Is there any web published source(s) of the approved schematics to be used for 'normal' grid connected PV residential installations in the various jurisdictions around Australia?
I'm trying to determine if everyone does things the same way at schematic level, eg placement and configuration of isolation switches, circuit breakers, metering.
PV to Grid installation schematics
(9 posts) (5 voices)-
alfresco24
MemberPosted Thursday 25 Nov 2010 @ 6:49:45 am from IP # -
swanning_it
MemberWithout wanting to sound rude or antagonistic alfresco, the diagrams you seek are in your relevant electrical contractors manual.
If you aren't an electrical contractor, than the diagrams really are of no use because you are not permitted in any Australian state or Territory to effect changes to your switchboard (with the exception of licensed electrical workers, working on their own house in some jurisdictions).
Posted Friday 26 Nov 2010 @ 9:11:02 pm from IP # -
Homepower magazine in the US often provides very detailed diagrams of both grid interactive and off grid solar systems. They have some free downloads but you may not get what you want unless you pay.
In NZ which have very similar electrical standards to ours, I found one business offering:
Solar Panel Mounting Kit including Rails, Panel Clamps and "L" Feet (Tile roofs require extra brackets)
Earthing Cable, Clips and Earth Stake
DC Cable, AC Cable and AC Circuit Breaker
In built Wi-Fi Monitoring and Stats Package
Full Connection DiagramSo reputable businesses over there give you the info. Do a search on google. The wiring is relatively simple for anyone with technical knowledge and you can build your own system for off grid applications like mobile homes etc. In Australia Rainbow Power co have a lot of technical info.
Posted Friday 26 Nov 2010 @ 9:55:15 pm from IP # -
Sojin_Muneshi
MemberRelying on DYI, hobbiest and "Popular Mechanics" or wiring standards from oversea's (even NZ) is not wise.
The wiring is "not relatively simple" for anyone with technical knowledge, an understanding of the differences between AC and DC rated isolators being but one item of importance.
In Australia the legal wiring requirements are defined by AS3000 and the local regulatory wiring regulations, those are then further defined by part 3 of AS4777.
In addition to the requirements that you hold a licence and be a registered electrical contractor, grid connection requires installation by an accredited CEC installer.
Backyarder installations won't get connected to the grid unless some fraud or corruption takes place to produce an EWR and CES signed by licenced installers, RECs and Inspectors.
I would recommend you explore:
AS3000 Electrical Wiring Rules
AS5033 Installation of PV Arrays
AS4777 Grid connection of Energy Systems by InvertersThe Distributor Service & Installation rules in each state in regards to "alternative sources of supply" and "metering"
Individual Distributor guidelines and requirements on connecting "Embedded Generation" to their networks.
The Clean Energy Council guidelines and factsheets
http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/cec/accreditation/Solar-PV-accreditation/techinfo.html
The information in these documents are straight forward and practical for those trained and qualified in the field, but it will not be possible to ensure correct configuration/installation for grid connection in Australia without reference to them and simply derived independantly by "someone with a bit of technical knowledge" googling for diagrams from US magazines or NZ suppliers.
The reason for technical and safety standards are not just to protect the hobbiest from his own mistakes, but also the future home buyer, a tradesman working in the installation, or other occupants of the home from fire/electric shock.
Why resort to "hobbiest" sources of risky/in-accurate or questionable information when the official and correct information is available and known?
regards
Sojin Muneshi
Posted Friday 26 Nov 2010 @ 10:20:53 pm from IP # -
alfresco24
MemberThanks Rockabye & Sojin_Muneshi.
To swanning_it. You didnt read my post properly and jumped to conclusions - again.
I'm aware of AS3000 AS5033 and AS4777, but simply didnt want to spend the bucks buying them. I have no intention of wiring up systems, rather I am developing monitoring and demand management systems and wish to see if the schematic arrangements provide enough consistency of design to allow for one 'product' to handle all types of on-grid and off-grid monitoring & DSR/DSM applications, and technical integration with HAN and smart grid initiatives.
Cheers.Posted Wednesday 1 Dec 2010 @ 12:37:25 am from IP # -
A good document on PV system safety with technical information on cable and cct breakers etc can be found here. Electricians are one group of people who understand technical requirements for solar installations but not the only group.
http://www.rpc.com.au/pdf/Safety%20in%20PV%20installations.pdf
Sojin..
Whether you like it or not people can and do many things they are not legally able to. DIY is here to stay and education is a better solution than harping on about being 'qualified'. People repair their own cars which kill several thousand people each year but it still happens. DIY electrical, plumbing and building work is big business. While ever you can buy components off the shelf at your supermarket or hardware store that is never going to change.
Posted Wednesday 1 Dec 2010 @ 3:16:05 am from IP # -
Inspector
MemberI recall reading a long time ago (late last year?) on the CEC website that designers were to use the design template from the off-grid AS document (presumably in the appendix).
I've yet to see one system design drawing that was completely correct. Nicholls Solar are the best I've seen, however they incorrectly specified 500v-rated DC isolators on a string voltage >440v on their design drawing (apart from that, it would've been perfect IMHO).
Posted Wednesday 1 Dec 2010 @ 9:21:34 am from IP # -
swanning_it
MemberHi Alfresco.....if you read my post correctly, I mentioned no standards at all, but I did tell you where the diagrams can be found....... however now you've explained your reasoning so we don't have to jump to conclusions, then my only comment is the very first thing I'd assume you need to do is buy all the relevant standards.
No point designing something for a purpose that doesn't comply with the relevant standards, but I'll leave those decisions in your capable hands!
Good luck with your product.
Posted Wednesday 1 Dec 2010 @ 12:30:27 pm from IP # -
Inspector
MemberIf it's specific details about the location of equipment on residential switchboards for example, you'd also need to look at the various DNSP requirements. Eg: EA's ES3 Part A document specifies that an area be allocated on a new switchboard exclusively for metering equipment. There are different configurations for different installation types as well. These requirements have changed considerably over the years (remember the plug-in meter era where switchboard manufacturers had pre-marked squares for each plug-in base?), and while everyone wants a state-wide (or even national) agreement on switchboard configurations, it's not likely to happen any time soon!
Posted Thursday 2 Dec 2010 @ 12:59:53 pm from IP #
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