by Jason Ellul | Oct 1, 2014 | Solar Systems General Information
Conergy PowerPlus modules and frames withstand strongest cyclones written 12. DECEMBER 2012 | BY: CONERGY Cyclone testing awards Conergy systems the rating “Cyclonic Ultimate Strength” Conergy’s PowerPlus modules and mounting systems are stormproof. This has been confirmed by an independent cyclone testing carried out at James Cook University in Queensland, Australia. Awarding the systems the rating “Cyclonic Ultimate Strength”, the experts confirmed that the PowerPlus modules installed on Conergy mounting systems can withstand even the most severe cyclonic storms. Therewith, the system supplier’s modules did not only pass large hail, ammonia and salt mist tests with flying colours but now also a cyclone test. Besides static tests, the testing included most notably the so-called “low-high-low” test, which simulates the effect of the extremely high wind speeds that change quickly and drastically during cyclones. This cyclical stress is considered far more challenging than static loads and represents the most destructive element of such storms. The Conergy PowerPlus modules on the Conergy mounting systems withstood this simulation at the “Cyclone Testing Station” in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at James Cook University, which is accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), totally unscathed. The Conergy mounting systems are thus fully certified for cyclones of category A to C, with certification for category D cyclones possible upon request. In conjunction with the Conergy PowerPlus modules, the Conergy systems achieved the top rating of “Cyclonic Ultimate Strength”. This is also a first: Conergy is the very first solar company to undergo testing and obtain certification for a complete solar system. The testing and the examination criteria are not restricted...
by Jason Ellul | Oct 1, 2014 | Solar Systems General Information
The solar industry has been a very interesting sector to specialise in. The government grants in the early days attracted new business offering customers a variety of panels and technology giving customers solar systems varying in cost and quality. Electrawise Solar Energy Systems focus on “quality”, has been the back bone of the companies success. At Electrawise we believe that quality is not just limited to the panels or inverter, but it’s the total package. Our definition of quality includes all products that make up a solar system, including the railing system, Solar circuit breakers, solar DC cable, conduit, installation team and after sales support. Electrawise will not cut corners in quality to win business. We have seen many solar companies fail due to their decision to sell poor quality equipment. Recently, we received a call from a customer who had given up trying to call the company that installed a their system, unfortunatley upon our visit the inverter had failed and the Chinese manufacturer wes no longer in business (a very common trend). What was also disturbing upon further inspection, the solar railing system, which is holding the10KW solar system to the roof was so thin the mid clamps keeping the panels secured to the roof were ripping out of the channel, see fig 1 below. Fig 1 What we have found when purchasing solar rail system, is that cheap rail is really a false mind set because manufacturers use less material. For this particular customer the railing only lasted 4 years which has been something they didn’t even consider when purchasing their system. Their good price “Quality...
by Jason Ellul | Oct 1, 2014 | Solar Systems General Information
What is South Australian Feed In Tarriff (FIT Scheme)? We have received numerous calls on what the current Feed in Tariff or FIT is in South Australia and whether a Solar system is even worth considering. Well the answer is yes and no. Firstly in regards to the solar system FIT, in South Australia can be found at http://www.escosa.sa.gov.au/consumer-information/energy/solar-feed-in-tariff-scheme.aspx In summary from 1 January 2014, residential and small business PV customers are entitled to receive a minimum R-FiT amount of 7.6 c/kWh from their electricity retailer for electricity fed into SA Power Networks’ distribution network. Electricity retailers may voluntarily pass on a higher R-FiT amount as part of their unregulated market offers. Is it worth purchasing a solar system? Yes but, a solar system should always be considered as part of the picture and should not be treated as the total solution. With feed in tariffs at an all time low there is no longer the thought of designing a system that will produce enough energy back into the grid to produce a credit or a check. Those days are long gone. That said we have always advised customers to buy energy efficient appliances first as this will always be a more cost effective approach in saving your electricity usage. Designing a system must be focused on daily usage only. What solar system size should I purchase? With the reduction of FIT the designing of the solar system size is critical. Why? Because it is all about energy usage during the sunlight hours. We recently visited a customer who wanted a 5kw solar system, but after a few questions...
by Jason Ellul | Oct 1, 2014 | Solar Systems General Information
Electrawise Solar Energy Specialists will be attending the Solar Conference and Expo 2014 (May 8th – 9th) in Mellbourne. Solar 2014 focuses on delivering expert analysis and opinion, and showcasing the latest technologies from solar and renewables, Electrawise find it a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues to discuss new technology developments in the solar industry, which will allow us to bring better solutions to our growing customer base. With many of our customers loosing the South Australian feed in Tariff in September 2016, we want to make sure our solution for battery back up or off grid technologies will meet both a reliability and cost effective point for our customers. If you want further information on off grid technologies such as battery back up, please contact us on 08 84492196 or click here...
