Solar Progress Winter 2012
description
Transcript of Solar Progress Winter 2012
THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY
07/12Winter
ISSN: 0729-6436
Horizon Power Solar on a small scale
Smart Grid The all-round benefits of interlinked systems
BluesScope Steel’s solar roofing Taking BIPV to the next level
CSP Unravelling the potential of large-scale solar
It’s time to look at
Solco in a new lightYou may know us as Australia’s first choice for Solar PV and Pumping products. But today, we’re so much more.
Building on the success of our wholesale components and system supply business, last year we established new divisions in Power Generation (IPP) and Project development (EPC).
For our existing wholesale customers, Solco Solar Products is extending its product lines and service offerings to further improve our customer service levels across Rural and Regional Australia. With Solco Solar Power, we’re actively investing in our own or joint-venture large-scale PV power generation opportunities.
And where project scale and risks exceed our wholesale partners’ capabilities, Solco Solar Projects can step in to manage commercial PV project development from design, through procurement, installation and maintenance. With over 25 years experience and a long term, ongoing commitment to Australia’s sustainable energy future, what can we do for you?
Powering Australia’s solar energy future.
Talk to us at the East Solar Expo & Conference Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 21-22 August 2012
Call 1800 074 007 or visit solco.com.au
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SolarProgress | 1
Solar SocietyReview of solar landscape by AuSES
CEO and Solar Progress Editor 2
East Solar Expo and Conference 20
AuSES state branch activity 33
AuSES AS5033 and Best Practice
workshops 37
AuSES Golden Jubilee in late 2012 47
AuSES Corporate Members 48
Tech TalkGlen Morris helps usher in AS5033 36
Solar advancesHorizon solar on a small scale 8
Smart grids, efficient systems, by
Ishaan Khanna 12
Saudi Arabia’s quantum leap to RE 16
BlueScope’s BIPV mission:
ASI funded research 26
CSP’s potential spelt out, by
Bill Parker 28
News and viewsLocal and global solar developments 4
Nigel Morris takes stock of the
solar market 38
Wayne Smith: generating 20%
of power from solar by 2030 39
Beyond the laboratory, by
Warwick Johnston 46
Special featuresSolar intermittency under the
microscope 18
VSASF research team focuses on
thin-film technology 30
Colac residents form a solar collective 34
ASI’s three minute solar challenge 40
Products and services Solar perspective by Anthony Coles
of Solco 42
Solpac, RA Power, Sungrow and
REFUsol 4326
Contents
31
45
9
EDITOR
Dr Bill Parker, AuSES
Phone: 0403 583 676
CONTRIBUTORS: Paul Gipe, Warwick
Johnston, Ishaan Khaana, Glen Morris,
Nigel Morris and Wayne Smith.
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Nicola Card
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Brian Rault Phone: 03 8534 5014
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Annette Epifanidis
COMMSTRAT MELBOURNE
Level 8, 574 St Kilda Rd MELBOURNE 3004
Phone: 03 8534 5000
AUSTRALIAN SOLAR ENERGY
SOCIETY LTD
CEO John Grimes
PO Box 148, Frenchs Forest NSW 1640
www.auses.org.au
ABN 32 006 824 148
CommStrat ABN 31 008 434 802
www.commstrat.com.au
Solar Progress was first published in 1980.
The magazine aims to provide readers
with an in–depth review of technologies,
policies and progress towards a society
which sources energy from the sun rather
than fossil fuels.
Except where specifically stated, the
opinions and material published in this
magazine are not necessarily those of the
publisher or AuSES. While every effort
is made to check the authenticity and
accuracy of articles, neither AuSES nor the
editors are responsible for any inaccuracy.
Solar Progress is published quarterly
SOLAR PROGRESSPublished by CommStrat for Australian Solar Energy Society Ltd.
Solar Progress subscriptions: contact Anna Washington Executive Assistant, AuSES [email protected] or call 0409 802 707
Front cover: Children from the Marble Bar Primary School get a hands-on introduction to the town’s solar power station.
2 | WINTER 2012
Bill Parker Editor
John Grimes Chief Executive, Australian Solar Energy Society
In this edition, one year after our new format was launched; we have
articles about innovation and the challenges that are presented by the
inevitable penetration of solar generation into our electricity grids.
The issues can be distilled down to Australia’s differences from the
rest of the world. We have solar radiation about as good as it gets. Solar
technology, at whatever scale, is functional and will be a significant part of
our energy system, but we also have the legacy of a multiplicity of electrical
networks; a large underpopulated area where small towns generally have
radial grids, which have inherent limitations.
The poles and wires of our ageing networks require upgrading to
accommodate intermittent sources such as solar and wind. Yet the public
has hardly any concept of what this means, and the costs of making the
grids solar amenable are substantial.
However, on the other side of the ‘ledger’ are scientists and engineers
who are capable of solving the problems. It is a case of political will.
CHANGING THE PARADIGMOne senior engineer interviewed for this edition is firmly convinced
that the electricity supply industry will change to taking on the role as
‘balancer’. Instead of the uni–directional energy flow, it will be bi-
directional and, to manage the new paradigm better, the customer will
install the means to store electricity both short and longer term, even
though they are connected to a grid. Storage devices such as capacitors
and fuel cells could become part of the household generation system
based on PV. The balance extends to the marriage of PV with large–scale
solar plants that store energy.
Nothing will move smoothly until the deliberate misinformation
is quashed.
Bill Parker
SOLAR WON! The war is over. Solar won. We know we can deploy solar – generate
electricity – at a very reasonable 15 cents per kW hour. Nowhere in
the country can you buy electricity as cheap as this; the average price
of grid electricity across the country is 22 cents per kW hour, and by
2014/2015 the average price of electricity around the country will be 34
cents per kW hour.
Why so? It has been estimated that Government needs to invest over
$100 billion on grid infrastructure between now and 2020. Already a
staggering $56 billion has been spent, which is almost twice the cost of
the broadband network, but incredibly there is no debate around this. We
know who pays for that – it is electricity users.
Governments are being deceptive by stating electricity prices are
rising because of solar energy; the fact is, green energy raises prices by
just three percent. That means 97% is due to other factors, including
marketing costs.
But those of us in the solar energy sphere can see the future and it is only
a matter of time before the whole electricity sector transitions much more
fundamentally. It will be breathtaking; the solar future is extremely bright.
This is helped in part by Australia’s carbon tax which sends a signal to
the public that we are moving toward renewable energy.
STATE OF PLAY IN CHINAHaving spent around two months in China thus far this year, I have observed
a fundamental shift in the solar scene. With significant and strategic
investment by the Chinese government, the country is fast becoming a super
player in solar manufacturing and the imminent introduction of domestic
feed-in tariffs in China is poised to significantly boost solar energy. This
year China is on track to take solar installation capacity to between 3 and 5
gigawatts, and to a staggering 21 gigawatts by 2015.
Let us not forget the Chinese solar industry exists because of Australia;
many industry leaders were educated here and have a natural affinity with
Australia. We want to see more of that value come back to our county and
believe that the strategic partnership we have forged will take us a long way.
John GrimesPrinted using FSC® mixed source certified fibre by Printgraphics Pty Ltd under ISO 14001 Environmental Certification.
4 | WINTER 2012
Making news
WA Low Energy Emissions DEVELOPMENT FUNDINGThe West Australian State Government will invest
$12.7million in new low emissions energy projects
in Perth, the Mid-West and the Wheatbelt.
In June, Environment Minister Bill Marmion
and Energy Minister Peter Collier announced
in-principle funding from the Low Emissions
Energy Development (LEED) Fund for Curtin
University; Morton Seed and Grain; Biogass
Renewables; Green Rock Energy Ltd; Solastor,
in consortium with Carbon Reduction Ventures;
and The University of Western Australia (UWA).
“The funding is subject to these companies
matching every $1 of Government funds with
at least $3 from elsewhere, which will lead to
a direct total investment of more than
$50million in low emissions technology in WA,”
Marmion said.
“LEED funding provides vital support
to technological development aimed at
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The
Government is proud to support these
important projects.”
One of the recipients, Solastor, in consortium
with Carbon Reduction Ventures, plans to spend
$3.775 million on a 1.5MW grid-connected CSP
plant incorporating heat storage technology
near Morawa, a mining town on the fringe of
the South West Interconnected Grid. The heat
storage medium is high purity graphite and
heat transfer is via an embedded heat exchange
system. Since Morawa is in an arid area, the
water conservation features of the plant are
ideally suited.
Similar technology is being used at
Lake Cargellico in NSW where a plant
commenced producing electricity in May
2011 using heliostats and graphite storage
(although the operator there has no
connection with Solastor).
IEA’S rosy forecastAn International Energy Agency (IEA) report
says that despite economic uncertainties in
many countries, global power generation from
hydropower, solar, wind and other renewable
sources is projected to increase by more than
40% to almost 6 400 terawatthours – or
roughly one-and-a-half times that of current
electricity production in the United States.
Renewable generation will increasingly
shift from the OECD to new markets, with
non-OECD countries accounting for two-
thirds of this growth. Of the 710GW of
new global renewable electricity capacity
expected, China accounts for almost 40%.
Significant deployment is also expected in
the United States, India, Germany and Brazil,
among others.
GERMANY sets 52GW cap on PV support German legislators have hammered out a
compromise deal over cuts to the nation’s
support regime for PV installations – which
will now end altogether once 52GW of
capacity is in place.
The capacity cap is part of an agreement
reached by Germany’s federal and state
governments over plans to lower support
levels by between 20% and 30%, depending
on system size.
The proposed revisions have been locked
up in Germany’s parliamentary mediation
committee after several states blocked the
original plan, fearful of its impact on the
country’s solar industry.
Most of the changes first unveiled in
February remain, although a new feed-in
tariff (FIT) support band of 10kW-40kW for
rooftop installations will receive €0.185/kWh –
above the €0.165/kWh originally mooted. The
changes will be backdated to 1 April. Plans
to remove FIT support altogether for projects
larger than 10MW remain in place.
As well as setting the 52GW "absolute upper
limit" for support – roughly twice the figure
currently in place in Germany – the agreement
maintains an annual growth target corridor of
2.5GW-3.5GW.
That new TAX … With the carbon tax kicking in on July 1, the
economics around solar power are looking rosier.
Jeff Bye of ASX listed CBD Energy stated the
carbon tax widens the gap between low cost
solar power and more expensive traditional
generation and that “If you have your own solar
power station on your roof you not only avoid
these costs but your source of power, the sun, is
free and your low cost is locked in for 25 years.”
Blackening the landscape however is the spike
in pokies’ revenue, which coincided with cash
hand-outs from the government.
One MAD DASH … In late June up to 50,000 Queenslanders lodged
solar applications in the nick of time to benefit
from the 44 cents per kilowatt hour rebate
for households exporting power back to the
electricity grid before it plummeted to 8 cents.
6 | WINTER 2012
Making news
BOSCH …Coordinated by Frederik
Troester and Paul Scerri,
PV manufacturer Bosch
Solar Energy proudly
supports Holmesglen
(Victoria) by providing
samples and other
teaching material for the
institute's Clean Energy
Council Accreditation
courses for PV systems.
In its latest effort to showcase a high quality
system, Bosch sponsored the installation of
10x240W monocrystalline solar panels at
the Moorabbin campus’ Renewable Energy
Training Centre.
Visit www.bosch-solarenergy.com.au and
SMA Solar Technology has extended its rewards
program to Australia, New Zealand and the
South Pacific.
This rewards programme is available to any
person or company installing SMA inverters.
It’s free of charge and easy to register. Installers
can create an account at www.SMA-Bonus.com
and start benefiting immediately. In the Rewards
Shop gifts begin at 300 points, and installers
can choose from a range of items including
radios, barbeques, ipads and televisions.
More information: www.SMA-Bonus.com
Award winning STADIUM The solar and wind energy map that featured
in Autumn 2012 Solar Progress listed larger
solar installations, which meant some notable
and significant structures were omitted.
Among these was the multi award-winning
Metricon Stadium 215kW BIPV system at
Carrara, that won Best System at ATRAA and
Ecogen. The Gold Coast structure also took out
the prestigious NECA awards.
The designer of the Metricon Stadium solar
system was Warwick Johnston, Managing
Director of SunWiz and AuSES Award Winner
2011 for Outstanding Industry Contribution.
PV wins out OVER WINDThe construction of the 300MW Silverton
wind farm has been set aside in favour of PV.
AGL will now focus on thin-film solar
projects, which will be built with the help
of Solar Flagships support scheme and
state funding.
AGL and US thin-film giant First Solar
won A$195 million in federal and state
government funds to build two PV projects
with a combined capacity of 159MW – a
106MW project at Nyngan and a 53MW
project at Broken Hill, both in NSW.
“There are some key milestones around
when [the solar projects] need to be delivered,
in order to get Solar Flagships funding,”
says AGL’s general manager of power
development, Scott Thomas.
“That’s going to bring the solar project online
first...and that will sit ahead of Silverton.”
Thomas adds that there is significant
overlap between the work on Silverton and the
solar projects, for example in grid connection.
Thomas insists Silverton remains a
priority for AGL, which bought the project
development rights in March from Germany’s
Epuron and Australia’s Macquarie Capital.
Silverton has development approval for an
initial 282 turbines with a maximum capacity
of 300MW, subject to market conditions and
electricity network capacity. This could be
expanded to as much as 1GW in later stages.
The rapidly-falling price of PV means that
many proposed wind projects owned by larger
developers will be put aside in favour of solar.
Solar dawn The future of Australia’s biggest solar energy
scheme – the 250 MW Solar Dawn project
in Queensland – is in the balance and will
be determined by the Australian Renewable
Energy Agency.
Federal Energy Minister, Martin Ferguson,
has written to the agency referring the project
to it for further consideration following a
decision by the Queensland Government
to withdraw $75 million funding from the
project at Chinchilla.
Ferguson says Solar Dawn offers
Queensland the opportunity to be at the
forefront of solar thermal technology
and home to one of the largest solar
power stations in the world and that such
opportunities “have to be grabbed but the
Queensland Government seems content to let
them slip by”.
The State Government, he says, is putting
at jeopardy a project that represents $1.5
billion in economic investment to regional
Queensland, 300 construction and local
manufacturing jobs and a $68 million solar
research and development program at the
University of Queensland.
Canberra has committed $464 million
to the Solar Dawn project under the Solar
Flagships Program and the project was given
until 30 June to meet financial close.
According to Ferguson the project’s
proponents indicated they couldn’t meet the
conditions.
SMA Bonus Program
A powerful partnershipTrina Solar is proud to partner with the Advanced Solar Research Team at ANU’s Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems, on the development of our next generation silicon cell technology.
In a project supported by the Australian Solar Institute, the team in Canberra is using advanced nanotechnology for precise structuring of the solar cell surfaces to deliver significant increases in cell efficiency whilst cutting manufacturing cost. A powerful partnership.
www.trinasolar.com.au
8 | WINTER 2012
In the past, power stations in outback WA were
fuelled by diesel or diesel-gas hybrids running 24
hours a day. Now, with the massive input from PVs,
the local grids have to be managed to respond to the
intermittency of the solar resource. Solar Progress
met with two of the engineering staff at Horizon
Power – David Edwards and Jeremy Rotstein – to hear
about the challenge of incorporating PV into isolated
power grids. Story by Bill Parker.
Horizon Power is an electricity retailer
and infrastructure manager with a difference.
Formed in 2006 following the disaggregation
of Western Power, vertically integrated Horizon
generates, distributes and retails electricity for
the area well beyond the populous South West
corner of Western Australia.
That’s 2.3 million square kilometres but only
45,000 customers, in environments ranging
from the cold south coast, through to deserts in
the state’s centre and stretching way up north
to tropical rainforests.
Apart from a small inter–connected grid
in the North West at Port Hedland, Horizon’s
customers are located in small towns and
communities serviced by radial grids mainly
fuelled by diesel or gas or a mixture of both.
Two notable exceptions are Marble Bar
and Nullagine, which have solar–diesel power
stations. In the far north, hydro–power from
Lake Argyle contributes, as does wind at
Esperance, Hopetoun, Denham, Coral Bay,
and Exmouth.
The cost of diesel is an issue for any
dependant user, and certainly for an
electricity utility. Security of supply is also
critical and may become more so in the
future. With road transport the only means
of delivery for the isolated power stations
in WA, that too is a further cost issue. The
answer is solar, and here is where Horizon
Power has been innovative.
In September 2009, the company
commenced construction of their own
solar–diesel hybrid power stations in what is
Australia’s hottest region, just inland from
Port Hedland. These two power stations at
Marble Bar and Nullagine are also unusual
for the use of 500kW flywheels as system
smoothing buffers – spinning reserve to cope
with fluctuations in solar supply.
Awarded prizes and now well known and
unique in the world, these two stations may
be the only ones that Horizon Power builds.
The reason is simple. In the time since the
two stations came on-line, there has been
a massive increase in the installations of
roof–top PV in remote WA, and according
to David Edwards, Senior Engineer in the
Commercial and Business Development Division
at Horizon Power, the drive is now to give
the consumer more opportunity to generate
their own electricity and empower them to
make informed decisions not just about their
consumption, but also where they get their
energy from.
The net result is that rural and isolated
customers will be generating their own
power, just when the power is needed.
However, it is clear from local experience
in the region and elsewhere, that the
introduction of uncontrolled PV needs
careful management.
From July 1 this year, Horizon presented
customers with a renewable energy buyback
scheme that offers a rate that differs
according to location.
The rate varies from 10 to 50cents/kWhr
reflecting the cost of electricity production
for each town. Where other factors act
(hydro, wind, proximity to gas pipelines
and diesel delivery costs) to reduce
production costs, the buyback rate is lower,
and clearly fine–tuned when the published
rates are quoted down to the last cent,
eg Marble Bar at 47.10 cents/kWhr, and
Nullagine (a further 100kms inland) at the
maximum 50 cents/kWhr.
The main issue underpinning the success of
the new scheme is generation management.
In the days before solar, a diesel plant would
run 24 hours a day. Now, the intermittent
and growing uncontrolled solar input has its
challenges, one of which is the radial nature
Special technical feature
Solar power in WA– open for business
Solar power in WA– open for business
of the small town power supply
networks that are unsuited for the
dispersed solar input.
“We needed to find ways of
increasing the hosting capacity for
solar on our networks, to meet
customer demand for installing
renewable energy systems but do
so without compromising on our
quality of supply obligations,”
David Edwards said.
“Like many other utilities,
Horizon Power has been grappling
with the challenge of managing
customer demand for renewable
energy technology with the need
to provide reliable and secure
power supplies,” he added.
“I am thrilled to say that Horizon
Power is well progressed to
overcome this challenge and from
1 July 2012, customers have had
the option, subject to an approvals
process, of installing a generation
managed system, that is a system
where the output can either be
stored or managed by Horizon
Power, in towns where restrictions
are currently in place.”
Clearly in a small town there is
a limit to the penetration of PV,
and Horizon publishes hosting
capacity data for each town.
Once the “uncontrolled” capacity
is reached, Horizon Power will
manage the additional solar
systems, even if it does not export
to the town system.
In order to maximise the amount
of renewable energy connected
to the electricity system, new
connections will need to meet
Horizon’s generation management
requirements (some exemptions
exist regarding generation
management).
10 | WINTER 2012
Solar developments
This control is written into the
agreements the customer has with the
utility, and when the system cannot
take more input from a solar system,
an automatic signal is sent to the
customer’s system to “ramp down”, but
not to switch off. However, there has to
be a limit in such small supply areas –
demand must exceed supply, there is no
possibility of “wheeling” the energy to
another location.
The utility as ‘energy balancer’From the market aspect, things have
moved and will move further away from
the utility being the sole supplier towards
being an ‘energy balancer’. The costs
of electricity supply by the conventional
means and the imperative for companies
like Horizon is to find ways of providing
supply that minimises fossil fuel usage
and allows the public to become its
own generator.
The sustainable energy industry has
responded extremely positively to the
new renewable energy buyback offer,
says David Edwards.
“Learning from our experiences with
system stability using flywheels at Marble
Bar and Nullagine, we are moving towards
a technology agnostic way in for the
customers to offer their own energy
storage systems.
“We have developed simple standards
that will provide the market with a clear
pathway to be innovative,” he said.
Edwards explained that the inclusion
of energy storage as a ‘shock absorber’ to
the network during a cloud event opens
the door for higher levels of renewable
energy, and that by providing a clear
framework for connection he expects the
market to find the most cost effective
solution, which at first will likely include
wet energy storage.
“It’s not too hard to imagine the advent
of a home–based fuel cell as a possibility
for the smoothing capacity, although there
are many options already available such
as solid state forms of energy storage for
example super-capacitors,” he explained.
“The door is open for commercial
enterprises to offer renewable energy
power supply technologies, but clearly
these will be smaller systems considering
the hosting capacity of most of
Horizon’s local town supplies being in
the kilowatt range.
Horizon Power is keen to provide
as much information as it can, and
commendably so, since we are taking
steps further towards the change from the
one way supplier of electricity to our own
‘power stations’.
This approach may well succeed in other
remote areas of the world blessed with an
adequate solar resource.
“Learning from our experiences with system stability using flywheels at Marble Bar and Nullagine, we are moving towards a technology agnostic way in for the customers to offer their own energy storage systems.”
Horizon Power supply areas
MARBLE BAR NULLAGINE
Capacity (diesel) 1280kW (4 units) 960kw (3 units)
Capacity (solar) 300kW 300kW
Max/Min load 600kW/200kW 450kW/120kW
Solar System (SunPower T20 tracking system)
Flat plate single axis tracking.>65% of daytime energy. World record of 92% achieved. 34% of year–round energy.
FLYWHEELPowerstore 500kW, 3tonne, magnetic bearings in helium environment
Diesel savings 405,000L/year each station
Further informationhttp://www.horizonpower.com.au/
Horizon Power supply areas
WETRADE
STC’s
WETRADE
STCTCT’s’s’
12 | WINTER 2012
Smart technology
Across the globe smart grids are providing more reliable, secure and efficient networks via two-way digital information which, among other benefits, facilitate consumer management of electricity consumption. The subsequent reduction in demand also benefits the environment. By Ishaan Khanna.
From the early days of small isolated power
systems developed in the early part of the 20th century to
today’s huge and highly complex centralised power systems,
the electricity industry has come a long way. Our large,
centralised interconnected systems were developed to take
advantage of economies of scale, and utilities encouraged
higher consumption, which in turn brought the costs down.
Today, the challenges of climate change and energy
security call for flexible, robust, resilient and reliable power
systems capable of adapting dynamically to the changing
environment. Energy security and broad public awareness of
the need to use limited resources in a more sustainable way
are key considerations that are likely to herald a substantial
restructuring of our electricity supply systems.
Besides the infrastructure, households and businesses
also want to actively control their own energy consumption,
improve environmental impacts and manage costs.
Moreover, in order to introduce competition and promote
economic efficiency and attract private investment,
governments around the world are opening up and
‘unbundling’ the electricity sector.
This liberalisation has allowed a variety of generators (of all
sizes and different technologies) and retailers to move into the
power industry. Peter Fox-Penner, in his book Smart Power calls
this transformation of the industry as “The Great Power Shift”.
The aging power grid in Australia is facing significant
pressures to defer or avoid new capital investment. It needs
to maintain reliability and quality of supply, and integrate
more distributed generation and storage technologies
like renewable energy and electric vehicles and manage
peak demand. Changes on the demand side are also
fundamentally changing long-run electricity demand
patterns. The industry’s business model is changing.
What is so ‘smart’ about the Smart Grid?The level of attention currently being focused on energy
supply and demand around the world is unprecedented. A
smarter grid makes the transformation to a more reliable,
secure and efficient network possible by the application
of two-way digital Information and Communication
Technologies (ICT) to the (poles and wires) electricity
network infrastructure. It brings the technologies that
enabled the internet to the electricity network. This
incorporates the benefits of distributed intelligence into
the electricity network, and for the first time, provides
consumers a level of control and choice with their
electricity usage. Other benefits come from the ability
to monitor all elements of the network from power
generators to household appliances and deliver this
information in real time.
Although the Australian electricity industry has always
invested in advanced communication and sensing
technology, most of this investment has so far been applied
to the transmission systems. With the application of smart
technologies to the lower voltage electricity distribution
networks and inside customer homes, the impact of the
‘smart grid’ will be profound.
The smarter grid will provide better understanding and
enhanced control of power and information flow within
the distribution networks to automatically detect and
repair faults (“self–healing” networks), re-route power
flows and enable a range of products and services for the
benefit of consumers. For the first time, consumers will be
able to better manage their own electricity consumption
(and production via PV), reduce demand and produce
environmental benefits.
The current grids were designed to transport power from
large, mainly fossil–fuel fired generating plants to consumers with
generally fixed loads. With the introduction of higher penetration
of distributed generation sources, including intermittent
renewable sources, electric vehicles and storage technologies,
the grid model of one-way flow of energy will no longer
suffice. Without integrated monitoring and control to enable
bi-directional flow of power, the current network infrastructure is
likely to suffer power quality and reliability issues.
The Great Power Shift
SolarProgress | 13
The Great Power Shift
14 | WINTER 2012
Features of the Smart Grid The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) of the United States Department of Energy (DoE) lists six key characteristics of the smart grid:
SELF HEALING Using advanced monitoring and sensing technology, the smart grid will perform continuous self-diagnostics to detect existing issues, predict potential problems and take corrective actions to isolate and rapidly restore normal operation with little or no human intervention. Today’s grid already has some self-healing features such as auto-reclosing and auto-sectionalising most of which use local information for decision–making. The smart grid, on the other hand, will have Wide Area Monitoring Systems capable of decision–making using information at an holistic level.
CONSUMER PARTICIPATION Smart grid platform will enable consumers to make informed choices regarding the amount of electricity they consume, when they consume it and the financial and environmental impact of their actions.
RESISTS ATTACK The smart grid will include security technologies and demonstrate resilience to physical and cyber attacks in its design and operation. The security protocols will contain elements of deterrence, prevention, detection, response and mitigation to minimize impact on the infrastructure.
IMPROVED POWER QUALITY (PQ)With increasing amounts of sensitive digital loads, power quality is of growing importance. Smart grid will provide system wide monitoring and control capabilities that will quickly identify and mitigate power quality events and thus help improve PQ by minimising the effect of lightning strikes, surges, faults and harmonics.
OPTIMISES ASSETS AND OPERATES EFFICIENTLY Real time information from advanced sensors will provide operators with sophisticated tools to assess risk and more accurately determine the state of the grid at any moment. This will in turn enable operators and engineers to maximise grid utilisation and efficiency by improving load factor, lower losses and improve asset life.
ENABLES MARKETS As consumers become more engaged with their energy consumption and production, demand for new products and services will establish new markets and expand existing options and choices. New opportunities will arise from distributed generation, electric vehicles, energy management services, smart appliances and producers, consumers, brokers and aggregators will be able to interact with each other.
A key characteristic of the smart grid is
to enable the grid to accept input from
many different types and sizes of generators
including intermittent renewable sources and
better adapt to the dynamics of distribution
generation. Widespread benefits will accrue
from distribution intelligence, Intelligent
Electronic Devices (IEDs) and automation.
Challenges and opportunitiesWhile there are considerable challenges, the
transformation of the power industry in my
view also represents a momentous and sizable
opportunity. The need for grid modernisation
is compelling and it must be done, however,
significant barriers exist in its implementation.
It has been said that the biggest challenges to
the implementation of smarter electric power grid
are neither technological nor economic. Rather,
regulatory and legislative issues remain a key
barrier and more needs to be done to align policy
makers around a common smart grid vision. New
regulatory frameworks are needed that recognise
that although the majority of investments in
smart grid would be borne by grid owners and
operators, the benefits would accrue far more
widely. Governments also need to recognise that
the benefits of a modern grid are so far reaching
and long term, that utilities would be unwilling to
bear the cost unless appropriate incentives are in
place and they are given due credit for providing
societal benefits.
More work also needs to be done in developing
a robust value proposition and communicating
the fundamental value of a smarter grid to
stakeholders including the consumers. ‘Smart
Grid’ has become a catch-all term and generally,
there is lack of understanding regarding
technologies, benefits, opportunities and value.
However, the societal and economic cost of doing
nothing would not be acceptable.
Future of the Smart GridA number of key initiatives are already
underway in Australia to better understand the
challenges and opportunities associated with
the transition to a smarter grid.
Smart Grid Smart City is the first commercial
scale smart grid demonstration project and is
part of the Australian Government's National
Energy Efficiency Initiative. This project is being
led by Ausgrid (formerly EnergyAustralia), and
their consortium partners IBM Australia, GE
Energy Australia, Sydney Water, Hunter Water,
and Newcastle City Council. This project aims to
test a number of technologies and applications
and gather robust information about the costs
and benefits of smart grids to help inform
future decisions by government and industry.
The Perth Solar City project has implemented
more than 30 energy efficiency and renewable
energy projects, including one of the largest
smart grid trials in the country. Preliminary results
show a broad range of benefits to the utility,
households and the community and provide
perhaps the nation’s first illustration of what the
intelligent networks of the future may look like
particularly with regard to demand response.
Further work is being undertaken to evaluate
whole-of-system options from an end-to-
end perspective under Australia’s Future Grid
forum, led by CSIRO and GE. This stakeholder
led forum will systematically evaluate all the
major options and with the greatest potential
to deliver a secure, sustainable and lowest cost
outcomes for the country.
The views expressed here are entirely those of the author. Ishaan Khanna works as a Senior Engineer within the Smart Grid Development Branch at Western Power Corporation, in Western Australia. His recent experience has been with Smart Grid applications and Home Area Networks (HAN). Ishaan also serves as the President of the Australian Solar Energy Society (WA Branch).
Acknowledgement: The work described here has been supported by the Solar Cities Program.
Further information: www.perthsolarcity.com.au/annual-report/www.netl.doe.govwww.sgiclearinghouse.org/www.smartgridaustralia.com.au/Peter Fox-Fenner “Smart Power” www.islandpress.org/
“With the introduction of higher penetration of distributed generation sources, including intermittent renewable sources, electric vehicles and storage technologies, the grid model of one-way flow of energy will no longer suffice.”
Smart technology
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16 | WINTER 2012
Innovation
While many countries continue to dawdle on the road to the renewable revolution, the conservative, oil-rich Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has proposed one of the most sweeping and massive moves to renewable energy on the planet. By Paul Gipe.
Saudi Arabia’s renewable revolution
Saudi Arabia has announced a massive
renewables program with hybrid FITs to tap
onshore wind, solar, geothermal and waste-to-
energy to generate 54,000 MW of renewable
energy by 2032.
In typical Saudi fashion, where everything
from oil fields to opulence is done on a
colossal scale, the proposed renewable
program is gargantuan.
Starting from zero, the Kingdom’s plans to
install 54,000 MW of renewable-generating
capacity during the next two decades is
staggering. For comparison, the United States,
with more than ten times the population of
Saudi Arabia's 27 million, operates about
50,000 MW of solar panels and wind turbines.
Peak oil and crash solar program?While the move to renewables is significant in
itself, it raises an even bigger question. Do the
Saudis see the handwriting on the wall of the
Kingdom's fossil fuel endowment? Are they, for
the first time, acknowledging limits?
Could the announcement of the Saudi
program mark a turning point in the Kingdom's
attitude toward natural resources, or is it just
hard-headed economics finally winning out?
With oil trading at over $100 per barrel, the
avoided cost of offsetting the use of fossil
fuels – the "opportunity cost", as the Kingdom's
consultants call it – is already much higher than
the cost of solar power today, justifying the
huge undertaking.
Still, there's no escaping the fact that
whatever the reason, the move is momentous.
Proposal not finalThe proposal for the King Abdullah City for
Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA-CARE)
procurement program was announced at a
conference in Saudi Arabia in May 2012. KA-
CARE's board is yet to approve the proposal but
is expected to do so shortly.
The objective is to generate one quarter
of the Kingdom's electricity from solar energy
alone, while developing a domestic renewable
energy industry. The latter is a key part of
the program.
While much of the renewable energy trade
press has focused on the amount of solar
photovoltaic (solar PV) capacity proposed, an
even larger amount of Concentrating Solar
Power (CSP) is anticipated.
The program's initial targets are:
CSP: 25,000 MW,
Solar PV: 16,000 MW, and
Wind: 9,000 MW.
Interestingly, the amount of electricity
generated by 9,000 MW of wind at moderately
windy sites is of the same order of magnitude
as the 16,000 MW of solar PV – even in sunny
Saudi Arabia.
Feed-in tariffs to build out programThe Kindgom's conservative world view is
revealed in the hybrid nature of their proposal.
The KA-CARE program will begin with two
rounds of bidding for solar PV, CSP, wind,
geothermal and waste-to-energy capacity.
The first round of bidding will take place
in 2013.
Solar PV: 1,100 MW CSP: 900 MW Wind: 650 MW Geothermal & Waste-to-Energy: 200 MW
The second round of bidding will take place
in 2014.
Solar PV: 1,300 MW CSP: 1,200 MW Wind: 1,050 MW Geothermal & Waste-to-Energy: 250 MW
But unlike other jurisdictions that have
recently opted for renewable auctions, Saudi
Arabia plans to move quickly to feed-in tariffs
to build out the program, because of their
simpler administration. This may occur as early
as 2015. Of the 54,000 MW in the proposed
program, nearly 90% of the capacity will be
assigned through the application of technology-
differentiated feed-in tariffs.
Here are some of the program's
key elements.
Maximum project size: No limit Minimum project size: 5 MW Technology specific targets: Flexible Term: 20 years Evaluation: Price and non-price factors Feed-in tariff launch: After second auction Review: Every three years Localisation: Domestic content requirements
The Saudi proposal makes it clear that this
program is as much about industrial policy
as it is energy policy. The Saudis want to be
as influential internationally in renewable
energy as they are now in oil exports. Toward
that end, the Saudis emphasise that price is a
factor, but only one factor, determining how
much of which technology is developed and –
equally as important – who gets to participate
in the program.
The Saudi announcement could well
send such powerful shock waves through
the world's oil industry that they reach the
highest levels of policy makers in Canada and
the USA, leading them to reconsider their
recalcitrance toward the renewable revolution
sweeping the globe.
Further information:
www.energy.gov.sa/default-en.htm
The article is republished by kind permission of Paul
Gipe ([email protected], www.wind-works.org)
Solar intermittency: Australia’s clean energy challengePublished in June 2012, the much anticipated ASI funded CSIRO Report into Solar Intermittency is a timely and valuable resume of the effect of the penetration of PV and other intermittent sources of renewable energy into grid systems. The report is a compendium of the current knowledge, the challenges to be met and is a useful broad spectrum introduction. This is a defining document.By Bill Parker
Special feature
Cloud cover may come as a
welcome relief to sweltering hot communities,
but for those who rely on sunshine for power
it’s an entirely different proposition. Along
with the daily sun cycle, clouds are a prime
cause of solar generation intermittency,
variations that act as a basic barrier to the
uptake of large-scale solar power.
Although much is said about the effect of
renewable energy intermittency on electricity
networks, the information shared and views
expressed are often anecdotal, difficult to
verify and limited to a particular technical,
geographical or social context. There is
surprisingly very little real-world data on the
effects of intermittency on electricity networks,
particularly in regard to solar intermittency.
Australia is different from the rest of the
world because of its size (and population). It
has one network, the NEM, that is about the
same size as Europe and within it there is a far
greater diversity in PV generation.
Yet in the West, there is only one integrated
system, the rest being small isolated town
grids. The overriding need is to gather local
data, and because Australia is a long way
behind Europe in the penetration it has the
advantage of time before the grid penetration
of solar becomes an issue.
Shedding light on challengesCharacterising the Effect of High Penetration
Solar Intermittency on Australian Electricity
Networks presents a number of findings
that shed light on the challenges and
opportunities behind intermittency and
grid integration.
Solar Progress spoke to Dr Saad Sayeef, the
report’s lead author, who said that the threshold
figure of 20% solar penetration is said to be the
turning point when the intermittency of solar
becomes a problem is a generalisation based on
anecdotal evidence.
“There are many different numbers quoted for
the level of penetration when risks might appear.
The 20 percent is based on a range of factors
and for a value to be valid, the context must
be known– there is no major issue with current
penetration level,” he said.
For the successful integration of high
penetration intermittent generation, we need
to understand the local issues and there is a
strong emphasis on research and the expansion
of existing knowledge. The solar resource differs
greatly from Europe. The power flows are
different. Instead of being highly interconnected,
we are often dispersed with long “skinny”
transmission networks. Weather patterns are
different; system frequency standards differ
across the country (here the report was sounding
like a description of the railway systems).
In short, there is significant study to be
undertaken to ensure that PV, both domestic
and large scale can be brought on stream to its
full potential.
The need for research and demonstration
was clearly important and the work of Horizon
Power in Western Australia (see pages 8-10)
was a good example. There, the need for fast
acting responses to compensate for the ramp
up and down has been identified.
Dr Sayeef said that devices such as “super
capacitors” were still at the R&D stage.
“Lead acid batteries and fuel cells, even
electric vehicles, are well known, but too
slow in response to cloud events giving rise
to changes in power output in seconds,”
he explained. “It is axiomatic that we
need more locally derived data given the
peculiarities and uniqueness of Australia’s
electricity grid system.”
18 | WINTER 2012
Solar intermittency: Australia’s clean energy challenge
Australia is a leader in wind forecasting
and “the best in the world” said Dr Sayeef.
But for solar forecasting, the work is at a
much earlier stage. “We are developing
ground based digital imagery of clouds to
predict solar radiation, and this needs to
be matched with actual pyranometer data
for verification.”
Report findingsThe report contains a summary of key
findings. The first key finding is not an
overstatement considering the magnitude
of the need for high quality (local) data
that is a recurring theme throughout
the report. The work needs to involve a
wide range of scientific and engineering
disciplines. Grid integration according to
the report is well underway at NREL and
Sandia as well as other institutions – and
to quote the report:
“There is a strong need in Australia for
something similar, that:
• encourages analysis and investigation
in this area and provides openly
accessible published reports and
information
• brings together key industry players in
a dialogue to discuss the issues, and
• makes relevant information accessible
to all stakeholders (eg a portal).”
Further InformationThe CSIRO report can be accessed at:www.csiro.au/science/Solar-Intermittency-Report
Enquiries can be directed to the Project Manager: [email protected]
Unique network aspects in Australia
Largecoverage
area
Market dynamics
Lowaverage
populationdensity
Areasof high
populationdensity
Largenumber of
'skinny'feedersHigh
impedence network
compared with Europe
Network subject to
Australian usage, weather and
environmental conditions*
Low levels of
interconnection
Key findings of the Intermittency Report KEY FINDING 1: Intermittency could stop the adoption of renewable generation.
KEY FINDING 2: Existing research has conflicting outcomes, suffers from a lack of quality data and consequently often overemphasises anecdotal evidence.
KEY FINDING 3:There is considerable intermittency in the existing electricity system.
KEY FINDING 4:The effect of solar intermittency is not uniform.
KEY FINDING 5:The amount of high penetration solar generation that can be integrated is application specific.
KEY FINDING 6:Solar intermittency can be managed.
KEY FINDING 7: Accurate solar forecasting is essential.
KEY FINDING 8: Research and demonstration work is required in Australia.
Report Authors: Saad Sayeef, Simon Heslop, David Cornforth, Tim Moore,Steven Percy, John K Ward, Adam Berry and Daniel Rowe.
The project was made possible with funding from the Australian Solar institute (ASI) with in-kind support from CSIRO, Australian Energy Market Operator, and Energy Networks Association.
Practical measuresThree Australian PV plants were involved in analysing
and evaluating output power fluctuation ramp rates: the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre (DKASC) in Alice Springs; CSIRO
Energy Centre in Newcastle’s 22 kW PV system; and the University of Queensland’s 1.22 MW PV system.
Researchers at the DKASC spent ten months measuring 10-second resolution solar data, and a CSIRO simulation model was used to examine the likely impacts of these output power fluctuations on the differing types of Australian electricity
networks which are subjected to differing levels of solar power.
Global research: Fluctuations have been both observed and analysed in Europe (Germany and Belgium), the USA and Japan, however analyses of power output
fluctuations are somewhat scarce.
The California Solar Initiative Research, Development, Deployment and Demonstration Program explories the ‘planning and modelling for high penetration
PV on the California transmission and distribution network’, but findings are specifically targeted towards California, and limited to photovoltaic generation. The worldwide state of the art in solar intermittency study is represented by information
collated by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
20 | WINTER 2012
AuSES Conference
Hundreds of people are expected to attend the EAST
SOLAR Expo and Conference www.eastsolar2012.com at the Melbourne
Convention and Exhibition Centre from Tuesday August 21 to Wednesday
August 22, 2012.
Attendance is entirely FREE, but registration is essential!
More than 100 solar exhibitors are expected to provide insights into the
latest solar technology, including PV panels, inverters, “balance of system”
components, monitoring equipment and solar water heating systems.
A continuous “General Stream” of oral presentations will be provided
in a special area of the Exhibition Hall, where all participants can freely
attend presentations that interest them while having a break from the
Exhibition.
DAY ONE, TUESDAY AUGUST 21Simon Corbell MLA, the ACT Minister for Environment and
Sustainable Development will deliver the Opening Keynote at
9.30am on Tuesday, August 21.
Minister Corbell will address the topic “Canberra: The Solar Capital”,
and is expected to outline a vision for the future of the ACT, involving
one of Australia's largest utility-scale solar installations, a community
wide approach to reducing energy dependence, improving energy
security and energy efficiency, and embracing the rollout of the first
electric vehicle recharging infrastructure in the country.
EAST SOLAR Expo and Conference 2012 Presented by AuSES and international partner AUPVSEE at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre from August 21-22, East Solar Expo and Conference promises something for everyone.www.eastsolar2012.com
Leader of the Greens Senator Christine Milne will make a video
presentation in which it is anticipated she will highlight the opportunities for
industry in a carbon-reduced Australia.
Dr Fang Peng, CEO of JA Solar, will present the opening Industry Keynote at 10 am. With more than 20 years of executive management
experience in both the US and China, Dr Fang will address how “Low cost PV is
Changing the World”.
Our Market/Political Analysis bracket is designed for presentations that
review the current and future solar scene to 2020 and beyond.
Led off at 11am by Kobad Bhavnagri of Bloomberg New Energy Finance,
other session presenters include Nigel Morris of SolarBusinessServices, Dr Muriel Watt of Australian PV Association, and industry blogger Dan Cass. This session concludes with an address by John Macdonald of DesignInc on
Sustainable Buildings in Australia.
The afternoon highlight is International Australia: Solar and Industry Partnerships. Simon Troman of IT Power will introduce a couple of exciting
PV projects in Pacific Islands Tokelau and Samoa, and a later presentation will
highlight some of the technical and design issues encountered.
Mark Twidell, who has led the Australian Solar Institute and was recently
appointed to the ARENA Board will address Australia's potential to capture
and add value in the global solar market. Other presentations follow: solar
cell pioneer Professor Andrew Blakers of ANU, Dr Renate Egan of
Suntech, Douglas Smith of Trina Solar, Tom Zhao of BYD Solar, Blair Pester of Winaico Australia and Glen Morris of Solarquip. Also included is an
overview of the Hervey Bay Hospital project delivered by Lachlan Bateman
of Clean Technology Partners.
Dr Extra Li who is Chief Technology Officer of Heda Solar Technology, an
East Solar Conference sponsor, will present a paper on PV tile roof, leading the
trend of BIPV. With his in-depth research in ceramic material combined with
photovoltaic technology, Dr Li and his team invented a range of PV tile products
in 2010, and created more than 30 Chinese and international patents.
Leading Climate Spectator columnist Tristan Edis will round off the program
with his view of “Why Solar is set to Explode”.
www.eastsolar2012.com
Parallel stream In a parallel stream on Day 1, Tuesday August 21, there will be a
series of presentations that provide insights for those companies newly
established in Australia and those contemplating entering the local solar
and renewables market.
We have assembled a range of eminent experts to explain the
Australian renewables marketplace, among them Joe Wyder of APVA
who will present his views of the Australian market and Dan Cass
who will provide an easy-to-understand overview of solar policy.
Considerations for entering the Australian market will be presented
by Nigel Morris, Suntech's experience of establishment in Australia
presented by Stefan Jarnason; and “Lessons from the Leaders”
by eminent commentator and analyst, Warwick Johnston, the
Australian “Sunwiz”. Participants can also attend the Expo and other
presentations in the General Stream.
Opposite (from top): Simon Corbell MLA, the ACT Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development; Greens Senator Christine Milne; and Kobad Bhavnagri of Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
SolarProgress | 21
“Leading Climate Spectator columnist Tristan Edis will round off the program with his view of “Why Solar is set to Explode”.
DAY TWO, WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22Day Two kicks off with Opening Keynote speakers Ric Brazzale of Green Energy
Trading and Andrew Livingston, representing
the new Office of the Clean Energy Regulator.
Industry Keynotes will be delivered during
the morning from eminent IT Power solar
thermal scientist Dr Keith Lovegrove, Oliver Hartley of Q-Cells Australia, Graeme Pollock from SMEC Australia and Matthew Wright of
Beyond Zero Emissions.
Resuming the Industry Partnerships theme
in the afternoon, we will hear presentations
delivered by Anthony Coles of Solco, Michael
Anthony of Solar 360, Dr Andreas Luzzi of Laros Technologies, Danin Kahn of Todae
Solar, Gonzalo Muslera from Schott Solar,
Jeremy Rich of Energy Matters, Collin Wang
of Jinko Solar and Matthew Haddad of Clean
Technology Partners.
The afternoon concludes with
presentations addressing the finance aspects
of solar projects, with Ivor Freschknecht of
Starfish Ventures “Renewables: Private Equity
and Venture Capital”, and leading (now
US-based) entrepreneur, Danny Kennedy of
Sungevity addressing “Leasing as the Future
of Solar”.
www.eastsolar2012.com
Solar Professional Development
Day 2 of the East Solar Expo & Conference, Wednesday August 22, also features a FREE Solar
Professional Development Day.
Come along and hear 13 experts drawn from the "sharp end" of the solar industry.
Presentations are specifically focused on sales, installer and design issues. This day-long
program complements our Solar Best Practice Seminars and is designed to enhance design and
operational performance in a cost-effective way. The full programme for Day 2 "PV Professional
Development Stream" is available at www.eastsolar2012.com
Key presentations from:
• Glen Morris of Solarquip "Solar PLUS: the industry standard" and "New Challenges through
AS/NZ 5033"
• Mike Russell of AuSES on "Solar Best practice"
• Dr Ted Spooner of UNSW, "PV Array Fires: “Why and what to do?"
• Geoff Stapleton of GSES "Ask Geoff" - open forum
• Sandy Pulsford of CEC PV components: Performance, Safety and Reliability", also
• Selectronic on battery backup; and Dean Condon of Ergon "Townsville Solar City: grid
intergration issues"; Geoff Bragg from the SEIA and others.
*** Make it a day and attend the Expo where more than 100 exhibitors showcase the latest in solar products available in Australia ***
After registering to attend the Expo & Conference, you are invited to use our online request form
to speak with the experts, and for introductions to suppliers, distributors and importers. This is
entirely free and there's no obligation. Visit http://auses.org.au/east-solar-meet-the-exhibitors .
Want to understand some of the technical issues, current requirements and
fill in the gaps of information currently available only to electricians ... ?
Register now to attend the EAST SOLAR EXPO and CONFERENCE - it's FREE!
www.eastsolar2012.com
Case StudyBlue Sun Group - PV Modules
About Blue Sun GroupBlue Sun Group Pty Ltd is an Australian owned company with its head offce in Brisbane, specialising in Renewable Energy Products. The photovoltaic modules, solar roof mounting systems and other renewable products are designed in Australia and manufactured by Blue Sun Group factories.
Blue Sun started to import photovoltaic modules from China in 2006. With the aim of uncompromised quality and continuity of supply, Blue Sun Group designed its own photovoltaic modules and invested in the construction of a new photovoltaic factory in Shenzhen China to produce the modules. The Blue Sun factory currently employs 190 people, including 120 factory workers, 50 offce and R&D workers, and 20 management staff.
The automated production capacity of the factory for photovoltaic modules is 138,000 watts per shift which can be increased during peak load periods. The factory has extra capacity in manual production lines, which is currently used for 12 volt and special order panels. The overall production capacity of the factory is 150MW per year. With Australian owned production lines the quality control measures are operated beyond Australian standards, with 100% traceability from raw materials to the end product. Orders can be produced within as few as four working days and leaving China within 10 days from order.
In early 2010, by request and with the assistance of its dealer base, Blue Sun designed and manufactured its first solar roof mounting
system. 2012 has seen an improved Blue Sun solar Blue Sun Group – PV Modules roof mounting system with the introduction of new rails that have Easy Slide ‘U’ shaped bolt channel and added reinforced cross bracing for stability.
This year sees the introduction of some new rails designed to suit Blue Sun solar modules for caravan, RV and marine applications.Having strong relationships with other manufacturers, Blue Sun Group completes the Renewable offer with a wide range of inverters, controllers, solar hot water and LED product.
Blue Sun Group is involved in multiple projects world-wide. Some of the projects are listed below:
• Supplyofmodulesforaroofgridconnectionsolarpowergeneration system of Quanyuan Industrial Park, the largest roof top solar power system in China, total 8.7MW
• StreetlightupdateprojectinGuangdongProvince,lastyearthefactory supplied 8000 x 100w modules for this project for LED street lights with a total of 40000 panels still to be supplied to this project this year.
• Supplyofmodulesfora1.2MWTerrestrialSolarPowerGeneration System in Valencia, Spain.
• Undercontractfora1MWsysteminShandongProvincewithoptions for addition capacity.
Blue Sun Group Photovoltaic ModulesA full complement of photovoltaic modules are available for the on grid and off grid market, ranging from 6 Watt to 140 Watts in 12 Volt Monocrystalline Modules, 160 Watt to 250 Watt CEC approved Monocrystalline Modules in 5 Watt increments, 200 Watt to 300 Watt CEC approved Polycrystalline Modules, and Custom Photovoltaic Modules available on demand. The modules can be found on the CEC Currently Approved Modules list under “Blue Sun Group”.
The Blue Sun Group photovoltaic modules were developed taking Australian conditions into account and mitigating issues identifed with solar modules in Europe. Continuous improvement is achieved by assessing the modules in the factories testing facilities, in the field, and independent feedback. Upgrades are made through consultation with TUV-SUD test laboratories.
Blue Sun Group photovoltaic modules have features such as matched cell selection, concealed cross connections, O-ring resealable junction boxes, replaceable blocking diodes, high grade EVA, anodised frames and 3.2 mm toughened glass.
Cell selection and cell matching are an important part of the process in building the Blue Sun modules, using both visual selection and electronic testing. Shunt resistance (Rsh) is a key aspect of cell selection. Blue Sun selects cells with high Rsh values as those cells provided better performance in low light conditions such as rainy, snowy and cloudy days. This also provides better output in the mornings and late afternoon low light conditions. Blue Sun matches cells by grade and output, and builds positive tolerance wattage modules rather than mixing grades of cell to achieve a specifc overall wattage. This provides better long term efficiencies as all photovoltaic cells in a module degrade at the same rate.
The concealing of the cross connections gives the Blue Sun Group modules a few distinct advantages; first by removing the direct impact of sunlight on the soldering joints thus eliminating potential for degradation of solder joints by UV rays; secondly by removing the main solder joints from the top edge of the panels which can be the hottest area of the module, thus reducing thermal degradation of solder joints; and thirdly enhancing the aesthetic aspect of the module giving the module a more professional finish.
The O-Ring sealed junction box gives the installer or service agent the ability to access the blocking diodes making the photovoltaic modules one of the few on the Australian market that is a truly maintainable and serviceable. There are 3 replaceable (push in- pull out) blocking diodes in the 160 to 190 Watt range and 4 replaceable blocking diodes in the 220 to 250 Watt range.
The Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) used in Blue Sun Group modules comes from one of the world’s largest suppliers of EVA, giving consistent high grade quality results. EVA is placed on both side of the photovoltaic cells and sealed through high temperature baking onto the cells. EVA is used to hold and fix photovoltaic cells in position; increase transmittance of sunlight, isolate cells from harmful environmental factors, provide electrical insulation, conduct heat away from the cells, strong encapsulation adhesion, and provided excellent weather resistance. The EVA Blue Sun uses has excellent UV stability with a UV cut off wavelength of 360 nm.
Blue Sun modules are framed in anodised aluminium and the front glass is 3.2 mm high transmittance, low iron toughened glass in compliance with IEC 61215 Ed. 2 which is the Australian Standard. The Blues Sun Group modules have been tested by TUV-SUD and surpassed the IEC 61215 Ed. 2 hail impact test of 25mm hail at 23 m/s.
Dealership enquiries 1300 326 688
We use and recommend
Case StudyBlue Sun Group - Mounting System
Blue Sun Group Mounting SystemIn early 2010 by request and with the assistance of our dealer base Blue Sun created its first design of approved mounting system. A key feature is that the mounting system was developed as an integrated product with emphasis on stronger interfacing between components, ease of instalment and the strength of the rails. The Blue Sun Group Mounting System saves time and money on installation.
2012 saw the launch of the next generation of the Blue Sun Group Solar Roof Mounting System with new improved features. These features include, Easy Slide ‘U’ shaped bolt channel in the rails, added internal cross bracing in the rails for strength and stability, easy use T bolt friendly earth plates as well as the ongoing existing features such as serrated ribbed surfaces on rails and fittings to allow finger tight setting before tools are required, solid stainless steel tile hooks, wide mid clamps for standard tooling use and tilt kits. This years
changes and certifications see the ability to use the rail in commercial applications for spanning up to 1700mm purlin span widths, without requiring individual certifications.
The Blue Sun rails, tin feet, joiners, clamps and tilt legs are made of anodised 6061 T6 Aluminium. This grade of aluminium is one of the highest grades used in this market. 6061 T6 Aluminium is for heavy duty structures with very good corrosion resistance. This makes the mounting system ideal for commercial applications; and marine and coastal applications. Although physically lighter than other grades used in the Australian market, this grade of aluminium has a higher torque load than many comparable products used in Australia. Being lighter makes it easier for the installer to install.
The Blue Sun tile hooks, bolts and nuts are made of Stainless Steel SUS304. Combined with components using 6061 T6 grade aluminium, the Blue Sun Solar Roof Mounting System is one of the strongest and more reliable mounting system ideal for Commercial and Residential Installations.
The table shows a comparison chart with the 6061 T6 grade of aluminium that Blue Sun Group uses for its Solar Mounting System compared to the common grades of aluminium used by other solar mounting manufacturers.
Case StudyBlue Sun Group
Blue Sun Group
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Email: [email protected] | Website: www.bluesun-group.com
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Aurora Inverters from Power One Italy: Currently the second largest manufacturer of solar power inverters globally, Power-One has also made heavy investment in North American manufacturing by recently opening two manufacturing centers in Phoenix, Arizona and Toronto, Canada. The Power-One Aurora brand of renewable energy power inverters offer best-in-class performance and reliability along with a global customer care package.
Delta Energy Systems Australia specialises in high quality PV inverters. Delta’s SOLIVIA string inverter range feature a wide operating temperature range, peak efficiency up to 96.0% and a user friendly display. The SOLIVIA range can be used indoor or outdoor with a sleek, compact appearance and brushed aluminium finish. Externally coated with protective IP65, Delta’s SOLIVIA inverters are water and dust proof. Complete with a 10 year factory warranty, Delta’s SOLIVIA inverters are perfect for the Australian climate.
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26 | WINTER 2012
Innovation
Rendering building integrated PV more viable, economic and accessible to
existing buildings sounds attractive, and such is
the mission of a newly established collaborative
research team. Not long after the deal was
sealed the team leaders received more good
news – and funding – for developments of a
related nature that take in new builds.
Whichever way you look at it, busy times lie
ahead for the BlueScope researchers.
Solar Progress caught up with Dr Troy Coyle
of BlueScope Steel Research. As Manager of
Coated Products Development, she has a strong
track record of project managing R&D programs
through to commercialisation. Here she leads the
program in collaboration with the Fraunhofer
Institute and University of Wollongong.
Coyle explained that the aim of the $1.6 million
project is to lower the cost of building integrated
PV (BIPV) by broadening the value proposition to
building owners installing BIPV systems.
In a nutshell the performance of the cells will
be improved by being kept cool through the
integrated BIPV-T (thermal) structure as opposed
to the international trend to laminate directly onto
insulated panels, and by boosting functionality to
an installed BIPV system by improving the overall
thermal performance of the building through the
use of daytime solar thermal energy and night
time ventilation. Investigating the viability of
integrated energy storage via PCMs is integral to
the process, she said.
A systematic approach and methodology
will optimise the design configuration and
sizing of BIPVT systems and a feasibility
study will investigate the viability of BIPVT-
PCM systems for retrofit. Coyle said that the
research will focus on BIPV using Generation
Two thin-film technologies, “which have
typically not been the focus of PVT research for
Australian conditions.”
Thin-film Retrofit thin-film PV laminate solutions offer the
opportunity to install the PV laminate above the
current roof structure, leading to:
• in summer during the day, ducting of air
underneath to avoid overheating of the PV
system, with air ventilated at the top of the
PV system;
• in summer during the night, ducting cool
air from outside and applying the “night sky
cooling” principle to create temperatures
below ambient for night purging of the
building; and
• in winter during the day, ducting of air
underneath the PV system to provide
PVT functionality, with heated air used as
space heating.
“We have a technology agnostic approach
and we want to work with thin-film as the
cells themselves are inherently flexible unlike
silicon (which is glass encapsulated), and
there are many technologies to choose from,”
Coyle said.
“It is hard to see who will be the technology
leader, so we will switch between them as more
technologies become appropriate.”
She added that thin-film advantages
include relatively lower costs “and for us it is
about flexibility”.
Retro-fit Uniquely, this project will focus on the retrofit
of existing buildings (both residential and
commercial) rather than the development of
BIPV-T systems for new-build.
This is regarded important as each year
just one or two percent of the existing
building stock is added to or replaced; clearly
retrofitting offers the greatest opportunity
for commercialisation and greatest scope for
renewable energy generation.
With a mission to identify and foster areas of solar enhancement, the ASI is backing a program led by BlueScope Steel to lower the cost of building integrated PV by boosting cell performance. By Nicola Card
SCOPE forimprovement
Bluescope's trial installation
of PV panels
SolarProgress | 27
But it is a double-edged sword as there are
significant technical challenges accommodating
existing building and roof designs.
“This is perhaps why, globally, the research
focus has been on designing PVT systems for
new build despite the relatively more limited
potential impact and market size,” Coyle said.
Phase change materialsPCM provides the potential to achieve the desired
outcomes. Building integrated PCMs have not
been broadly commercialised because of current
high costs, however, the team will perform
simulations and test-rig/laboratory analyses in
order to investigate the use of new materials and
design/integration options that may make this a
more commercially viable opportunity for retrofit.
They will also investigate opportunities
for further cost reductions by boosting
PCM functionality.
“The German based Fraunhofer Institute has
particular expertise in phase change materials so
we wanted to tap into that, then the Institute
expressed a broader interest in BIPV so it worked
out quite well, hence the collaborative venture,”
Coyle said.
She explained that while the bulk of the
workload fell to Wollongong University and
Bluescope, the three parties presented equal
intellectual contributions.
To marketThe commercialisation process will fall into
the lap of BlueScope, and Coyle explained
that the outcome will be a decision support
tool that can help existing building owners
to understand the performance/cost saving
outcomes of installing a BIPV-T system.
Builders will be able to identify the ideal
design configuration of BIPV-T systems for
integration with existing roof types to ensure
optimal performance and cost savings.
And in other developments … In early July Resources and Energy Minister
Martin Ferguson announced that under the
Emerging Renewables Program, $2.3 million
would be funnelled into enabling the mass
deployment of prototype building-integrated
photovoltaic (BIPV) systems across residential,
commercial and industrial rooftops in Australia.
This accelerates the development of a new
roofing profile that combines Australian steel
roofing and inverter systems with second-
generation thin-film solar technologies.
Importantly, the prototype is to be scaled
up to the operational stage ensuring future
BIPV systems can be cost-effective without
Government subsidies.
The project will be solely run by BlueScope
Steel. Coyle said “This is a much larger project
as, while the ASI grant is focused on retrofit,
this bigger picture project looks at new build
as well. This is a unique and large grant, even
when compared to university grants, so it
particularly exciting and positions us well …
helps us establish ourselves as a market leader
across the world in BIPV.
“It is a good fit for BlueScope in terms of our
roofing, and expands the value proposition in
that field.”
Coyle says they hope to develop their first
generation marketable product within two
years, to capitalise on the global BIPV market
that looks set to jump tenfold by 2015*.
“BIPV offers an expanded role for Australian
manufacturing, so we could be an exporter.
Knowledge and trust in the BlueScope brand is
an important part of the proposition, the name
will be a significant asset.
“And when you use Generation Three solar
cells and technologies the whole process could
be Australian manufactured,” she explained.
“Market pricing is yet to be determined but
the product would have to be cost competitive
in the absence of government subsidies. And
we are aiming for parity with grid electricity.”
*Australia’s installed rooftop PV capacity increased from 23 to 1450 MW between 2008 and 2012 and is expected to grow to more than 5100MW by 2020 and 12,000MW by 2031.
Robert Scott, Damien Jinks, Troy Coyle and Robert Klees
28 | WINTER 2012
Technical feature
The Australian Solar Institute is to be commended for commissioning and
publishing the report Realising the Potential of
Concentrating Solar Power in Australia.
The study was undertaken by IT
Power (Australia) and is probably the
most comprehensive overview of what
“concentrating solar power” is and what
the prospects are for the deployment of the
various technologies.
The potential is massive according to the
report; it is suggesting a build of 2GW in the
next eight years, followed by 10GW in the
next decade.
By 2050, CSP could be providing between
30% to 50% of Australia’s electricity in a 100%
clean energy market. This report clearly details,
and in depth, the broad spectrum of issues
that need to be addressed to achieve those
ambitious goals.
CSP technologies What is CSP? The terminology can be confusing.
There are two distinct technologies being
discussed. One is the conversion of solar thermal
heat into steam to drive turbines that create
electricity, ie concentrating solar thermal or CST.
The other is the use of PV or mirrors that
focus sunlight to create DC electricity; that
is concentrating PV or CPV. (See table which
summarises the complete spectrum
of applications.)
The report however is “technology
agnostic” and no particular technology is
favoured in the analysis.
We have reached a significant stage of
development in a major sector of a viable solar
industry, namely domestic PV, and we are
edging towards larger scale CPV. Yet despite
our expertise and substantive R&D base in
A recent ASI report examines the untapped potential of CSP
in Australia and concludes that by 2050 as much as half
of the nation’s electricity could derive from CSP. Led by Keith
Lovegrove, six prominent solar specialists presented
their analysis of the key issues in the
ASI report.
The of
Poor track recordEven though our expertise and R&D capacity
‘punches well above its weight’, the history of
built projects is slim with an early venture in WA
and at White Cliffs in NSW. This latter project is
now no longer solar thermal after 25 years of
operation, and following conversion to CPV in
1998 by Solar Systems is now mothballed.
The Australian venture Ausra (now AREVA
Solar) built a small Linear Fresnel Plant as an
adjunct to a coal fired power station at Liddell
in the Hunter Valley. Novatec is extending this
plant to bring it to 9.3MWth and will come on
line soon.
However, as the ASI report suggests, there
are opportunities for small <50MW CSP
plants in particular locations around Australia.
For CPV, there are several examples of small
plants - both dish and linear configurations -
that have been providing electricity to remote
communities for some years.
It is hardly surprising that the authors of the
report suggest that one thing that should be
considered is the “guided tour” for prospective
investors of bigger plants overseas in order
to demonstrate what has been achieved.
And moreover to recognise that as build and
operational experience grows, costs decline.
This is hardly news – any technology exhibits
this cost reduction path – examples abound in
unrelated industries.
The report is firm on the need for
deployment. We have passed the R&D phase
and now need to move on.
In some depth, the ASI report discusses the
needs and priorities pertinent to today. More
than that, there is discussion of Australia’s
peculiar operational environments, both
physical and economic. We are “close to the
forefront” of international activity and have
some conditions the may favour the pursuit of
a different pathways with for example, unique
end-of-grid and off-grid markets. These could
be capability building.
CST, Australia has only one contemporary
functioning plant - with the imminent
construction of another.
CSP remains as some kind of dark horse that
is still subject to ignorant claims that “it cannot
provide energy when the sun goes down”.
In the case of CPV that clearly is true, but
for CST, energy storage gives the lie to that
statement. It sounds reminiscent of the days
when people looked at PV panels and asked
why there were no water pipes. The reality of
global development is still away off.
The biggest challenge is the cost gap.
We successfully closed this with various
government programs to assist small scale PV.
Now we need a robust policy roadmap
to ensure that Australia’s advantage in CSP
is not lost. One starting point could be
smaller <50MW plants in off-grid and end-
of-grid situations.
The experience and training gained will
serve the building of bigger projects well. And
regional employment gains. But defining costs
is yet another vexatious issue.
The global growth of the CSP industry is
exponential with 1.5GWe at the end of 2011,
and the report authors expressed the view that
so much activity is in progress that the figure
would be out of date before report publication.
“This is a must read report”
Story by Bill Parker
SolarProgress | 29
Where taxpayer funds are involved,
the report suggests, the priority should be
on hybridisation with fossil fuel systems,
and smaller systems in special grid
environments, improved energy storage,
as well as advanced cooling systems,
considering our arid conditions.
Scale up could bring other benefits
beyond the technologies. These can be local
manufacture of components, and jobs where
none existed before, as has been found
in Spain. Standardisation of protocols in
monitoring, measurement verification and
technical certification were all considered
critical in scale up.
“The potential is massive according to the report; it is suggesting a build of 2GW in the next
eight years, followed by 10GW in the next
decade.”
“CSP technology is conceptually simple and appealing” This is a succinct conclusion, but the requirement
to move from prototype to first operational plant
requires more. This is not the time for unrealistic
optimism about the performance of technology.
We have the ‘research intelligence’ gained from
years of R&D. Yet as anyone who has been
involved in R&D knows, the scale up to full scale
commerciality is challenging.
This report is unflinching in its reality checking.
To say that a model demonstration approach
might be from the 1MW scale is sound advice. It
is practical and realistic (noting that we are at the
10MW scale in one project in NSW). We know
from our earliest attempt as CST in WA what the
lessons were, and it is good to see the reasons for
failure clearly laid out in the report.
Closing the cost gap is not easy. “Build it
and we’ll finance the operation” is not a good
starting point, yet common enough. Another
wider consideration is the suction effect the
mining and resources industry has in the
competition for capital, hence the start small(er)
and prove up the totality of the project advice in
the report.
Some concluding messages were to build the
credibility of CSP within the key stakeholders,
build solar parks in high solar resource
areas, foster research, development and
demonstration, ensure that Australia has the
best solar radiation data to better support plant
output prediction, and ensure that the facts are
known and understood by the wider population.
This is a must read report.
This review of the ASI report was conducted by Keith Lovegrove (lead author), Muriel Watt, Robert Passey, Graeme Pollock, Joe Wyder and Josh Dowse.
Further information: http://www.australiansolarinstitute.com.au/reports/.aspx
CSP TECHNOLOGIES CURRENTLY IN USE
Technology Annual solar to electricity efficiency
Focus type Practical Operating Temperature for thermal conversion
Power cycles considered
Commercial maturity
Installed Generating Capacity as at end 2011
Parabolic Trough 12 to 15% Linear 150 to 400ºC Steam RankineOrganic Rankine PV
High 1,500 MWe
Central Receiver Tower
20 to 30% (concepts)
Point 300 to 1,200ºC Steam RankineBrayton (gas turbine) PV
Medium 60 MWe
Linear Fresnel 8 to 10% Linear 150 to 400ºC Steam RankineOrganic Rankine PV
Medium 38 MWe
Fresnel lens 12 to 15% Point PV Medium 15 MWe
Parabolic Dish 20 to 30% Point 300 to 1,500ºC Stirling Engine Steam Rankine Brayton (gas turbine) PV
Low 2 MWe
4 MWe
Key features and status of the five CSP technology categories
30 | WINTER 2012
VSASF: cutting edge research
R&D
In early 2012 Victoria-Suntech Advanced
Solar Facility (VSASF) published its scientific
findings on NanoPlas solar cells which
sparked significant global and local interest
and prompted up to 20 inquiries from PhD
hopefuls. Titled Broadband Enhancement in
Thin-Film Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells Enabled
by Nucleated Silver Nanoparticles, the paper
cemented the facility’s position as a world
leading research facility. Not bad given the
VSASF was established just two short years ago,
in June 2010.
With the vision ‘Nanophotonics for a
sustainable future’ supported by the mission
‘To develop innovative nanophotonic and
nanoplasmonic technology to integrate research
excellence with industry engagement’, VSASF is
the $12 million collaborative venture funded by
the Victorian Government, Swinburne University of
Technology and Suntech Power Holdings, whose
CEO Dr Zhengrong Shi is a regular visitor.
Photonics expert Professor Min Gu leads the
VSASF team of 20 which includes four PhD
students and several undergraduates who have
at their disposal a cluster of world
class nanophotonics equipment in the
series of labs dedicated to development of
nanostructures and nanomaterials. Applied
to solar cells to manipulate and control light,
the efficiency of solar cells is being improved
by increasing the wavelength range of the
absorbed light and improving the conversion
of photons into electrons.
Min Gu is optimistic about the team’s ability
to boost cell efficiency, along with broader use
and greater efficiency in solar energy storage
The Victoria-Suntech Advanced Solar Facility has fast forged a presence on the global solar stage and is on track to deliver outstanding results. By Nicola Card.
Dr Baohua Jia (bottom left) and the VSASF team
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32 | WINTER 2012
and is on record as saying “This initiative is promising and I am
confident that in five years we will have a new type of solar cell.”
Solar Progress spoke to Dr Baohua Jia who is Senior Research Fellow at
VSASF and co-authored the paper on Broadband Enhancement in Thin-
Film NanoPlas solar cells.
“Several significant players are querying whether this thin-film
technology will lead us to the next level. It has sparked a lot of interest
from external companies and others,” she said. “The future of solar cell
is low cost, high efficiency. Wafer technology already stands at high
efficiency, so during our deliberations [over the focus of our R&D] we
realised thin-film would be more of more value as the starting point is not
that high. The lower production costs render it more attractive.”
The team aims to double the efficiency of thin-film solar cells, taking
them to 12% from the current production levels of 6%.
Dr Xi Chen, co-author of the Nano Letter paper commented “Costs
[of thin-film production] will be very low compared to wafer solar
cells. So while efficiency may not be as high you need to factor in the
comparatively cheaper cost.”
Dr Jia added that Suntech was keen to see strong results in the shortest
possible time and “To quickly produce something effective and simple
which the industry can take up in a relatively short time.”
Spurring velocity is the use of superior base cells. “The Suntech solar
cell is world leading, it has a high efficiency and is high quality, so we
use Suntech cells [in our research] and incorporate our nanomaterial to
improve efficiency,” Dr Jia explained.
R&D
A look at Broadband Enhancement in Thin-Film Amorphous Silicon Solar
Cells enabled by Nucleated Silver Nanoparticles
The paper was co-authored by Xi Chen, Baohua Jia, Jhantu K. Saha, Boyuan Cai, Nicholas Stokes, Qi Qiao, Yongqian
Wang, Zhengrong Shi and Min Gu. It proposes a novel idea of using nucleated silver nanoparticles to
effectively scatter light in a broadband wavelength range to realise pronounced absorption
enhancement in the silicon absorbing layer. The solar cells incorporated with 200
nm nucleated silver nanoparticles at 10% coverage density demonstrate a
broadband absorption enhancement and 14.3% enhancement in the
short-circuit photocurrent density and a 23% enhancement
in the energy conversion efficiency, compared with
the randomly textured reference cells without
nanoparticles … well up on
the highest achieved
efficiency of 8.1%.
“This initiative is promising and I am confident that in five years we will have a new type of solar cell.”
Suntech has expressed an interest in investing in a Victorian based
plant to bring the NanoPlas solar cells to market.
The first stage of the research program was to be the two years
from 2010 spent on research and development and technical
validation; the second stage for the three years from 2012 to build
up a pilot production line and validate technology on standard
procedure; that is transfer direction to production.
“The original plan was to develop a plant in Victoria but it depends
on the industry,” Dr Jia said. “We are currently in the process of
trying to attract external grants to establish the pilot production line.
This involves identifying local partners and collaborating with them,
and our business manager is in the process of exploring funding
opportunities.”
Dedication mixed with pride and enthusiasm seem to be hallmarks
of those engaged in solar research and Dr Jia is no exception,
commenting on the “Very, very exciting prospects for the new nano
particle we have developed.”
‘Nano’ may be microscopic, but stay tuned for gargantuan
advances.
For more information visit www.vsasf.com and www.suntech-power.com
Dr Zhengrong Shi (left) of Suntech with Professor Min Gu
By Noel Barton, Branch President
Recent speakers at our regular series of information evenings have been
Alistair Sproul from NSW who in April addressed the topic Low energy
buildings and PV; Paul Dastoor from the University of Newcastle (May,
The potential for an organic solar PV industry in Australia) and Muriel
Watt from APVA (June, The Australian PV market and the meaning of
grid parity).
These events are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the inner
city campus of UTS, and typically attract up to 40 participants.
In July Nigel Morris of Solar Business Services presents an address on
The Australian solar industry; an independent analyst’s view on 2012
and beyond.
Other guest speakers are Keryn Hassall of Carbon Capability and Blair
Pester of Winaico. Details are to be determined.
A feature of these AuSES Branch meetings is a ten-minute ‘Future
Directions’ segment presented by someone at the start of their solar
career. Recent speakers have included James Cox and Jonathon Dore.
We continue our collaboration with the Alternative Technology
Association (Sydney Central Branch), which meets on the second
Tuesday of each month. Their speakers have been Wolfgang Spranz
(April, Energy efficient windows), Jacinta Green (May, Understanding
coal seam gas in your neighbourhood) and David Kennedy (June, Solar
heating and cooling).
We are staging an Ancillary Event on Sustainable House Day (Sunday,
9 September 2012). This will take the same format as last year in that
we will hire a hall and feature details of five or six sustainable houses,
together with presentations by the householders. Several companies
that provide services to sustainable houses will also participate to
present insights.
For more information about AuSES activities in NSW, email Noel Barton: [email protected] or at [email protected]: Matt Scaddan 0402 979 958
nsw
AuSES Branch contact details Contact the following Branch Presidents for more information about AuSES activities in your state:
WA: Ishaan Khanna, email [email protected] or [email protected]
Victoria: Dale Brown; email [email protected]
Queensland: Antony Sachs, email [email protected] phone: 0407 121 321
ACT: Jeff Knowles, email [email protected] or phone: 0416 960 939
Tasmania: Matthew Pettit, email [email protected] phone: 0406 481 283
SA: Stewart Martin, email [email protected]
NT: Prof Jai Singh, email [email protected] or [email protected]
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34 | WINTER 2012
Solar community
One industrious person, one progressive idea, widespread interest and voila! – one small Victorian township
boasts 318kW of solar power and slashes greenhouse gases by
530 tonnes annually.
Legal eagle Virginia Wallace says she has “no particular
sustainability skills” but clearly bucket loads of enthusiasm and passion.
And that, she says, was all that was needed to develop The Colac
Otway Sustainability Bulk Buy Group.
To kick start the process Wallace approached the local shire but this
proved less than encouraging, she says as “They tend to see the pitfalls
such as the potential for people suing, and worry about the time and
cost; however they did offer the use of a meeting facility and promoted
the event on their website.”
To garner greater interest Wallace posted notices in shops and
circulated a media release which gained local media coverage; all up
she estimates it took a month to get to first base.
“That was back in November 2010 when we started out with just 35
interested households. We charged them $10 per household to attend
a meeting and this covered only some of the attendance cost of well
known Warrnambool environmentalist Peter Reefman … so while I
brought energy to it he came into it with generosity of spirit.”
Pulling power of a communityAs word spread so did interest and the number of meetings staged,
and by February 2011 enough had expressing serious interest to
warrant taking the next step, says Wallace. “Up front we had up more
than 160 EOIs which resulted in 108 taking up the offer – mostly
householders with a sprinkling of farmers and community organisations
– and that was enough to give us confidence to go to tender.
“Of the 20 solar companies we approached, 15 responded and Perth
based Solargain was selected on the basis it was large entity that was
unlikely to run out of stock.”
Appointed in March, Solargain was charged with the task of
installing all Round one solar PV systems by June 30 2011. In which
they succeeded.
Solar Progress talked to Solargain’s Peter Novak who oversaw
installation and remarked on how well informed the community was.
“We visited each of the sites and presented customers with options
for panels and inverters and it was evident that as a result of the
information presented by Peter Reefman and Virginia, people in the
buying group were pretty well educated as to what sort of PV system
was right for them. They had calculated what size system was necessary
which turned out to be around 3.2 kW, slightly above the average
residential capacity.
“Interest in inverters was toward the better quality German models
… eight in ten participants opted for SMA. That said the rush on SMA
resulted in us having to source some from local suppliers rather than all
direct from Germany as we normally do.”
Over the subsequent two months Solargain was kept busy installing
more than 10 systems a week, 1700 panels all up, in a bid to meet the
June 30 deadline.
“All sites were inspected for safety, as is necessary for all SGU ie small
generation unit installs, and presented with a certificate of electrical
safety,” said Novak.
Sun shines on Colac Last year more than 100 households in the wider Colac region formed a collective and
converted to solar power in time to take advantage of the premium feed-in tariff. Solar
Progress talked to Virginia Wallace who drove the community initiative. By Nicola Card
Above: Virginia Wallace with Peter Novak (seated) and Peter Reefman signing the Memorandum of Understanding between Peter Novak and the Colac Otway Sustainability Group.
Opposite: (Top) Peter Novak announcing Solargain donation of a 1.5kw system to a local school. (Below) A PV system installed in the Colac Otway area.
SolarProgress | 35
ResultsRound one of the Solar PV program resulted in 318kW capacity being
installed in the Colac Otway region, each year saving 530 tonnes of
greenhouse gases being pumped into the atmosphere.
Novak believes it would be tough duplicating such a successful
collective in city environs.
“City dwellers do not know their community as well, group loyalty is
not so strong and they tend to have a more competitive spirit … and are
less likely to get involved in bulk buying groups.”
Group founder Wallace concurs, saying “There is more noise and
activity in the city and groups are tougher to target. In the country people
know each other better and word spreads. And liaising with school
communities makes good sense; there are opportunities for fund raising
and more.”
Seeing the light Two generations of Cuthbertsons benefitted from the bulk-buying
deal. Brian Cuthbertson says since installing a SolarKing smart meter
in September last year he has not received one power bill from his
utility, and estimates he has generated around $700 worth of power,
although in the depths of winter he and wife Pam naturally draw
more power from the grid to power their household appliances.
“We have a smaller 1.5 kW system and it was running at its peak
in summer, it's very efficient, as is our solar hot water system. They
start working at the crack of dawn and are still generating power
until eight at night in summer,” Brian enthused.
“One of the best things was tapping into the premium feed-in tariff of
66 cents per kWh, which enables us to sell power back to the utility.”
Costing about $3500 – an extra $500 had to be spent on roof
brackets for better orientation – pay-back is estimated at five years.
Brian and Pam’s son James and his partner Kirsty also installed a
solar PV system at their property on the outskirts of Colac.
She also commented that part of the success in the Colac community
program – other than a desire to be more ‘green’ and reduce carbon
emissions – can be attributed to the appeal of a reduction in electricity
bills. “People around here are quite practical and cost conscious, and
the prospect of lower feed-in tariffs [that were looming] helped speed
decisions. The landscape was fast changing and timing was critical due to
the government multiplier reduction on June 30 2011.”
The next stepsInterest dropped off somewhat in the second round of Solar PV installations
due to the winding back of premium FiTs. “Yet the cost of solar installations
was only slightly higher due to reductions in the Federal Government rebates,
and these were mitigated by the strong Australian dollar and reduction in
panel prices,” Wallace said. “But the revised landscape benefits businesses
which use more power during the day – so there are opportunities there, and
disincentives for buying power from grid.”
Wallace is currently busy encouraging business to convert to solar
power, co-sponsoring a sustainability award, and staging a solar hot water
bulk buy program. Colac Otway was a finalist in the 2011 Keep Australia
Beautiful Awards in the Energy Efficiency category, she proudly reported.
Those who have recently visited the small yet proud and tidy rural
township might agree it is deserving of a win.
36 | WINTER 2012
Tech Talk
This is the second edition of AS/NZS 5033 to be
released. The original, which was published in
2005, was the first comprehensive standard in
the world that covered PV arrays.
Since then much has changed both in our
understanding of the safety and performance
issues of PV systems and the sheer number of
systems installed.
We have also moved from largely ELV
(<120VDC) off-grid systems to LV(>120 VDC)
on-grid systems operating at ever higher DC
voltages. Many of the changes made in the
updated standards address the safety concerns
that have come to light during the intervening
seven years.
Some of the major changes seen in AS/NZS 5033: 2012 are:• 600 VDC limit for domestic installations
• Bonding to earth of all modules and
mounting systems
• Earth fault detection by inverters connected
to PV arrays
• Multiple input inverters and isolation/
overcurrent protection
• All LV systems to have “roof-top isolators”
• Maximum system voltage calculated based
on actual temperature minimum
• No polarised breakers in DC cables
• HD conduit for all DC cables inside buildings
• Connectors must be of the same brand/type
both sides of connection
• Comprehensive list of compulsory
documentation
• New commissioning requirements, and
• All modules in a string must face the same
direction
More specifically, the scope of the Standard
has been enlarged to cover all DC voltages and
any power level for the array.
The maximum open circuit voltage for
domestic installations (without secured access
to the array) will be 600Voc_max.
PV array cables run internally through the
building must be in heavy duty conduit; or run
external to the building in medium duty UV
stable conduit.
Polarised DC circuit breakers will be banned.
The frame and the mounting system of all
LV PV arrays will be bonded to earth. String
overcurrent protection, where required in LV
arrays, will be on both poles.
Modules in the same string shall all face
the same direction at the same angle (plus/
minus 5 degrees). DC isolators adjacent to the
array for all LV systems (currently only required
in some states), though this is not required
for microinverters. There are requirements
for improved signage and a compulsory user
manual with each system.
There is a three month transition period
from the date of publication (12 July 2012)
except for some clauses which rely on the
implementation of IEC and EN standards and
thus have 12-24 month transition periods.
Although the changes will increase the time
taken to install PV systems (hence push up costs
a bit), in the writer’s opinion this is preferable
to having the industry fall from public favour
due to perceived safety and performance
concerns of PV systems.
In recent weeks Glen Morris has been around the country at AuSES workshops presenting insights to solar installers on the updated standards AS/NZS 5033:2012. Here he itemises the key changes.
Lifting solar standards
Fast moveThe new standards require rooftop isolators
in all states. When Glen mentioned this
at the Brisbane workshop there was “a
loud groan from the audience, with some
complaining that plastic boxes on roofs
wouldn't last in the Queensland sun”. The
following day Glen received this photo from
an installer who, on arriving home after
the AuSES workshop, designed a stainless
steel protective cover and quickly located a
Sydney company which could mass produce
the cover for just $33 a piece. An order
was immediately placed for 2000 protective
covers. All in just 24 hours!
SolarProgress | 37
AuSES updates and initiativesIn mid July AuSES staged workshops around the country to bring AuSES members up to date on newly updated PV installation standards and two innovative programs being launched by the society.
The new AS/NZS 5033:2012
AS/NZS 5033:2012 INSTALLATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) ARRAYSThe newly updated Australian Standards AS/NZS
5033 came into effect from July 2012.
To help spread the word, AuSES staged
workshops around the country which
attracted great interest among several
hundred solar installers.
Leading the presentation was Glen Morris,
who was involved in the committee that was
instrumental in shaping the standards.
A full copy of AS/NZS 5033:2012 is available
through www.auses.org.au/shop/AS5033-2012
SolarPlus: the ultimate sales toolSolarPlus is Australia’s first web-based design
and sales tool for the solar industry. This is
not only a design and costing calculator; it is
also a sales tool that enables customers to see
exactly what they are getting including highly
accurate performance estimates, and simple
system comparisons.
With its easy-to-follow workflow that
streamlines solar design and planning, the
tool contains:
• Online software for interactivity with maps,
components and automatic saving of data
• Support for multiple inverters and multiple
MPPT inputs, and
• Fine-grain filtering of specs for thousands of
pre-installed components
With SolarPlus’ ability to work on most
commonly used browsers and operating systems
including tablets, residential and commercial
solar PV systems can be designed in minutes.
SolarPlus offers simple drag sliders
to configure an array and automatically
limits system size and configuration within
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matches system size and configuration
to customer energy targets, and offers
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Installers and designers can compare multiple
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and Solar Plus is customised to help designers
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Be part of the next generation of solar design
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Solar PV Best PracticeThe AuSES Solar Best Practice program – aka
SBP – sets a new standard of industry practice
and lends consumer confidence by showcasing
the top tier of competent solar professionals.
Designed by AuSES staff, SBP is
recommended for companies with an interest in
safe solar installations, high performance and a
commitment to improvements.
For convenience and ease of access,
specialists can tap into online training modules
and complete accreditation training modules in
their own time.
Other features include a simple sign-up
process and company compliance checks and
periodic training updates and audits, also
receipt of the Quality Best Practice branding
promotional material as a stamp of authority
for customers.
For more information visit www.auses.org.au
AuSES CEO John Grimes with Glen Morris (right) in action at the workshops.
AuSES programs
38 | WINTER 2012
With a finger on the solar pulse, consultant Nigel Morris of Solar Business Services looks
at market dynamics and concludes there is room for guarded optimism.
During the past two decades in solar I can
recall being so excited about where the solar
industry has got to, that I could barely sleep.
And it happened again recently.
Recent events in two key solar markets have
got me all worked up again and wondering,
are we finally “there”?
In 2010, with a 60 cent Gross Feed-in Tariff
available, New South Wales managed to
stimulate around 375MW of solar installations
in around 10 months, which at the time was
unparalleled. It was estimated that on “Solar
Tuesday” when the scheme was abruptly
halted, around 75MW of applications were
received in a single night.
Yet in Queensland with the swish of a pen,
Premier Campbell Newman set a new record
this year with an estimated 350MW of new
applications in the final 13 days of their 44 cent
Net FiT scheme.
Broadly speaking, it means that despite the
fact that in NSW your annual revenue was
around five times higher (from the gross 60
cent scheme), Queensland still managed to get
27 times more applications.
Of course, PV prices have fallen and
competition is intense but balancing that out
we have a lower STC price and 2 times less
multiplier; so NET prices to consumers are
not dissimilar.
The other fascinating thing that is happening
is that despite the fact that New South Wales
has (virtually) no export tariff at all, demand is
slowly but surely coming back. Although it’s
a long way from the heady days of 30MW/
month, in June this year the market registered
almost 17MW after hovering around 7-8MW
per month since the scheme ended.
So despite the fact that the economic
proposition for exports in New South Wales is
the worst in Australia, it seems consumers are
once again starting to rationalise the purchase
of solar PV.
Therein lies the reason I was tossing and
turning; the underlying demand from two key
markets is providing us with un-mistakable
signals about “socket parity”. And we haven’t
even got started on commercial PV.
There is no doubt that solar
consumers are as fickle as any other
and can be tempted to act in droves
– or not – by an array of
market signals. A case
in point is the TV
news coverage on
the final evening of
Queensland’s scheme,
which sent a number
of solar company call
centres into overload. A bit
of mass market prompting
from a “credible” source
such as the evening news
and suddenly the light bulb went
on for a bunch of consumers.
Equally, I am hearing stories that when
the multiplier dropped from 3 to 2 on June
30 2012, the phones just stopped ringing
in many solar companies. While wanting to
save around $750 on a 1.5kW system is a
logical reaction, over the system’s life I would
argue that this is largely an emotional market
reaction driven by marketing rather than an
astute financial reaction. A slightly larger
system at lower dollars per watt, along with a
better deal on export tariffs or installing some
energy efficient appliances is likely to provide
a better 10 year proposition. But we are
emotional creatures.
As tremendously exciting as this is, we
remain in a precarious position. A proportion
of all the demand in our states is now lag
from previous schemes, so measuring real,
new demand is increasingly difficult. The
RET is under threat, the multiplier that was
responsible for June’s surge is now gone and
foreign exchange rates are 10% lower than
six months ago.
And perhaps most importantly, there is a
very strong possibility that by the end of 2012
Australia’s
installed capacity
of solar PV may
exceed 2GW - around
4% of Australia’s stationary
generation capacity. On a clear,
sunny day that’s quickly becoming
a material chunk of lost coal fired
revenue that a lot of people don’t and won’t
forgo without a fight. The rug could quite
easily be pulled from under us.
Despite this I must admit that after many
years of building solar industry forecasts based
on sound facts then multiplying it up, testing
it against logic and multiplying it up again, it is
clear that it’s time to become far more bullish.
We have a massive transition to make if
we are to avoid a mess in the energy sector,
assuming solar PV growth rates continue
unabated. Programs such as Horizon Energy’s
needs based, incentivised FiTs are important to
monitor. This is one methodology that could
provide a clear guide for the deployment of PV
where its merits are most valuable, and valued.
Our industry has a momentum and a
competitive force that is now building like a
snowball and there are more signs than ever
that it will grow stronger not weaker.
www.solarbusiness.com.au
Industry perspective
Are we there yet?
“Consumers are [again] starting to rationalise
the purchase of solar PV … it is clear that it’s time to become far more bullish … Our industry has a momentum and a
competitive force that is now building like a snowball and there are more signs than ever
that it will grow stronger not weaker.”
Forecasting the future of renewable energy is a notoriously difficult business,
says Wayne Smith of Clean Economy Services.
Solar forecasting: a mug’s game
The World Bank estimated in 1996 that China
would install half a gigawatt (500 megawatts)
of solar PV by 2020. China reached 900
megawatts by 2010, and is now committed to
installing 21 gigawatts (GW) by 2015.
The Australian Treasury’s carbon price
modelling estimated that around 9 GW of solar
would be installed in Australia by 2050, but it is
likely that 2.5 GW will be installed by the end of
2012 and on current forecasts we could reach 9
GW of rooftop solar alone before 2020.
Economic modelling undertaken by MMA
for the Australian Government in 2009 on The
Benefits and Costs of the Expanded Renewable
Energy Target predicted geothermal energy
would deliver 10,000 GW hours of electricity
by 2020 (one quarter of the Renewable Energy
Target). Solar PV did not figure at all.
The three examples have one thing in
common – they have seriously underestimated
the uptake of PV and, in doing so, have missed
some significant energy market and public
policy trends.
Both Australian and global studies have
failed to predict the massive reduction in the
cost of solar modules resulting from the shift
of manufacturing to China. They failed to see
the Chinese Government’s strategic play in
positioning the country to be the global leader
in the clean energy revolution.
The Australian reports, in particular, failed
to recognise the popularity of solar, with
Australians fervently adopting solar power both
as a form of personal action on climate change
and as protection against soaring electricity
costs. Commensurately, they failed to foresee
the desire of politicians from all political parties
to capture that enthusiasm through generous
solar support programs.
Given the many forecasting errors of the
past, it is a dangerous game to make further
predictions, but that task is critical in thinking
through what energy policy should look like over
the next two decades. It is particularly important
in considering what, if any, shape the Renewable
Energy Target should take in 2020 and 2030.
The contrast between the 2009 MMA report
and a 2012 report by the Australian Energy
Market Operator, Rooftop PV Information
Paper, could not be starker. Where PV failed
to register in the MMA report, AEMO is now
predicting that rooftop solar could deliver 8
GW of electricity to the National Electricity
Market by 2020 and 16 GW by 2030.
The AEMO report provides high, medium
and low uptake scenarios, but even the high
uptake scenario is limited and based on
some conservative assumptions. The AEMO
projections only cover the National Energy
Market, thus excluding the rapidly growing
South West Integrated System (SWIS) and
regional WA. The figures only relate to rooftop
solar and do not cover solar farms.
The AEMO report does not include
assumptions on the use of battery storage, or
the combination of PV and electric vehicles,
which are likely to be major trends over the
next decade.
Already, the AEMO report appears
conservative. It states “rooftop PV uptake is
expected to be relatively restrained to 2017
(averaging 320 MW per year for the moderate
scenario)”. It is likely more than one GW will
be installed in 2012, and there is no reason to
believe demand will drop by a third in coming
years with rising electricity prices.
There is, unfortunately, a lack of public
data on projections for WA’s SWIS and other
non-NEM markets. The demand for energy is
growing faster in the Mid West and Pilbara
regions than in any other part of Australia,
and that trend is likely to continue in the
immediate future. Given these regions boast
some of the best solar resource in the world,
and high gas prices, it is not unreasonable to
assume the solar market will grow rapidly off
a low base.
Interestingly, Solar Business Services has
estimated Australia’s total cumulative PV
production – including the NEM, SWIS, off-
grid, residential, commercial and large-scale
– could reach 28 gigawatts by 2030.
There is some pessimism, however, regarding
the growth of large-scale PV in Australia. The
APVA report Modelling of Large-Scale PV
Systems in Australia, released in November
2011, argues “while residential and commercial
PV applications may be approaching, or are at,
the point of grid parity, a significant feasibility
gap remains for large scale PV”. The report
notes even with carbon pricing, additional
government assistance will still be required over
the next decade or so.
Large-scale solar thermal has similarly taken
its time finding its feet in Australia. Solar
thermal has struggled to compete with PV on
price and the trend globally is for Big Solar
projects to choose PV rather than solar thermal.
That trend may ease up as the cost of solar
thermal comes down.
The Australian Solar Institute report Realising
the Potential of Concentrating Solar Power
in Australia, written by IT Power, found
concentrating solar power could realistically
provide 2 gigawatts by 2020 and 10 gigawatts
by 2030.
The PV and solar thermal reports point to
the importance of consistency in government
policy in providing a safe and secure investment
environment. That is a strong argument for the
maintenance of the Renewable Energy Target,
carbon pricing and the $10 billion Clean Energy
Finance Corporation.
Looking to 2030, and based on recent
projections, it is not unreasonable to assume
that 28 GW of PV and 10 GW of solar thermal
could be installed in Australia.
Australia’s Renewable Energy Target is 45,000
GW hours of renewable energy in 2020. The
figure flatlines to deliver the same level (45,000
GWh) in 2030. These projections suggest solar
will provide a massive proportion of that figure,
and provide an argument for significantly
increasing, and extending, Australia’s 2030
Renewable Energy Target.
The projection of 36 GW of solar by 2030 is
worth storing away, to bring out again in later
years as a way of embarrassing this author.
SolarProgress | 39
40 | WINTER 2012
The mission for eager students from ASI's Skills Development Program
was to explain in 180 seconds or less why they should be selected for a
PhD, Post Doctoral or a People’s Choice Award.
The event took place in Canberra at the ANU during ASI’s
Knowledge Sharing Series which provides information on research
highlights and workshops with a focus on overcoming the key barriers
to solar. Among the presenters were well known solar identities Dr
Keith Lovegrove and CSIRO’s Wes Stein.
All up 11 post-graduates bravely fronted the line-up of judges, who
were also under pressure to fast make a determination on the relative
merits of the presentations.
And the winners are …With a presentation on polycrystalline silicon solar cells on glass
formed by diode laser annealing, Jonathan Dore from UNSW took out
the PhD category and the overall People’s Choice award. Jonothan’s
mission is to increase the efficiency of thin-film crystalline silicon
photovoltaic modules by improving the silicon quality via a new laser
crystallisation process.
The Postdoctoral Fellow category was snapped up by Kean Yap from
Charles Darwin University won for his presentation on ways to optimise
hybrid solar-diesel systems in remote areas using smart grids.
“In a fun format of three slides and three minutes only, the early-
career researchers worked to convince a panel of eminent solar
researchers, and the audience, of their project’s significance,” ASI
Executive Director Mark Twidell said.
During the event Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson
announced $1.3 million in new funding for two ASI PhD scholars and
five ASI Postdoctoral fellows, a move described by Twidell as “a win for
the specific projects and teams they are part of”.
“The Program helps to ensure there is a supply of new talent coming
up through the ranks to maintain Australia’s reputation for world-class
solar innovations,” he said.
For more information: www.australiansolarinstitute.com.au
As tremendously exciting as this is, we remain in a precarious
position. A proportion of all the demand in our states is now lag from
previous schemes, so measuring real, new demand is increasingly
difficult. The RET is under threat, the multiplier that was responsible for
June’s surge is now gone and foreign exchange rates are 10% lower
than six months ago.
Developments
Speed rating: Three-minute Solar Thesis Challenge
In mid July The Australian Solar Institute presented a novel twist on speed dating by staging a three-minute Solar Thesis Challenge.
David Rogers and Scott Ferguson are well established in the PV solar industry,
with both operating as CEC (Clean Energy Council) electricians for many
years. In that time they have witnessed many changes in the industry,
particularly in the field of electrical requirements for solar installations.
“What took up most of our time while installing and managing thousands
of installs was that we couldn’t get all the products required at one place.
We had to have and manage accounts from over five different suppliers to
maintain the install standards,” they said.
It was this situation that spurred the duo to form their own company,
Solpac, which they say sources the finest local and overseas solar components
quickly and cost-effectively and delivers every necessary electrical component
all in one box to solar retailers and installers.
In their words:
WHY CHOOSE SOLPACThe beauty of Solpac is that we’ve done all the work for you so you don’t
have to. We’ve done the research, built the relationships, obtained the
products and packaged it all up. All you need to do is place an order online
– how easy is that! When you choose Solpac, you are choosing the smartest,
most simplified way to source high-quality solar components. Put simply,
we’ve created a one-stop shop – in a box!
THE SOLPAC PACK: TECH SPECSOur isolators are high-quality European DC isolators with all four poles
offering 1000 volts each. This has been one of the largest changes in
the industry and has seen an end to 2 pole and 4 pole polarity-sensitive
circuit breakers.
Sheathed corrugated conduit eliminates the problem of UV-accelerated
breakdown that occurs with standard corrugated conduit. The extra sleeve
of the corrugation protects the conduit from UV radiation better than any
other existing solution.
Solpac also continues to explore the industry to source the highest-grade
solar label kits, while performing ongoing checks and research into the
requirements laid out by each state electrical regulator. Our solar label kits
are made from the highest-quality traffolyte – the longest-lasting label on the
Australian market. These are made locally in Victoria.
Our DC cable is fully compliant with all current regulations, offering a
separate double-insulated dual core labelled to CEC requirements. The MC4
leads and plugs conform to TUV standard. Other items in the box include AC
isolators, corrugated adaptors and nylon glands.
For a full list of Solpac products visit www.solpac.com.au
Solpac: Products for solar professionals
David Rogers and Scott Ferguson
Email:[email protected]
Website:www.solpac.com.au
Phone: (03)9877 0905 Fax:(03)9878 0169
Contact Us:13a Ceylon StreetNunawading, 3131Australia
For a full list of all of our productsvisit us at www.solpac.com.au
Solpac – The Benefits Are In The Box!Don’t waste time with individual suppliers - Solpac offers you an unrivalled all-in-one solution, whatever your needs. We don’t just sell individual parts - we provide everything required for top-quality solar installations.
DESIGNED BY ELECTRICIANS FOR ELECTRICIANS!
42 | WINTER 2012
Industry Comment
Anthony Coles is not alone in his view that Australia’s residential solar
market is somewhat influenced by legislation. He also notes that while
much of the 800MW installed last year was residential, in the past few
months there has been a big shift toward small commercial systems.
Commercial as a definition in this sense simply means a bigger system,
and Solco itself has successfully secured a contract to install grid connected
photovoltaic (PV) systems on a range of buildings operated by the Parkes
Shire Council in NSW. All up a total solar generation capacity of up to 250kW
will be installed across several buildings.
According to Anthony Coles, many councils are now looking at means of
offsetting their own electricity consumption and turning to solar power.
“The Parkes Shire Council chose to look at the maths in terms of their
broader sustainability agenda and funded the system themselves,” he said.
“People who want to produce their own power are doing the maths on a
PV installation and finding the rates of return are looking better and better.
And in this industry when you have got ownership of a building or a large
roof area, solar power numbers look very appealing, especially when you can
offset costs with your own generation.”
He added that trust is always an important factor and that “part of the
difficulty facing the solar industry has been the boom and bust cycle … there
have been many new entrants who [consumers] are not sure about and
many players have moved on or disappeared.”
The solar market at present he says is relatively immature and up against
some well established power generators – namely coal and gas and
distribution companies and retailers. “The renewable sector has a big job to
do to but I think we have public sentiment on our side and the drive to solar
power has got some good traction and industry support.”
Solar directionsWith a background in the dot com digital media space, Coles likens the
current solar scene to the pre-iPhone [smart phone] era, saying a few things
need to line up before renewable energy becomes mainstream. “Lots has
already been achieved, it is true, but we are not yet part of the broader
market psyche. In a sense we are still at the stage of Motorola or Nokia!”
With an eye on the future, Solco has joined forces with AuSES in various
programs and was a key sponsor of the recent Best Practice Workshops.
“AuSES has stepped into its role as a leading voice for PV sector, but our
greatest asset is the connection we as an industry have with the community;
Australia's colloquial culture supports the independently minded and that
goes for [solar] energy contributors.”
Solar Progress chatted to the well-travelled Anthony Coles of Solco whose goals are to influence the uptake of renewable energy in Australia, and for alternative energy solutions to be mainstream by the end of the decade.By Nicola Card
“In a carbon and water challenged world we are part
of the solution – in partnership with the sun.”
Anthony Coles joined listed company Solco Ltd (ASX:SOO) in a General
Management role in November 2011, and was appointed CEO in April
2012. His mission is to help reshape the market in a post-rebate solar
energy world. Back in 1997 Anthony established one of Australia's first
Digital Agencies which by 2001 had been ranked in the Top 10 in Australia.
With over 20 years’ trading, Solco Solar Products is a wholesaler of solar
energy systems: batteries, inverters, panels, frames, regulators and DCs and
supplies a broad range of customers.
The company tagline caught our eye: “In a carbon and water challenged
world we are part of the solution - in partnership with the sun.”
www.solco.com.au 1800 074 007
Anthony Colesof Solco
Sunsink Solar Storage uses the latest battery technology to collect and store solar PV energy for use
when it is most benificial to the system owner. Sun Sink units can deliver power at times when grid power is at it’s highest price. The system comes complete with five years warranty and a full service
scheme for the life of the unit. Future-proof design ensures the
unit can adapt to future grid demand applications.
The units are small, efficient and SAFE.
Available sizes:Sunsink Mini 2.4 KWh (suits 1.0-1.5kw of PV)Sunsink Midi 4.8 KWh (suits 1.5- 2.2kw of PV)Sunsink Maxi 7.2 KWh (suits 2.2-3.0kw of PV)Sunsink Mega 9.6 KWh (suits 2.5-4.0kw of PV)
Size selection will depend on daytime usage, refer our website for further sizing data.
www.SUNSINK.com.au
Orders, Distributor and Agent Enquiries to:VULCAN ENERGY Pty Ltd
29-45 Ashmore Road Bundall Qld. 4217.Tel. 07 55 935553 Fax. 07 55 267447 email. [email protected]
Web. griddemand.com.au
Cheap, Clean Power To The Grid “at the right place and at the right time”
Are your customers
GIVING AWAY SOLAR POWER?????????????????
Si Clean Energy (Si) sponsored the recent AuSES Best Practice training
workshops. Si firmly believes that it is only by constant improvement and
technical innovation that the solar industry can evolve and mature. The PV
industry is a high tech business that historically has experienced rapid change
and is one that attracts the archetypal “new adopter”.
During the past twenty or so years much has changed in the way that we
install PV. Those who have been active in the industry since the early days often
cringe at how we used to perform our installations. At the time however, the
installs were done according to the current best practice, and the fact is that we
just didn’t know any better. Much of what is known now comes from the early
experimentation, perseverance and pioneering hard work.
The beautiful thing about the PV business is that for a tradesman it presents
the opportunity to remain forever young. This trade has never stood still and it
never will. There is so much more to discover and learn, and the opportunity
exists for each and every one of us to participate, contribute and push the
technical envelope to places we can’t even yet imagine.
INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICE Best Practice as applied to the PV industry is a way of thinking that is a must for
both individuals and the collective. It is a mindset that everyone who is active
in the industry should be naturally attracted to. For tradesmen it goes without
saying, for operations managers it is essential, and for company executives who
look for risk mitigation, it is mandatory.
The latest Best Practice lectures provided by AuSES are of tremendous
value to the industry and continue a tradition of many decades of service. Si
Clean Energy is proud to sponsor the workshops and make this invaluable
information available to all participants across Australia. Much has been
learned, shared, and discussed that will assist in making the business of PV
installation faster, more efficient, more reliable and, most importantly, safer.
Si Clean Energy was pleased to be involved at each workshop in the
knowledge that Best Practice is the single most important thing that the
industry can undertake as it moves towards a time when PV is entrenched as
the mainstream electrical technology and no longer considered the alternative.
www.sicleanenergy.com.au
Si Clean Energy (Si)
Owner and director of Si Clean Energy, Peter Bulanyi
44 | WINTER 2012
Design Developments
In this section we take a look at solar products, services and developments in the fast moving world of solar energy.
RA Power Group recently launched its new, customer-centric website
which introduced the RADvantage customer loyalty and support
program. This is the group’s promise to provide best-in-class quality
products, excellent levels of customer service and support, while
continuing to source full turnkey service options that add value to their
products and services.
“The results of our new website launch, and the RADvantage
program have been amazing and the customer feedback has been very
positive,” said George Dion, CEO. “Our new look website is geared to
be a solar hub of information relevant to the solar market as well as a
portal to our quality range of products.”
Members of the RAdvantage Program enable RA Power Group’s
customers to experience the full turnkey service which includes the
latest industry news and solar power analysis information through to
marketing and point of sale support.
“We want to work closely with our customers to achieved shared goals”
says George when asked about the Advantage program. “By sharing our skill
sets and industry knowledge with our clients we believe we are developing
mutually beneficial relationships with our customers, we they grow, we grow,
let’s work together.”
The Australian distributor and supplier of photovoltaic panels, inverters
and racking equipment, attributes its success to customer guarantee and
focus on “providing excellent levels of customer service”.
“We believe in working ‘with’ and ‘for’ our customers, and building
professional relationships that will foster growth for our business and theirs;
we believe in delivering on our promises; we believe in providing value and
competitive prices for all our products and services,” says George Dion.
For more information contact Ben Marquis on 1300 850 904
RA Power Group’s new website
Solar Products & Services
HIGH-EFFICIENCY SOLAR INVERTERS AND INNOVATIVE MONITORING TOOLS
Solar inverter manufacturer REFUsol showcased its 5kW, 10kW and 20kW
inverters and innovative accessories for monitoring PV systems at the
recent Clean Energy Council Week.
With a rated AC power of 19.2kW, the compact inverter REFUsol
020K can be smoothly integrated into solar installations to help them
reach maximum output. The inverter belongs to the 8-20kW series that
is specifically made for rooftop systems and solar parks, from 8kW up
to multi-megawatts. Featuring excellent MPP-tracking and a wide input
voltage range of up to 380 to 850V, the solar inverter reaches a peak
efficiency of up to 98.2 per cent, even at a low irradiation level. Based on
this high efficiency, heat is dissipated by convection cooling. Thanks to
the low voltage fluctuations against earth, the transformerless device can
also be used for numerous thin film modules.
The company also displayed its newly revised monitoring tool
REFUlog. The web based portal is available in a basic and a pro version
and supports operators in controlling and analysing the efficiency of
PV plants. Due to the optimised email reports, the monitoring of PV
installations has become even simpler – as the display of additional
parameters as well as new export functions also were added. Moreover,
the statistic functions in the basic, and even more comprehensively in
the pro version, were optimised. Further additions to the portal will
follow soon.
In the course of the makeover, the REFUlog app has been updated.
It now includes tabular statistics and a user-friendly view in landscape
format for charts and graphics. Specific sorting and filtering
configurations as well as current values per plant and solar inverter can
be displayed.
www.refusol.com
REFUsol
RA Power Group CEO George Dion
Sungrow
Prompt supply from Victoria Warehouse
The project highlights the growing success of PV panels in rooftop
and wall mounting installations. It demonstrates one of solar PV’s key
strengths: the ability to be deployed on rooftops and on walls, large and
small, anywhere in the world. Once again, it reflects the large “Sungrow
“recognition by European clients, especially in a climate of FiT cuts.
Sungrow’s high quality, prompt service, low-cost inverter will bring more
and more benefits to overseas clients.
With over 150MW operational systems, one of the Belgium’s largest
solar project developers in Invictus, which partnered with Sungrow
on the successful installation of solar systems in Europe. Cao Renxian
who is CEO of Sungrow said "Even during this European financial crisis,
Sungrow is ready to provide cost-effective, large-scale solutions for
electricity generation."
Founded in February 2007, Invictus presents itself not only as a turnkey
operator, but also as a specialized developer of solar projects through
investment funds.
The complementary operations together with the TEC Servicegroup and
their combined expertise, enable Invictus to provide customers with the
best technical solutions and service in solar power plant installation.
www.sungrow.com.au
Sungrow Power Supply which claims to be the largest Asian producer of
inverters recently announced the successful connection of 10MW of PV
inverters to the grid for 15 roof top projects in Belgium, the biggest of
which is a 4.2MW rooftop featuring 267 units of Sungrow inverters.
All the 10MW PV inverters are Sungrow’s newly developed SG15KTL,
which is a transformerless inverter with higher efficiency. Its aluminum
housing makes it very compact, robust and light in weight. The direct
plug-in terminal port provides easy, safe and reliable cable connection
under any circumstances. It obtained the TüV, Enel-GUIDA,AS4777,
G83/1,G59/2 certification and is ideally suited for the project and fits
perfect in the European solar market. Recently SG15KTL was tested by
Photon and awarded with A degree.
A mighty 10MW of PV inverters
46 | WINTER 2012
Australia is internationally renowned for its
solar research. Often overlooked, however,
are Australian discoveries of more immediate
commercial importance. While the word
‘research’ may conjure up images of professors
in lab coats researching exotic paint-on
nano-solar materials, a large amount of
research supports the immediate commercial
development of the Australian solar industry.
This research happens at the desktop rather
than the laboratory, and solar companies are
wise to pay attention to this desktop research,
for it often identifies gold nuggets: emerging
market opportunities.
At a national level, desktop solar research is
proving influential in shaping national debate.
Research into the potential for Australia’s
electricity needs to be met by 100% renewable
energy has been performed by both the
Melbourne Energy Institute and the University
of New South Wales’ (UNSW) Institute for
Environmental Markets. These studies have
had significant influence, for the Australian
Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has since
been charged with expanding their planning
scenarios to include further consideration
of energy market and transmission planning
implications of moving towards 100%
renewable energy. Perhaps more than any other
organisation, AEMO’s opinions count in the
realm of Australian energy.
Beyond the impressive results of the
UNSW laboratory, its Centre for Energy and
Environmental Markets (CEEM) puts out a large
volume of highly sophisticated research. This
includes weather forecasting for solar, assessing
the impacts of high-penetration PV, reducing
the costs of solar grid integration, merit order
effects, and other broader market impacts of
renewable energy. This research helps to dispel
fears held by electricity distributors, while
preparing the energy market for the arrival
of a disruptive technology. CEEM’s work also
contributes to Australia’s participation in
the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) PV
research collaboration.
International perspectiveAustralia contributes to a number of
international research collaborations through
the IEA Photovoltaic Power System (PVPS)
tasks. In a spirit of open sharing of intellectual
treasure to support the global advancement of
solar power, Australia learns from international
experience, while contributing its own insights.
One of the foremost issues for Australia’s
PV industry is the impact of grid integration,
and while colleagues in Austria perform live
physical experiments on laboratory micro-
grids, Australian researchers investigate the
experiences of network operators in regions of
high-penetration PV.
Studies of Carnarvon and Alice Springs
have thus far revealed that the actual impacts
of solar PV upon the grid are far smaller
than network operator’s fears. Australia
also participates in IEA-PVPS studies of PV in
diesel mini-grids, developing countries, and in
Building Integrated PV – thereby developing
our expertise in PV applications of relevance to
our nation and region.
The IEA-PVPS studies are coordinated by
the Australian PV Association, which also
produces highly-respected studies of its own.
As an example, the Clean Energy Council (CEC)
commissioned the APVA to identify the most
favourable combination of financial-support
measures for large-scale PV, which should
assist in development of policies that create
sustainable benefits for a nascent sector of
Australia’s PV industry. This built upon a solar
cost model built by the APVA for the Australian
Solar Institute (ASI). Work recently initiated
relates to the development of business models
and regulatory frameworks for a Distributed
Energy market and the development of a
climate-based PV module rating scheme,
both funded by the ASI. Other APVA research
includes annual PV status reports, assessments
of the impact of feed-in tariffs upon electricity
bills, briefing papers and invaluable submissions
to government policy issues papers.
Sunny forecastsRecently, SunWiz and Solar Business Services
(SBS) produced a ten-year PV deployment
forecast for AEMO, which incorporated this
into a glowing 20-year outlook for the PV
industry (in strong contrast to that of the Draft
Energy White Paper). The two firms also co-
author the CEC’s annual PV report, produce in-
depth forecasts, and make government policy
submissions of their own.
Solar PV is gaining the attention
of decision makers. But having won
recognition, there’s still a battle to be
fought for legitimacy. Here desktop research
by respected institutions is invaluable in
countering vested interests’ arguments
against solar, and in re-educating politicians
that solar is no longer expensive.
Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s insightful
graphs illustrating how Australia was leading
the way for ‘socket parity’ have helped in this
regard, but there is still plenty more work to
be done. While advances in solar materials
offer exciting prospects for continuing PV
cost reductions, influencing the national
debate is important for the today’s health of
the entire solar industry, and when it comes
to competitiveness, improvements in solar
business efficiency can far outstrip the impacts
of gains in panel efficiency.
Tracking market trends and understanding
policy interactions can assist smart solar
businesses to stay ahead of the wave. SunWiz
provides a range of strategic intelligence and
advice. www.sunwiz.com.au
Beyond the laboratory: delivering results for the Australian solar industry By Warwick Johnston of SunWiz
Industry intelligence
SolarProgress | 47
Beyond the laboratory: delivering results for the Australian solar industry By Warwick Johnston of SunWiz
Solar conference
AuSES Golden Jubilee
AuSES invites all solar specialists to share in
its Golden Jubilee celebration
When: Thursday December 6 and Friday December 7 2012
Where: Swinburne University in Hawthorn, Victoria
AuSES is proud to be hosting the Solar 2012, the organisation’s 50th
anniversary event, in early December in Melbourne.
This ‘Golden Jubilee’ conference will showcase solar research, and
spotlight real solar projects that are delivering cost effective, emission-
free residential and commercial electricity.
Being held at Swinburne University on Thursday December 6 and
Friday December 7, Solar 2012 will feature a multi-stream format.
The new Victoria-Suntech Advanced Solar Facility is co-located near
the Swinburne Hawthorn Campus, and it is anticipated that tours of the
facility will be on offer.
“Australian inventiveness, and our can-do attitude, has proven decisive
in many solar breakthroughs," says AuSES CEO John Grimes. “From the
pioneering engineers of the CSIRO who helped develop solar hot water,
to the Australian National University and our first Institutional Member,
the University of New South Wales, Australians continue to be sign posts
in world solar activities.
“Our universities have trained some of the global solar leaders
including executives at SunTech, China Sunenergy, Trina, CSG Solar and
Solarfun, among others.”
John Grimes went on to say that Australian graduates continue to lead
world's best research departments and projects, and we continue to train
the best and brightest in solar and renewable technologies.
“Aussie University staff, researchers and students regularly set
global solar photovoltaic efficiency records, achieve revolutionary solar
technology breakthroughs, and act as crucibles for world-best solar PV
and concentrating thermal technologies. We have also seen leading
solar companies and technologies launched in Australia to become
international exemplaries, like Areva Solar (formally Ausra) and Dyesol."
Included in the Conference Registration fee will be admission to
the AuSES Annual Awards Dinner on the night of Thursday December
6, where the annual 'Wal Read' Memorial Awards will be presented
to under-graduate and post-graduate students submitting the best
academic papers for presentation to the Conference.
The Australian PV Association plans to again hold its AGM and
provide an additional stream of expert speakers for a sub-programme
show-casing its participation as a key member of the International
Energy Agency PV Power Systems Programme.
An additional programme on Wednesday December 5 will focus on
the solar/renewables training professions; enhancing understanding and
liaison between TAFE and Secondary educators, installers and industry.
Also on offer are excursions to key renewable energy installations
within southern and central Victoria, on Saturday December 8.
John Grimes said: “This is an exciting time as millions of Australian
homes have solar hot water, and solar panels, and in a carbon-
priced world, we anticipate more Australians will embrace solar and
renewables, improved energy efficiency and sustainability. We expect
much more to be achieved during the next three years as the cost of
solar falls to record lows.
"'Solar 2012', our Golden Jubilee, 50th Annual Conference, will be
a celebration of Australia's successes and opportunities. AuSES will
continue to show leadership, and to work strongly to create a more
efficient, sustainable and less-polluted environment, to encourage
world best practice design and installation, and to stand for solar and
renewable excellence."
“Australian graduates continue to lead world's best research departments and projects, and we continue to train the best and brightest in solar and renewable technologies.”
Advertisers Index
Blue Sun Group 22-25
Bosch 3
EnaSolar Ltd 15
Green Energy Trading 48
IMACA Pty Ltd (Neopower) 45
Infinity Solar 27
NHP Electrical 31
Power Pioneer Group / SUNGROW 17
RA Power 11
REFUsol 33
RM Solar & Electrical Pty Ltd 35
Si Clean Energy inside back cover
SMA Australia Pty. Ltd back cover
SOLCO inside front cover
Solpac Solutions 41
SunWIZ 9
Trina Solar Ltd 7
Urban Group Energy 5
Vulcan Energy (Solace) 43
Resources
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www.SMA-Bonus.com/en
SMA Bonus ProgrammeSMA Solar Technology AG has extended its rewards programme to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. The SMA Bonus Programme is available to any person or company that installs SMA inverters for the end customer. It’s free of charge and easy to register at www.SMA-Bonus.com.
Inverters can be registered online or on the go, via the SMA Sunny Dots application for Apple and Android platforms. There is a Sunny Dots QR code on the side of every new SMA string inverter and the installer will receive 10 bonus points per kilowatt of inverter power. There is something for everyone in the Rewards Shop, with gifts beginning at 300 points.
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