SG933 Schedule of Photovoltaic Solar Power System

Certification

• All PV modules supplied shall be compliant with AS/NZS 5033
• All PV modules shall be listed on the Clean Energy Council approved PV modules list at time of installation.

General

• All PV modules proposed in a single PV array shall have the same manufacturer and be the same model.

Protection

• PV module junction boxes shall be at least IP65 compliant and shall be UV resistant.
• Crystalline photovoltaic modules shall be tested for potential-induced degradation and be certified to IEC/TS 62804 ed 1.0 Test methods for detection of potential-induced degradation of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules.
• PV modules installed in a coastal environment or areas with high agricultural activities shall be certified to the following IEC standards respectively:
  
  • IEC 61701 Ed 2.0 Salt mist corrosion testing of photovoltaic (PV) modules
  • IEC 62716 Ed 1.0 Ammonia corrosion testing of photovoltaic (PV) modules
• Preference is given to PV modules certified to the above IEC standard in all installations.

Temperature Coefficient

• V_oc temperature coefficient ≥ -0.3% / °C.
• P_max temperature coefficient ≥ -0.4% / °C.

Module Efficiency

• Crystalline: > 17%
• Thin film: > 13%

Operating Temperature

• Operating module temperature -20°C to +80°C.

Mechanical Protection

• Hailstone impact testing: Required
• Minimum permissible wind load rating: 2.4KPa
• Minimum permissible snow/mechanic load: 5.4KPa

Connectors and Cables

• Datasheet and/or installation manual shall indicate the brand and type of the connector.

Warranty

• Modules must come with a minimum 13 year product warranty documented in the modules standard warranty statement or brochure. This warranty is in addition to any performance warranty offered.
• Minimum manufacturer’s power warranty:10 years at 90% power output and 25 years at 80% power output or better

• Manufacturer must participate in the CER Validation Initiative.
• Manufacturer must operate an Australian-based office for warranty claims.

Selection of Inverter

• Inverter supplied shall meet all requirements specified by AS 4777 series, AS/NZS 5033:2014 and any additional DNSP requirement.
• String inverters must be one of the following brands as they are the only manufacturers which have been approved for network connectivity by the DoE Information Technology Directorate (ITD): 
  
  • SMA;or
  • Fronius
• Micro inverters and Optimisers must not be used unless prior approval has been obtained from the SINSW Sustainability Team.

Certification

• The inverter(s) shall be listed on the Clean Energy Council’s list of compliant inverter and power conversion equipment.

Technical Requirements

• Inverter shall have efficiency: ≥ 90% at 10% load.

Communications

• The schools network and Cat 6a wired connection are to be used for communication.
• All inverters and communication devices must be Sunspec Modbus TCP compatible.
• All inverters and communication devices must allow for Modbus TCP communication over TCP port 502.
• All inverters must provide system operation status to an online monitoring platform.
• SMA Cluster controllers are not to be included in any system proposal

Other requirements

• Connectors must be compliant with EN 50521 (2012).
• Datasheet and/or installation manual shall indicate the brand and type of the connector.
• Inverters installed in an outdoor environment shall have Ingress Protection of IP54 or greater.

Warranty

• 10 years warranty. 

Selection of mounting system

• The mounting frame and associated parts, including but not limited to parts such as bolts, splices, etc. shall be a suitable proprietary made product. Custom made products are not acceptable.
• Building Integrated PV mounting system shall not be used unless prior approval has been obtained from, SINSW, Sustrainability.

Certification

• Mounting system shall be compliant with AS/NZS 1170.2 for the terrain category and wind speed applicable to the installation site
• As a minimum, the mounting frame shall be suitable for Region B (intermediate) and Terrain Category 2 maximum wind speed region. The PV mounting system shall meet the CEC guideline requirements.

Warranty

• 10 years product warranty

Selection of BOS equipment

• All equipment shall be selected as per AS/NZS 5033:2014
• Equipment shall be selected to withstand expected environmental effects

DC Cables

• PV cables shall comply with requirement set out by AS/NZS 5033:2014 Cl. 4.3.6 Cables

DC isolators

• DC switch-disconnectors (‘isolators’) shall comply with AS/NZS 5033:2014 Cl. 4.3.5 Disconnection Devices
• DC switch-disconnectors shall meet the following additional specifications:
  
  • Type: Rotary type DC isolator;
  • IP rating: IP66;
  • Provide within specification sheet:
    • Operational ambient temp (before de-rating);
    • Temperature de-rating factors provided by manufacturer;
    • Single pole voltage and current rating provided by manufacturer.

AC Cables

• The cable between the inverter and the AC circuit breaker shall have a higher current carrying capacity than the AC circuit breaker and the maximum AC current output of the inverter.

AC circuit breaker

• AC circuit breaker acting as the main switch (inverter supply) shall be rated to protect the cable against overcurrent to AS/NZS 3000
• AC circuit breaker ratings shall be above inverter maximum AC current output rating to avoid unnecessary tripping of circuit breaker.

DC String protection

• String overcurrent protection, if needed, shall adhere to sizing and location requirements as set out by AS/NZS 5033
• Circuit breakers shall not be used for string overcurrent protection.

Plugs, sockets and connectors

• Plugs, sockets and connectors used in the PV system shall comply with AS/NZS 5033:2014 4.3.7 Plugs, sockets and connectors.

Note: Mating of plugs and sockets that are compatible but do not meet the above criteria (e.g. mating of MC4 sockets with MC4 compatible sockets from another manufacturer) is not acceptable.

Cable management

• Conduit installed at the roof or any location exposed to direct and indirect sunlight shall be UV rated. This includes conduits under modules on roof.
• HD conduit or lidded cable trays must be selected for all cable arrangement between the inverter and the PV array.

Central Protection

• PV system central protection device shall have, as a minimum, the following parameters unless exempted by DNSP:
  
  • Vector Shift
  • ROCOF (Rate of Change of Frequency)
  • Phase Balance Current (Current inbalance)

Roof penetration

• Fit for purpose roof flashing or risers which can provide a guaranteed seal for up to 20 years

PV system signage

• Signs installed for the purpose of identify PV system components shall be engraved plastic or metallic labels
• Signage shall be consistent throughout the site and clearly labelled to distinguish between strings and/or inverters

Lightning Protection

• Where a lightning protection system (LPS) is present, PV systems shall be integrated into the existing LPS system as per AS/NZS 5033, AS/NZS 1768 and AS/NZS 3000.

Purpose Built Enclosure and/or Shelter

• All inverters installed outdoors shall have shading from the sun and rain.
• Any inverter installed in a location that is accessible by a student shall be located in an enclosure with IP2X rating whilst maintaining minimum inverter clearance requirements. 

General

• Site-specific system documentation shall comply with AS/NZS 5033 and AS4777.1.
• Documentation shall be consistent in terminology and references to system components shall match installed system labelling.

System photograph

• Installation photographs showing key system components. Photographs shall show, as a minimum:
  
  • The complete extent of the PV array(s);
  • Mounting (demonstrating pitch angle eg with inclinometer) and external cabling;
  • Inverter station layout;
  • Electrical distribution board showing inverter system isolation switches and corresponding signage;
  • Meter changeover (where applicable).

PV system operation information

• A procedure to verify the correct operation of the system;
• The shutdown and isolation procedure for emergency and maintenance, including any electrical safety warnings;
• A list of actions to be taken in the event of an earth fault alarm. This information shall also be present adjacent to physical earth fault alarms where installed.

PV system components information

• A list of equipment supplied, with serial numbers of all equipment where applicable;
• As-built plan view of the PV array, clearly showing the PV array wiring configuration and location of system equipment and switches;
• As-built electrical diagram/s showing connection of all PV system equipment to electrical distribution board, including the electrical ratings of the PV array and electrical ratings of all overcurrent devices, isolators and switches etc.;
• Details of any additional system controls installed, such as central protection and export limitation control. This includes:
  
  • Device model
  • System setting
  • Wiring diagram (if applicable)

PV system communications configuration

• Data connection diagram showing how each inverter is communicating to web portal
• Modbus topology, including Modbus unit IDs
• Screenshot showing connection to the school IP address on the DHCP network
• Screenshot showing Modbus TCP – port 502 enabled on the inverter and Data Manager/Controller

PV system performance estimates

• System performance estimates, providing monthly generation estimates and taking into account expected seasonal, operational and site-specific variation.
• The system performance estimate must  as a minimum  quantify effects of the PV array orientation and shading and de-rating factors such as temperature and equipment efficiency. Any assumptions made shall be clearly stated;

PV system maintenance information

• Recommended maintenance for the system;
• Maintenance procedure and timetable

Installation and commission checklists

• The commissioning sheet and installation checklist;
• The date of system commissioning;
• PV module recycling recommendations

Equipment information and Certifications

• Equipment manufacturer’s documentation and handbooks for all equipment supplied.
• As a minimum the following shall be included:
  
  • Panels, mounting frame, inverter, isolators, cable, monitoring devices.
  • A description of the function and operation of the system’s installed equipment;
• Array mounting engineering certificate for wind and mechanical loading;
• Installer/designer’s declaration of compliance to AS/NZS 5033:2014 2.2 Mechanical design;
• Equipment warranty information

System support

• PV system approval to connect and connection offer.
• The supplier’s contact personnel for installation queries and system support;
• Warranty of workmanship to specification (see1.6 Workmanship Specifications)

Remote monitoring

• Provide instructions on accessing and monitoring system via remote monitoring platforms.

PV Array installation

• Modules and mounting system shall be installed following the respective manufacturer’s specifications to meet expected mechanical loads at the installation site.
• Where concealed-fastener roof profile (e.g. clip lock) is present, mounting frames shall be fixed to the roof cladding using non-penetrative purpose made products.
• All modules shall be installed with a minimum incline of 10° to ensure self-cleaning by rainfall.
• For flush-to-roof type mounting, clearance between roof sheeting and modules must be minimum 60 mm to prevent debris accumulation and improve airflow.
• A gap shall be provided between PV modules to allow for thermal expansion. Minimum gap of 5mm must be maintained.
• Do not drill into module frames

General fixing

• Where practicable, install rubber grommets between dissimilar metals to prevent corrosion from galvanic reaction. Common locations include:
  
  • Array fixing to roof
  • Isolator enclosure fixing to rail
• Ensure that bolts, washers, screws, nails or other metal objects in contact with the mounting frame are of a similar metal to reduce the likelihood and severity of galvanic reaction. Stainless steel fasteners must be used on aluminium frames and rails.

Inverter station installation

• Inverter/s shall be installed according to AS4777 series requirements. In addition, where multiple inverters are installed connecting to the same switchboard, the inverters shall be installed grouped in a common location.
• Inverter manufacturer’s recommendations shall be followed. This includes recommendations for fixing screw diameter, cable size, and inverter clearance.
• PV systems connected to multiple phases shall be balanced to DNSP requirements and AS4777.1 requirements.
• Each inverter shall be provided with an AC isolation switch at an electrical distribution board. A main switch (inverter supply) shall be provided to isolate all inverters installed on the distribution board.
• The inverter earth fault alarm shall be installed such that any fault indication is detectable by the school’s administrative office and NSW Department of Education. See Remote Monitoring Setup

Inverter Communications Infrastructure

• A double Cat 6A LAN point is  to be installed adjacent to the inverter station with CAT6 cabling back to the nearest Building Communication Room (BCR), with inverter(s) connected to the school’s network (including patching).
• If the inverter station has been installed in an external location cabling must be Cat 6A external grade and outlets weather proofed accordingly.
• Raise a request with the DoE ICT team through Edconnect. Reference the school data port used for communication connection, and request an IP reservation for each inverters MAC address in the DHCP servers. 
• Connect to “proxy.det.nsw.edu.au” and request proxy account details if the inverter or data manager device allows.
• Use dynamic/ DHCP settings for network configuration, ensure the IP addresses are the same as DHCP reservations.
• Enable Modbus Communication on TCP port 502.
• If there are more than 1 inverters, give a unique Modbus ID for each device.
• Record Modbus topology in a single line diagram and lodge as part of as-built documentation.

Refer to DG61 ELECTRICAL SERVICES where devices are installed in distribution boards.

Remote Monitoring Setup

• Input data to the inverter supplier’s online monitoring portal for monitoring and maintenance supervision by School Infrastructure NSW and the school:
  
  • Add pvsolar@det.nsw.edu.au and the school’s email address as administrators on the inverter supplier’s online monitoring portal.
  • Input system profile details, including an image of the system and description identifying the location within the school of the panels and inverter(s)
  • Input installer details
  • Input manufacturing and warranty details for inverter, and panels if available.
  • Input string configuration details for each inverter if available
  • Input performance monitoring parameters, e.g. blended tariff, yield expectations
  • Configure report/alert settings for pvsolar@det.nsw.edu.au and the school’s email address to receive the following notifications, if available:
    • Detection of earth fault
    • Connection to online monitoring is lost for more than 72 hours
    • One or more inverters is down for more than 72 hours
    • Actual yield of the system is less than 75% of the expected yield for three consecutive months.
  • Reconcile local data using Modbus TCP and remote data to ensure consistency in readings. Provide screenshots in the as-built documentation.

Balance of System Components Installation

Enclosures

• Cable penetration through wall into isolator enclosures shall be sealed to AS3000:2007 requirements to prevent the spread of fire.

DC isolator

• DC Isolator enclosures shall be installed according to manufacturer’s specifications and in a manner which maintains its IP rating.
• DC isolator enclosures constructed of metal shall be bonded to earth.
• DC Isolators adjacent to the array must be located such that its location is easily identifiable from likely roof access points. Labels must be installed to aid with locating the DC isolator if this is not possible. 
• When external fixing points are provided on DC isolator enclosures, they shall be used to fix DC isolators.

Plugs, sockets and connectors

• Ensure that the equipment warranty will not be voided in the event that pre-installed connectors need to be replaced.
• To avoid the need to replace pre-installed connectors it is recommended to only use PV modules and inverters for which matching connectors can be sourced

Cable management

• PV array cables shall be installed to AS5033, AS3000, and CEC guideline requirements.
• DC cables between the inverter and array must be completely enclosed in HD conduit or lidded cable trays.
• Conduits shall be installed up to and including the cables at the inverter input.
• The conduits shall be supported in such a way that it is not subjected to mechanical strain. This may be achieved with the use of additional saddles or cable tray.
• Cables entering junction boxes shall comply with AS/NZS 5033 requirements.
• Install cable ducting or cable trays for AC cables that are not internally wired.

Roof penetration

• Roof penetrations due to PV system installation, include cable entry and array mounting points, shall be shall be suitably sealed and waterproofed for the expected life of the system
• Penetration of cables shall be through fit for purpose roof flashing(s) or riser(s) which can provide a guaranteed seal for up to 20 years.
• All cables at roof penetration must be enclosed in conduit or similar for protection against mechanical damage and environmental effects.
• Cable entry into conduit must face downwards and be appropriately sealed e.g. with a multi-cable gland. If spare cable entries exist at the gland, they shall be sealed;
• Where silicone is required as additional sealant, a maintenance schedule must be included in the system maintenance procedure to inspect and service the sealant over the life of the system;

Central Protection and export limitation device

• System central protection shall be installed to AS4777.1 requirements and local DNSP requirements.
• System central protection which requires use of IT infrastructure must communicate over the school’s IT infrastructure.
• System export limitation device, where required by DNSP, shall be install to manufacturer’s instructions and programmed to DNSP requirements. 

Signage

• All PV system components shall be labelled, as required by AS/NZS 5033 and AS4777.
• Additional information shall be provided in a manner which renders the information indelible for the life of the system. Engraving the additional information will ensure they are indelible and will last the life of the system.
• In addition:
  
  • Provide a copy plan view of PV system at the EDB to which inverters are connected, clearly describing location of all system disconnection points. The plan view must show the location of the array, the inverter(s), and the point(s) of interconnection with the school’s electrical and communications network.
  • All PV system components shall be clearly identified and consistent throughout the installation and documentation, including shut-down procedure and as-built drawings;
  • Install a label “Do not switch off power supply” on PV output monitoring devices that are connected to socket-outlets;
  • Provide the system’s shutdown procedure at the administration office and main switchboard;
  • A list of action/s to be taken if the earth fault alarm is activated shall be placed next to earth fault alarm;
  • If micro-inverters are installed, the micro-inverter model and product information must be displayed at the switchboard to which it is connected.

Lightning Protection

• Where surge protection is required, SPDs must be installed for each inverter.

Workmanship warranty

• The System Provider shall provide an installation workmanship warranty for a minimum of 5 years. This includes a full onsite replacement of a faulty inverter if required. The system provider shall also provide a 12 months operations and maintenance service. This may entail remote monitoring, module cleaning and general inspections. 

Commissioning

• PV system shall be commissioned according to AS/NZS 5033:2014 Appendix D and Appendix E
• At the completion of system commissioning, the system provider shall provide system specifications and warranty information in schedules under Solar Asset Data Capture Sheet 

Maintenance procedure

• Maintenance procedure and timetable shall follow the recommendations of AS/NZS 5033:2014 Appendix C Maintenance Requirements and NSW Department of Education PV system Operation and Maintenance Procedures.
• System over 30kW shall follow Operation and Maintenance manual requirements specified by Clean Energy Council Guideline - 30 - 100 kW Grid-Connected Solar PV Systems: No Battery Storage, Design Guidelines for Accredited Installers.
• Maintenance actions shall adhere to procedures provided by system documentation.
• All maintenance actions performed on the PV system shall be clearly documented in the maintenance timetable.
• Items pertaining to maintenance of electrical parts shall be performed by a CEC accredited solar electrician.
• All maintenance actions performed on the PV system shall be clearly documented in the maintenance timetable.