Solar installation standard revision published

Standards Australia has published revised standard AS/NZS 5033:2021, Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays, replacing the existing standard AS/NZS 5033:2014.

Regulators in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and the Northern Territory have confirmed a six-month transitional period will be applied before AS/NZS 5033:2021 comes into force.

NSW is not expected to be able to apply a transitional period due to legislative requirements.

The standard revision aims to provide clear and relevant guidance to support safe systems and practices for industry professionals and consumers. The standard has been restructured to promote better readability and provide methods to improve installation safety.

Some of the changes include:

• Options related to rooftop isolators
• DC cable routing and installation requirements
• Earthing requirements
• An increase in maximum PV array voltage for residential systems
• Changes to DC optimiser and micro inverter requirements
• Updated testing and verification requirements.
   

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