Stricter Australian Regulations for Safer Solar Panels
Posted on 07 November 2022
Over the last two decades, Australia has experienced a rapid rise in the number of residential and commercial solar systems installed across the country. With solar panels for businesses and homes becoming more affordable, and a robust regulatory landscape in place to protect consumers, it stands to reason that more Australians would turn to revolutionary solar energy.
In order to protect the rapidly growing solar industry, Standards Australia continues to update and revise AS/NZS 5033:2021 regulations for better installation protocols and safety requirements for solar power systems.
At Solar Power Direct, we are staunch supporters of the government’s effort to regulate solar installers, holding all solar installation companies to a higher standard to guarantee safety.
Regulations for Installation of Solar Panels South Australia
From solar panels for businesses to smaller systems for homes, every solar installation must be carried out by an accredited installer who meets the following standards:
- AS 4509 Stand-alone power systems
- AS 4086 Secondary batteries for SPS
- AS/NZS 3000 Electrical wiring rules
- AS 1768 Lightning protection
- AS/NZS 1170.2 Wind loads
- AS/NZS 5033 Installation of photovoltaic (PV) arrays
Australia’s Clean Energy Council provides additional guidelines which are updated regularly to reflect the latest safety guidelines, technical protocols and industry best practices for solar power services.
Revisions to Solar Regulations for Greater Safety
AS/NZS 5033 is designed to outline the rules for general installation and safety for solar PV systems. This includes DC wiring, electrical protection devices, switching and earthing.
Revisions to the regulations attempt to provide the latest guidelines, while also providing installers with clarity and better readability. Solar professionals using this standard also have the option of consulting regulators using a directory if any clarification is required.
Recent revisions include the updating of requirements for micro inverter installation and DC conditioning units. This is a direct response to the increasing demand for solar, as well as recent improvements in technology.
Reliable and Efficient Commercial Solar Systems in South Australia
AS/NZS 5033:2014 has been revised by the government to keep up with the growing demand of solar units across Australia. In an attempt to improve safety and productivity for solar installers, the regulations have been altered to remove limitations and allow installers to work with greater ease. Contact Solar Power Direct today for expert advice from an accredited solar installer.
