Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Your solar
industry A new angle
resource
for solar training
Lessons from a
leading Solar City
Strengthening
the PV brand
Remote installations:
challenges and opportunities
issue 007 / february 2013
contents
regularS
From the Editor 4
News in brief 6
44 56 SOLAR PV
Large-scale PV: The 'smart' part of the smart grid
Taking training to new heights
26
30
‘Mortgage belt’ and regional areas lead the way for solar 32
Collaboration brings a new approach to PV 34
The Araluen Arts Centre SOLON solar modules in
making THE case for SOLAR
solar installation. production in Berlin, Germany.
Determine the long-term dollars and sense for customers 36
Selling solar in a post-incentive world 39
OFF-GRID AND REMOTE SYSTEMS
The Kandiwal solar project 41
ISSUE SEvEn / fEbrUary 2013
Your solar
A new angle
More sun for the outback 44
industry
resource
for solar training
EVENTS
Lessons from a
Upcoming solar industry events 46
AUSTRALIAN SERVICE AND REPAIR CENTRE
leading Solar City
company news
Strengthening
Positioning solar PV cells 48
REDUCE YOUR OVERHEADS
ustry-
money.
es, the PV brand
rships,
PROJECTS
5 MW plant set for Mildura
BELECTRIC Australia has received planning permission to construct a 5 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Mildura, Victoria.
BELECTRIC has developed the design of the Mildura Solar Power Plant 1, and will also build the plant.
Managing Director of BELECTRIC Australia Nir Dekel says “The planning permit is the first step toward implementing further solar projects
in Australia.”
“We thank the Mildura Council for its active co-operation and also Clean Technology Partners, which has successfully engaged with the network
operator for permission to connect.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
The Renewable Energy Testing Initiative’s Darrell Wilson explains the latest results from solar inverter testing
at the Initiative’s Brisbane Technology Park. Each edition of Solar Australia features the latest results from
the Initiative’s solar analysis.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 »
Conversely, the central inverter system was constricted by the long shadows and only able to produce power at the level of the least-performing
panel. The result shows the microinverters as the preferred system in shaded conditions, with microinverters producing a gain of approximately 7.5 per
cent over the central inverters for the day.
The graph from the day of testing shows more than one interesting result. The effect of bypass diodes working within the panels, and the stepped
effect it has on the graph, can clearly be seen – as can the microinverter’s ability to separate each panel and keep the overall system performing at a
higher efficiency. This kind of performance is what has been claimed by microinverter manufacturers, and from RETI’s shade test results seems to be
possible.
Things to consider
These results were performed on two selected brands of central and microinverters. Results of similar testing may vary between different
manufacturers of both central and microinverters.
Research Initiative.
Dr Blanco joins CSIRO from Spain’s National Renewable Energy Centre, where he was Director
of the Solar Thermal Energy Department.
He has over 25 years of experience as a solar researcher and engineer, contributing to advancing
concentrated solar power technologies.
Dr Manuel Blanco, Director, Australian
Solar Thermal Research Initiative.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 »
Prior to joining Suntech, Mr Zhang worked at the Centre for PV Engineering at the University of New South Wales in
Australia, and Pacific Solar.
Powering Tomorrow
- The leading Chinese inverter manufacture,
efficiency up to 98%
1-1000KW PV inverter
GROWATT NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD
Xicheng Industrial Zone,Bao’an District, Shenzhen, P. R.China
T: + 86 755 2747 1900 E: info@ginverter.com W: www.growatt.com
throughout the year, which are allocated a Those who completed courses before
renewing their current full
set number of points based on relevance to this change are eligible to receive the
accreditation. industry issues, level of technical information higher of the two ratings.
provided, and length and structure of
the course. For ongoing updates about the
Accreditation renewal ensures that solar training courses that offer points for
designers and installers are up-to-date with the Continuous Professional
changes in the industry. Development program, regularly visit
www.solaraccreditation.com.au
The following table provides information on the industry-run training courses designed to provide Continuous
Professional Development (CPD) points. Visit the Clean Energy Council’s Solar Accreditation website for details on
TAFE-based short courses, certificates and more.
Case Study
CEC From home 50 Case study of work completed while accredited. www.solaraccreditation.com.au
Submission to CEC
CEC Installer Mixers Join the CEC accreditation team to discuss some of the www.solaraccreditation.
CEC Various 50
and Training issues in the industry. com.au
CEC Professional
Brisbane, Professional Development Day for solar installers, part
Development Day CEC 55 www.cleanenergyweek.com.au
Queensland of Clean Energy Week.
2013
CEC Training Join the CEC accreditation team to discuss some of the www.solaraccreditation.
CEC Online 45
Webinars issues in the industry. com.au
CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 »
The following table provides information on the industry-run training courses designed to provide Continuous
Professional Development (CPD) points. Visit the Clean Energy Council’s Solar Accreditation website for details on
TAFE-based short courses, certificates and more.
Professional
Australian Melbourne,
Development 40 How to build and sell PV systems in a tight market. www.solar.org.au
Solar Council Victoria
Training
Solar Hybrid 45 (50 with Previous training for on-grid has been redeveloped to
Selectronic Various www.selectronic.com.au
(On-grid) assessment) meet the changing demands of the solar industry.
demonstrate and help evaluate the economic off-peak. financial commitment to energy efficiency,
and environmental impacts of integrating Alice Solar City’s communication strategy they did not see the tools and technologies as
cost-reflective pricing with the concentrated focused on making community members aware affordable.
take-up of solar, energy efficiency and smart of their energy consumption and emissions The results indicated that Alice Solar City
metering technologies. profile. The community could then be informed would need to concentrate its marketing and
This type of program requires a clear of practical measures they could take to community engagement efforts in two broad
understanding of existing communication improve their energy efficiency, including areas to win the commitment, rather than just
networks within the chosen site, along with behavioural and capital measures. the support, of the community.
strategies to identify and address potential By facilitating the take-up of visible solar energy The communication strategy developed in
barriers to community participation. measures in households, businesses and large response to this research involved four steps:
The Federal Government, which led the iconic projects, the project focused community »» Become energy wise – educating people
development of the Solar Cities program, has members and visitors alike on the town’s about the Solar Cities program
released results of the program’s roll-out and gradual transition to zero- and low-emissions »» Energy-savvy – proving the value of
commissioning that highlight the importance technologies for power generation. available tools and technologies
of community engagement in successful Initial research conducted in March 2006 in »» Energy-committed – facilitating
completion of a solar project. the Alice Springs community helped to identify involvement in schemes and access to tools
Its review of the program’s results focuses the motivators for change among Alice Springs and technologies
on the impact of the community engagement residents, as well as their probable level of »» Energy champions – showcasing the
strategies that were deployed across the support for the program. The research showed achievements of Alice Springs in saving energy
seven Solar Cities to bring about community that, while Alice Springs was a very ‘energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
awareness and participation.
The review, Solar Cities: Catalyst for Change,
describes the methods used in engagement and
reveals the lessons learned from the Solar Cities
trials. It details what worked and what didn’t,
activities that resonated with the community,
the behavioural changes that were achieved
and the results of converting good intentions
into action.
Key strategies used by the Solar Cities
program managers to overcome barriers to
action included:
»» Personalised interaction
»» Financial incentives
»» Visibility
»» Smart meters
»» Community-based social marketing
»» Reaching disadvantaged and culturally
diverse communities.
The Solar City of Alice Springs makes for
an interesting case study on the community Consulting the community.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 »
ELECTRIC AND
consideration.
Furthermore, the compactness and
close-knit nature of the Alice Springs
community meant that good news stories
were popular in the local media and reached
a large number of residents at low cost.
GAS BOOSTED
Alice Solar City’s strong presence at all
major community events helped cement it in Solar Hot Water
residents’ minds.
Word-of-mouth was also an important tool
for the project’s success, as many participants
Distributors welcome
actively encouraged others to participate.
Alice Solar City has already reached most of
its original communication goals. More than
2,500 homes have now signed up, compared
to the target of 1,500.
More than 170 businesses have registered
for audits, against the target of 70.
Some 314 solar PV systems directly funded
by Alice Solar City have been installed,
as have an estimated 100 more installed
through other means, along with 723 solar
hot water systems. www.chenma-solar-wind.com.au
Alice Springs has already reduced its
carbon dioxide emissions by 3,000 tonnes Call us on 1300 301 594
a year—equivalent to taking 450 homes off
the electricity grid— through solar power
generation alone.
and can help voltage regulation on the line. losses on the network. Figure 1 (above) shows
the distribution O u r ra p i d l y g ro w i n g n e t wo r k o f a c c re d i te d
Figure 2.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 »
For a generator to push power out to the A lesson from Germany voltage regulation and better utilisation of
network it has to raise its voltage above the While in Germany earlier this year, I was existing infrastructure.
source (where the source in a large-scale interested to learn that utilities calculate the Some network service providers spend
context can be thought of as the zone reactive power requirement at the point of large amounts of money on reactive power
substation). If the generator is a long way connection. This is then set within the inverter compensation systems. If they were to invest
from the source it has to raise its voltage to and the PV system would supply reactive power that money into a large-scale PV system it
counteract the losses from the overhead line in proportion to the system’s total power output. would enable voltage regulation through
and also raise its voltage slightly above the This has proved hugely beneficial to ensuring reactive power management, provide clean
source. This is the phenomenon known as voltages remain within suitable levels on their renewable energy and generate revenue from
voltage rise. distribution network. In Germany, reactive the sale of energy onto the network.
power control is now mandatory even for Large-scale PV systems with reactive power
Voltage rise – how does it happen? low-voltage-connected systems. Generally, they control are intelligent, active systems that help
So how does reactive power control help require reactive power control within the inverter stabilise the network and are an integral part
mitigate voltage rise? An inverter with reactive that can be set as a set power factor, a function of the so-called smart grid.
power control can consume or supply reactive of connection voltage or a function of active Matthew Haddad is Technical Director at
power. If the inverter is set to consume reactive power output. Clean Technology Partners, and has significant
power and deliver real power to the network This provides a number of benefits to the experience working in the renewable energy,
it increases the reactive power losses (voltage distribution network operators. These benefits built environment and construction industries.
drop), which counteracts the active power it is include being able to increase or decrease the He has worked as an electrical engineer and
supplying (voltage rise). voltages along low/high-voltage power lines and registered building practitioner for a number
This is indicated in Figure 2 (page 26). improving utilisation of existing infrastructure. of Australian engineering consultancies.
This way it can minimise the voltage rise During his time in Europe, Mr Haddad was Lead
necessary to push its power out to the Get smart Project Engineer on a number of significant
grid. Reactive power control can mitigate Inverters with reactive power control can solar PV projects. He also brings with him a
expensive alterations to the network and enable large-scale PV plants to be connected at wealth of knowledge in power distribution,
effectively enables large-scale solar PV plants many locations along the distribution network. electrical substations, high and low voltage
to be installed at a wide range of locations on Australian network service providers can take electrical systems, communications and
the network. advantage of these systems to offer enhanced computer systems.
SOLAR PV
Kangan Institute in Victoria has Kangan Institute’s photovoltaic measuring and experimenting. The system effects that will cause different readings and design and optimum outcomes from a
launched a new photovoltaic (PV) learning facility opened in October 2012 to defines an angular reference for pitch and performance outcomes of the systems. PV installation.
offer Melbourne-based students experience in azimuth control, a reference for the different “Electrical trade training has been a part “With this learning the participants will
training centre at its
solar design, installation and sales within the yield outcomes that the site can provide. A of the trade training at Kangan Institute for understand the outcomes for the consumer
Broadmeadows campus with the specific context of Australia’s solar industry. 2 m by 2 m Hassal Sun Path Chart under the many years, and solar PV training is a welcome – these will be obvious relative to the
aim of providing in-depth Solar solutions provider Smarter Green Pty tracking mast gives a class instructor the addition to the course offerings available at environment in which a system is to be fitted.
resources to raise the skill level of Ltd was brought on board as energy consultant ability to define the sun’s path in an easy-to- the Broadmeadows campus,” says Smarter The industry can then be more reliant on the
and installer for the project by NHP Electrical understand format, including its shade and Green Director Anthony Devlin. integrity of the individual fitting the system
future solar designers and installers.
Engineering, a major supplier to the Victorian positioning effect on a building. “NHP provided the engineering support with no excuses, putting the consumer in the
Students learning about solar at Kangan Institute.
Department of Education and Early Childhood The training centre also features four 1.5 kW Smarter Green needed to be able to bring ideal situation when choosing PV installers
Development and TAFE colleges across Australia roof-mounted arrays, shade controls, a main this project together, switching the solar with the most effective training available.”
and the company chosen to deliver the control board and camera equipment to arrays between auto/grid-connected and the When the solar arrays are not in use
Broadmeadows training centre. create and test different yield environments. workstations. What we can do here is needed for training, they will help to reduce energy
“Kangan Institute expressed an interest in The centre’s workstations can be isolated for the industry to mature and prosper.” consumption within the Broadmeadows
our solar products and services, so we arranged individually, so that if they are not in training, Kangan Institute teachers Roger Wells campus.
to partner with Smarter Green to assist with they are feeding back to the grid via a and Ken Stephenson played pivotal roles in “Australia led the way in 2011 with the most
creating a design that met the scope of the four-position switch control isolating power bringing the facility online, and the Institute household solar panel system installations
solar training Kangan Institute planned to with automatic alternating current and direct will soon roll out the Certificate IV in in the world,” says Kangan Institute Chief
SOLAR PV
SOLAR PV
offer,” says NHP Sales Representative Raymond current isolation. Renewable Energy as part of its profile Executive Officer Ray Griffiths.
Ward, who worked closely on the project. Each panel is independently wired through course programs. “There’s clearly a surging demand for
“Now, Kangan Institute sees itself as being programmable logic controls into the “This facility will be interesting for the expertise in solar installation, and it’s
able to deliver the training it had in mind, and classroom, and set up with 24 test ports on participants, very relevant to the solar industry imperative that Kangan Institute, as one of
it has opened up a whole new range of training 12 workstations that are independently and intended to improve the awareness in the Victoria’s largest training providers, plays a
courses that the college can effectively provide.” supplied at emission limit value levels. wider community,” Mr Devlin notes. role in helping to build a skilled workforce to
The facility incorporates a custom- One of the workstations is specifically set Mr Devlin adds that the system is designed meet this need.”
manufactured and manually-adjustable up to create the different environmental to be highly interactive, and provide a learning For further information about Kangan
1 kilowatt (kW), two-axis solar tracker situations that could be apparent on-site. A method that makes it easy to appreciate the Institute’s Broadmeadows solar training
coupled with a stand-alone cabinet for weather station displays other environmental detail required to achieve good installation centre, visit www.kangan.edu.au
The Hassal Sun Path Chart in action.
50%
in lower income suburbs. penetration levels
The Australian Solar Council said at the time »» The suburbs with the highest income levels of Australia’s top 20 postcodes for
SOLAR PV
SOLAR PV
of the 2012 RET Review that this research did not correspond to those with highest
shows mortgage belt and regional Australians penetration, the opposite was more likely solar PV are in Queensland.
would be hardest hit if there were any future »» The suburbs with the highest penetration
changes to the RET, which provides assistance of solar systems in each state tended to be
with upfront costs of getting into solar. either regional or outer metropolitan.
53% 43%
To read The Geographical Analysis of Solar Systems under the Renewable Energy Target report, visit www.recagents.asn.au
energy loads at reduced cost. provides some of the highest performance and PV1-F compliant. PV1-F is a test criteria from
TÜV Rheinland, which covers the electrical and
Reporting safety levels available in the world today.
mechanical properties of the cable.
Once analysed, this process should result Other cost considerations and
in a data-driven report that owners can take frequently asked questions ÖLFLEX® SOLAR XLR-R is approved by TÜV Rheinland
to their finance department, board or spouse Is the solar generation likely to time-match
Want to know more? according to 2PfG 1169/08.2007 (PV1-F) and meets
to prove the financial viability of solar energy. an energy load? Contact one of our customer service all the requirements of AS5033.2012
There is a cost levied for this type of feasibility If an owner is using more energy during the professionals on 1800 010 113 ÖLFLEX® SOLAR XLR-R cables are weather, abrasion
study, but the results should save a significant day, they are likely to realise a good return and UV-resistant. These cross-linked, halogen free
and double insulated solar cables are suitable
amount over the long term. Also, this process on solar.
for permanent outdoor use and especially for
is essential for the supplier to configure the However, if more energy is used at night, it will the interconnection of grounded and ungrounded
best and most economical solution to suit an affect the financial viability of a solar solution. photovoltaic power systems.
owner’s needs. For example, residential users who consume more
Constructed using class 5 tinned copper conductors
energy once home from work, or commercial with halogen free and flame retardant double
Must-have information enterprises where overnight work is performed, insulation, they are UV resistant and rated up to
Current energy solution consumption/cost may not realise the same gains from solar. 120°C. Available in SDI and TWIN versions.
To compare a current energy solution The good news is that design configurations
ÖLFLEX® SOLAR XLR-R is only available from DKSH
against a switch to solar, at least 12 months or optimisations can be made to ensure that the and our reseller network; please enquire to find a
of historical data is essential. Much of this solar energy generation better time-matches the stockist near you.
information can be found simply by checking load. For example, if a person has a morning peak
current energy supplier invoices for load, installing an east-facing array will produce
»» Daily energy consumption more power in the morning.
»» Weekly or seasonal changes to energy or
power use What changes or upgrades to the home
»» Electricity purchase tariffs – both for or facility must be made to enable solar
off-peak and peak demand periods. installation?
Other required information may involve For example, if 100 kilowatt (kW) system is
contacting the current energy supplier. needed that requires upgrades to the roof with
DKSH Australia Pty. Ltd.,
Solar Inception Pty Ltd Electrical Project Engineer Jeremy Tranter. 14-17 Dansu Court, Hallam VIC 3803, Australia
CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 » Freecall 1800 010 113, Fax 1800 010 118,
Email: mel_elecs@dksh.com www.dksh.com.au/pvpower
Australia to install a 38 kilowatt (kW) stand- in such a remote area that all supplies for the
in a remote area of Western alone solar energy system in the Kandiwal installation team had to be brought in from
Australia. Aboriginal community, deep in the heart of off-site, including kitchen utensils, refrigerators,
the Kimberley. camping gear and camp showers.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 »
The trenching Submissions from the clean energy industry on the direction of the program are currently being
through rocky reviewed by ARENA
ground in the 41°C Power demand is growing in regional and remote communities, driven in part by the mining sector.
Given the high reliance on diesel fuel in regional and remote areas and given diesel’s high and unpredictable costs, renewables
heat and the long are becoming increasingly competitive with diesel generation. However, ARENA says that industry and state or territory network
operators need more certainty that renewable systems are reliable and cost-effective.
cable runs were the The Regional Australia’s Renewables program aims to demonstrate renewables in regional and remote locations with the
objective of increasing the deployment of commercially-prospective, remote renewable systems. Such demonstrations are likely
challenging parts • The mining sector, energy services companies, regional and remote electricity providers, and other interested large industry
players or network operators
of the whole project. Solarmatrix installers laying heavy three-phase AC cable into a rocky trench.
• The Clean Energy Finance Corporation and commercial investors
• Regional and remote communities and governments.
Contrasting with the white roof surfaces, uses during the day will be met by solar and program was designed to explore solar power
17–21 June »» Plan ahead – many conferences and exhibitions release a list of CY
Munich, Germany companies and delegates who will be attending in advance. By knowing CMY
www.intersolar.de who you wish to speak with ahead of time, you can get the most out of K
Clean Energy Week Keep organised and up-to-date with event attendance and plan for busy periods
incorporating ATRAA of the year. Get your copy of the Clean Energy Events Calendar, brought to you
24–26 July by EcoGeneration magazine, at www.solarmagazine.com.au/shop
Brisbane Convention and
Exhibition Centre
Schedule meetings with
www.cleanenergyweek.com.au interstate clients and Don’t miss opportunities
colleagues between to target the right
clean energy industry markets and achieve
events. maximum exposure.
All-Energy Australia
9–10 October A visual reminder of
upcoming events will
Melbourne Convention and ensure you keep on top
of where you need to be, Have the contact
Exhibition Centre and when you need to
be there.
information for upcoming
events on hand.
www.all-energy.com.au ALL TRADE ENQUIRIES: 1300 822 287
www.lightwayaustralia.com.au
Other features:
explaining and or for the customers to establish it indicatively
for themselves.
»»
»»
Variation of azimuth and tilt through
physical positioning of the smart device
THE COOLMAX SR MAXIMIZER This unique point – termed the maximum power point – is continuously changing as solar conditions vary during the
day. The power output of a solar panel varies almost directly with the amount of available sunlight, but the voltage and
current do not vary uniformly.
For example, as light levels are reduced, the current drops off much faster than the voltage until very low light levels are
reached. As a result, under low light conditions, the solar panel may actually be generating 16 volts of energy, while
Introducing the next-generation Along with the high-quality generating a much lower current. Thus, if maximum output power performance is to be achieved, some means of
COOLMAX SR MAXIMIZERTM – the performance and efficiency of previous following or tracking this maximum power point are required.
Australian Energy Research Laboratories (AERL) The MPPT can be used to track this power performance. An MPPT can connect any photovoltaic (PV) power source to any
latest release in the Australian
MAXIMIZER maximum power point trackers
Energy Research Laboratories’ direct-current (DC) motor or DC battery bank, to maximise the electrical power delivered from the PV panels to the
(MPPTs), the next-generation COOLMAX SR
motor or battery.
successful maximum power point MAXIMIZER also features a:
tracker product line. »» 3.5 inch interactive touch screen LCD display The MPPT solar charge controller reviews the output of the solar panels and compares it to the battery voltage. Using an
»» User-friendly front panel design for easy algorithm, the MPPT calculates the optimal power that the solar panel can generate. This is converted to the optimal
set-up and data access voltage level to maximise current flow from the solar panel into the battery, ultimately harvesting from the solar panels
»» Remote monitoring capability with both up to 35 per cent more power than is achievable using standard solar regulators.
CAN and Modbus communication protocols.
Founded in 1985 to pioneer the development
and commercialisation of the MAXIMIZER – the
world’s first MPPT Solar Charge Controller –AERL For further information, visit www.aerl.com.au, or contact 07 3129 4509 with technical enquiries or 07 3879 2912
says that it has supplied thousands of super- with sales enquiries.
efficient and highly reliable MAXIMIZER MPPTs
to customers worldwide. In more than 25 years
of trading, AERL’s MPPT solar regulators have
totalled 750 million field operating hours and
supplied 12 megawatts of power in installed
Features of the COOLMAX SR capacity to customers worldwide.
Designed and manufactured in Australia
MAXIMIZER:
COMPANY NEWS
COMPANY NEWS
under stringent quality control standards using
»» 99 per cent conversion premium componentry, AERL says that its AuSTRALiAN
efficiency MPPTs have become well-known for efficiency MAdE
and reliability. A number of long-time AERL
»» High input voltage for lower
customers have reported trouble-free operation
install cost
of controllers for nearly 20 years, with little to The Coolmax SR Maximizer.
»» Superior power advantage no downtime. AERL says the kind of reliability
and MPPT response that it offers to the market is one that few other
»» Smart multi-stage battery manufacturers can match.
MPPT SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER
charging profile
»» Product specifications for the Coolmax SR MaximiZer
Out-of-system COOLMAX SR Features • Remote monitoring capability
programmability • CAN or Modbus comms options
Model number SRMVW SRHVW • 99% super high conversion efficiency
»» Remote monitoring capability • Master/Slave configurability
Output Current Rating 60A 45A • High input voltage for lower install cost
»» CAN or Modbus
Nominal battery voltage 24 to 84 V 48 to 132 V • Superior power advantage & MPPT response • Ultra low heat thermal design
communication options
• Smart multi-stage battery charging profile • Temperature compensation
»» Ultra-low heat thermal Maximum input voltage 180 V 290 V
design Maximum power rating 4,400 W 5,200 W • Easy front panel set-up and data access • Compact and lightweight
»» Temperature compensation Operating temperature range -20°C to 50°C -20°C to 50°C • Robust TFT touch screen display • CE & C Tick Compliant
»» Robust and reliable Peak efficiency 99 per cent 99 per cent
»» Australian-designed and Warranty Two years Renewable Energy Power Solutions Since 1985
made Australian Energy Research Laboratories Pty Ltd (AERL) | Unit 15, 1015 Nudgee Road Banyo Qld 4014 Australia
Weight 3.7 kg
»» CE and C-Tick Compliant Sales Enquiries: 07 3879 2192 or 0438 689308 or sales@aerl.com.au
Dimensions
356 x 121 x 103 mm Technical Enquiries: 07 3267 8825 or 07 3129 4509 or techsupport@aerl.com.au www.aerl.com.au
(L x W x H)
modules. SCHOTT Solar AG signed a joint monitored on smart phones, tablets or PCs.
venture with Hareon Solar in 2011 to set up a Simplicity and the Radiant technology
300 megawatt (MW) plant in China. racking componentry go hand-in-hand. We like VALUE QUALITY FLEXIBILITY SIMPLICITY
Hareon passed the strictest quality Radiant for the fact that it’s not only extremely
expectations of companies the market accepted durable, it’s a time saver on the job. Radiant
as Tier 1 manufacturers, so we’re confident uses AL6005-t5 anodized aluminium to resist
it can represent a bankable brand for our corrosion and ultimately protect the system in
customers in its own right. all conditions in Australia.
Today, Hareon is fully vertically-integrated, The RooftopRac system has been developed
with a production capacity of 2 gigawatts as a universal system for roof-mounting
(GW) of wafers, cells and modules. It achieved on pitched roofs. Due to the high degree of
320 MW of power plant projects in 2012 and pre-assembly and the click-in design, Radiant
expects to achieve in the range of 1.5 GW in claims as low as 35 minutes for a 5 kilowatt
2013. On market capitalisation alone, Hareon tin roof rack scenario. Installation time is the
is the largest Chinese manufacturer, reflecting number one issue for many, and any way we can
positive investor confidence in the brand. help address it is a step in the right direction.
Those figures aren’t superfluous; they PIVOTAL sees its product portfolio as having
reinforce Hareon is a strong and respected depth and relevance for the Australia market.
company internationally. We are different in offering a competitive
Quality comes by way of PIVOTAL Solar price advantage on all their products but not
Solutions’ selection of SCHOTT Solar modules. compromised on quality and reliability.
SCHOTT PERFORM Poly 250Wp modules are We’re enthusiastic about addressing our
made in China in conjunction with Hareon customers’ needs differently, and the difference
The PERFORM Poly 250Wp module from SCHOTT Solar AG.
Solar Company. we make will be in their success.
For further information about PIVOTAL Solar Solutions, email sales@pivotalsolar.com.au or call 1300 935 145.
www.pivotalsolar.com.au | Ph: 1300 935 145 | sales@pivotalsolar.com.au
Superior Solar, Hanwha Q.CELLS The 20.4 kilowatt (kW) solar system from the Federal Government and the local
COMPANY NEWS
COMPANY NEWS
Australia and SMA Australia have comprises 80 Q.CELLS PEAK 255 Wp solar community, as well as through Coast Shelter.
modules, two SMA Sunny Tripower 10000 TL Prime Minister Julia Gillard was present to
partnered to provide affordable inverters and an SMA Sunny WebBox. Superior celebrate the launch of the building, which is
energy for not-for-profit Solar co-ordinated the Sponsorship, and carried named after Executive Officer of Coast Shelter
BEST PEOPLE
“It was important to us to use the most installed.
technologically advanced products in this “Being a not-for-profit organisation, we are
project,” says Alex Wrightson, Operations and conscious of the level of funds available and
Location: Gosford, New South Wales Commercial Manager of Superior Solar. “Their rising electricity prices. We wanted protection
reliability means that the centre can be sure of against this volatility and to reduce the amount
Commissioned: November 2012 consistent cost savings in the long-run.” of funds spent on power bills,” explains Mr
Capacity: 20.4 kW Coast Shelter provides support to the Maher.
homeless and disadvantaged community Julia Pfeiffer, Marketing Manager of Hanwha We’ve created a dedicated jobs Visit
Owner: Coast Shelter through initiatives such as free meals, interest- Q.CELLS Australia, commented “We are proud
free loans, accommodation and electricity to have supported this initiative and thank
board for people in the clean www.solarmagazine.com.au/jobs
Installer: Superior Solar energy industry. and find your job today
vouchers, helping individuals to become Superior Solar for approaching Hanwha Q.CELLS
Modules: 80 Q.CELLS PEAK 255 self-sufficient. The organisation recently Australia to become involved.” Our jobs board exclusively lists jobs
Wp solar modules relocated to a new building that will allow it to SMA Australia noted that it was rewarding in the clean energy industry, which
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COMPANY NEWS
Our secret to marketing that works?
and more difficult to actually distinguish which
comes to a photovoltaic system. solar module will fulfil expectations in terms of
product quality and long-term performance.
We know solar.
by Dr Lars Podlowski, Chief Not even the statutory International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) test standards
Technology Officer, SOLON provide 100 per cent guarantees. These tests
Energy GmbH only cover a portion of the testing criteria
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deliver sustainably high yields, thus securing an
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The PV+Test by TÜV Rheinland and Solarpraxis
offers more clarity in this context. This test
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everything goes according to plan, none at all. examine the characteristics of the module edges Contact Sarah Harding
Mechanical loading tests simulate extreme – a prerequisite for safe installation. Finally, the 03 9248 5100 | sharding@gs-press.com.au
snow and wind loads. Low-light behaviour is quality of the documentation on the product solarmagazine.com.au/services
also tested, indicating, for example, the energy weighs in to the overall score.
IMS_Launch_Ad_SOL_HPH.indd 1 15/02/13 2:26 PM
the number 1 position in the of installations. This rise to the top position Trina Solar Australia Managing Director
your business
Australian Photovoltaic Technology has been attributed to the success of Trina’s John Susa.
and Brands 2013 report. Honey Cell Technology-based products, which “We have developed our channel network
are well-suited for Australia’s rooftop system carefully to ensure high-quality representation
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in Australia during Technology and Brands 2013 report. and developers worldwide.
2012, according to For further information about Trina Solar, visit www.trinasolar.com
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Reader profile
READER PROFILE
Kyle Brereton, Director, Blu Sky Solar Grow your business by updating your
skills and knowledge in a forum tailored
How long have you been involved in Why do you read Solar Australia Kyle Brereton is a Director of Blu Sky Solar, an to clean energy professionals.
the solar industry? magazine? Adelaide-based solar energy system retailer and
We are into our third year this year. For the interesting stories and for the installer for the residential, commercial, solar Upcoming Master Classes:
product advertising. hot water and energy efficiency markets.
Commercial-scale solar Master Classes Sponsor:
What do you love about the industry?
The progression of products and technology. What type of articles do you most • Monday 18 March – Melbourne
look forward to reading about the
What do you find most challenging solar industry? To take part in a future reader • Tuesday 19 March – Sydney
about the industry? I look forward to articles about how solar profile and showcase your • Wednesday 20 March – Brisbane
The paperwork; it’s endless! has progressed in Australia. thoughts on the Australian Media partners:
• Thursday 21 March – Adelaide
solar industry, email
Do you attend industry events and if What are you looking forward to news@solarmagazine.com.au This Master Class will earn you 35 Continuous
so, why? for solar in 2013? with ‘Reader profile’ in the Professional Development points towards renewal
We try to get to as many as possible. It’s a New technology, and commercial-scale solar of your Clean Energy Council solar accreditation.
subject line.
great way to network and to see new, exciting opportunities.
products coming out.
What is involved in your role as United States, in 2009 and listening to a can understand where it fits in the scheme of When you’re talking about a subsidised cost, per kilowatt hour, and will be pretty much
General Manager of Power Systems presentation on energy storage made by a things – an achievement in its own right! all of a sudden people start listening. Efforts a flat line over the next 20 years if people
at ZEN Energy? parabolic manufacturer, which was inspiring. by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency move down the path of considering energy
The role involves educating the market on The other was listening to a Texan oil Do these achievements represent and Austrade to explore this space will help storage with their PV. That would be a sizable
ZEN’s energy storage offerings, as well as merchant talk about considering solar for a a positive step forward for the drive interest and eventually investment, and step change away from how we traditionally
working with large energy customers such as project – that was quite a departure from Australian solar industry? If so, how? save our outback operators a lot of money in consume electricity, and an exciting
utilities, hotels, factories and hospitals on their the traditional way they would source their Yes, I think so; the solar industry of the the long run. development for the solar industry.
renewable energy objectives. electricity. future will be full of companies who use energy For the second step, as we redefine the
We also have an engineering and technical Australia shared a lot of complimentary storage and solar as a single integrated unit value proposition for distributed energy What advice would you give to new
team at ZEN, and I’m involved in managing regulatory issues with the United States, in that supports the network. Solar farm operators, storage, solar will be able to come in with entrants who hope to work in the
those team members; managing the terms of what companies in the States were remote communities and utilities will be able to us to serve the energy that utilities need to Australian solar industry?
relationships with our local and international trying to achieve from renewable energy, and use more solar, more intelligently. The market combat peak demand. Solar generated at the When you’re analysing the opportunities of
development partners; and providing the back in 2009 the solar industry in Australia will mature and open up a lot of new niche point of constraint or point of consumption working with a company in the solar industry,
odd suggestion to government agencies. In was still in its infancy. There was a lot of industries in the process. Second-life batteries will always be cheaper than one delivered look for those companies that you’d like to
a general management role, especially in a opportunity around the home energy space, but and accelerated battery testing laboratories are from miles away. This helps the utilities, as invest in. Pretend you’ve got your own money
fast-growing company, you need to be prepared the commercial and large-scale solar space had two of those industries, to name a few. all of a sudden we can start deferring an to invest in a company, and look at those
to roll up your sleeves and pitch in to help yet to mature. Commercial customers will also acquire investment in a transformer or line upgrade companies that are attracting the best and
respective teams as necessary. I thought that there was an opportunity energy storage to deal with agreed maximum for 12 months, and save the opportunity cost the brightest talent, are scalable, operate in
for intelligent energy storage in Australia as it demand and small generation aggregators will per kVA they would have otherwise spent that a growing market and offer a solution that
What do you enjoy most about your hadn’t really been embraced yet. Finding ZEN pop up with predictive weather software that year. Solar then becomes a friend, rather than solves a genuine problem.
ZEN Energy General Manager of Power Systems Marcus Keller. role, and what do you find the most was a stroke of luck. will provide even more predictive supply from a foe. Know your figures and your technology
challenging? Mother Nature. Once business owners realise back-to-front. Sit down with your engineers
I enjoy the variety, and being a part of What have been some of ZEN’s how well solar can help support their energy How do you see the solar energy and really understand how it all works. Don’t
the next evolution of renewable energy in key achievements during the last consumption when the benefits can be spread market playing out in Australia over be afraid to question the status quo, and be
JOB PROFILE
JOB PROFILE
Australia – it really is an exciting time. The 12 months? evenly from 7am until 7pm, it gets really the next 20 years? prepared for scepticism from the market and
biggest challenge is working with customers We were ranked number four in the BRW interesting. I don’t have a specific figure in mind of learn ways of addressing it.
who perhaps have difficult expectations; trying Fast 100, and we successfully brought into the As with every customer and every technology, how many megawatts the penetration will Within our team, we have a saying that ‘you
to manage those expectations in a collaborative team some of Australia’s leading talent in the it boils down to education – we’ve achieved be, but I’d say there’d be at least an increase develop the market with every conversation
effort of education, as well as delivering a energy storage engineering space. We teamed price points in the market now with our system over next 20 years of an additional 50 per cent you have’.
solution which is within time and budget. Often, up with Greensmith Systems in the United paybacks and net present value that is able to penetration, if not more. Marcus Keller has worked on commercial
projects take time due to approval processes, States to develop a new platform for Australia deliver attractive returns for the Chief Financial The industry will need to wean itself off the projects and in business development with
delays in the supply chain and other issues that that will see affordability and functionality for Officer or business owner. Clean technology feed-in tariff hangover and move to a model utilities, governments and financial services
arise. I try and be prepared for change with a battery storage redefined. The revolution won’t funds have certainly provided a shot in the arm where energy storage becomes another piece clients in Australia, Western Europe and the
range of contingencies. come from battery companies, it will come from for the solar industry but we need to remember of equipment for every customer, so you’d have United States. Prior to his role as General
companies than can make batteries operate in the assets we sell need to be commercial on solar PV sitting alongside energy storage, and Manager of Power Systems at ZEN Energy,
What motivated you to become part a dynamic and intelligent new way – in other their own two feet. it’s just like buying a refrigerator or another Mr Keller was Capital Markets and Distribution
of the Australian solar industry? words, create exciting new value streams. piece of plant – it becomes very familiar. Manager with Blue Sky Funds Management
There were two parts to my motivation. Bringing our new residential energy storage What top steps does the Australian We expect the levelised cost of renewable and was posted to Invest Australia in New York
The first part came to me while I was sitting device to market has also been a lot of work solar industry need to take in 2013 electricity generated, stored and consumed as part of the Australian Trade Mission to the
in a venture capital meeting in San Francisco, but very rewarding, especially when my mother to become more cost-competitive? on location to be approximately 38 cents United States.
One of the top steps the solar industry will
need to push for in 2013 is more structural
“One of the top steps the solar industry will need to push for and regulatory change, in particular helping
governments understand that solar generation
in off-grid environments should be supported. Are you a job seeker in Australia’s solar industry?
in 2013 is more structural and regulatory change.” I’m confident that diesel will be part of the
equation for a long time yet but we can hit
60 per cent penetration of photovoltaics (PV)
Visit www.solarmagazine.com.au/jobs to find your new role in solar at the
industry’s premier job board.
– ZEN Energy General Manager of Power Systems Marcus Keller and bring down the cost of generation below
that of a total diesel solution.
WORLD WRAP
One of Japan’s largest solar
projects to be built in Aichi
Sungevity receives $US125 million in funding Mitsubishi Corporation and C-Tech
Sungevity, a United States-based residential solar company, has secured Corporation have concluded an
$US125 million in funding through venture capital and project financing. agreement with the Aichi Public
The funding includes $US40 million in equity financing raised in 2012, Enterprise Bureau and Tahara City to
which was led by impact investment fund Brightpath Capital Partners develop a 77 MW solar project in Tahara
and home improvement retailer Lowe’s. City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
The funding also includes a combined $US85 million in new project Under the agreement, Mitsubishi and
Trina Solar receives approval for C-Tech will jointly establish ‘Tahara Solar’
financing commitments from two parties: Energy Capital Partners, and a
leading commercial bank.
50 MW solar plant in February 2013. Tahara Solar will build
Sungevity’s new project financing will be used to support the Trina Solar has obtained approval from the and operate the 77 MW solar plant, with
development of its solar projects across the United States, in states Gansu Provincial Development and Reform construction expected to commence in
including Arizona, California and New York. Commission to develop a 50 MW grid-connected mid-2013.
solar PV power plant in Wuwei, China. The total project cost is estimated at over
According to a Trina spokesperson, the Wuwei 20 billion yen, 80 per cent of which will
municipality is well-suited for solar energy be raised through project financing.
production due to favourable irradiance and When the project comes online in 2014,
the ability to sell electricity to other regions, in energy generated will be sold to Chubu
More than 58 MW of PV for Ecuador addition to supplying local needs. Electric Power Company.
Atlantic Wind & Solar, with co-developer
Atlantic Energy Ecuador, has confirmed it
will proceed with developing two PV projects
with a combined capacity of 58.4 MW in the
Ecuadorian towns of Lagarto and Tonchigüe.
The $US150 million plants will be carried
out over two phases, and will proceed under
Ecuador’s feed-in tariff program.
This advancement follows the successful
completion of technical studies including grid
impact assessments, risk and environmental
analysis and economic feasibility studies.
GREEN
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