Electricity from the sun Solar PV systems explained Electricity from the sun.pdf · A solar electric system is different to a solar water heater. This guide deals only with solar

Electricity from the sun

Solar PV systems explained

Electricity from the sun: Solar PV systems

Produced byAustralian Business Councilfor Sustainable Energy60 Leicester StreetCarlton Victoria 3053AustraliaPhone: 03 9349 3077 Website: www.bcse.org.au

Funded byAustralian GreenhouseOffice

Major contributorsBrad Shone, Alternative

Technology Association(ATA)

Geoff Stapleton, GlobalSustainable EnergySolutions

Mike Russell, BusinessCouncil for SustainableEnergy

Nigel Wilmot, ResearchInstitute for SustainableEnergy (RISE)

ISBN: 978-0-9802806-7-8

The information in this guidehas been provided as aguide to solar PV systems.

While every effort has beenmade to ensure the contentis useful and relevant, noresponsibility for anypurchasing decision basedon this information isaccepted by the AustralianBusiness Council forSustainable Energy or othercontributors.

Australian Governmentfunding through theAustralian GreenhouseOffice in the Department ofthe Environment and WaterResources supports thisproject.

The views expressed hereinare not necessarily theviews of the Commonwealth,and the Commonwealthdoes not acceptresponsibility for anyinformation or advicecontained herein.


A: Grid-connectedsolar PV systems 7

A grid-connectedsolar PV system 8System size 9Reducing demand 10The meter 11When the grid goes down 11Design 12Location 12Orientation 12Elevation 13Customisation 13Annual production 13Quotation 14Australian Standardsand industry guidelines 15Documentation 15Preventative maintenance15Electricity distributors 16Electricity retailers 16Feed-in tariffs 16

Solar photovoltaic(PV) systems 2

Solar modules 3Choosing the right system 4Choosing a designer/installer 5Do you need a stand-aloneor grid-connected solarPV system? 6

B: Stand-alonesolar PV systems 17

A stand-alone solarPV system 18System size 20Design 20Load analysis 21Reducing demand 22Location 22Orientation 23Elevation 23Customisation 24Annual production 24Quotation 25Australian Standardsand industry guidelines 26Documentation 27Preventative maintenance27Breakdowns 27Maintenance contracts 28Alternative renewableenergy resources 28Wind turbines and pico-hydro 29

Further information 30Glossary 32

Contents

A solar electric system is differentto a solar water heater. This guidedeals only with solar electricity.Solar water heaters use heatfrom the sun and/orsurrounding air to heat water;they do not produce electricity.

The aim of this guide is to provide some background informationto assist purchasers in making an informed choice about solarphotovoltaic (PV) systems.

Solar PV systems:• use sunlight to generate electricity for your domestic use, and• store excess electricity in batteries for later use, or• feed into the electricity grid to reduce

your electricity bill.

Benefits of a solar PV system to the householder

�� Solar PV systems generate electricity

�� Once the system has been purchased,electricity is generated from a ‘free’source – the sun

�� Solar electricity is generated withoutemitting greenhouse gases

�� Solar panels or modules are silent,without any moving parts

�� Solar modules are generallyunobtrusively mounted on an existingroof

�� Solar modules can be integrated intothe building in the form of windows,walls, roof tiles or pergolas

�� Solar electricity can supplement orprovide all your electrical consumption

�� Solar electricity can be fed intothe grid

�� Additional solar modules can beadded later as demand or budgetgrows

�� A solar module should last forat least 20–30 years.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems

2 Electricity from the sun: Solar PV systems

Electricity from the sun: Solar PV systems 3

More energy is generated• in areas of strong solar

radiation• on long, sunny days.

Solar modules aregenerally flat panelsmounted on roofs orother structures.

Solar modules convert energy from sunlight into directcurrent (DC) electricity.

Less energy is generated• in cloudy or rainy weather• when the panels are

shaded by trees or otherobstructions

• when the panels becomehot.

Solar modules

+ –

Factors to consider:• your electricity demand—how much you

use. The more electricity you demand, thelarger the system and the greater the cost

• your budget—how much are you preparedto invest. Your budget may create limitson the size of the system

• your location—whether the mainselectricity grid is available and, if so, howmuch would it cost to bring power out toyour property and pay for ongoingmaintenance of poles and cables on yourproperty

• aspect—there needs to be sufficientspace on your roof for the mounting ofnorth-facing modules

• rebates—Commonwealth and/or stategovernment rebates provide an incentiveto householders to invest in solar.However these are subject to change fromtime to time. Please check with theAustralian Greenhouse Office or your localBCSE Accredited designer/installer.

Note: To be eligible for existing rebates, yoursystem must be designed and installed by aBCSE Accredited installer

�� The above bill shows a peak dailyconsumption of 12.5kWh in January 2006.June 2006 was 6.3kWh per day.

A designer/installer

BCSE Accreditation ensures that thoseholding Accreditation:

�� have undergone the necessaryprofessional training

�� follow industry best practice

�� must adhere to Australian Standards

�� routinely update their skills andproduct knowledge.

It is also wise to:• consider the recommendations of others

who have purchased a similar systemto the one you require

• engage someone with whom you’rehappy to work, and

• look for designing and installingexperience in the industry, not justa retail outlet.


Choosing the rightsystem


Yes �

No �

Stand-alone or grid-connected

Is the mains electrical supplyavailable at an affordable price?


If Yes then you shouldconsider a grid-connected powersystem — GC

See page 7 �

If No then you shouldconsider a stand-alonepower system — SPS

See page 17 �


If…• you’re passionate about

renewable energy

• you would like to reduce yourpower bill

• you’re worried about theenvironment

• you wish to add value to yourhome

then…

a grid-connectedsolar PVsystem may befor you

A: Grid-connected solar PV systems

E LE CTR IC I TYN E TWO RK

( G R ID )M ETE R

PVelectricity

export

Gridelectricity

import

Sunlight

PVelectricity

output (DC)I NVERTER

PV ARRAY

Electricityto House (AC)

E LE CTR IC I TYN E TWO RK

( G R ID )M ETE R

PVelectricity

export

PVelectricity

output (DC)I NVERTER


A grid-connected solar PV system isan array of photovoltaic modulesconnected via an inverter to providepower for your home, with excessproduction feeding into the grid.

At night, when the solar modules are notproducing electricity, the electricity comesto you from the grid. If you export enoughenergy during the day, it will balance orexceed the amount you draw from the gridat night.

A grid-connected solar PV system

•2

•1

•4

•3 •5

•1

Solar PVmodulessupplyingDC power

•2

An inverterchanging thesolar DCpower into240Valternatingcurrent (AC)suitable foryourhouseholdappliancesand feedinginto the grid

•3

Your homeuseselectricityfirstly fromthe solar PVmoduleswithadditionaldemandsuppliedfrom the grid

•4

A metermeasuringyour electricityproductionandconsumption

•5

Any excessis ‘exported’to theelectricitygrid.

A: Grid-connected solar PV systems 9

While the ideal outcome is toprovide enough energy to run allyour electrical appliances all yearround, the reality is that yourelectricity usage and your budgetmay not always coincide.

Often the compromise means that the solarPV system will supply only part of your totalelectricity demand, however, you can alwaysadd to it later.

Simply put, if you can minimise yourconsumption of electricity, and you are ableto purchase a large system, you may beable to meet all or most of your electricitydemand. Therefore your on-going electricitybills could be close to zero. However, if youuse a lot of electricity, and are only able topurchase a small system, the saving on yourelectricity bill will be not as great.

For this reason, you may wish to considersome energy conservation and energyefficiency measures to reduce yourelectricity consumption, and replace a largerportion of your electricity bill with your solarPV system.

Choosing the system size

What will I need to powera 3-bedroom home?

There’s no easy answer to thisquestion.

Everyone’s electrical usage isdifferent—it depends on:• patterns of energy use in your

household• number of occupants• types of appliances, gas or electric.

The size of the system will depend on: • the physical un-shaded space

available for the installation of yourmodules

• how much you are prepared tospend, and

• what portion of your electricaldemand you wish to generate.

Reducing demand


These alternatives include:• using the most energy

efficient appliances• replacing incandescent

light globes with compactfluoros

• avoiding quartz halogendownlights as most are veryinefficient

• switching off stand-by loadssuch as those consumed byDVDs and computers whennot in use

• installing a solar waterheater, preferably with gasboosting—this will cutelectrical costs.

• utilising off-peak tariffs forany large electrical loads eg:pool pumps

The most common and accuratemethod used to determine yourenergy usage is to review yourelectricity supply bills for the past12 months and calculate youraverage annual daily consumption.

Use the bar graph to calculateyour annual average daily use.

You can then compare this withthe production figures, for yourlocation, on page 13.

By the way this user does notuse off-peak electricity.

While the power you generate can help offset electricity charges, itis important that you also consider other cost-effective alternatives.

• utilising motion sensors,timers and homeautomation systems

• positioning summershading or reflectivecoatings on west facingwindows

• reducing electricitydemand for space-heatingand cooling (eg: bydressing for the climate,judicious setting ofthermostats, use ofcurtains and incorporatingenergy efficiency featuresinto new buildings, suchas lights, insulation,summer shading etc.), and

• ensuring there’s adequatesolar access in winter toprovide passive heating.


�� Left: Modern digital meter. Right: Old-fashioned meter

In most cases the electricity meterrecords the energy sent to the gridas well as the energy consumedfrom the grid.

However, in some cases it may insteadrecord all the energy produced from thesolar modules as well as all the energyconsumed by the house. Your electricitydistributor reads the meter and determinesyour balance. Your electricity retailer thenbills for the energy consumed OR makespayment for the excess production.

Note: You need to check with your electricityretailer for their ’feed-in‘ rate, supplycharges and billing periods. Arrangementsdiffer with each retailer and differ betweenstates. You should shop around for the bestdeal. Your installer will be able to adviseyou.

For safety reasons, when thegrid goes down your solar PVsystem must automatically andimmediately turn off.

It is possible to have a systemthat will provide emergencyelectricity when the grid isinterrupted. This necessitatesthe additional installation of asuitable inverter, a battery bankand possibly changes to thehouse wiring. The benefit is itwill provide the security of acontinuous electricity supply inthe event of blackouts.

The meter

When the gridgoes down


Design

Orientation

Location

The system’s locationrequires consultation withyour Accredited installer.

Suitable areas are requiredfor the solar modules andthe inverter. For example:• The PV modules may be

fixed onto the roof or aground-mounted frame orintegrated into the fabricof the building using PVroofing tiles or windows.For best performance, anorth facing area, freefrom shading, isrecommended.

• The inverter should not beexposed to the elements,though weather-proofmodels are available.

A BCSE Accredited designer will provide youwith the system design and specification.

Solar modules produce most electricity

when they are pointed directly at the sun. It is important to install them so that they

receive maximum sunlight. Ideally they should be in full sun at least from 9am to 3pm. In Australia, solar modules should face

north for optimum electricity production.

The systemdesigner will:• determine the

configurationand number ofsolar modules

• select anappropriateinverter

• determinewhether the PVmodules will fiton theroof or structure

• determineconstraintscaused byshading.


The following figures indicatethe average kilowatt hours (kWh)of energy you can produce inone day from a 1 kilowatt (kW)solar electric power system invarious parts of Australia.

Electricity is metered in kilowatthours (kWh) where 1kWh =1000Wh. Hence if you use 1 kWfor 1 hour you have consumed1kWh of energy. Some electricalretailers refer to 1 kWh as1 unit.

For grid-connected systems the angle shouldequal the latitude to maximise the amount ofenergy produced annually.

Latitude adjustments for grid connected systems inmost climates fit within an acceptable roof pitch range(eg: for Sydney’s latitude this is 22 degrees, a commonroof pitch).

However,if the electricityload is significantlyhigher in summer, yourinstaller may considerangling the modules tomaximize electricity productionto match this load.

If your roof’s slope is notideal, your designer cancreate an appropriatemounting frame to correctthe orientation andelevation of your array.Failing this, the designercan advise you on howmuch output you aresacrificing from the array.

Customisation

CITY kWhAdelaide 3.74Alice Springs 4.46Brisbane 3.74Cairns 3.81Canberra 3.76Darwin 4.00Geraldton 4.29Hobart 3.11Melbourne 3.15Oodnadatta 4.44Sydney 3.50Perth 3.94Tennant Creek 4.49Wagga Wagga 3.76

per day

Elevation

Average daily production


Quotation

Following the designand specification, youmay request aquotation for the supplyand installation of thesystem.

The quotation should providespecifications, quantity, size,capacity and output for themajor components, including:• solar PV modules• mounting frames or

structure• inverter• any additional metering or

data-logging• travel and transport

requirements• other equipment needed• any trench digging• a system user manual.

The quotation should alsospecify a total price, togetherwith proposed start andcompletion dates. Thequotation should form abasis for your contract withthe designer/installer.

In addition, a contract forthe supply and installation ofthe power system should beincluded with the quotation.

Whilst the initial cost is veryimportant, it is wise toconsider all the costs andbenefits over the life of thesystem, together with theservice you expect from thesystem designer andinstaller.

The contract should include:• an estimate of the average daily electricity output (in

kWh)• the estimated annual production• the estimated production in the best and worst months• the responsibilities of each party• warranties and guarantees, including installer

workmanship• a schedule of deposit and progress payments.

It is important to rememberthat a good relationship witha reputable, experienced,quality installer may be morevaluable than a few dollars

saved on a quote. This willbe a significant investmentso you should ensure thedecision you make is thebest.

�� Sample of a quotation pad available from the BCSE


Documentation

Solar grid-connected power systems mustcomply with a range of Australian Standardscovering the grid connection of energysystems via inverters, the installation of PVmodules and The BCSE Design andInstallation Guidelines.

A system manual that provides operation,maintenance and safety information shouldbe provided by your installer. This must alsoinclude a design of the system. Also ensureyou obtain written confirmation of statementsmade by your installer, performance claims,guarantees and warranties.

Documentation will be essential when youneed to make warranty or insurance claims.

Preventative maintenance

Australian Standardsand industry guidelines

After installation, the owner is responsible forensuring the equipment is maintained in good working order.

Please note that appropriate instruction by the installer, backed up by maintenanceinformation in the system manual, should beprovided. Safe work practices for anymaintenance tasks must be followed.

For further information on the futuremaintenance of your system please referto the BCSE’s guide “Solar PV SystemsMaintenance Guide For System Owners”ISBN: 978-0-9802806-9-2.

Feed-in tariffs

Electricity distributors Electricity retailers

A mandatory feed-in tariff is arate (in cents per kWh) at whichthe electricity retailers are obligedto purchase electricity from yoursystem.

Some states are in the process ofintroducing mandatory feed-in tariffs.Check with your installer on developmentsin your state.

Electricity itself is sold to you, orbought from you, by an electricityretailer. In most states you canchoose your retailer although not allwill agree to sell or buy from a solarpowered generator.

It is important to shop around for the bestdeal including buying rates and conditions.

Before signing with a retailer, check all the following:

�� Cost of electricity you purchase incents per kWh

�� Price they will pay per kWh forelectricity you feed into the grid

�� Whether your metering registers thetotal production from your solar panelsor just the excess, (beyond what isconsumed in your home)

�� Penalty clauses including terminationcosts

�� Billing/payment periods.

All poles, lines and meters areprovided by an electricitydistribution business. You cannotchoose your distributor as they areallocated geographically throughoutAustralia.


B: Stand-alone solar PV systems 17

If…• you need 24-hour power but

you’re a long way from theelectricity grid, or

• you’re passionate aboutrenewable energy, or

• you dislike using diesel, petrolor LPG generators

then…

a stand-alonesolar PVsystem may befor you.

B: Stand-alone solar PV systems

PV ARRAY

PV electricity

output (DC)I NVERTERBATTER I ES

Sunlight

PV electricityto house (AC)

A stand-alone solar PV system

A stand-alone solar PV system (SPS) is notconnected to the electricity grid.

Together, the battery bank and the inverter supply electricityto your appliances. But, if you try to use more electricalenergy than the battery bank holds, you will run thebatteries too low and reduce their life expectancy.

The number of solar modules and the size of the batterybank can be increased to generate and store more energy,or you may decide to include a diesel, petrol or LPGgenerator. In areas of high wind, a small wind turbine couldalso be an option. Such systems, which use a variety ofgenerating technologies, are called hybrid systems.

•1

Solar modulesproviding directcurrent (DC)power to thebattery

•2

The batterybank is theheart of thesystem;it stores theelectricalenergy

•3

The inverter converts the DC powerof the battery to 240V alternatingcurrent (AC) power for use by yourappliances

•4

The powergeneratedand storedis used inyour home.

•2

•1

•4

•3


PV ARRAY

PV electricity

output (DC)I NVERTERBATTER I ES

Sunlight

PV electricityto house (AC)

GENERATOR BATTERYCHARGER

•2•1


•2

A batterycharger tocharge thebattery ondemand.

•1

A petrol,diesel orLPGfuelledgenerator(genset)

Generators

••� The advantages ofan SPS with agenerator is thatelectricity isavailable duringprolonged periodsof overcast / rainyweather, or whenbig power loadsare required. Itmay also allow fora smaller batterybank and inverterto be used.••� The maindisadvantages arethe higher capitalcost for the gensetand batterycharger, and theongoing fuel andmaintenancecosts.

A generator and batterycharger are normally part of anSPS so that, when extendedbad weather occurs, you havea back-up supply which helpssafe-guard your batteries.

To reduce load requirements, makesure that all your lights and appliancesare the most energy efficientavailable.

�� A large diesel generator


System size

Design

A BCSE Accredited designer will provide you with the systemdesign and specification.

The system designer will:

�� perform a load analysison the use of yourhousehold appliances

�� determine theconfiguration andnumber of solarmodules

�� select an appropriateinverter

�� select a suitablebattery bank

�� select a suitablegenset

�� advise on any otherappropriatetechnologies, eg:solar water heater,wind turbine, etc.

What will I need topower a 3-bedroomhome?

There’s no easy answerto this question.

Everyone’s electricalusage is different—itdepends on:• patterns of energy use

in your household• number of occupants• types of appliances,

eg: gas or electricfridge, hot watersystem, etc.

The size of the systemwill depend on: • the quantity of

electricity you wish toconsume

• how much you areprepared to spend.


The first step in thedesign process is toestablish yourelectrical loads over anaverage day using aload analysis.

The system designer usesthe load analysis to:

�� calculate the dailyenergy demand

�� recommend whereenergy savings can bemade

�� determine the peakpower demand

�� select the systemvoltage

�� determine theconfiguration andnumber of solar PVmodules

�� select an appropriateinverter—power outputand surge

�� calculate the batterysize

�� determine size and typeof genset

�� estimate genset use—maximum and minimumrun times.

Load analysis

�� An example of a load assessment form

The system design mayneed to be repeated beforean economic andsatisfactory ‘agreed load’ isestablished.

Locating the system


Reducing demand

These methods include:• using the most energy

efficient appliances,especially for refrigeration

• replacing incandescentlight globes with compactfluoros

• avoiding quartz-halogendownlights; most are veryinefficient

• using LPG for some loadssuch as cooking and hotwater

• switching off stand-byloads such as DVD players

• utilising sensors, time-switches and a homeautomation system

• installing solar waterheating—preferably withgas boosting

• reducing electricitydemand for space-heatingand cooling (eg: bydressing for the climate,judicious setting ofthermostats, use ofcurtains and incorporatingenergy efficiency featuresinto new buildings, eg:lights, insulation, summershading etc.

• ensuring there’s adequatesolar access in winter toprovide passive heating.

It is important that you consider cost-effective methods of reducingyour electricity demand.

The system’s location requiresconsultation with yourAccredited installer. Suitableareas are required for thesolar modules, inverter,battery bank and genset.

For example:• the PV modules may be

fixed onto the roof, aground-mounted frame orintegrated into the fabric ofthe building using PV

roofing tiles or windows.For best performance, anorth facing area, freefrom shading isrecommended

• ideally the inverter shouldnot be exposed to theelements, though weather-proof models are available

• the battery bank must bein a separate, lockableand well-ventilated batteryenclosure

• the inverter and batterycharger should also be in asecure, weatherproof andwell ventilated enclosure

• the generator should besituated out of ear-shot andwith adequate ventilation

• if system components arelocated a long way from thehouse, the cost oftrenching needs to beconsidered.


Customisation

If your roof’s slope is notideal, your designer cancreate a suitable mountingframe to correct theorientation and elevation ofyour array. Failing this, the

designer can advise you onhow much output you aresacrificing from the array.

Orientation, elevation and customisation

Solar modules producemost power when theyare pointed directly atthe sun.

It is important to installthem so that they receivemaximum sunlight. Ideallythey should be in full sunfrom at least 9am to 3pm.In Australia, solar modulesshould face north foroptimum electricityproduction.

Elevation

For stand-alone powersystems, where winteroperation is crucial, theangle should be the latitudeplus 15 degrees.


Average daily production

The following figuresindicate the average kilowatthours (kWh) of energy youcan produce in one day froma 1 kilowatt (kW) solarelectric power system invarious parts of Australia.

Electricity is metered inkilowatt hours (kWh) where1kWh = 1000Wh. Hence ifyou use 1 kW for 1 hour youhave consumed 1kWh ofenergy. Some electricalretailers refer to 1 kWh as1 unit.

per dayCITY kWhAdelaide 3.74Alice Springs 4.46Brisbane 3.74Cairns 3.81Canberra 3.76Darwin 4.00Geraldton 4.29Hobart 3.11Melbourne 3.15Oodnadatta 4.44Sydney 3.50Perth 3.94Tennant Creek 4.49Wagga Wagga 3.76


Following the designand specification, youmay request aquotation for the supplyand installation of thesystem.

In addition to the quotation,a contract for the supply andinstallation of the powersystem should be includedwith each quotation. (There’sa sample on the BCSE web-site at http://www.bcse.org.au/default.asp?id=96 )

The quotation should providespecifications, quantity, size,capacity and output for themajor components, including:• PV modules• mounting frames or

structure• battery• inverter• design, travel and

transport costs.• installation and other

equipment costs• carpentry such as building

a battery enclosure• generator (if required)• any trench digging• battery charger• system user manual.

The quotation should alsospecify a total price, togetherwith proposed start andcompletion dates. Thequotation should form abasis for your contract withthe designer/installer.

The renewable energyresource data used shouldbe identified.

Whilst the initial cost is veryimportant, it is wise toconsider all the costs andbenefits over the life of thesystem, includingreplacement, maintenanceand fuel costs.

It is important to rememberthat a good relationship witha reputable, experienced,Accredited installer may bemore valuable than a fewdollars saved on a quote.This will be a significantinvestment so you shouldensure the decision youmake is the best.

The contract should include:• an estimate of the average daily energy output (in kWh)• the estimated annual production• the estimated production in the best

and worst months• the responsibilities of each party• warranties and guarantees, including installer

workmanship• a schedule of deposit and progress payments• expected operator run times in hours per month.

Quotation

�� Sample of a quotation pad available from the BCSE


Stand-alone solar PV systems must comply with a range of AustralianStandards covering stand-alone power systems, batteries, the installationof photovoltaic arrays, together with The BCSE Design and InstallationGuidelines.

Australian Standards and industry guidelines

�� A range of safety signs required under the Standards

Breakdowns — emergency call out

The system installer should be able tooffer a quick response for any majorsystem problems, for instance, equipmentfailure.


A system manual that providesoperation, maintenance and safetyinformation should be provided byyour installer.

Also ensure you obtain written confirmationof statements made by your installer,performance claims, guarantees andmanufacturers’ warranties.

Documentation Preventativemaintenance

Maintenance contracts

The system installer can offer a maintenance contract. This will usually includeregular maintenance visits, at agreed intervals, to ensure that your power systemis performing optimally.

After installation, the owner isresponsible for ensuring theequipment is maintained in goodworking order.

This will include checking the water in thebatteries, cleaning modules and visuallychecking the wiring.

Please note that appropriate instruction bythe installer, backed up by maintenanceinformation in the system manual, should beprovided.

Safe work practices for any maintenancetasks must be followed.


Alternative renewable energy resources

Like solar modules,that require full sun, allrenewable energydevices must haveaccess to a reliableenergy source.

There is no point in installinga wind turbine in a low windarea or a pico-hydro systemin an area prone to drought.


�� Some properties have sufficient wind topropel a small wind turbine,Other properties may have access to riversand creeks to propel a pico-hydrogenerator.

As with solar PV, wind and hydrocan be used to charge yourbatteries.

For reliable power, the resource should belocated close to your power system.

Wind turbines and pico-hydro

Sections A and B were written to provide youwith an overview of PV systems to enableyou to make an informed purchasingdecision.

For more detailed information on thefollowing contents, please refer to the BCSEwebsite at www.bcse.org.au.

Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO)

http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/energy/index.html http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/appliances/index.html

Your Home Technical Manualhttp://www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/technical/fs00.htm

Research Institute for Sustainable Energy(RISE)http://www.rise.org.au/

Contents on web

http://www.bcse.org.au/default.asp?id=310

• What is renewable energy?— RE resources

• What is a stand-alone power system?— Genset only— Genset—battery charger—battery—inverter— SPS configurations

• Solar modules• Batteries• Inverters• Gensets• Battery chargers• Wind turbines• Pico-hydro generators• Input regulators and controllers• Power and energy

— Energy services• Extra Low Voltage (ELV) and Low Voltage

(LV)• Power system quotes• Australian Standards

— System documentation


Further information


State Agencies

Queenslandhttp://www.epa.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/sustainability/energy/renewable_energy_rebate_programs/

West Australiahttp://www1.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au/pages/rrpgp.asp

South Australiahttp://www.sustainable.energy.sa.gov.au/pages/programs/electricity_supplies/renewable_energy/renewable_energy.htm

Tasmaniahttp://www.dier.tas.gov.au/energy/rebates

Victoriahttp://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/1388-photovoltaic-rebate-program.asp?intSiteID=4

New South Waleshttp://www.dwe.nsw.gov.au/energy/Renewable%20Energy/Solar%20Power/Solar%20Power%20Rebates.asp#TopOfPage

Australian Capital TerritoryPhone: 02 6247 2099


Glossary

Accredited deemed qualified to design /install by the BCSE, 5

agreed load production output that matchesyour budget, 26

array a collection of modules, 14Australian Standards mandatory electrical

safety requirements, 6battery bank group of battery cells, 25BCSE Business Council for Sustainable

Energy, 5compact fluoros electrically economical light

globe, 12configuration layout pattern, 14data-logging system generated data, 16electricity retailer company selling and

buying electricity, 13elements unprotected weather such as rain

and sun, 14excess production power left over after your

home’s consumption, 13feed-in rate price paid for excess power, 13generator petrol, diesel or LPG powered

240 V electrical source, 21genset electrical generator powered by

fossil fuels, 25greenhouse gases gases emitted that

contribute towards global warming, 3grid the poles and wires forming a city’s

electrical network, 3home automation systems computerised

system controlling windows, etc., 12hybrid using more than one generating

technology, 21incandescent light element used in

conventional light bulbs, 12inverter device for converting from DC to

AC, 9kilowatt 1000 watts, 15kilowatt hours power in kilowatts multiplied

by time in hours, 15load analysis analysis of power

requirements, 25

loads power requirements, 25mandatory compulsory, 19meter meter recording electricity movement,

13off-peak tariffs incentive to delay power use

for quiet time, 12out of ear-shot placing a noise source

where it can’t be heard, 28peak power demand maximum electrical

power required, 26penalty clauses payments owed when a

contractor fails to perform or deliverservices, 19

quartz halogen downlights an uneconomicallow voltage light, 12

rebates financial incentives offered bygovernments, 5

runtimes length of generator running time,26

solar access letting the sunshine in, 12solar water heater hot water system heated

by the sun’s energy, 3solar panel converts solar energy into

electrical energy, 3specification module and inverter models,

14SPS stand-alone power system, 23stand-alone solar PV system power system

independent of the mains grid, 23stand-by loads power to keep an appliance

warmed up for a quick start, 12surge additional power required to start

motors, 26system design number of modules, size of

inverter and cables, 14system voltage voltage of battery and

inverter, usually 12V, 24V or 48V, 26termination costs costs incurred in

severing the contract, 19


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Documents

Electricity from the sun Solar PV systems explained Electricity from the sun.pdf · A solar electric system is different to a solar water heater. This guide deals only with solar