16
Electrical
Q&A
Solar alterations
—your questions
answered!
Compiled by ESV’s Electricity Technical
Advisor, John Stolk
EnergySafe continues its regular series
featuring some of the questions that
ESV receives on a range of electricity
installation issues, some of them relating
to gas installations. Also provided are
the answers together with references
to the Acts, Standards, Regulations and
Clauses that apply to them.
Inverter replacement
Question: Equivalent inverter
Answer
Where the characteristics of the inverter are
not changed (Eg. a transformerless inverter
is replaced with a transformerless inverter)
is it considered an equivalent replacement?
It would only be considered equivalent if the inverter is replaced with the same make and model.
If a defective inverter is replaced with an
equivalent inverter and the array does not
comply with AS/NZS 5033:2012, would I
need to upgrade it to the current edition?
No
Different inverter
When replacing a defective inverter with
an inverter with the same characteristics
but has a higher DC power output and
the array remains unchanged, is this
considered an alteration?
Yes
Where the characteristics of the inverter
are changed (Eg. a transformer inverter is
replaced with a transformerless inverter)
and the array does not comply with AS/NZS
5033:2012, do I need to upgrade the array?
Yes. The items to be checked and changed, if required, are the earthing system for compliance
with AS/NZS 5033:2012, and if the isolators are identified as being non-compliant.
Isolators
Would a roof top isolator be required if not
previously installed?
Yes
Replacement of panels
If a faulty 175W panel is replaced with
a 180W panel of the same make and
series. Does the replacement of just that
one panel require the panel/string to be
upgraded to comply with AS/NZS 5033:2012?
If the manufacturer deems the replacement panel an equivalent panel—No.
or
If the array is altered as part of the replacement of the faulty panel or if the manufacturer deems
the replacement panel as not an equivalent panel—Yes.
Removal and reinstallation of panels
Re-fit in same location
If a solar system has been installed and
connected to the grid, and the customer
wants the panels removed from the roof
to allow for the roof to be replaced then
have the system re-installed in the same
location, can I re-install the same parts?
Yes. Where the array and cabling is not changed or modified and provided the original installation of
the array and cables complied with the minimum requirements of the Standard applicable at the time
of installation, the array, frame and cables can be reinstalled.
Exception: Isolating switches that are polarised circuit breakers or rated for AC voltage only,
shall be replaced.
Re-fit in new location
If the solar system has been installed and
The whole re-installation is considered a new installation and all the requirements of the relevant
is connected to the grid, and the customer
current standards apply.
wants the panels removed for an extension
to be built and then the panels re-installed
on the new extension, can I re-install
the existing wiring and panels under the
Standard applicable at the time of installation
with the extended wiring compliant to AS/
NZS 5033:2012, or is the whole re-installation
considered a new installation?