the PV array.

The enclosure

For this site it was stipulated that 316 stainless steel was used and we decided to go with a 2mm wall thickness as opposed to the 1.6mm standard for extra durability. 

The enclosure dimensions are 600 x 400 x 200mm and:

• Has an IP67 rating and

• Was mounted to the ground piling

• Via unistrut after creating some threads in the 5mm wall thickness.

DC isolators

The enclosure houses 8 x DC isolators and we have 2 x strings per isolator.

Two strings enter the isolator and then one feed exits and connects to the matched SPD ( Surge Protective Device) and then a 50 metre run to the inverter station.

SPD’s

The SPD’s take a positive and a negative feed from the DC isolators and then there is the cable run to the inverters. The SPD’s are designed to:

• Protect the circuit from any transient surges that may damage the inverter

• And other equipment

• Monitor what’s going on within the cable.

For example if a lightning strike hits the array and sends a current back through the cable it would automatically divert into the SPD but this is not specific lightning protection.

We have created a pathway to earth via 25mm2 earth cable.

Effectively we are creating an alternative pathway; a path of least resistance.

Surge protection as standard for ground mount systems?

For this particular site we did run a lightning protection study in accordance with the applicable Australian standards and they have a spreadsheet that asks a series of questions and based on the supplied answers recommends yes or no to lightning specific protection.

There is also a lightning map that can be used as a quick reference.

Soil resistivity and earthing

In certain areas the geology of the ground will determine how the system is earthed.

In areas of high basalt concentration, earthing can be a problematic exercise. For example in the Port Fairy area, South West coast of Victoria, Australia, obtaining correct earth is a real issue.

With this project not much of a problem and we are connecting earth to the pilings which are driven 2.34 metres into the ground and using 25mm2 cable just to make sure.

Communication cables

This project also included a weather station and comms cable was run from the ground mount array back to the inverter station.

So as well as the 8 x 6 mm2 solar DC cables we had to work out how to protect the comms cable.

Our earth and solar DC cable was run in 63mm conduit for ease of installation and also for future proofing. The comms cable was placed separately in 40 mm conduit which was not a necessity in regards to EMF ( Electromagnetic interference, frequency) but made for easy installation.

Conclusion

In this case the DC combiner box was there to house the DC isolators and the Surge Protection Devices and the 8 x strings connected to the inverter but DC combiner boxes can get more intricate with the inclusion of solar DC string fusing and parallel strings.

Hope this helps when assessing the needs of your next commercial solar project.

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In this blog we look at the correct procedure when it comes to creating safe and secure solar MC4 connections.

Let's get into it!

High DC voltages

When it comes to commercial solar we are talking about very high dc voltages and it's incredibly important that the connections you make on the solar DC cable are correct.

So the first thing we're going to do is start off looking at the actual MC4 connectors inside this little package.

Opposites attract

The male MC4 connector goes with the female insert which is hollow, and that’s your first pair and the female MC4 connector goes with the male insert. Pretty obvious, isn't it.

The cable

‍Now we're going to have a look at the actual cable and in this case we're using a 6mm cable.

A lot of our commercial solar projects involve very long DC runs so, of course, volt drop is an issue and also the current carrying capacity of the cable comes into play as well. 

Stripping the insulation

There are various tools on the market that can be used to strip cable but in the case of solar DC cable I would recommend some purpose made cable strippers as the outer insulation is quite tough.

So with these particular cable strippers you can see the action; cable goes in, handles close s and the insulation is stripped away.

The exposed conductor should be around 10 -12mmm  at least, so that when inserted into its respective insert, the end goes past the tab and where it crimps down it effectively clamps the conductor completely.

The male insert which goes into the female MC4 and the next step is to actually make the crimp.

The crimper

If you turn this crimper over there's some lettering along the side that indicates what size cable can be used.

Insert the insert into the crimper, hold firmly and close slightly.

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Insert the cable, making sure that none of the insulation goes past the tab as you only want to crimp the conductor, NOT the insulation.

Then bring it down firmly all the way and completely close the handle and then release so what happens here is that it crimps down onto the actual multi-strand DC cable that's tinned.

With this cable what you don't do is twist it!

Now some people, when they actually take the insulation off and they use a pair of pliers, they twist the insulation and this actually twists the strands. 

The rule of thumb is if this is not twisted in the first place don't twist it! 

When you start twisting the strands within the cable it actually increases in diameter and when you crimp down you can break some individual strands so it's very important not to twist.

Inserting the crimp insert

What I tend to do is take the end off to see what's inside to make sure it's all intact.

There should be a rubber grommet seal that maintains its high IP rate rating.

Now it's very important that it seats correctly so put it into the female and then push, and wait for the click.

When you hear that click that means it's seated correctly and then just lightly do it up for now.

How the crimper works

The crimper works by pressing down and forming an M so it's compressing it, and this is why it's important that the cable has not been twisted and effectively lays flat inside the crimp.

Tightening the MC4

We are talking high voltages going through these cables and on some solar farms it's way over a thousand volts.

On the majority of commercial solar systems roof mount your looking at 850 voltage at maximum power point flowing through these cables.

Now we have to pull out a couple of extra tools to tighten these which consist of plastic blue spanners in this case.

Place the first spanner over the one end and the other over the end where the cable protrudes.

Hold the spanner over the non cable end in a fixed position and rotate the other spanner in a clockwise direction until you hear an audible click.

Remember there's rubber grommets rubber seals in there and if you tighten past that point you can compromise that seal and therefore compromise the IP rating of these and then suddenly they don't have an outdoor waterproof rating.

So be very careful you don't over tighten them.

Good luck on your next commercial solar project.

Ground mount commercial solar systems and Agrivoltaics

‍Ground mount systems are becoming more and more common in rural areas where roof real estate tends to be lacking. 

Compared to roof based solar there are a lot of extra considerations to look at with ground mount which include:

• Soil types you're dealing with 

• The proximity of the main switchboard to the array

• The fact that a considerable amount of trenching is involved

• Row spacing, not only from a shading perspective, but also vehicular access

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In addition a ground mount solar system can include another concept called Agrivoltaics.

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Ground mount versus roof

‍Basically a ground mount system involves the construction of a freestanding steel or aluminium structure which is firmly anchored to the ground and supports the photovoltaic array.

Commercial ground mount systems compared to a roof mount system add another layer of complexity on top of existing installation requirements and also there's a lot more documentation required such as:

• Vegetation overlays

• Aboriginal heritage overlays

• Traffic management plans

• Rare and endangered species survey results 

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The considerations

‍So with ground mount systems we are looking at a completely different canvas from roof mount.

‍Other considerations include is the area a flood plain?

You really don't want to be designing your ground mount system in an area that has a dry ephemeral nature.  

In other words it can be flooded for three or four months of the year and then dry for the rest!

Also when it comes to ground conditions, reactive clays are probably one of the worst things that you can deal with because crack sizes can fluctuate depending on the level of moisture and this has resulted, historically, in a considerable number of the piles installed developing a bit of a lean and contractors have had to go to site and basically put a concrete collar around these posts to establish their original vertical position. 

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Roof mount

‍When it comes to configuration with a roof situation, commercial solar companies will design for the panels to be flat to the roof or on tilt and the decision is based on the physical nature of the roof and it's weighted based on cost benefit analysis around increased labour and material cost with tilted systems versus more output versus system price but with ground mount systems, in nearly all cases, panels are tilted at the optimum for the location in question or have a tracking type of arrangement.

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Agrivoltaics

‍The concept of agri-voltaics came about in 1981 and effectively what it means is the combination of renewable energy, in most cases solar but also wind farms, with cropping and the use of livestock.

 So how does it work?

The solar panels are put into a ground mount configuration with some slight variations on your standard ground mount.

In some cases they are positioned higher up so more available light can come in under the panel.

The row spacings can sometimes be wider to allow crops to flourish and animals to graze and the other option is when the panels are actually placed, instead of being butted up against each other with a 15 to 25-30 mm gap they tend to have a wider gap.

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Agrivoltaics: a mixed land proposition 

‍So what we're talking about is a mixed land proposition where the panels are producing an income in addition to livestock and/or cropping, also contributing.

Also there are  advantages because of the potential micro climate created by the solar panels that may allow the farmer to grow other crops that previously he wasn't able to due to higher temperatures etc.

Arizona University has a site where the panels are three metres off the ground and the tomato production doubled and the water efficiency increased by 157%.

What it comes down to is this; when you place any structure anywhere it'll create an effect so if I place a shading structure out on a rural setting or anywhere, it will create its own microclimate not only under the panels but around the panels and those effects will be transferred to whatever else is living or growing under the panel.

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Reduced bird strikes

‍In addition there's been numerous studies in regards to bird strikes so, in other words, sheep giving birth to lambs are very susceptible to eagles especially in Australia and the solar panels actually installed on grazing land act as a barrier or a deterrent against the eagles attacking the birthing mothers.

There will be areas of land that are totally suitable only for agriculture and you wouldn't want to install a commercial ground mount system at these locations and then, at the other extreme, there's areas of land that would only benefit from a commercial solar system but they're the extremes and most land tends to fall in the middle so it's finding that mix, that energy density of the solar panel array, what crops can be grown or stocking rates with sheep or cattle and in some cases there's been examples where there's been crops, livestock and renewable energy all grown together!

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‍This is such an exciting area and really is a no brainer; water, food, energy.

Have any any you been involved in a Agrivoltaic project and if so please let us know here at Community!

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‍Off Grid Generators, why?

This blog will look at generators and their contribution to off grid renewable energy systems.

In most cases when designing an off grid system, a generator is required due to a variety of reasons:

• Large loads for sustained periods may be better off serviced by the generator

• During cloudy conditions, batteries may be put under undue strain hence generator input

• If solar “real estate” is limited due to space constraints the generator shares the workload

All the above factors are based on the relative costs of the inputs; solar and generator and the storage component, the batteries, with the amount of energy consumed and when during a specified time period.

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Off Grid generators, options

Generators come in a variety of sizes and fuel options:

• Diesel

• Petrol

• LPG and natural gas

Diesel generators tend to be offered in 1500 rpm and 3000 rpm, and can be either water cooled or air cooled, with petrol and gas units usually being 3000 RPM and air cooled.

Selection criteria based on loads

If the generator is required daily, the best option is usually a 1500-RPM water cooled diesel followed by 1500-RPM air cooled diesel and, for less frequent operation and smaller loads, the  petrol and gas units may suffice.

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Standby, continuous, and prime power ratings?

Generators have different ratings depending on the specific application.

• Standby rating: he generator is required for emergency situations of a short duration

• Continuous rating: constant load, but not being subjected to overloads

• Prime power rating: can cope with unlimited run time, heavy loads and is the primary power source

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Generator power factor

This is the ratio between kilowatts (kW) and kilovolt amps (kVA) that is drawn from an electrical load.

An approximate value for generators is (typically 0.8). The higher the power factor, the more efficient the transfer of energy.

Generator power factor to kW:

• 6.40 kW = 0.8 (pf) x 8 (kVA)    

• 8.00 kW = 0.8 (pf) x 10 (kVA)

• 9.60 kW =  0.8 (pf) x 12 kVA)     

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Generator optimum loading

A generator is designed around optimum loading which means it is operating at its most efficient point.

With diesel generators this is ideally around 80 – 85% of full load.

If we have an 8 kVA generator with a pf of 0.8, the output is 6.4 kW. Now, if we load up this generator to 85% we are talking about 5.44 kW!! 

So an 8 kVA genset should ideally output 5.44 kW when servicing loads for most of the time.

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Off Grid generators, their role 

The generator has to service the loads, charge the batteries and a lot of the time, do both so the off grid designer has to allow for this when selecting the best generator for the job and their decision must also take into consideration appliance load surges. 

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Generator load surges

So what about appliance surges?

Things like washing machines, pumps, and some refrigerators have a start up surge that the generator must be able to cope with, so we have to look at the generator’s alternator rating in regards to be able to address these inductive load start up surges.

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Conclusion

With off grid systems incorporating energy storage and renewable energy a fossil fuel component is usually part of the picture. This genset must operate in conjunction with the other  components, all determined by the consumption load profile of the business or residence. Changing any of the key components affects the others ability to correctly service the loads. If there is minimal renewable input and energy storage capacity the generator must be capable of continuous or near continuous performance and therefore the correct rating must be applied.

We are transitioning away from the CEC to SAA but what about accessing those approved inverter and panels lists?

The CEC made it a bit difficult to search for panels, inverters but there has always been the Clean Energy Regulator. They provide the info via spreadsheets which makes it incredibly easier to filter and search for these products.

For panels see: https://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/DocumentAssets/Pages/CEC-approved-PV-modules.aspx

For inverters see: https://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/DocumentAssets/Pages/CEC-approved-inverters.aspx

This may be considered a strange question!

You quote a job, you win it. Design the system, organise the personnel and materials, finish and get paid. So what was your gross profit, gross margin?

To answer these questions accurately you need to have impeccable documentation, checklists etc that capture the data on every aspect, from administration costs ( all those tedious hours of submitting paperwork to the distributors let alone the customer manual), what's happening on site ( how long did it take to tie in all that DC cabling into the cable tray on a 1 MW system) and of course commissioning. Sorry, I forgot the the cleanup!

So what approach do you take?

Do you use a spreadsheet? A dedicated program or software or whatever.

Interested to know.