Sparks Electrical News March 2022

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

2

Developing a quality culture across solar PV in South Africa

ECA(SA) REMAINS COMMITTED TO ONLINE AND FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING IN 2022 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

B y 2030, total installed PV capacity in South Africa is expected to reach 8 400 MW. However, if we want sustainable growth, we need to ensure that we develop and implement quality infrastructure for solar PV sys- tems. “Embedding a culture of quality is vital if we want to unlock the huge economic potential of solar technologies,” says Richard Doyle, Managing Director at Juwi Renewable Energies and speaker at the recent Solar Power Africa conference in Cape Town. Doyle moderated a session entitled “Minimise risk and enable quality assurance”, which outlined the steps already taken towards establishing and evolving a culture of quality excellence in the South African value chain. Doyle was joined by leading renewable energy experts David Raphael, Technical Director, SOLINK and Faure van Schalkwyk, Head of Solar PV Train- ing, SUNCybernetics who shared best practice as well as international learnings that should shape and influence South Africa’s solar sector. “When we talk about quality assurance, it isn’t just about enhancing solar technologies. It is how we improve the reliability of large solar PV systems over their productive lifetime. That is from design to installation, through operation and maintenance

and of course disposal of the system. By embed- ding quality and safety standards, we will see max- imum value delivered to the life of a solar plant. This will also reduce the risk for investors, policy makers and consumers,” says Doyle South Africa has seen a transition from the utility scale solar PV market towards the resi- dential, commercial and industrial (RCI) mar- ket segments. The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) estimates that more than 1200 MW of Small-Scale Embed- ded Generation (SSEG) solar PV projects have been installed across the RCI markets. Based on these estimations, there are some 160 000 pro- jects completed across South Africa. “The growth of the sector is of course to be welcomed, but with these additional projects coming on stream, it is of national importance that we ensure quality of installation, quality of connection and the quality of the energy output” “We need to ensure that all practical steps are taken to build a culture of quality that sees manu- facturers, installers and operators adhere to best practice and ensure safety and quality across the value chain,” Doyle adds

21 – 27: Master Installation Electrician MIE Rules course 23: SANS 10142-1 cover-to-cover course 29 – 30: PV Solar course October 07: SANS 10142-1 cover-to-cover course 17 – 21: MV Switching course 18: CoC Theory course 21: SANS 10142-1 cover-to-cover course 26 – 28: Installation Rules course (Paper 1) 31: Installation Rules course (Paper 2) November 01 – 02: Installation Rules (Paper 2) course 08: CoC Refresher course 10 – 11: Earthing, Lightning and Bonding course 14: SANS 10142-1 cover-to-cover course 22: CoC Theory course 28 – 29: PV Solar course 30: SANS 10142-1 cover-to-cover course Note: The the dates are provisional and should be confirmed with Leola Schroeder at the Highveld Regional office on +27 (0)10 271 0686. For more information about the training courses, contact Leola Petersen on +27 (0)10 271 0686 and cell phone chargers – for up to seven hours. To complement the Solarsmart Home ESS range, Creslow has introduced storage cabinets to store the battery system. These cabinets are available in 3, 4, 5 or 6-unit configuration. Creslow’s forklift industrial lithium batteries have integrated smart capabilities and are compatible with existing chargers, so there is no need to invest in spe- cific chargers or Smart chargers. The rapid charging capability means these batteries can be charged for short periods of time during working hours, typically during the lunch period and when the machine is not being used. This is an important advantage over con- ventional lead-acid batteries that require between six and eight hours to fully charge. Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium phosphate batter- ies do not contain any acid. There is therefore no risk of acid spills, which is major safety concern in industry. In addition, disposal of lead-acid batteries must be con- trolled, to ensure toxic elements are not released into the environment. Because lithium does not produce any heat or fumes, which is common with lead-acid, these batteries are recommended for warehouse en- vironments. All Creslow’s products are enhanced by a specially configured Battery Management System (BMS) that controls over charging, over utilisation and other criti- cal maintenance procedures, to significantly extend service life of the battery. Safety features Safety features include an automatic cut off when the battery is fully charged or depleted. Creslow’s lithium cells have a safe working temperature for suitability to cold storage and chill room environments. These units have a discharging temperature from -35⁰C to 65⁰C and a charging range from 0⁰C to 65⁰C. The Creslow team assesses market trends and in- troduces new products to meet specific demand. Au- tosmart, with all the benefits of Lithium technology, has recently been released for use in golf carts and caravans. Creslow Energy Solutions has engaged with part- ners in Europe to ensure the highest standards within international best practise for battery design. These clean energy products are available through- out the country from a network of specially selected distributors and are supported by the Creslow Energy Solutions team.

27 – 29: Installation Rules course (Paper 2) 30: Earthing, Lightning and Bonding course

July 01: Earthing, Lightning and Bonding course 06: CoC Refresher course 08: SANS 10142-1 cover-to-cover course 20: CoC Theory course 22: SANS 10142-1 cover-to-cover course August 04 – 05: Solar PV course 12: SANS 10142-1 cover-to-cover course 22 – 26: MV (ORHVS) course 24: CoC Theory course 26: SANS 10142-1 cover-to-cover course 29: Construction Regulations course 30: Safety File course

September 01 – 02: Earthing, Lightning and Bonding course 05 – 09: Master Installation Electrician Unit Standards course 09: SANS 10142-1 cover-to-cover course

Enquiries: www.solarpowerafrica.za.messefrankfurt.com

15: CoC Refresher course 20: CoC Theory course

Locally manufactured clean energy solutions Creslow Energy Solution s – a local manufacturer of clean energy storage systems– has recently been es- tablished in South Africa.

“By utilising the latest technology in our clean en- ergy storage products, we provide an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution for the safe and ef- ficient storage of renewable energy that can be used when required,” explains Kriban Govender, Managing Director, Creslow Energy Solutions. “Solar off-grid en- ergy systems are gaining popularity in South Africa, as a form of renewable energy that is clean, emission and noise-free, sustainable, safe and cost efficient. “The Creslow team is committed to the production of high-quality products, that meet stringent inter- national and local quality, safety and environmental specifications. We also strive to source locally manu- factured components and to enhance the creation of job opportunities and skills upliftment. “Our advanced battery systems have been devel- oped for use in businesses and households to optimise energy requirements and to ensure the continuity of operations during power outages. We have also devel- oped highly efficient industrial lithium batteries, specifi- cally for forklifts, golf carts and E-bikes. “Creslow’s clean energy storage systems operate in two ways – either as a battery backup system that works in conjunction with an inverter, or as an off-grid system that also requires an inverter and solar panels. In each case, it is critical that the system is installed by a certified technician. “Although our forklift battery systems provide up to 900 AM (Amp Hours) with 52 V (Volts) as stand- ard, these battery capacities are not limited. A critical advantage of Creslow’s solutions is that each battery can be customised to suit specific requirements. Our specialists, with a thorough understanding of distinct South African conditions, are geared for the develop- ment of energy storage solutions to suit local condi- tions and market requirements.” A range of options Creslow’s modular approach for the Home Energy Storage Systems (ESS) market range allows battery packs to be connected in parallel, which means any specific total capacity can be achieved. Market as- sessment indicates that for a typical large home to be off-grid, approximately 4 x 5 kWH battery packs are necessary. For backup systems required during load shedding, a single 5 KWH battery ensures the continuity of essen- tial services – including the fridge, TV, lighting, Wi-Fi

The Creslow Energy Solutions management team from left: JS Spies, Sales Director, Kriban Goven- der, Managing Director and Barney Van Rooyen, Engineering Director.

Enquiries: www.energysolution.co.za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

MARCH 2022