[s13_eisbaer]

Gday peeps, i'mma PV engineer, specialized in designing solar photovoltaic systems. Recently designed a few 100kW systems for some commercial premises, currently at the stage of installation. We just racked up a deal with IGA so you'll most likely see lot of solar panels going on top of IGA shopping centres in the coming years. I'm in the NSW department but we also have branches in QLD and VIC. Not only commercial, but we also do residential so if you looking for something to save your energy bills, I can give you some good advice or even cut you some good deals. 

On my free time, i like to throw money at my GD i30, which makes my gf mad and jealous most of the time.

I used to work for Energex here in QLD (electricity distributor for SEQ) processing applications for PV installs. It's amazing how many dodgy installers were signing people up without actually applying to Energex for approval first. Quite a shock to the home owners when they've already had the system installed and we then tell them they're not allowed to connect it to the grid without contributing towards a transformer upgrade (some properties were putting in 30kW grid connected systems without getting approval to feed that much back in).

[s13_eisbaer]

Howdy everyone! 

I currently work for a company called VroomVroomVroom - we run a bunch of car rental comparison websites (see http://www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au). I do Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and digital marketing stuff in general. We have websites in AU, NZ, US, UK and Canada (will be rolling out to other countries in the near future).

In my spare time I run a few of my own websites, though I don't get to post as much as I'd like.
Top 100 Experiences - things to see and do in Australia
Thrillmere - my personal blog
Luke Chapman Photography - some of my photography, though I don't seem to get much time anymore
Digital Growth - planning to post about digital marketing for small businesses here (not much content yet)

I also have a couple of other websites in the pipeline, though they're going to have to wait due to my current workload

If anyone wants and photography or digital marketing/SEO advice, I'm happy to help

[Phil №❶]

I used to work for Energex here in QLD (electricity distributor for SEQ) processing applications for PV installs. It's amazing how many dodgy installers were signing people up without actually applying to Energex for approval first. Quite a shock to the home owners when they've already had the system installed and we then tell them they're not allowed to connect it to the grid without contributing towards a transformer upgrade (some properties were putting in 30kW grid connected systems without getting approval to feed that much back in).

I hadn't though much about equipment to cater for feed in, I just thought it went next door @ 240 v and was consumed locally. Can you provide more detail about what actually happens to the juice and what is done to handle it.

[s13_eisbaer]

I used to work for Energex here in QLD (electricity distributor for SEQ) processing applications for PV installs. It's amazing how many dodgy installers were signing people up without actually applying to Energex for approval first. Quite a shock to the home owners when they've already had the system installed and we then tell them they're not allowed to connect it to the grid without contributing towards a transformer upgrade (some properties were putting in 30kW grid connected systems without getting approval to feed that much back in).

I hadn't though much about equipment to cater for feed in, I just thought it went next door @ 240 v and was consumed locally. Can you provide more detail about what actually happens to the juice and what is done to handle it.

I don't know too much about the technical side of things (I'm not a sparky ) but basically most of the transformers that are around (especially in older areas) weren't designed for additional power to be fed back into the grid as well. With the increase in power usage from things like air-conditioners, pool pumps etc, some of the transformers are quite close to capacity as it is. When a bunch of people in the street then start getting large solar PV systems and feeding extra electricity through the transformer it can cause issues. The transformer then has to be upgraded to a larger unit to handle the load.

It's not an issue for smaller systems, but anything over 5kW needs to go off to the network engineers for approval. They check to see what the existing transformer can handle, and if it's close to the limit then Energex will upgrade it, with some contribution from the customer. In some cases that can be up to $30,000! That's why all the paperwork is legally required to be sent in for approval BEFORE the system is installed. A lot of rural properties were setting up solar farms to take advantage of the government rebates and make a heap of money.

[Surferdude]

I used to work for Energex here in QLD (electricity distributor for SEQ) processing applications for PV installs. It's amazing how many dodgy installers were signing people up without actually applying to Energex for approval first. Quite a shock to the home owners when they've already had the system installed and we then tell them they're not allowed to connect it to the grid without contributing towards a transformer upgrade (some properties were putting in 30kW grid connected systems without getting approval to feed that much back in).

I hadn't though much about equipment to cater for feed in, I just thought it went next door @ 240 v and was consumed locally. Can you provide more detail about what actually happens to the juice and what is done to handle it.

I don't know too much about the technical side of things (I'm not a sparky ) but basically most of the transformers that are around (especially in older areas) weren't designed for additional power to be fed back into the grid as well. With the increase in power usage from things like air-conditioners, pool pumps etc, some of the transformers are quite close to capacity as it is. When a bunch of people in the street then start getting large solar PV systems and feeding extra electricity through the transformer it can cause issues. The transformer then has to be upgraded to a larger unit to handle the load.

It's not an issue for smaller systems, but anything over 5kW needs to go off to the network engineers for approval. They check to see what the existing transformer can handle, and if it's close to the limit then Energex will upgrade it, with some contribution from the customer. In some cases that can be up to $30,000! That's why all the paperwork is legally required to be sent in for approval BEFORE the system is installed. A lot of rural properties were setting up solar farms to take advantage of the government rebates and make a heap of money.

That's pretty much what my son who is an electrical engineer and works for a company which specialises in (among other things) power distribution, explained to me recently . I think he also said a simple fix to handle the power going  back into the sub stations isn't far away. But I didn't pay attention to that bit 'coz we're only putting out 2.5 kw/hrs. 

[Phil №❶]

And here I've been all these months, getting excited that my PV is going underground, back to the pole, then down the pole again, to next door to power their air cond. 

[FeedTheHog]

Well, I was made redundant 3 months ago, but have got another job again - starting next week - as a project manager, this time in energy efficiency to improve the quality of a housing association's property portfolio.

[Doggie 1]

Well, I was made redundant 3 months ago, but have got another job again - starting next week - as a project manager, this time in energy efficiency to improve the quality of a housing association's property portfolio.

Great news. Good luck with the job. 

[FeedTheHog]

Thanks for that. I was kind of enjoying the early retirement depsite the rubbish weather we've had in mid Wales until last week. Finally some warmth is coming this way - we're now in the teens - in time for me to be back in the office.

Nice having the house to myself though while the OH went out to work all day to support my 'sabbatical'.

[Doggie 1]

That would be nice. 

[Dazzler]

Well, I was made redundant 3 months ago, but have got another job again - starting next week - as a project manager, this time in energy efficiency to improve the quality of a housing association's property portfolio.

Great news. Good luck with the job. 

 

Howdy everyone! 

I currently work for a company called VroomVroomVroom - we run a bunch of car rental comparison websites (see http://www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au). I do Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and digital marketing stuff in general. We have websites in AU, NZ, US, UK and Canada (will be rolling out to other countries in the near future).

In my spare time I run a few of my own websites, though I don't get to post as much as I'd like.
Top 100 Experiences - things to see and do in Australia
Thrillmere - my personal blog
Luke Chapman Photography - some of my photography, though I don't seem to get much time anymore
Digital Growth - planning to post about digital marketing for small businesses here (not much content yet)

I also have a couple of other websites in the pipeline, though they're going to have to wait due to my current workload

If anyone wants and photography or digital marketing/SEO advice, I'm happy to help

Very interesting! I must have a "Luke" when I have more time 

[s13_eisbaer]

Very interesting! I must have a "Luke" when I have more time 

Oh dear... hahaha at least it wasn't a Star Wars joke.

[The Gonz]

Very interesting! I must have a "Luke" when I have more time 

Oh dear... hahaha at least it wasn't a Star Wars joke.

Are you trying to use this to force the issue?

[Phil №❶]

Get us all into trouble Gonz, you will.

[The Gonz]

Meesa good, no trouble!

[Phil №❶]

 

[neptune]

star wars....lord of the rings.....comparison.. ?

[Dazzler]

I had a look at your links Luke (you have been a busy boy) 

Bit disappointed with this one though....

http://www.top100experiences.com.au/

Nothing for Tasmania 

[FatBoy]

 

[The Gonz]

There goes the overrepresented vocal minority again. Weren't Tasmanians outlawed last century or did we screw up that referendum, too?

[The Gonz]

On a less contentious note, I'll be in Canberra most of next week if anyone's interested. Flying, getting a hire car, staying in a hotel, sitting a course and giving a presentation to the EW fraternity. It's about my job and it's about where I am, so the title fits.

[neptune]

Flying...commercial or RAAF?......

[The Gonz]

  RQAF I'm afraid ... And I am!  

[neptune]

do you score frequent flyers with them? 

[The Gonz]

Not one, mate, only status points. There'd be an overthrow of the government if we did that ... Oh wait, that;s happening anyway!

[neptune]

maybe that will all change after the next election.....

[Doggie 1]

On a less contentious note, I'll be in Canberra most of next week if anyone's interested. Flying, getting a hire car, staying in a hotel, sitting a course and giving a presentation to the EW fraternity. It's about my job and it's about where I am, so the title fits.

Elderly Women? 

[The Gonz]

Elderly Women? 

Err, not part of my plans.

[neptune]

maybe thinking of a redhead.... 

[The Gonz]

maybe thinking of a redhead.... 

Gawd, no, anything but her!