Quality Energy

How Much Do Commercial EV Charging Stations Cost in Australia?

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:43:25 GMT

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is well underway in Australia, and businesses across the country are beginning to view EV charging as an essential service. Whether you’re running a shopping centre, managing a fleet, or planning infrastructure for schools and offices, commercial EV charging stations can improve customer experience, boost sustainability credentials, and open up new revenue opportunities.

But what does it cost to install commercial EV chargers? Let’s break it down.

What Impacts the Cost of Commercial EV Charging?

The total cost of installing commercial EV charging stations depends on:

Hardware costs

Level 2 chargers (AC, 7 to 22kW): $2,000 - $7,000 per unit.
DC fast chargers (50 to 350kW): $30,000 - $150,000+ per unit.

Installation costs

Site works, trenching, cabling, and switchboard upgrades.
Melbourne businesses typically spend $5,000 - $50,000 per site, depending on scale and complexity.

Ongoing costs

Electricity tariffs (peak vs. off-peak).
Maintenance, software subscriptions, and network fees if you provide charging as a service.

Understanding Your Carbon Footprint: Measurement and Reporting

From fleet depots to universities and shopping centres, Quality Energy has installed commercial EV chargers nationwide. Here are some real project examples with indicative costs. Explore our latest case studies here .

Fleet EV Charging

Fleet electrification is one of the fastest-growing use cases for commercial EV charging in Australia. Whether it’s councils, logistics companies, or global retailers, each organisation requires a tailored approach depending on fleet size, operating hours, and sustainability goals.

Quality Energy has installed fleet electric vehicle chargers for Ikea, Sutherland Shire Council, and Western Program Alliance. Here is a breakdown of the systems and approximate cost:

Ikea: 4 x 22kW AC three phase chargers to charge delivery vehicles including light trucks. Chargers installed at loading bays so vehicles can charge whilst being prepped for deliveries.
Sutherland Shire Council: 2 x 22kW AC chargers to support daily fleet operations.
Western Program Alliance: Wall mounted 25kW DC charger for quick charging of pool vehicles without straining electrical infrastructure.

Fleet Charging Takeaways

Small to medium fleets : Medium-output DC chargers (20-30kW) are effective where charging speed is important but infrastructure upgrades need to be limited.
Large logistics and retail fleets: Scalable AC solutions (22kW three-phase) are often the most practical for day-to-day use, especially when charging can overlap with operational downtime.
Government and councils: Dual AC chargers (22kW) are common, supporting gradual electrification while staying within budget and sustainability mandates.

Shopping Centres and Retail Precincts

Shopping centres are one of the fastest-growing locations for EV charging installations . They serve two clear purposes:

Customer convenience - giving shoppers the ability to charge while they shop.
Revenue generation - offering pay-per-use charging as an additional income stream.

Traditionally, Level 2 chargers (11–22kW) have been the most common choice for retail sites, as they suit the average shopping trip of 1–3 hours. However, more retail centres are now investing in DC fast chargers (50–150kW+) to support higher turnover and capture additional revenue.

Quality Energy installed 120kW ABB Terra124 DC fast chargers at two shopping centres in the suburbs of Adelaide, each capable of charging two EVs simultaneously.

Office Buildings and Business Parks

Office buildings are increasingly offering EV charging as a staff benefit, a sustainability initiative, and a way to future-proof their facilities. For most workplaces, Level 2 chargers (11-22kW AC) are the most practical choice, since staff typically park for several hours each day. These chargers provide reliable charging without overwhelming building electrical capacity.

However, installing EV chargers in high-rise or shared office towers can be more complex than in stand-alone facilities. Challenges often include:

Obtaining approval from building managers and strata committees.
Ensuring existing switchboards and cabling can handle the additional electrical load.
Scheduling works to minimise disruption to tenants and traffic flows.
Integrating with building safety systems such as fire panels.

Office installations often involve complex electrical integration and stakeholder coordination, but the result is a practical staff amenity and a sustainability win. Quality Energy has installed 3 x AC 22kW EVBox BusinessLine chargers in a Southbank office complex ground floor carpark (multi-tenancy building), connected to ChargeHub software.

Schools, Universities and Public Institutions

Education facilities and public institutions are increasingly adopting EV charging infrastructure to support staff, students, and the broader community. These installations are usually tied to long-term sustainability plans and government targets, making them both practical and symbolic investments.

In most cases, institutions install a mix of Level 2 AC chargers (11-22kW) for everyday use and DC fast chargers (50kW+) to serve higher-demand users. This balance provides cost-effective charging while also ensuring fast turnaround options for fleet and public users.

Quality Energy installed a total of 12 charging stations across two campuses for Federation University, Ballarat. These were a combination of 22kW socket chargers and a 50kW dual charger.

Don’t Forget About Engineering and Compliance Essentials

Installing EV chargers isn’t just about choosing hardware. Businesses must navigate:

Electrical compliance: Installations must meet AS 3000 (wiring rules) and AS/NZS 4777.1 (grid connection).
Site assessments: A licensed electrician must evaluate load capacity and grid constraints.
Permits and planning: Local councils may require development approval for upgrades to commercial car parks.
Energy integration: Pairing EV chargers with rooftop solar and battery storage is increasingly common. This can significantly reduce operating costs and align with Melbourne’s sustainability standards.

Commercial EV Charger Manufacturers in Australia

The Australian EV charging market includes a mix of local innovators, global technology leaders, and trusted installation partners. In Melbourne and across Australia, some of the key players include:

Tritium (Australia-based): Specialises in DC fast chargers, widely used across public networks.
JET Charge (Melbourne): Leading installer and technology provider, active in workplace and fleet charging.
EVSE Australia: Focused on workplace and retail charging solutions with a strong presence in the commercial sector.
Global brands: ABB, Schneider Electric, and Delta all supply commercial-grade AC and DC chargers in Australia.

Quality Energy’s Partnerships

Quality Energy enhances its offering by partnering with several leading suppliers and networks to deliver tailored solutions:

ChargeFox: Australia’s largest EV charging network, providing access to nationwide charging software and services.
ChargeHub: A smart EV charging software platform that enables load management, billing, and fleet integration.
NHP: A trusted electrical engineering partner supplying high-quality switchgear and electrical components.
EnergyAustralia: Collaboration on large-scale sustainability and EV charging infrastructure projects, including university and commercial site deployments.

By working with both global manufacturers and local partners, Quality Energy is able to design and deliver EV charging systems that combine durable hardware with advanced software, ensuring reliability and future scalability.

Why Commercial Chargers Cost More Than Home Setups

It’s important to remember that commercial EV charging is a different world compared to what you’d typically see at home. At home, most drivers get by with a charger in the 7-11kW range, which usually costs around $1,500 to $3,000 installed. Perfect for overnight charging in a driveway or garage.

In commercial settings, things step up a notch. Businesses often need 22kW Level 2 chargers, which can support multiple users throughout the day. These come in at around $5,000 to $10,000 installed, thanks to stricter compliance requirements and heavier electrical loads.

Then there’s fast charging, the kind you’ll see at shopping centres, fleet depots, or public networks. These DC chargers start at 50kW and go up to 350kW, with prices starting from $50,000. They’re almost never installed at homes because of their size, power draw, and cost.

Now You Know How Much Commercial EV Charging Stations Cost in Australia

Commercial EV charging isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right solution depends on your site, your customers, and your long-term goals. From affordable AC chargers for offices to high-powered DC fast chargers for shopping centres and fleets, the investment can range from a few thousand dollars to well over $100,000.

What matters most is choosing a partner who can design and deliver a system that works for your business today and scales for tomorrow.

Ready to explore your options? Get in touch with Quality Energy for a no-obligation quote on your commercial EV charger installation, no matter where you’re located in Australia.

Is Your Business Net Zero Ready? A Guide to Carbon Reduction for SMEs in Australia

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 08:27:34 GMT

Global and National Context: Transition to a Carbon-Free Future

The Australian government has demonstrated its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. This plan emphasizes driving down technology costs, and increasing technology adoption, rather than imposing taxes, aiming to deliver economic advantages. This creates a supportive environment for Australian businesses to embark on their decarbonisation journeys.

Material Risks and Opportunities for Businesses

Beyond the environmental benefits, businesses are increasingly recognising the material risks that climate change poses to their operations, supply chains, and overall financial stability.

Extreme weather events, resource scarcity, and changing regulations can disrupt business continuity and impact profitability.

Conversely, embracing decarbonisation presents significant opportunities. Businesses that proactively reduce their carbon footprint can enhance their brand reputation, attract environmentally conscious customers and investors, improve operational efficiencies, and gain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.

This shift is not just about compliance; it's about building a more resilient and sustainable business for the future.

Managing energy reduces both cost and emissions

In the short term, reducing energy waste and buying more renewable energy is the fastest and most cost effective way to reduce emissions. This is because the three largest sources of carbon emissions in Australia are Electricity, Gas, and Fuels.

Understanding Your Carbon Footprint: Measurement and Reporting

Before any meaningful reduction can occur, businesses must first understand their current environmental impact. This involves accurately measuring and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a process known as “carbon accounting”. This provides the data necessary to identify emission sources, set reduction targets, and track progress.

Carbon Accounting Fundamentals

Carbon accounting quantifies the greenhouse gas emissions produced directly and indirectly by an organisation's activities. To standardise this measurement, emissions are typically categorised into three 'scopes' as defined by the GHG Protocol , a globally recognised framework:

Scope 1 Emissions (Direct Emissions): These are direct GHG emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company. Examples include emissions from company vehicles, on-site fuel combustion (e.g., natural gas for heating or industrial processes), and refrigerant leaks.
Scope 2 Emissions (Indirect Emissions from Purchased Energy): These are indirect GHG emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by the company. While the emissions occur at the power plant, they are a direct consequence of the company's energy consumption.
Scope 3 Emissions (Other Indirect Emissions): These encompass all other indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, both upstream and downstream. This can include emissions from purchased goods and services, business travel, employee commuting, waste generated in operations, transportation and distribution, and the use of sold products. Scope 3 emissions are often the most significant and challenging to measure due to their complexity and reliance on external data.

Understanding and accurately categorising these emissions is crucial for developing effective reduction strategies. In Australia, the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme provides a single national framework for reporting company information, aligning with international standards like the GHG Protocol.

Tools and Technologies for Carbon Tracking

Measuring a business's carbon footprint can be a complex undertaking, but a growing array of tools and technologies are available to simplify the process, particularly for SMEs and larger enterprises:

Carbon Footprint Calculators: Many online calculators, such as those offered by the SME Climate Hub or Carbon Positive Australia , provide accessible starting points for businesses to estimate their emissions. While useful for initial assessments, more comprehensive solutions are often needed for detailed analysis.
Carbon Accounting Software: Dedicated software solutions are becoming indispensable for accurate and efficient carbon tracking. These platforms help businesses gather emissions data, measure their carbon footprint, and generate reports. Examples of software used in Australia include Climate Zero, NetNada , and Avarni , which offer features like data visualisation, compliance reporting, and integration with existing financial systems.
MS Excel spreadsheets: For SMEs, carbon accounting doesn’t need to be that complex, and MS Excel can provide a more transparent way to understand, calculate and audit Carbon Footprints. Even many large companies use this approach.

Reporting and Disclosure

Beyond internal measurement, reporting and disclosing carbon emissions are becoming increasingly important for businesses. This transparency builds trust with stakeholders, demonstrates commitment to sustainability, and can even unlock new investment opportunities.

Regulatory Requirements: In Australia, the NGER Scheme mandates annual reporting for large emitters. As the regulatory landscape evolves, more businesses may be required to report their emissions.
Voluntary Frameworks: Many businesses choose to report voluntarily through frameworks like the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), which provides a global system for companies to measure and manage their environmental impacts. Participating in such initiatives demonstrates leadership and commitment to climate action.
Transparency and Stakeholder Communication: Clearly communicating carbon performance to customers, investors, employees, and the wider community is vital. This includes not only reporting emissions data but also outlining reduction targets, strategies, and progress. This transparency can enhance brand reputation and attract talent and investment aligned with sustainable values.

Strategies for Emissions Reduction: A Holistic Approach

Achieving significant carbon reduction requires a multi-faceted approach, addressing emissions across various aspects of business operations. This section outlines key strategies focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, supply chain decarbonisation, and operational improvements.

Energy Efficiency and Optimisation

Improving energy efficiency is often the most cost-effective way for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and operational expenses. It involves optimising energy consumption across all facets of a business.

Energy Audits and Consumption Analysis: The first step in optimising energy use is to understand where and how energy is being consumed. Commercial energy audits and power quality auditing provide a detailed analysis of energy consumption patterns, identifying areas of waste and opportunities for savings.
Optimisation of Energy use: Other impacts of energy consumption are also important. E.g. improve Power quality if it is causing downtime, reduce export of solar to the grid by installing batteries, or better manage loads on site to make the most of the changing network electricity tariffs. For fuel usage, the Electric Vehicle landscape is changing rapidly. With many more EV models to choose from, and green vehicle leases, this is a cost effective option.
Upgrading Equipment and Facilities: Replacing outdated, inefficient equipment with modern, energy-efficient alternatives can lead to substantial reductions in energy consumption. This includes:
HVAC Systems: Upgrading to high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and ensuring regular maintenance can significantly reduce energy use.
Lighting: Switching to LED lighting can reduce lighting energy consumption by up to 50-80% compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent lights. Government incentives and programs in states like NSW and Victoria often subsidise these upgrades for businesses.
Smart Technologies and Building Management Systems (BMS): Implementing smart technologies and BMS can automate and optimise energy use in commercial buildings. These systems monitor and control various building functions, including lighting, HVAC, and security, to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.

Renewable Energy Adoption

Transitioning to renewable energy sources is a direct and impactful way to reduce Scope 2 emissions, which are associated with purchased electricity.

On-site Solar and Other Renewable Installations: Many Australian businesses are investing in on-site solar power systems to generate their own clean electricity, reducing reliance on grid power and lowering energy costs. Integrating battery energy storage helps store unused power for peak demand, or evening use.
Purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or Green Tariffs: For businesses unable to install on-site renewables, purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or opting for GreenPower tariffs allows them to support renewable energy generation and offset their electricity consumption. RECs, such as Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) are a tradable commodity that represents a certain amount of renewable electricity generated. GreenPower is a government-accredited program that ensures the renewable energy purchased is added to the grid on behalf of the consumer.
Renewable heat: for businesses that need heat, there are several options. (i) electrify through the use of heat pumps or electric heating, (ii) continue to use gas but make a decision to purchase renewable gas just like renewable electricity. Whilst this is still emerging, renewable gas comes from the conversion of organic materials like food waste, or agricultural waste to biogas and biomethane. In the near future it will be available for purchase from your electricity retailer, or you can buy unbundled "Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin (RGGO)” from other parties.
Power Quality Management (as a supporting measure for renewables): As businesses integrate more renewable energy and modern electronic equipment, maintaining good power quality becomes crucial. Poor power quality can lead to energy losses, equipment damage, and operational inefficiencies. Solutions include:
Active Harmonic Filters (AHF): These devices mitigate harmonic distortions in electrical systems, which can cause overheating and energy waste.
Power Factor Correction (PFC): PFC equipment improves the efficiency of electrical systems by reducing reactive power, leading to lower electricity bills and reduced carbon emissions.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): UPS systems provide backup power during outages and protect sensitive equipment from power fluctuations, ensuring continuous operation and preventing data loss.
Voltage Optimisation: This involves optimising the incoming voltage supply to a business to match the actual requirements of its equipment, reducing energy consumption and extending equipment lifespan.

Supply Chain Decarbonisation (Scope 3 Emissions)

For many businesses, particularly larger enterprises, the majority of their carbon footprint lies within their supply chain (Scope 3 emissions). Addressing these indirect emissions requires collaboration and strategic engagement with suppliers and partners.

Engaging and Collaborating with Suppliers: Businesses need to work closely with their suppliers to identify and reduce emissions throughout the value chain. This can involve setting emission reduction targets for suppliers, providing support for their decarbonisation efforts, and fostering transparency in reporting.
Sustainable Procurement Practices: Integrating sustainability criteria into procurement decisions is crucial. This means prioritising suppliers who demonstrate strong environmental performance, offer low-carbon products or services, and adhere to ethical and sustainable practices. The Australian Government has introduced an Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy to encourage sustainable procurement across Commonwealth entities, setting a precedent for the private sector.
Logistics Optimisation and Green Transportation: Optimising transportation routes, modes, and logistics networks can significantly reduce emissions. This includes shifting to more fuel-efficient vehicles, exploring electric powered fleets, optimising load factors, and utilising intermodal transport where feasible. Quality Energy has helped businesses actively invest in green logistics solutions and electric vehicle chargers. Take a look at our case study for more information.
Circular Economy Principles (Waste Reduction, Recycling): Embracing circular economy principles means moving away from a linear ‘take-make-dispose’ model to one that minimises waste and keeps resources in use for as long as possible. This involves designing products for durability and recyclability, reusing materials, and recovering valuable resources from waste streams.

Operational Process Improvements

Beyond energy and supply chain, optimising internal operational processes can yield substantial carbon reductions.

Lean Manufacturing and Waste Minimisation: Applying lean principles, traditionally focused on efficiency and waste reduction in manufacturing, can also significantly reduce environmental impact. A study by Swinburne University shows by eliminating waste in processes, businesses can reduce energy consumption, material usage, and associated emissions.
Digitalisation and Automation for Efficiency: Leveraging digital technologies and automation can enhance operational efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This includes using data analytics to optimise processes, implementing smart sensors for resource management, and automating tasks to minimise human error and resource waste. For example, digital solutions can optimise production schedules, reduce energy consumption in data centres, and enable remote work, thereby cutting down on commuting emissions.
Water Conservation and Management: While not directly a GHG emission, water consumption is often energy-intensive (e.g., for heating, pumping, and treatment). Implementing water-saving measures and efficient water management systems can indirectly contribute to carbon reduction by lowering associated energy use.

Innovation and Technology for Decarbonisation

Innovation and technological advancements are crucial enablers of the transition to a net-zero economy.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps are used in air conditioning and hot water systems. The produce temperatures up to ~90 °C using electricity, and with extremely high efficiency. In most cases, the save substantial cost, and are fully commercial today.

Batteries

Recent changes to Federal Government incentives mean that batteries for homes and SMEs batteries are more affordable than ever. If you have solar onsite (or capacity for more solar), then a subsidised battery may make sense to install.

Advanced Materials and Sustainable Product Design

Innovation in materials science and product design plays a vital role in reducing embodied carbon and promoting circularity. This involves developing and utilising materials with lower environmental impacts throughout their lifecycle, from extraction to disposal.

Sustainable Materials: Research and development are focused on creating new materials that are renewable, recyclable, biodegradable, or have significantly lower embodied energy. Examples include advanced bioplastics, recycled composites, and low-impact metals.
Eco-Design Principles: Businesses are increasingly adopting eco-design principles , which integrate environmental considerations into every stage of product development. This includes designing for durability, repairability, and ease of recycling, as well as minimising material usage and optimising manufacturing processes.

Financial and Strategic Considerations

Decarbonisation is not just an environmental endeavour; it is a strategic business decision with significant financial implications and opportunities.

Accessing Green Financing and Incentives

Governments and financial institutions are increasingly offering incentives and specialised financing options to support businesses in their decarbonisation efforts. These include solar power purchase agreements, green vehicle leases, and heat as a service. Many major Australian banks, including CommBank, and ANZ, offer green loans and sustainable finance products designed to fund energy-efficient upgrades, renewable energy installations, and other decarbonisation initiatives.Green financing can be boosted by state-level government grants and tradable incentives (such as ESCs, VEECs and ACCUs) which lower upfront costs and improve project returns.

Carbon Offsetting and Carbon Markets

While the primary focus should always be on reducing emissions directly, carbon offsetting can play a role in addressing residual emissions that are difficult to abate.

Carbon offsetting involves investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere elsewhere. In Australia, the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme encourages projects that reduce emissions or store carbon, generating ACCUs that can be purchased by businesses to offset their emissions.

It is crucial to view offsetting as a complementary measure, not a substitute for direct emission reduction. The integrity and effectiveness of offset projects should be carefully evaluated.

Integrating Decarbonisation into Business Strategy

For decarbonisation to be truly effective and sustainable, it must be integrated into the core business strategy, rather than being treated as a separate initiative.

Setting Ambitious but Achievable Targets: Businesses should set clear, measurable, and time-bound decarbonisation targets. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) provides a framework for companies to set emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science, ensuring their efforts contribute to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Many Australian companies have already committed to SBTi.
Employee Engagement and Training: Employees are critical to the success of any decarbonisation strategy. Engaging and educating staff on sustainability goals, energy-saving practices, and waste reduction can foster a culture of environmental responsibility and drive behavioral change across the organisation.
Collaboration and Partnerships: The most effective net-zero path for Australian SMEs is built on practical partnerships: CEC-accredited electrification installers; energy retailers/aggregators (GreenPower/PPAs/demand response); accredited certificate providers (VEU/ESS/REPS/EEIS); CEFC-aligned lenders; carbon brokers for ACCUs; and advisory programs like Sustainability Victoria, CitySwitch, ecoBiz QLD, and BRC-A.

Building a Resilient and Sustainable Business Future

Net zero isn’t a slogan, it’s a sequence of practical steps your team can start this month.

Pull the last 12 months of electricity, gas and fuel data, baseline Scope 1–3 (a simple spreadsheet is fine), and action the no and low-cost wins first, such as load control, LED upgrades, and power factor correction.

Scope larger moves like solar and battery installation or upgrades, heat-pump electrification, EV charging and financing models like GreenPower or PPAs.

At Quality Energy, we help Australian SMEs end-to-end: audit and roadmap, business-case modelling, access to incentives (VEU/ESS, ACCUs) and green finance, then turnkey delivery and ongoing measurement and reporting.

Ready to cut costs and carbon with confidence? Speak with the Quality Energy team at qualityenergy.com.au to book a short consultation—we’ll identify quick wins and map a 12–36 month net-zero plan tailored to your site, budget and goals.

Power Purchase Agreements in Australia: A Guide for Business Owners Looking to Go Solar

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 23:39:00 GMT

If you run a small to medium-sized business and want to cut your power bills while reducing your environmental footprint, a PPA could be your perfect entry point. It’s a way to get solar panels installed on your premises without paying the big upfront costs. Instead, you simply pay for the clean energy you use, often at a much lower rate than you’re paying your current electricity retailer.

At Quality Energy, we supply and install high-quality solar systems , and PPAs are one of the easiest ways our customers get started.

They’ve gone from a niche financing option to a mainstream business tool, with over $9 billion committed to new clean energy generation in the past year alone. Many of our clients see savings of 25 to 50% on electricity costs from day one.

In this guide, we’ll explain what PPAs are, how they work, and why more Australian businesses are using them to lock in cheaper, greener energy for the long term.

What is a Power Purchase Agreement?

A Power Purchase Agreement is a simple way for a business to get solar panels installed without paying for the system upfront. Instead of buying the equipment, you agree to buy the electricity it produces at a set rate – usually much cheaper than grid power. The financier owns, installs, and maintains the system, and you enjoy lower, cleaner energy costs from day one.

Why PPAs are Popular in Australia

The Australian corporate PPA market has grown rapidly, reaching 26.6 TWh of contracted capacity across more than 172 publicly confirmed deals since 2017. While big corporations have been leading the way, smaller businesses are increasingly able to access the same wholesale-style pricing through retailer-intermediated PPAs or buyer groups.

For you, that means you don’t need to be Rio Tinto to get a great deal. Through our network, we help SMEs tap into these same savings and secure energy prices for years ahead, giving you confidence against market spikes.

The Solar Advantage for SMEs

Wind farms currently account for 53% of contracted volume and solar 39%, but solar-plus-battery solutions are on the rise. This is great news for smaller businesses, as these systems deliver reliable, “firmed” energy that can also help cover peak demand periods.

Retail PPAs are the most common for SMEs, covering businesses that use 5 to 60 GWh annually. They’re simple, flexible, and we take care of everything - from installation to compliance. Even if your usage is smaller, joining a buyer group can help you meet the volume threshold for better rates.

Consumer Protections You Can Rely On

A lot of business owners worry about being “locked in” or facing hidden costs. That’s where Australia’s regulatory framework has you covered.

All solar PPA providers must meet Australian Energy Regulator and ACCC requirements. Clear disclosure of terms, transparent pricing, and access to dispute resolution are necessities in every PPA offered.

In Victoria, NSW, and Queensland, there are additional state-level protections that give you even more peace of mind. At Quality Energy , we work with leading PPA providers and make sure every detail is clearly explained – no fine-print surprises!

How Long Until You’re Connected?

For most solar PPAs over 30 kW, network approval is required from your local Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP). The national process can take 8 to 12 months for larger commercial systems, but Quality Energy handles the entire application and liaisons during this time.

System complexity and DNSP workloads take up much of the time, with manual assessments necessary for systems exceeding automatic approval limits.

The Clean Energy Council maintains a list of approved inverters for use under the SRES. With these new reforms, we may see connection times decreasing into the future.

Six Types of Power Purchase Agreements to Consider

Onsite PPAs: The solar system is installed at your premises by the PPA provider, who owns and operates the system. Your business pays only for the electricity produced, typically at a rate lower than standard grid prices. This arrangement is most common for small and medium businesses. At the end of the term, you can extend the contract, buy the system at a fair market rate, or have it removed.
Offsite PPAs (Sleeved or Retail Sleeved): Your business enters into a contract with a renewable energy provider elsewhere, and electricity is delivered via the grid, often “sleeved” through a retailer. The contract enables fixed pricing and renewable supply, more common for larger commercial users.
Wholesale PPAs: Large energy consumers contract directly with a generator, taking on price hedging and market risks. These are suitable for entities like industrial facilities, mines, and universities.
Virtual PPAs: A financial agreement that lets you hedge your energy price without the physical delivery of electricity. This can also be known as synthetic PPA, Financial PPA, or Contract for Difference. No actual flow of energy to the premises occurs. Instead, the business contracts to buy the output from a renewable facility and settles on the financial value of the electricity based on an agreed price. These are typically used by large corporate electricity buyers to offset grid energy use and manage price risk.
Retail PPAs: The contract is managed through an electricity retailer, who then secures renewable energy from a generator to supply the customer. This arrangement is generally for medium-to-large energy consumers needing simplicity and fixed rates.
Group or Aggregated PPAs: Multiple smaller buyers form a group to sign a PPA collectively, allowing small and medium enterprises to access favorable pricing and renewable supply arrangements.

In most SME cases, an onsite PPA is the simplest and most cost-effective option for financing renewable energy .

How Pricing Works

Most PPAs have fixed or gently escalating rates ranging between 2.5 to 5% a year, meaning you know exactly what you’ll pay for the life of the contract. That’s a huge advantage when wholesale electricity prices spike.

You can choose to pay for all the power your system generates, or just what you use – which is handy if your energy needs fluctuate. Either way, there’s no big lump sum at the start.

The Benefits You’ll Notice Straight Away

Lower power bills from day one, often by 25 to 50%.
No capital outlay. The financier covers the cost of the system, you just pay for the energy.
Full service included - installation, monitoring, maintenance, and repairs are covered.
Better for the planet. Every MWh you use cuts your carbon footprint and supports Australia’s renewable energy goals.

Risks to be Aware of

Like any contract, a PPA has terms you’ll need to be comfortable with; mainly the length of the agreement and the price lock-in. If wholesale prices drop significantly, you might be paying a bit more than market rates, but you’re also protected from sudden spikes.

We always design PPAs so they make sense for your business in both the short and long term.

Australian Businesses Who’ve Saved With Quality Energy and a Power Purchase Agreement

Businesses across Australia are already seeing the benefits of this model with Quality Energy.

For example, Australian Textile Mills reduced their operating costs with a large-scale solar installation funded entirely through a PPA, while Port Campbell Hotel in Victoria has been able to cut energy expenses without tying up capital that can now be reinvested back into their business.

Similarly, the Home Inn Group in New South Wales partnered with Quality Energy to access clean, reliable solar power at zero upfront cost, strengthening both their bottom line and their sustainability credentials.

You can also read our case studies to see how we’ve helped businesses just like yours.

How PPAs Compare to Other Solar Financing Options

If you have the capital and long-term premises certainty, buying your own solar system often delivers the biggest total savings. But for many SMEs, the zero-upfront-cost structure of a PPA is more attractive, especially when cash flow is tight or you don’t want the responsibility of owning and maintaining the system.

PPAs vs Direct Ownership

With direct ownership, you buy the system upfront and own it from day one. You also take full responsibility for maintenance and performance.

Pros:

Highest long-term savings, no ongoing payment to a third party.
You receive all available incentives (e.g. STCs, LGCs, state rebates).
Asset depreciation and instant asset write-off (for eligible businesses).
Energy savings flow directly to your bottom line.
No contract restrictions - full operational flexibility.

Cons:

High upfront cost (e.g. $30k–$75k for 30 to 50 kW solar systems; $100k+ for larger systems).
You carry performance risk - if the system underperforms, it’s your problem.
May require internal approval for large capital expenditure.

Direct ownership is best suited for businesses with strong cash reserves, long-term premises security, and a goal to maximise total lifetime return.

PPA vs Solar Loan (Commercial Finance)

You borrow funds (secured or unsecured) to buy the system. You own it from day one, make regular loan repayments, and take the incentives.

Pros:

You still get all rebates and depreciation benefits.
No large lump sum upfront, and repayments can often be matched to energy savings.
Ownership at the end of the term with no further payments.

Cons:

Interest rates (6 to 12% typical in 2025) add to total cost.
You carry performance risk and maintenance responsibilities.
May require director’s or personal guarantee.

This model is best suited for bBusinesses that want ownership benefits but prefer to spread costs over time.

PPA vs Operating Lease or Lease to Own

Similar to equipment leasing, you make fixed monthly payments for the use of the solar system. In lease-to-own, ownership transfers at the end of the term; in an operating lease, it does not.

Pros:

Predictable fixed payments, often off-balance-sheet.
Lease-to-own allows eventual ownership without large upfront costs.
Operating lease can be structured to avoid asset/debt on your balance sheet.

Cons:

If you don’t own the asset, you don’t get depreciation benefits.
Rebates often go to the lessor, not you.
It may be more expensive overall than a loan.

Organisations with accounting and tax reasons to keep assets off-balance-sheet, or those who want a clear path to ownership without an initial capital outlay often choose operating leases or lease to own arrangements. Please seek your own financial advice before deciding on which option is best for your business.

The future for PPAs

Australia’s clean energy targets and major investment in battery storage mean PPAs are here to stay. Over the next few years, expect more flexible contract terms, faster connection times, and better bundled solar-plus-storage offerings.

With the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program launched in 2025, SMEs can also take advantage of upfront savings on battery storage up to 50kWh. Our battery rebates blog post covers this further.

If you want to secure lower energy costs and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, now is the perfect time to explore your options.

Thinking about a Power Purchase Agreement for your business?

We’d be happy to assess your site, estimate your savings, and walk you through the process. Contact the team at Quality Energy today to see if a PPA is the right fit for you.

Industrial Solar vs Commercial Systems in Australia

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 08:36:33 GMT

Industrial Solar vs Commercial Solar - What’s the Difference?

At first glance, the same photovoltaic panels are bolted to the roof. The key differences between commercial and industrial solar lies in the system size, electrical engineering, compliance, and financing path. Here is a quick breakdown:

For most industrial facilities, the economics improve beyond 100kW. Fixed O&M costs, engineering fees, and craneage are spread over a larger number of kilowatts, resulting in a lower $/W turnkey price.

But that doesn’t mean solar should be reserved for large demands only. Whether it’s a 20kW café roof or a 660kW factory array , internal rates of return (IRR) sit comfortably in the 20–40 % band once STCs and instant‑asset write‑off are applied.

Our recent 19.8kW solar installation for Zambrero’s covers 97% of its usage and slashes nearly half the annual electricity spend, providing an IRR of 26.3%.

Combining solar and power factor correction equipment helped chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut eliminate kVAr charges on energy bills, and offset CO2 emissions. With project warranties of up to 30 years, this 568kW solar installation has a projected payback period of less than 5 years.

Five Reasons Industrial Solar Power Systems Make Strategic Sense

Slash Operating Overheads

Electricity can account for 10 to 30% of a factory’s overhead. Generating power on-site with a 1MW solar panel system typically offsets 1.6 GWh per year (depending on which state you are in), worth $400,000+ at today’s tariffs, creating energy savings that can seriously improve your bottom line.

Hedge Against Volatile Grid Prices

Because sunlight is free, solar’s levelised cost of energy (LCOE) is locked in on day one. With a 25-year performance warranty, that certainly becomes a natural hedge against the National Electricity Market’s price spikes and future carbon pricing.

Meet ESG & Carbon-Neutral Goals

Industrial solar directly cuts greenhouse gas emissions by displacing grid electricity that is still 70% fossil-fuel-based. A 1MW rooftop solar power system abates roughly 1,100 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, supporting ISO14001 , Science-Based Targets, and stakeholder reporting.

De-risk Supply Chains

Major retailers and multinationals are increasingly requiring their suppliers to demonstrate sustainability credentials. Installing commercial and industrial solar demonstrates proactive environmentalism and can protect lucrative contracts.

Prepare for Electrification

As sites electrify heat processes, adopt electric vehicles, or phase out diesel generators, daytime demand rises. Oversizing today’s solar plant (or leaving roof space for extra arrays) provides headroom for tomorrow’s energy transition.

Designing an Industrial Solar System - Beyond the Panels

Rooftop vs. Ground-Mount

Rooftop solar power maximises existing real estate, avoids land-use approvals, and reduces heat load inside the warehouse.
Ground-mount plants suit sites with surplus land, allowing tracker arrays that boost yield by 15 to 25%. Industrial complexes near regional substations often choose this model.

Voltage Class & String Length

Moving from 1,000V to 1,500V DC strings let designers run 50% more modules per string - less copper, fewer combiner boxes, and lower resistive losses.

Power Inverters & Grid-Forming Capability

Modern industrial and utility-scale arrays typically use large three-phase string inverters (100–250kW) or containerised central inverters (500kW to several MW). Advanced features such as grid-forming capability and reactive-power control help stabilise the local grid, and are increasingly required by distributed network service providers in Queensland and New South Wales.

Integrating Battery Energy Storage

Pairing batteries with industrial solar captures excess solar for evening peaks, smooths demand charges, and provides backup during power outages. The business case strengthens when you stack multiple services, including frequency control, peak shaving, and arbitrage.

Incentives, Taxes & Financing

Small vs Large-Scale Certificates

STCs: For systems < 100kW. Created upfront and traded, giving an instant discount.
LGCs: For systems ≥ 100kW. Claimable yearly through the Clean Energy Regulator until 2030. Provide a secondary revenue stream for 15 years under the Renewable Energy Target .

State and Federal Incentives

Some state incentives have been phased out with the introduction of the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Grant. Despite its name, businesses can take advantage of this incentive when incorporating solar and battery storage (up to 50kW of battery storage). Our blog post on battery rebates provides further information.

Resources by State:

Victorian businesses can access upfront rebates for renewable energy systems under the VEU program for businesses .
The NSW Government Climate and Energy Action Website has a page specifically for business and industry programs grants and schemes .
The City of Adelaide offers a sustainability incentives scheme for commercial industries.
Western Australia does not offer upfront rebates or incentives, but does offer a distributed energy buyback scheme .
If you’re a business considering installing solar in Canberra , you may be eligible for up to $13,000 in rebates and technical advice. The sustainable business program provides further information.

The rebates and assistance page on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has a handy search feature where you can find current offers for your state for a range of products, including renewable energy, solar pv, batteries, and equipment.

Depreciation and Instant Asset Write-Off

Industrial solar may qualify for the temporary full expensing measure , which allows companies to deduct 100% of eligible project costs in the first year (through June 2026). Please consult with your accountant or the ATO for guidance on this matter.

Funding Models at a Glance

Capex purchase

Up-front cost: High
Ownership: Your business from day one
Best suited to: Cash-rich companies seeking the quickest ROI and full control over O&M

Operating lease

Up-front cost: Low
Ownership: Lessor during the lease term (you gain custody at buy-out)
Best suited to: Firms needing off-balance-sheet treatment while preserving capital

Power Purchase Agreements

Up-front cost: None
Ownership: Third-party solar provider; you simply buy the energy cheaper than what you would from the grid or cheaper than what you previously paid for energy from the grid
Best suited to: Tenanted or landlord-owned sites that can offer roof space, but prefer zero capex

Energy-as-a-Service

Up-front cost: None
Ownership: A subscription based model, where the provider retains and maintains the asset throughout its life
Best suited to: Businesses wanting a turnkey, performance-guaranteed solution without any upfront capital expenditure. A monthly service fee is paid linked to energy usage or savings, structured as a long term service agreement (5-20 years) or with fixed indexed pricing.

Future Trends - From Factory Roofs to Utility-Scale Solar Projects

Utility-scale solar projects on adjacent land allow energy-intensive users to become mini-generators, selling excess via virtual power plants.
Grid energy storage and dynamic demand response will turn warehouses into flexible assets, offsetting power outages and reducing reliance on diesel generators.
The shift to electric vehicle fleets will make daytime solar even more valuable, especially as vehicle-to-grid standards mature.
Upcoming changes to Australia’s National Energy Performance Strategy may tighten emissions baselines, amplifying the return on investment of industrial solar installation combined with battery storage to meet the energy needs of your industry.

Industrial Solar Is the Competitive Edge for Australian Business

From cutting electricity costs and stabilising overheads to achieving sustainable energy targets, investing in industrial and commercial solar delivers tangible, multi-layered value. Advances in photovoltaics have driven panel prices to historic lows, while Australian incentives like STCs, LGCs, VEECS, and accelerated depreciation remove much of the upfront cost hurdle.

For large energy users, whether a distribution warehouse in Melbourne, a food-processing plant in regional Victoria or a manufacturing factory in Brisbane, the question is no longer if but when to install a commercial and industrial solar system.

Equipped with the right data, a clear financing strategy, and a proven NETCC approved installation partner such as Quality Energy, your business can secure decades of low-carbon, low-cost power, future-proofing operations against the next energy market shock and reinforcing your reputation as a climate-responsible leader.

Top 10 Mistakes in Commercial & Industrial Solar Procurement in Australia

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:47:53 GMT

As Australian energy prices continue their relentless climb and businesses face mounting pressure to reduce operational costs and carbon emissions, commercial and industrial (C&I) solar has emerged as a strategic imperative rather than just an option. However, navigating the complexities of large-scale solar procurement in Australia's regulatory environment requires careful consideration.

Throughout my decade-plus experience delivering high-performance solar solutions for commercial and industrial enterprises across Australia, I've witnessed countless costly mistakes that could have been easily avoided with proper guidance. These errors not only impact immediate ROI but can create long-term operational headaches and missed opportunities.

Here are the 10 most critical mistakes Australian businesses make when procuring commercial and industrial solar systems, and how to avoid them.

Confusing Rebates, Certificates, and Feed-in Tariffs

The Australian renewable energy incentive landscape is complex, with multiple overlapping schemes that many businesses fail to optimise.

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) provide upfront discounts nationally for systems under 100kW capacity, administered under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. Your accredited installer claims these on your behalf and you get the up-front discount, but the value fluctuates with market conditions.

Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) apply to systems over 100kW and are created over the system's lifetime rather than upfront. These can be sold through the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target market or retained for your own compliance obligations.

Feed-in tariffs represent the payment you receive for excess electricity exported to the grid. For C&I customers, these rates are typically lower than residential tariffs and vary significantly between retailers and states. Understanding export limitations and time-of-use variations is essential for system optimisation.

Inadequate Financial Modeling and Ownership Structure Analysis

Many businesses rush into solar procurement without properly evaluating different ownership models and their financial implications.

Direct Purchase offers maximum long-term savings and may offer depreciation benefits under the Australian Taxation Office guidelines . Please check with your accountant or the ATO for the most up to date advice on depreciating assets.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) eliminate upfront capital expenditure but typically deliver lower lifetime savings. They're particularly suitable for businesses with limited capital, long term occupancy, or complex approval processes.

Operating Leases provide middle-ground options but require careful evaluation of lease terms and end-of-lease obligations.

Critical financial modeling must include:

Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) calculations
Demand charge impacts for time-of-use tariffs
Escalation assumptions for electricity prices
Take tax out and cash flow analysis
Risk assessment for technology and performance variables

Ignoring Power Quality and Grid Connection Requirements

Commercial and industrial installations often require sophisticated electrical engineering that many providers underestimate.

Systems over 200kW require formal grid connection applications to your Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP), involving detailed electrical studies and protection system design. Systems over 100kW face increasingly stringent requirements under Australian Standard AS4777 for grid connection of energy systems via inverters.

P ower quality considerations become critical in industrial environments with:

Harmonic distortion from variable frequency drives and other non-linear loads
Voltage regulation requirements
Power factor correction needs
Protection coordination with existing electrical infrastructure

Many businesses discover too late that their electrical infrastructure requires significant upgrades to accommodate solar integration, adding substantial unexpected costs.

Incorrect System Sizing and Demand Profile Matching

System sizing for C&I applications extends far beyond simple energy consumption analysis. Many businesses receive proposals based solely on annual electricity usage without proper consideration of:

Demand Charge Implications: Most commercial customers face demand charges based on their maximum 15 or 30-minute demand periods. Solar generation during these peak periods significantly impacts system value.

Load Profile Analysis: Manufacturing businesses with overnight operations, data centres with constant loads, and retail operations with evening peaks all require different solar design approaches.

Future Growth Planning: Businesses often expand operations, add equipment, or integrate electric vehicle charging. System design should accommodate foreseeable growth through:

Adequate roof space reservation
Electrical infrastructure capacity planning
Modular system expansion capabilities

Seasonal Variations: Australia's diverse climate zones create significant seasonal generation and load variations that impact system performance and financial returns.

Inadequate Structural and Roof Condition Assessment

Commercial and industrial roofs present unique challenges that residential-focused installers often overlook:

Structural Load Capacity: Industrial roofs, particularly older structures, may require structural engineering assessments to verify capacity for additional solar loading, especially in high-wind coastal areas. Any system larger than 30kW requires structural inspection.

Roof Condition and Warranty: Installing solar on roofs nearing replacement creates long-term complications. Proper assessment includes:

Remaining roof warranty periods
Condition of roof membranes and flashing
Access requirements for future roof maintenance
Integration with existing roof drainage systems

Industrial Environment Considerations: Manufacturing facilities may have:

Corrosive atmospheres requiring specialised mounting systems
Roof access restrictions during operations
Crane and equipment clearance requirements
Safety considerations for maintenance access

Compromising on Equipment Quality and Warranties

The phrase "cheap pays twice" particularly applies to commercial solar installations. While premium equipment requires higher upfront investment, the long-term performance and warranty implications are substantial.

Premium Solar Panels typically offer:

25+ year performance warranties with linear degradation curves
Superior low-light and high-temperature performance
Enhanced durability for harsh Australian conditions
Comprehensive manufacturer support and local service capabilities

Budget Equipment Risks include:

Shorter warranty periods (often 10-12 years instead of 25)
Higher degradation rates reducing long-term performance
Limited manufacturer support for warranty claims
Potential compatibility issues with monitoring and optimisation systems

I nverter Selection becomes critical for system reliability:

String inverters vs power optimisers for different shading scenarios
Monitoring and diagnostic capabilities
Remote troubleshooting and maintenance features
Proven track record in Australian conditions

Overlooking Operations and Maintenance Planning

Large commercial systems require professional operations and maintenance strategies that many businesses fail to plan for:

Performance Monitoring: Advanced monitoring systems enable:

Real-time performance tracking and fault detection
Automated alerts for system underperformance
Detailed reporting for financial analysis and warranty claims
Integration with building management systems

Preventive Maintenance: Professional solar maintenance programs should include:

Regular cleaning schedules adapted to local soiling conditions
Electrical connection inspections and thermographic surveys
Inverter performance verification and firmware updates
Structural mounting system inspections

Performance Guarantees: Many commercial installations include performance guarantees that require proper monitoring and maintenance to enforce warranty claims.

Insufficient Understanding of Australian Standards and Regulations

Australia's regulatory environment for commercial solar continues evolving, with new requirements regularly introduced:

Grid Connection Standards: The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) regularly updates grid connection requirements, particularly around:

Export limitation capabilities
Grid support functions during disturbances
Communication and control system requirements

Work Health and Safety: Commercial installations must comply with stringent Work Health and Safety regulations, including:

Fall protection systems for ongoing maintenance
Electrical safety procedures and isolation requirements
Emergency response and system shutdown procedures

Building Code Compliance: Integration with existing building systems requires compliance with construction codes, including fire safety and structural requirements.

Inadequate Risk Assessment and Insurance Planning

Commercial solar installations introduce various risks that require proper assessment and mitigation:

Business Interruption Risks: Installation periods can disrupt normal operations. Proper planning includes:

Scheduling installations during low-activity periods
Maintaining power supply continuity during electrical work
Coordinating with other building maintenance activities

Insurance Considerations: Commercial solar systems require specific insurance coverage including:

Equipment replacement coverage for weather damage
Business interruption insurance for system downtime
Public liability coverage for installation and maintenance activities
Cyber security coverage for connected monitoring systems

Performance Risk Management: Long-term performance risks include:

Technology obsolescence and parts availability
Weather-related performance variations
Soiling and degradation impact specific to industrial environments

Selecting Inappropriate Partners and Procurement Processes

The complexity of commercial solar requires experienced partners with demonstrated C&I capabilities:

Installer Accreditation: Verify NETCC and Solar Accreditation Australia (Quality Energy holds both) and check for:

Commercial installation experience and references
Electrical contractor licensing appropriate for system size
Professional indemnity and public liability insurance coverage
Grid connection application experience with local DNSPs

Design and Engineering Capabilities: Commercial projects require:

Professional electrical engineering for grid connection applications
Structural engineering assessment capabilities
Power quality analysis and mitigation experience
Integration with existing building management and energy systems

Long-term Support Capabilities: Evaluate providers based on:

Local service and support capabilities
Track record for warranty support and system maintenance
Financial stability for long-term partnership
Expertise in performance monitoring and optimisation

Take a look at our numerous solar case studies for more information. We’ve installed small business solar of 13kWh up to a massive 1MW installation.

Quality Energy Helps You Avoid These Costly Solar Mistakes

Success in commercial and industrial solar procurement requires a comprehensive approach that considers technical, financial, and operational factors specific to Australian conditions and regulations.

Professional Assessment Process: Every commercial solar project should begin with a detailed site assessment including:

Comprehensive electrical and structural engineering evaluation
Detailed energy audit and load profile analysis
Grid connection feasibility and requirements assessment
Financial modeling, incentives, and cash flow

Holistic System Design: Effective C&I solar design considers your entire energy ecosystem including:

Integration with existing energy management systems
Coordination with planned facility upgrades or expansions
Opportunities for energy storage and demand management
Future technology integration possibilities

Partnership Approach: Rather than simple equipment procurement, successful C&I solar projects require true partnerships with providers offering:

Comprehensive project management from design through commissioning
Ongoing performance monitoring and maintenance services
Long-term support for system optimisation and expansion, including adding solar battery energy storage systems (BESS)
Expertise in evolving regulatory and market conditions

The Quality Energy Difference

Quality Energy has operated in Australia's energy sector for over 35 years, providing comprehensive energy management solutions including commercial and industrial solar systems. As an NETCC Approved Solar Retailer, we maintain the highest industry standards while providing the technical expertise necessary for complex C&I installations.

Our approach prioritises comprehensive site assessment, professional engineering design, and long-term partnership rather than simple equipment sales. We never provide pricing without detailed on-site evaluation because we understand that effective C&I solar requires careful consideration of your unique operational requirements, electrical infrastructure, and business objectives.

Where required, every project includes detailed electrical and structural engineering, grid connection support, professional installation, comprehensive commissioning, and ongoing performance monitoring to ensure your investment delivers expected returns throughout its 25+ year operating life.

If you're considering commercial or industrial solar for your Australian business, I invite you to contact me for a confidential discussion about your requirements and objectives.

Andrew Scott is Quality Energy's National Sales Manager, Renewables, with more than 10 years' professional experience in the renewable energy sector. His experience encompasses power generation project sales and renewable energy solution sales across SME and Commercial and Industrial sectors

Building the Case for EV Charging Stations at Australian Service Stations

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:35:39 GMT

Australia’s electric vehicle (EV) market is growing rapidly, creating a significant opportunity for service stations to adapt and thrive. As EV adoption accelerates, driven by consumer preference, environmental initiatives, and supportive government policies, petrol stations stand at a critical juncture. By installing electric vehicle chargers , service station owners and tenants can future-proof their businesses, attract new customer segments, and unlock additional revenue streams.

This post explores Australia's EV landscape, highlights successful global and local case studies, including projects delivered by Quality Energy, and outlines clear pathways for profitable implementation.

The EV Market Is Experiencing Rapid Growth in Australia

Electric vehicles have experienced impressive growth in Australia, increasing from a modest market share to around 3.4% of new car sales by early 2024, up 65% since 2021. This growth trajectory is poised to continue.

Australian state governments are aiming for EVs to comprise at least 50% of new vehicle sales by 2030, while states like ACT and South Australia have set even higher targets of 80 to 100% EV sales. [ Electric Vehicle Council, State of EV Report 2024 ]

Supporting factors include:

Government incentives: Tax benefits, rebates, and funding programs encourage EV ownership.
Corporate fleet electrification: Many businesses are committed to converting their fleets to EVs, increasing demand for charging infrastructure.

The Charging Infrastructure Gap

Despite rising EV adoption, Australia's public charging infrastructure is lagging. As of 2024, there are only 1059 fast and ultra-fast public chargers nationwide [ Electric Vehicle Council ], with New South Wales and Victoria leading the way.

Major highways and regional corridors remain significantly underserved, providing an immediate business opportunity for strategically located service stations.

Australian motorists increasingly expect EV charging convenience, similar to refuelling their petrol vehicles. A 2023 CBRE study indicates 78% of Australian shopping centres already provide EV chargers, significantly shaping customer expectations for convenience-driven infrastructure.

Service stations are ideally positioned to meet this demand, converting transient visitors into loyal customers.

The Changing Role of Service Stations to EV Charging Destinations

Traditional petrol stations are uniquely positioned to become charging destinations, providing convenience for drivers on-the-go. Internationally, successful models such as Gridserve in the UK have demonstrated significant returns through dedicated EV forecourts combining rapid charging with retail and hospitality.

Australian service stations can similarly adapt by providing fast, reliable charging alongside existing offerings, ensuring their relevance and profitability into the future.

From Goulburn to the UK: EV Charging Success Stories That Prove the ROI

Globally, service stations installing EV chargers have experienced robust returns. For example, Gridserve in the UK has created dedicated EV forecourts with retail amenities, turning EV charging into a profitable business segment.

Substantial supplementary revenue streams beyond charging fees include cafes, garden centres, Wi-Fi lounge areas, and even meeting rooms. Within a year of operation, Gridserve serviced over two million EV miles, demonstrating profitability through customer-centric design and retail integration.

This sets an exemplary model for Australian service stations aiming to become EV hubs.

Globally, businesses integrating EV chargers report compelling returns. Sino Energy notes an average ROI between 15% to 35%, with a payback period of 2 to 5 years depending on charger type and site selection.

Ampcontrol also reports that property values and commercial investor attraction increases at locations equipped with EV chargers.

Quality Energy’s Australian Success Stories

Budget Petrol, Goulburn NSW

Integrated solar (99.9 kW) and EV charger project delivered by Quality Energy.
Achieved a payback period of approximately 5.8 years.
Projected lifetime savings exceed AUD $491,000 and reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 145 tonnes annually.

Moana Heights and Gawler, SA

Installed ABB Terra124 fast chargers in retail settings.
Attracted new customers, enhanced dwell time, and increased ancillary sales revenue.

Newport Power Station, Victoria

Installed Schneider 22kW dual AC chargers for employee use.
Demonstrated significant planning efficiencies and provided a scalable template for future expansions.

EV Charger Investment Guide: Costs, Returns, and Payback Periods

A typical investment scenario includes:

Double Your Dwell Time, Increase Your Revenue: The EV Charging Advantage

Installing EV chargers offers broader strategic advantages:

Enhanced Customer Loyalty: EV drivers typically have longer dwell times, increasing retail, food, and beverage sales opportunities.
Competitive Differentiation: Establishing your station as a forward-thinking brand aligns with growing consumer eco-awareness.
Future-Proofing Your Business: Proactively adapting to evolving vehicle markets ensures continued relevance and profitability.

Your EV Charger Roadmap: 6 Steps From Planning to Profit

Quality Energy recommends the following implementation strategy for Australian service station operators:

Initial Site Assessment: Evaluate grid capacity, available space, and regulatory considerations.
Selecting Charger Technology :
DC fast chargers for high-traffic transit locations.
AC chargers for convenience and retail environments.
Integrating Renewable Energy: Rooftop solar and battery energy storage to mitigate electricity costs and boost sustainability.
Securing Subsidies: Apply for funding through ARENA who previously launched the round 1 of the Future Fuels Fund in 2021. Future rounds may still be offered. State Government grants may also be available, with round 4 of the NSW Fast Charging Grant expected to open late 2025.
Smart Charging Solutions: Leverage intelligent software to manage peak demand, tariffs, and customer queues effectively.
Marketing and Visibility: Promote your chargers on popular EV navigation apps and develop loyalty programs for repeat visitors.

Common Concerns (And How We Handle Them)

Grid Infrastructure Constraints: Mitigated by solar and battery integration to balance loads.
Capital Investment: Offset through available government funding and attractive leasing options.
Adoption Risk: Phased rollout and modular designs ensure scalability and reduce initial financial exposure.

Could EV Chargers Be Your Secret Weapon Against Declining Fuel Sales?

Australian service stations stand at an exciting crossroads, poised to benefit significantly from the accelerating shift to electric vehicles. Installing EV chargers is no longer merely optional, it’s strategic.

By leveraging existing success stories and the proven expertise of Quality Energy , you can confidently invest in EV charging infrastructure that drives both customer loyalty and financial performance.

Quality Energy can guide you through the entire process, from initial feasibility assessments and securing subsidies, to seamless implementation. Position your business ahead of the curve. Let’s make your site a hub for Australia’s EV future.

Why Winter Is the Best Time to Install Solar Panels in Australia

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 10:06:55 GMT

Lower Demand Makes Winter a Perfect Time to Install Solar

During the winter months, solar companies typically experience a reduction in demand as fewer businesses pursue energy upgrades during the cooler season. This creates a unique window of opportunity for proactive business owners.

Scheduling becomes far more flexible, allowing for quicker site assessments, faster system designs, and shorter lead times between quotation and installation. Ultimately, taking advantage of winter’s quieter installation calendar can translate into a more efficient process, fewer delays, and a smoother transition to solar power for your business .

Faster Regulatory Approvals and Grid Connections

Local councils, network service providers, and the Clean Energy Regulator handle fewer applications in winter.

Consequently, processing times for documentation, such as Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) issued under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and feed-in tariff agreements, are generally faster.

A quicker administrative cycle means your solar power system begins generating and exporting electricity sooner, shortening payback time and improving cash flow.

Average system size by registration month 2022-2024. Source Clean Energy Council Rooftop solar and storage report July-Dec 2024

Solar Energy Incentives Reduce Each Year

Financial incentives are available to offset upfront cost of solar systems. If you are a business planning to go solar, upfront federal government rebates are available for solar panel systems up to 100 kW, with a total energy output of less than 250 megawatt hours.

Other solar rebates are available, some upfront and others paid out over a period of time, depending on the size of the system. Please reach out to the team at Quality Energy for a (complimentary) quote that includes upfront rebates (if eligible), or more information on rebates available.

Limited small-scale technology certificates are released each year. For example, a 50kW solar panel installation in postcode 3042 in Victoria with a 6-year deeming period will require approximately 355 STCs. At the current rate of $39.90 per STC (at the time of publishing this blog), you could receive up to $14,164.50 off the upfront cost of a new solar system.

With the STC system poised to end in 2030, waiting one more year to install solar could reduce this upfront rebate to $10,952 - costing you $2,183 more.

Every dollar saved compounds over the lifespan of a quality solar installation, which can exceed 25 to 30 years, meaning more money in your pocket.

Take a look at our solar case studies to see how we’ve helped Australian businesses save.

New Battery Installation Rebates From 1 July 2025

Pairing a battery with rooftop solar during the same project can reduce labour and compliance costs. And because batteries perform better in cooler temperatures, winter commissioning extends their life expectancy.

Starting July 1, 2025, the Australian Government will launch the Cheaper Home Batteries Program , a $2.3 billion initiative that also applies to small businesses transitioning to solar and battery storage.

Rebates of up to $372 per usable kilowatt-hour (capped at 50 kWh) lower the upfront investment required for battery storage. Read our comprehensive blog post on solar battery rebates for further information.

Beat Summer Bills With Early Energy Production

Australian summers can be brutal for energy consumption. When you install your solar system in winter, you have time for solar feed-in tariffs to be connected. You can then take advantage of solar production during spring, and when summer comes (the peak time of year for solar), you are in the best position to utilise the energy generated.

By December, daytime loads, such as air conditioning, can be offset by self-generated power, while nighttime consumption draws on stored solar energy production via batteries.

The result is a measurable reduction in the most expensive quarter of your electricity bill.

Cooler Ambient Temperatures are Better for Module Efficiency

Solar panels generally produce the most total energy during the summer months, because days are longer and sunlight is stronger.

However, high panel temperatures in summer can reduce their instantaneous efficiency. Temperature measurement company Optris notes about a 0.5% drop in output for every degree above 25°C.

Winter’s cooler temperatures (around 14°C in Melbourne and 16°C in Sydney in July) keep panels closer to their ideal operating point, so installing in winter means you start off with panels running near peak efficiency from day one.

Over the year, you still benefit from high summer irradiance, but you avoid the initial temperature-related losses when commissioning the system.

Safer Roof Access and Less Weather Risk

Winter in much of Australia typically brings mild days, lower UV levels, and fewer cyclonic storms compared to late spring, particularly for those located in Northern Queensland. Staff can:

Work comfortably without scorching tiles, reducing the risk of cracked roof clips.
Use adhesives and sealants that cure better in cooler weather.
Finish jobs faster thanks to predictable conditions.

Whether you are in Hobart or Cairns, transitioning to renewable energy in winter positions you to capture spring and summer’s longer solar generation days with your system already working efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Installations in Winter

Does rain reduce panel performance?

No. Light rain keeps modules clean, boosting output once clouds clear. Winter irradiance is high in Australia, meaning solar panels work even with indirect sunlight and in cold weather. Rain can also keep your panels cleaner, maximising their efficiency.

Will shorter days hurt my payback?

The marginal winter dip is offset by higher efficiency at lower temperatures. Over 25 years, average year-round production should remain consistent from one season to the next.

Is winter a good time to get quotes?

Winter is the best time of year to get solar quotes. Please reach out to the team at Quality Energy today for a comprehensive complimentary quote for high-quality solar PV installation for your business.

Now You Know Winter is the Ideal Time To Install Solar

Choosing to get solar panels installed in winter positions your business to capture every available rebate, benefit from improved system efficiency, and avoid peak-season bottlenecks. Quality Energy is a NETCC-accredited solar installer based in Melbourne with national installation capability.

The sooner you switch to a solar energy system, the sooner you’ll tap into clean energy, shrink your energy bill, reduce your carbon footprint, and safeguard your business against increasing electricity costs.

Solar Battery Rebates Victoria | Unlock Incentives for Businesses in 2025

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 05:28:26 GMT

Businesses Can Claim the New Federal Battery Rebate Too

You've probably heard of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program , promised by the Australian Federal Government, through the Clean Energy Regulator and Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water.

This nationwide program launches on 1 July 2025 and offers an upfront discount of around 30% on the cost of installing a battery storage system.

It is delivered via an expansion of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), with installers creating tradable certificates (STCs) for battery capacity (similar to how solar rebates work).

Who is Eligible for These Solar Rebates and Incentives?

Small businesses, community organisations, and homeowners. There is no means test or specific business size limit by employees; eligibility is per property (each site with its own meter can claim).
Battery capacity from 5kWh to 100kWh, with rebates capped at 50kWh of storage.
NETCC-accredited professionals, such as Quality Energy, must install the batteries.
Only systems installed and electrically certified on or after 1 July 2025 qualify. (Batteries installed slightly before that date can still claim it if they are not commissioned/turned on until after July 1, 2025.)
Electric vehicle batteries and chargers are excluded from this scheme.

Indicative Savings When Installing Eligible Battery Storage

Around $330–$370 rebate per kWh of battery capacity. The exact value fluctuates with the small-scale technology certificate (STC) market. Each year, the value of the STC declines until the program ends in 2030. The sooner you book to install solar battery storage , the better the rebate will be. For example, a 50kWh battery installation could save businesses approximately $16,500 to $18,500, based on a rebate of around $330–$370 per kWh if claimed this year.

How to Claim:

Quality Energy handles the paperwork—there’s no extra application for your business. Your rebate will appear as an upfront discount on your invoice.

Read Our Case Study: How Quality Energy Helped Slash Energy Costs With Solar Power and Battery Storage

Quality Energy designed and installed a tailored 13.2kW solar PV system with battery storage for Challenger Services Group, significantly cutting their energy dependence. The results were remarkable: in just one month, the new system covered nearly all of the business's electricity needs, with minimal reliance on the grid and an impressive 71% ROI. Read the full case study here .

Could the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program Include Batteries in the Future?

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program is a long-running scheme that provides financial incentives (via certificates) for businesses and households to implement energy-efficient improvements.

While traditionally focused on appliances (such as lighting and HVAC), the Victorian government is expanding its scope to support the integration of electrification and renewable energy.

The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Amendment (Energy Upgrades for the Future) Bill 2025 was passed in May 2025, extending the VEU program to 2045 (an additional 10 years), laying the groundwork to potentially allow batteries to earn VEECs (Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates).

At the time of this legislation’s introduction, batteries were not yet directly eligible for VEU incentives. However, a solar battery system is part of the Victorian Government’s broader electrification roadmap. We are watching this space closely; this could signal its future intent to expand financial incentives for businesses investing in batteries.

In the meantime, the VEU program continues to offer incentives for related upgrades (like switching gas equipment to electric, which can complement a solar and battery investment) and thus indirectly supports the business case for going off-grid-ready.

You can also visit the VEU upgrades for businesses page to see what current energy efficient products are eligible for discounts and rebates.

Financing Your Solar and Battery Installations

Financing options for solar and battery installations are diverse, catering to various business needs and financial situations.

According to Sustainability Victoria , businesses can explore options like hire purchase and capital lease agreements. In a hire purchase arrangement, a financier purchases the equipment, and the business makes regular payments, eventually owning the equipment at the end of the term.

Capital leases, on the other hand, involve leasing equipment with the option to purchase, allowing businesses to benefit from the equipment without immediate ownership. These financing methods often require no upfront capital and can be tailored to suit different project sizes and durations.

Additionally, Quality Energy collaborates with finance providers such as Energy Ease, Smart Ease, and Green Peak Energy to offer tailored financing solutions for solar , including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

PPAs enable businesses to install solar and battery systems with little to no upfront cost, paying for the energy generated over time, which can lead to immediate savings on energy bills. By leveraging these financing options, businesses can implement energy-efficient upgrades while managing cash flow effectively.

Take Advantage of the Federal Solar Battery Rebate Program With Quality Energy

With generous federal and state rebates, financing options, and future programs on the horizon, there has never been a better time for Victorian businesses to invest in solar and battery storage.

As a NETCC-authorised solar retailer and accredited battery installer, Quality Energy can handle the entire process — from eligibility checks to installation and rebate claims — making it simple to maximise your savings.

Benefits of Power Quality Monitoring in Industrial Settings

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:18:12 GMT

In the commercial and industrial sectors, reliable and efficient electrical power systems are foundational for uninterrupted operations and long-term profitability. However, poor power quality caused by factors such as voltage sags, harmonic distortion, or power factor issues can result in equipment malfunctions, downtime, higher energy costs, and even safety hazards.

This is where power quality monitoring becomes indispensable for businesses. By implementing advanced monitoring systems, organisations can assess, and potentially improve the quality of electrical power delivered throughout their infrastructure.

In this post, we will explore the advantages of power quality monitoring for businesses, and how this can help improve reliability, optimise energy usage, prevent disruptions, and reduce operational costs.

What is Power Quality and Why Does it Matter?

Power quality refers to the standard of the electrical power supplied to equipment. Optimum power quality ensures stable voltage, frequency, and waveform to prevent disruptions. Any deviation in these parameters can negatively affect the performance of electrical equipment, leading to reduced operational efficiency, higher maintenance costs, and even shortened equipment lifespan.

In commercial and industrial contexts, such as data centres, manufacturing plants, and hospitals, maintaining a high standard of power quality is essential. Even small variations in voltage or transient events can cause substantial economic impact due to downtime, damaged equipment, or compliance failures.

The Role of Power Quality Monitoring in Electrical Systems

Power quality monitoring involves using specialised tools and systems to measure and evaluate the performance of your power system. It provides real-time insights into critical metrics, such as voltage and current, harmonic levels, power factor, and reactive power. By performing a power quality analysis , Quality Energy can help businesses to identify and resolve issues before they escalate into costly problems.

Modern monitoring tools include network analysers, energy meters, and advanced software for harmonic analysis and fault identification. These tools collect and analyse large amounts of real-time data to help assess the performance of the electrical network. Additionally, they can detect anomalies and ensure compliance with international power quality standards, such as IEEE 519 .

Advantages of Power Quality Monitoring

Enables early detection of power quality issues
Ensures compliance with various standards and regulations related to power quality
Improves production efficiency by preventing disruptions in manufacturing processes
Lowers electricity bills by avoiding penalties and improving power factor
Contributes to reducing CO2 emissions by improving energy efficiency, aligning with corporate social responsibility goals
Minimises risk of damage to sensitive electronic equipment and machinery malfunctions from poor power factor or harmonics
Enables better load management and scheduling of heavy equipment use during off-peak times
Reduces frequency of replacements and repairs, saving costs
Helps maintain a safe working environment by identifying potential electrical hazards
Allows for comparison of current operating parameters against manufacturer baselines

Tools and Solutions to Monitor Power Quality

Companies with the right equipment can measure and analyse power quality effectively. That’s where the team at Quality Energy comes in. As part of our power quality audit service , we install power quality monitoring systems to determine exactly what corrective action is needed. This includes power quality analysers to measure and analyse voltage, current, waveform shapes, and harmonics and to provide insights into energy consumption.

After monitoring and evaluating the quality of your electrical systems, we may recommend custom made solutions, including:

Active Harmonic Filters designed to reduce harmonic distortion and improve the quality of your electricity.
Power Factor Correction equipment , including Static Var Generators (SVGs) with fast response times, to correct voltage sags and surges, reducing excess power draw from the grid.

How Quality Energy Helped Optimise Power Systems Across Industries

After reviewing data, Quality Energy designed, built, commissioned, delivered and installed power factor correction and active harmonic filter for this plastics manufacturer . The result was a reduction in total harmonic distortion from 19% to 3.5% and an improved power factor of 0.98.
An aged care facility was experiencing voltage fluctuations and flicker with both low and high voltage systems. Quality Energy installed a Static Var Generator with a response time of less than 10ms, improving energy efficiency and providing energy savings.
After conducting a power quality analysis for Jalna , Quality Energy found high harmonics were causing machinery malfunctions and unplanned shutdowns. After installation of an Active Harmonic Filter, Jalna was able to prevent machine malfunction issues and improve its packaging plant’s uptime.

To learn more about how we've helped businesses like yours avoid penalties and solve their power quality problems, read our case studies or get in touch today .

Why Power Quality Monitoring is a Must-Have

Power quality monitoring offers numerous benefits for commercial and industrial facilities, helping organisations identify and address issues that directly impact their operations. Through effective monitoring, businesses can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance.

Working with Quality Energy allows organisations to take a proactive approach to power quality management, resulting in extended equipment life, decreased energy losses, and better compliance with industry standards.

Take charge of your energy management and ensure your systems meet the highest power quality standards. Book a power quality audit today, or contact our experts to learn more about our custom made solutions tailored to your needs.

Power Quality Issues in Renewable Energy Systems

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 07:22:48 GMT

What Power Quality Problems Are Associated With Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy sources bring unique challenges to electrical power systems when integrated into the grid. These challenges stem from the intermittent nature of wind and solar generation and the complexities introduced by nonlinear systems like inverters and power electronics. Key power quality problems in renewable energy systems include:

Voltage fluctuations: Weather conditions can cause the variable output of wind and solar power to cause voltage sags, swells, and flickers in the grid. These fluctuations pose significant challenges to grid stability, making it harder to maintain consistent voltage levels across an electrical network.

Harmonic distortion: Nonlinear devices like inverters and power electronic converters in renewable energy systems introduce harmonic distortions in the electrical waveform. Harmonics can cause equipment overheating, increase transmission losses, and disrupt the performance of connected electrical systems.

Frequency instability: Unlike conventional power plants with synchronous generators, renewable energy systems often lack the inertial response required for frequency regulation. When the proportion of renewable energy in the grid is high, the risk of frequency deviations increases, which can destabilise the power system.

Voltage imbalances: Single-phase renewable energy sources often create uneven voltage levels in three-phase systems. These imbalances can damage three-phase equipment, such as induction machines, and reduce overall grid efficiency.

Reactive power imbalances: Renewable energy systems can disrupt the balance between active and reactive power in the grid. This imbalance can affect voltage stability and create inefficiencies in the system.

Flicker: Rapid variations in wind turbine or solar output can cause noticeable flicker in lighting systems, leading to consumer complaints and compliance challenges for utilities.

These power quality challenges highlight the importance of designing renewable energy systems that minimise disruptions and ensure their smooth integration into the grid.

Solutions to Power Quality Problems

Modern technologies and engineering solutions have been developed to address the power quality issues associated with renewable energy. These solutions are critical for ensuring grid stability, improving efficiency, and meeting regulatory standards.

Static Var Generators (SVGs)

Customised SVGs are power electronics-based systems designed to provide dynamic reactive power compensation. They offer the following benefits:

Voltage regulation: SVGs stabilise voltage by rapidly injecting or absorbing reactive power based on grid requirements. This ensures consistent voltage levels, even during fluctuations in renewable energy output.
Power factor improvement: SVGs enhance the power factor by optimising the relationship between active and reactive power. This reduces energy waste and maximises the efficiency of electricity delivery.
Grid stability: By dampening voltage swings caused by intermittent renewable energy sources, SVGs help improve overall grid resilience.

Active Harmonic Filters (AHFs)

AHFs are individually designed to mitigate harmonic distortion in power systems caused by nonlinear equipment. These filters provide several advantages:

Harmonic mitigation: AHFs detect and suppress harmonic frequencies generated by inverters, ensuring smoother power waveforms.
Energy efficiency: By reducing harmonic-related losses, AHFs contribute to lower operational costs and improved system performance.
Equipment protection: By minimising harmonic interference, AHFs reduce stress on electrical components, extending their lifespan and lowering maintenance costs.

Adopting standards like the IEEE Standard 519 for defining harmonics and system conditions, ensure safer and more efficient grid performance.

Custom Power Factor Correction (PFC) Equipment

Tailored PFC solutions are essential for optimising power quality in industrial and commercial energy systems. These systems provide:

Optimised performance: Custom PFC equipment is designed to match specific facility requirements, ensuring maximum efficiency.
Reduced energy costs: By improving the power factor, businesses can lower their energy consumption and avoid additional charges from utility providers.
Improved voltage stability: PFC equipment helps maintain stable voltage levels, protecting sensitive electronic equipment from fluctuations.

Energy Storage Systems

Battery energy storage solutions (BESS) are essential for mitigating the intermittent nature of renewable energy. These systems store excess power generated during high energy production and release it during low production periods, stabilising power delivery to the grid and can therefore assist with improving power quality.

Power Electronics and Advanced Control Systems

Modern power electronics devices play a vital role in improving the integration of renewable energy. These nonlinear systems support precise control over power flow, minimising disruptions and enabling seamless operation between renewable sources and grid infrastructure.

Benefits for Large Commercial Renewable Energy Projects

Large-scale renewable energy projects, such as commercial solar power installations , solar farms/ground mount solar farms/ground mount solar power plant or industrial solar farms and wind farms, face unique challenges related to power quality. However, employing advanced technologies like PFC, SVGs and AHFs offers several benefits:

Grid compliance: These systems ensure that solar and wind installations meet stringent regulatory standards regarding voltage regulation and harmonic management.
Increased efficiency: By optimising power factor and reducing harmonic distortions, more active power can be transmitted into the grid, maximising system revenue.
System stability: Technologies that minimise power quality disruptions improve operational reliability, ensuring consistent output in large renewable energy projects.
Reduced costs: Although there is an initial investment in equipment like SVGs or AHFs, the long-term savings from improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance often outweigh these costs.
Enhanced equipment lifespan: Improved power quality reduces stress and wear on electrical infrastructure, extending the life of components like transformers and motors.

Read our case study to learn more about how we helped a manufacturing company offset electricity costs with a 568kW solar system , and maintain consistent power with a 175kVAR power factor correction unit.

The Future of Variable Renewable Energy and Technology

Innovations

The future of renewable energy systems depends heavily on innovation. Hybrid approaches, like combining battery energy storage systems, create new methods to address electric power challenges.

Electricity generation from renewable energy sources is a cornerstone of global sustainability. However, electric power quality must be carefully managed to mitigate the challenges of variable renewable energy systems.

In a rapidly evolving industry, continued research, information sharing, and technology adoption will play defining roles in overcoming power quality challenges and ensuring a clean and resilient energy future for upcoming generations.

Why IEEE 519 Compliance is Essential in 2025

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 06:59:47 GMT

What is IEEE 519? Why is it Important?

The IEEE 519 standard establishes guidelines and requirements for controlling harmonic distortion in electrical power systems. It defines limits for both voltage and current harmonic distortion levels that individual customer equipment can introduce into a power system.

These limits are determined by the type of system and the ratio of the available short-circuit current to the customer’s maximum load current. The primary objective is to minimise excessive voltage distortion caused by the combined harmonic contributions of multiple pieces of equipment.

Key Requirements for Compliance with IEEE 519

Voltage Distortion Limits

The IEEE 519-2022 standard defines specific voltage distortion limits at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) based on the bus voltage level. These limits are as follows:

Systems ≤ 1.0 kV:
Individual harmonic: ≤ 5%
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): ≤ 8%
Systems 1.0 kV to 69 kV:
Individual harmonic: ≤ 3%
THD: ≤ 5%
Systems 69 kV to 161 kV:
Individual harmonic: ≤ 1.5%
THD: ≤ 2.5%
Systems > 161 kV:
Individual harmonic: ≤ 1%
THD: ≤ 1.5%

Current Distortion Limits

Current distortion limits depend on the Short Circuit Ratio (ISC/IL) and the harmonic order. Systems with lower ratios (weaker systems) require stricter limits, which are detailed in the standard.

Measurement and Definitions

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): Measures voltage or current distortion as a percentage of the fundamental frequency up to the 50th harmonic.
Total Demand Distortion (TDD): Similar to THD but referenced to the maximum demand current over 12 months.

Challenges in Compliance

Achieving compliance with IEEE Std 519-2022 involves several challenges:

Data Collection: Accurate system design requires detailed load profiles and harmonic analysis.
Peak Demand Current Estimation: Determining peak demand current often requires historical data from the past year, which may not be available during the design phase.
Defining Point of Common Coupling (PCC): Agreeing on the PCC location between the utility and end-user can complicate the process.

Key Changes in IEEE 519-2022 vs 519-2014

The latest revision of the standard, IEEE 519-2022, brings key modifications aimed at improving clarity and aligning it with evolving operational environments. While the changes are relatively minor, businesses must understand their implications to remain compliant.

Here are the highlights:

TDD% Calculation Update

Total Demand Distortion (TDD%) now uses Itotal instead of Iharm in its calculation. This adjustment slightly reduces TDD% values, helping businesses achieve compliance more easily.

Even Harmonic Limits Updated

The limits for even harmonics have been revised, improving how businesses mitigate these distortions to meet tighter thresholds.

Revised Recommendations for Increasing Harmonic Current Limits

In a change to Section 5.6, the equation for the harmonic multiplier is now included directly in the table for better visibility.

Methods for reducing harmonics are no longer restricted to increasing the pulse number using phase-shifting transformers and diode bridges. Newer technologies like active front-end (AFE) rectifiers and active harmonic filters are recognised as viable solutions.

If the method used successfully reduces harmonic orders to less than 25% of the limit, the multiplier can be applied to other individual harmonic limits.

Interharmonic Voltage Limits

Guidance for interharmonic voltage limits has been expanded, with caution against applying overly restrictive limits unless sensitive equipment is in use and a risk analysis deems it necessary.

Incorporation of Additional Standards and Research

Annex D (Bibliography) has been updated to reference recent IEEE standards and technical papers, including IEEE 1547-2018 (interconnection of distributed energy resources) and IEEE 2800-2022 (grid interconnection of renewable energy systems).

Why IEEE 519 Compliance Matters for Australia’s Key Industries

IEEE 519 compliance is critical for any business or facility that interacts with or relies on electrical systems where harmonics can be generated or amplified. While the standard is essential for manufacturing , healthcare, renewable energy , and mining industries, it extends to a variety of other businesses and sectors where power quality concerns and harmonic distortions need to be addressed.

Manufacturing

Factories rely on industrial drives, PLCs, and motor control systems that are highly susceptible to harmonics. Non-compliance can lead to machine breakdowns, reduced efficiency, and costly downtime.

Healthcare

Hospitals and healthcare facilities run life-saving equipment that demands a steady, high-quality power supply. Harmonic distortions can cause malfunctions in medical devices and power interruptions to critical operations.

Renewable Energy

With Australia’s significant investments in renewable energy, facilities feeding power into the grid via inverters or regenerative systems must manage harmonics effectively to meet grid interconnection regulations.

Mining

Mines operate heavy machinery, conveyor systems, and large motors that contribute to harmonics. Unchecked harmonics here can drive expensive equipment downtime and damage to sensitive monitoring systems.

Commercial Buildings and Data Centres

With widespread use of non-linear loads such as LED lighting, HVAC systems, uninterrupted power supplies (UPS), and office equipment, harmonic distortions can easily affect commercial buildings and data centres. Data centres especially demand consistent and reliable power quality to ensure smooth IT operations and prevent downtime.

Oil and Gas Facilities

The oil and gas sector frequently uses large motors, pumps, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and compressors, which are all significant contributors to harmonic distortions. Offshore rigs and onshore processing facilities depend on clean power to ensure operational safety and efficiency.

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants

Pumps, motors, drives, and automated controls in water and wastewater treatment plants heavily rely on clean, undisturbed power. Harmonics can disrupt the flow of operations and potentially lead to compliance issues with water processing standards resulting in reduced efficiency, equipment wear-and-tear, and risks to sensitive monitoring systems.

Transportation Infrastructure

Railways, airports, and public transit systems increasingly rely on power electronics, electric trains, charging stations, and electrified infrastructure. Harmonic distortions from such equipment can impact power delivery systems and disrupt operations.

Data and Telecommunications

Telecommunications systems rely on a clean and stable power supply for uninterrupted service. Non-linear loads, backup power systems, and rectifiers used in telecommunication hubs contribute to harmonic distortion, making compliance essential to avoid service interruptions, reduced equipment lifespan, and inefficiency in backup systems.

Financial Institutions

Banks, trading floors, and financial institutions depend on critical IT and networking equipment that requires constant power. Harmonics from UPS systems and other non-linear loads can lead to power quality issues.

Marine and Offshore Industries

Ships, offshore platforms, and marine applications use complex systems including variable speed drives, thrusters, and inverters for energy efficiency. Harmonics play a significant role in power system instability on ships or platforms, causing operational risks, and interruptions in offshore production.

Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Food and beverage manufacturers operate extensive automated processes involving VFDs, servo drives, and high-tech equipment for packaging, bottling, and refrigeration. These environments are prone to harmonic distortions. Equipment downtime may result in production inefficiency, and potential health compliance risks.

Educational Institutions and Campuses

Universities, schools, and campuses with large-scale utilities, computer labs, HVAC systems, and lighting networks also experience harmonic distortions, especially with the presence of technology-integrated classrooms and research facilities. Failure to comply with IEEE 519 may result in increased energy costs, power efficiency issues, and reduced equipment lifespan.

Retail and Hypermarkets

Shopping centres, large stores, and supermarkets often use advanced HVAC systems, LED lighting, automated checkout systems, and elevators/escalators, all of which contribute to harmonics. Non-Compliance with IEEE 519 may lead to higher operational costs, power system inefficiencies, and degraded equipment performance.

Entertainment Venues and Stadiums

With their reliance on high-wattage lighting, sound systems, HVAC systems, scoreboards, and digital displays, stadiums and entertainment venues are affected by harmonic distortions that degrade the performance of these systems. Impacts include flickering lights, interruptions in AV operations, reduced energy efficiency, and equipment malfunctions.

Energy and Utility Companies

Facilities with distributed energy resources (DERs), such as solar or wind farms, must remain compliant to maintain power quality and meet grid codes.

Technology and Semiconductor Manufacturing

Cleanrooms and highly sensitive manufacturing equipment used in semiconductor fabrication plants require exceptionally clean power. Harmonics can disrupt operations and lead to defective products, escalating operational costs.

How to Achieve Compliance

Define the PCC: The PCC is where compliance is measured, often at the utility connection point. Defining this location is crucial for accurate measurements and ensuring all stakeholders are aligned.
Use iTDD Instead of iTHD: The standard emphasises Total Demand Distortion (iTDD) over Total Harmonic Distortion (iTHD) for current measurements, as iTDD accounts for varying load conditions, making it a more reliable metric.
Apply Limits at Equipment Terminals: Simplify compliance by applying harmonic limits at individual equipment terminals, such as adjustable speed drives.
Use Harmonic Mitigation Solutions: Installing active harmonic filters is an effective way to reduce harmonics and meet the standard.
Simulate Early: Use advanced simulation tools to predict harmonic behaviour during the design phase. This helps identify potential issues before installation, saving time and costs.

How Active Harmonic Filters Ensure IEEE 519 Compliance

Poor power quality doesn’t just pose operational challenges—it directly impacts your bottom line. Active Harmonic Filters (AHFs)—a specialty of Quality Energy —provide businesses with solutions to meet and exceed IEEE 519 requirements.

Our custom-designed active harmonic filters dynamically measure and counteract harmonic distortions in real-time, ensuring:

Reduced harmonic current levels to meet IEEE 519 thresholds.
Enhanced equipment lifespan by minimising wear and tear.
Improved energy efficiency and cost savings.
Compliance with regulatory standards, reducing potential penalties.

AHFs are effective in environments with sensitive equipment—like hospitals—and for renewable energy systems, promoting grid stability.

Implications for Businesses Using Regenerative Rectifiers or Generators

One notable change to the IEEE 519 standard is that it may not apply in cases where regenerative rectifiers or generators supply more than 10% of the power into the grid. This is particularly relevant for renewable energy systems and backup generators. Businesses in these sectors must conduct a detailed analysis to determine appropriate technical solutions.

Please reach out to the team at Quality Energy to arrange this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Quality Energy for Compliance Solutions?

At Quality Energy, we have decades of experience in power quality management and harmonic mitigation. Our team of specialists can help you:

Assess your system’s current harmonic levels.
Identify the right solutions for your specific application.
Implement cost-effective harmonic mitigation equipment.
Monitor and maintain compliance for long-term efficiency.

We offer a range of solutions to suit your needs, ensuring your system remains efficient and compliant.

Conclusion

With its emphasis on adaptability and evolving technologies, IEEE 519-2022 aligns well with Australia’s uptick in renewable energy, industrial automation, and demand for uninterrupted power quality. IEEE 519 compliance is no longer optional—it’s essential for operational reliability and long-term cost reduction.

At Quality Energy, we power Australian industries with customised harmonic filtration equipment designed to meet and exceed IEEE 519 standards. With Quality Energy by your side, you can achieve compliance with ease.

Our team of power quality specialists are equipped to guide you through every step—from system assessment and compliance planning to ongoing monitoring and reporting—ensuring your operations remain efficient, reliable, and fully compliant.

100kW Solar System: A Comprehensive Guide

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 01:59:21 GMT

100kW Solar System: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Businesses

Solar energy is the energy solution of choice for Australian businesses striving for sustainability and long-term electricity savings. With electricity being one of the highest operational costs for companies across industries, installing a 100kW solar system offers a range of economic and environmental benefits.

How Big is a 100kW Solar Power System?

A 100kW solar system is considered a large-scale commercial solar energy system designed for businesses and organisations with substantial energy needs. Anything under 100 kW, even 99.9kW, is considered small-scale. Once installed, this system can generate large quantities of power and is suitable for schools, warehouses, manufacturing plants, cold storage facilities, and more.

In terms of physical size, a typical 100 kW solar PV system consists of approximately 180 to 230 solar panels, depending on the wattage of the solar modules (e.g., 440W, 550W panels, etc.).

Based on previous installations, 100kW systems have required:

180 x 550W panels
230 x 440W panels
270 x 370W panels
362 x 275W panels

The total size of the system will determine the required roof space. We assess your property's rooftop and design the best solar system to fit your space and generate the amount of energy needed.

Investing in high-efficiency PV solar panels, durable roof mounting solutions, and reliable 100kW inverters ensures the longevity of your solar setup. It also keeps maintenance requirements low while maximising energy efficiency.

How Much Power Does a 100kW Commercial Solar System Produce?

Using 440W solar modules, a 100kW solar system can generate over 120,000 kWh of electricity annually, depending on location, system quality, and sunlight availability. The output is higher in places with high solar irradiance, such as Queensland, South Australia, or Western Australia.

At Quality Energy , we use Tier 1 solar modules from leading solar manufacturers to maximise your long-term energy output.

On average, a 100kW system will generate approximately 400 to 450 kWh daily, helping businesses reduce reliance on grid power and offset a significant portion of their energy consumption. By harnessing this power, companies can cut down on their electricity bills. You may even receive a return for excess energy exports through feed-in tariffs, helping to further offset rising electricity prices.

Case Study: 100 kW Solar System in New South Wales Set to Save $491,151

Budget Petrol in Goulburn planned to invest in EV charger installation . However, they faced a challenge: poor grid supply at the site, impacting the efficiency and reliability of their EV chargers. The additional energy usage from the chargers also threatened to increase tariff charges, create an irregular power supply, and potentially damage their reputation if the chargers failed to perform consistently.

After an on-site evaluation and energy data analysis, Quality Energy recommended mitigating the poor grid supply by supplementing the power source with a rooftop solar system. To address these unique requirements, the team designed and installed a 99.9kW solar power system with a special order FIMER PVS-100 string inverter fully compatible with the DC EV chargers.

This tailored solution resolved issues with grid supply and delivered significant financial, environmental, and operational benefits:

Lifetime Benefit Projection: $491,151 over 25 years
Payback Period: 5.8 years
CO2 Emissions Avoided: 145.5 tonnes annually
Solar Output Warranty: 30 years

At Quality Energy, our holistic approach to energy management sets us apart from other solar installers. As manufacturers of power quality equipment, we customise total power solutions for large businesses. We work with you to overcome any challenges - whether it be increased energy prices from kVa charges or determining the right power quality solutions .

Read more case studies here and see how we've helped small and large businesses across Australia save money and increase energy independence with solar, power factor correction equipment , harmonic filtration devices , and more.

How Much Does a 100kW Solar System Cost in Australia?

The cost of installing a 100kW solar system in Australia varies depending on system design, panel quality, and additional components like batteries or monitoring systems. On average, the installation costs range between $90,000 and $140,000.

Businesses in Australia can benefit from Federal Government Rebates and incentives such as Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for solar PV systems under 100kW. STCs are financial incentives to reduce the upfront costs of solar systems under 100kW based on the energy production capacity over 13 years. Depending on your location, this can reduce upfront costs by tens of thousands of dollars.

With rebates applied, the final cost for a solar PV system under 100kW could be much more affordable, especially for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to stabilise their energy costs. The payback period for most systems under 100kW is around five years, making it a long-term investment with excellent returns considering warranties on solar modules range from 25-30 years.

Roof Area Needed for a 100kW Solar System

Installing a 100kW system requires significant roof space. Typically, a business installing this system will need around 600 to 650 square metres of unobstructed roof area. The precise amount of space required will vary depending on the efficiency and physical size of the solar panels used.

When you work with Quality Energy, you don't need to worry about whether or not your roof is big enough. We evaluate your rooftop tilt, shading or obstructions, structural integrity, and more. We'll ensure your solar array is compliant with local council requirements, even if it is heritage listed. Watch our video below, which explains the process further:

Pair Your 100kW Solar System With Battery Storage

A 100kW solar system can be paired with battery storage solutions either during installation or later. It is not uncommon for organisations to seek battery systems after the initial payback period.

Batteries store energy as direct current and convert it to alternating current as needed. Installing a solar battery allows businesses to store excess energy generated during downtime (such as weekends or during business closures) for use at night or during periods of low sunlight or blackouts.

Advanced battery technologies, such as those offered by Sungrow and Potis Edge provide online monitoring and higher charging capacities, adding substantial value.

Benefits of a 100kW Solar PV System for Australian Businesses

Significant Energy Savings

Energy prices are rising. A 100kW solar system helps businesses offset their energy consumption, cutting electricity bills by as much as $25,000 annually.

Long-Term Cost Stability

Electricity costs are one of Australia's largest business operational expenses, second only to rent and wages. By adopting solar energy, businesses protect themselves from surprise energy rate hikes, ensure a stable energy cost structure, and improve cash flow predictability.

Access Government Incentives and Solar Rebates (While You Still Can)

The team at Quality Energy helps you access subsidies for solar installations, such as Small Scale Technology Certificates and Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs). These programs provide upfront cost reductions or ongoing returns for businesses investing in sustainable solar solutions.

Environmental Sustainability

Switch to a solar energy system to reduce your carbon footprint and environmental impact. Solar energy is renewable, does not emit harmful greenhouse gases, and aligns with global ecological goals.

Increased Property Value

Facilities with solar panels may enjoy higher property values, as solar systems are considered valuable fixed assets.

How to Maximise Your 100kW Solar System Investment

To get the best return on investment from your 100kW solar system, consider the following:

Clean your solar panels at least twice a year to remove dirt, dust, and debris that could reduce energy efficiency.

Track your energy production with online monitoring and promptly address performance issues. When you work with Quality Energy, we monitor energy demands and usage to ensure your commercial solar panels perform their best.

Schedule energy-intensive operations during peak sunlight hours to fully use the maximum amount of solar energy generated.

Ensure you are approved for solar feed-in tariffs to offset excess power generation against your bills.

Quality Energy Are New Energy Tech (NETCC) Approved Solar Installers

Installing a 100kW system begins with an analysis of your current power consumption. Here's a brief overview of the process:

1. Assessment: The team at Quality Energy will assess your energy bills, building structure, orientation, equipment usage and local weather patterns.

2. System Design and Solar Quote: Our Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) engineers design your commercial solar system and provide you with a detailed proposal, solar panel array sizing, energy output estimates, energy and carbon emission savings, and financing options. We offer an end-to-end solution so you can get on with running your organisation.

3. Installation: Our SAA-accredited solar electricians install the system.

4. Grid Connection Approval: Your installer will contact your electricity retailer to connect the system to the grid.

5. Commissioning and Testing: The system is activated, tested, and fitted with online monitoring for transparent performance tracking.

Is a 100kW Solar System Right for Your Business?

A 100kW solar system is an excellent investment for Australian businesses looking to cut operational costs, stabilise cash flow, and increase sustainability.

The cost of installing solar has significantly decreased. Combined with rebates and incentives, the payback period for a 100kW solar array can be as little as 4 years .

Partner with Quality Energy to ensure you get the best solar system backed by industry-leading warranties and the latest solar technologies tailored for Australian conditions.

Static Var Generators - May the Force Be with You

michelle.k@qualityenergy.com.au (Michelle Kemp) — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 23:29:17 GMT

A Powerhouse of Reactive Energy Compensation

Static Var Generators are instantaneous power compensation solutions, addressing issues related to poor power factor, voltage regulation and reactive power demand.

Modern electrical systems with numerous electronic loads require responsive solutions. When a load is generating inductive or capacitive current, causing the current to lag or lead the voltage, the power distribution system becomes inefficient. This can occur when your equipment demands more reactive power than your power source can smoothly provide.

A Static Var Generator steps in to inject a counter-current to balance reactive power, effectively keeping your system stable, efficient and cost-effective.

Why Static Var Generators Are Cutting Edge

Static Var Generators are powerhouses of efficiency. Here’s what sets them apart:

Rapid Response : With a lightning-fast response time of under 10 milliseconds, SVGs counteract voltage fluctuations and flickers with exceptional speed.
Energy Efficiency : Consuming very little power themselves, SVGs lead to significant energy savings and a quicker return on investment.
Versatile Applications : Proven indispensable in renewable energy integration, industrial power systems and smart grids.
Low Maintenance : Requiring minimal ongoing maintenance, SVGs free up resources.
Scalable and Customisable : These high performing, cost effective modular systems are compact, flexible and tailored to your needs. They expand in capacity as required, freeing up electrical networks for increased production and infrastructure growth without costly upgrades.
Industry Compliance : SVGs ensure adherence to power quality standards, keeping systems compliant and efficient.

How Do Static Var Generators Stack Up?

Unlike traditional Power Factor Correction systems, SVGs don’t use capacitors and reactors. What sets them apart is their real-time, dynamic reactive power control. SVGs adjust the current source to match the phase angle of current and voltage, achieving a near-perfect power factor of 1, or “unity.”

A unity power factor equals efficient power usage – reducing demand charges, lowering electricity bills, and extending equipment lifespan.

Static Var Generators vs Other Power Quality Solutions

SVGs are versatile enough to handle tasks typically assigned to more expensive solutions like STATCOMs or Active Harmonic Filters on LV networks. However, SVGs cannot match the harmonic mitigation capabilities of an Active Harmonic Filter.

Instead, SVGs are designed for continuous Power Factor Correction and three-phase load balance, making them a fast, efficient solution for businesses looking to streamline power quality without overcomplicating systems.

Advanced Technology

With advances in control strategies, converter topologies and communication interfaces, Static Var Generators are becoming more efficient, adaptable and cost effective.

The Quality Energy Advantage

At Quality Energy, every Static Var Generator is crafted to meet the unique needs of our clients, both nationally and internationally. We design and build our Static Var Generators to Australian Standards, customising each unit to tackle specific power quality challenges. We also provide installation, commissioning and on call servicing and maintenance.

Our Static Var Generators feature:

Three-level topology
Ultra-compact modular design
Fast-switching frequency of 25.6kHz
Low power consumption (≤2.5%)
Leading dissipation technology
Continuous Power Factor Correction
Precise Power Factor maintenance at unity power factor -1.0 ≤ Cos Φ ≤ 1.0 (keeping power factor efficient and balanced, reducing waste and costs)
Capacitive and inductive control
No over or under-compensation
Hybrid Power Factor Correction/Active Harmonic Filtration
Three-phase load balance
Low noise

Ready To Power Up?

With our Static Var Generators, the force is definitely on your side!

For over 35 years, Quality Energy have provided, manufactured and installed power quality, energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions both nationally and internationally. Our mission is to help businesses, and our partners' clients, combat rising energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supplies.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 and ask for Luke (Skywalker!) or send us an email to discuss your power quality, energy efficiency or renewable energy project.

Unlocking Energy Efficiency: The Power of Customised Energy Solutions

michelle.k@qualityenergy.com.au (Michelle Kemp) — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:33:39 GMT

Power Quality Equipment

What are the steps to take when looking for a power quality solution? Some companies have electricians or electrical contractors they rely on to provide solutions and leave it up to them whereas others might do their own research. Many won’t know where the solutions ordered from suppliers are manufactured and where they come from, and many come from overseas.

Power quality solutions imported from overseas often fail due to poor design and/or unsuitability for local, Australian conditions and may not consider site-specific issues like load variations. Trusting overseas strangers to provide mass produced equipment as a power quality solution, not specific to individual business needs, can be risky, causing (amongst other things) equipment failure and electrical faults.

This is where custom power quality solutions excel. We recommend you find a local, power quality expert with decades of experience that manufactures bespoke solutions specific to individual business needs.

Commercial Solar PV Systems

Every roof, every electricity bill, every budget, every reason for getting commercial solar is different for every commercial, industrial, healthcare or school client we speak to.

Investing in a commercial solar system tailored to individual client needs not only maximises energy savings but also optimises performance and enhances overall ROI, because it is an investment.

Why Customisation Matters

Maximising Energy Efficiency

Everyone knows cookie-cutter systems won’t give the best results right? Customising power quality equipment or solar PV systems will ensure that the right system rating or number of panels are installed and positioned for optimal production.

Tailoring for a Facility’s Infrastructure

Is the roof of the building the commercial solar system is to be installed on structurally sound to support said system? Is there enough room for the power quality equipment to be installed, will it be installed indoor or outdoor, are there enough circuit breakers to connect to? What is the environment like? Is it hot, dusty, dirty and is there enough ventilation?

Financial Optimisation

What financial criteria needs to be met to maximise return? Does it need to be an operational expense or a capital expenditure expense? Are there local, state or federal government grants available? What financial options are available and which option best suits the business and the budget?

Scalability

Does the system need to be scalable? Will the business grow and require the system to grow with the business? Customised solutions can be designed to accommodate future expansions, like adding more machinery, more panels or EV chargers or battery storage. Flexibility ensures an investment into these kinds of solutions remain viable long-term.

Aesthetics and Sustainability Opportunities

Many companies want their custom power supply or commercial solar PV systems to fit with their current equipment or architecture. Good looking systems make for great promotional opportunities allowing companies to showcase their commitment to sustainability, making a positive impression on clients, stakeholders and the general public.

Customisation Means Customised Savings

Businesses powered with custom power quality and solar PV solutions not only reduce carbon emissions, but set themselves up for long term success, both financially and environmentally.

Our advice? Take the power into your hands and get a custom power quality solution or commercial solar PV system for your business, or your customer’s business, by engaging an Australian owned specialist with over 35 years’ experience like Quality Energy .

Designed to tackle power inefficiencies, harmonic distortions and voltage instabilities, our solutions, including Power Factor Correction , Active Harmonic Filter , Static Var Generator and Hybrid equipment, are all engineered specifically for individual client needs and conditions.

Australian owned Quality Energy prides itself on designing bespoke commercial solar PV systems and manufacturing world-leading, customised power quality equipment at our site in Moorabbin, Victoria, and installing and delivering nationally. Want to know how much you can save? Contact us today.

For over 35 years, Quality Energy have provided, manufactured and installed power quality, energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your power quality, energy efficiency or renewable energy project.

What is Power Factor Correction?

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:51:27 GMT

Power Factor Correction Equipment

PFC equipment enhances the efficiency of electrical systems by improving the ratio of real power to apparent power.

Real power, measured in kilowatts (kW), represents the actual power consumed that directly contributes to the operation of your machinery. Apparent power, measured in kilo volt-amperes (kVA), captures the total power input to your equipment.

Power factor should be close to 1. In industrial applications, where power demands are significant, even a slight deviation from the ideal power factor can result in substantial energy losses and unnecessary expenses.

Improving the power factor raises this ratio and brings it closer to 1, while ensuring the voltage supplied aligns with the needs of the equipment.

Types of Power Factors

Here's a breakdown of the different power factors and their implications:

Good Power Factor: A good power factor means your electrical power operates efficiently. The power factor is close to 1, indicating that the apparent power closely matches the real power, with little energy wasted. Typically, a range of 0.95 to 1 is considered good.
Poor Power Factor: When the power factor is well below 1, it indicates poor power system efficiency. The apparent power is likely exceeding the real power, leading to excessive energy consumption and wasted electricity. A poor power factor could be as low as 0.5 or even lower.
Lagging Power Factor: This type of power factor occurs when the reactive power phase lags the active power phase. It is common in inductive loads, such as motors and transformers. A lagging power factor is a significant indicator of potential inefficiencies and wasted energy.
Leading Power Factor: A leading power factor is seen in capacitive loads. This happens when the phase of reactive power leads the phase of active power. While it might indicate some energy-saving beneficial equipment, a high leading power factor could also imply the presence of excessive capacitance in the system.

Power Factor Correction Across Industries

PFC is valuable across a range of industries, and the team at Quality Energy is experienced across many, including:

Manufacturing and Industrial Sector: Improved power factor helps reduce energy costs and enhance the overall productivity of large-scale manufacturing processes. Read how we helped Austech Wire and Cable achieve a power factor of 0.99.

Commercial Buildings: Commercial real estate, including office complexes, shopping centres, and large retail spaces, often use PFC to decrease energy consumption, improve building efficiency, and potentially enhance the value of their properties. We helped Rialto in Melbourne City resolve large current surges and tripped circuits, increasing their power factor to 0.98. Read the case study here .

Renewable Energy: Wind and solar power generation often exhibit varying power factors. PFC equipment helps maintain a consistent power factor, improving overall efficiency and grid integration. Read our case study to learn how we helped Arctic Ice save more than $18,000 in power bills in the first year.

Healthcare: Australian hospitals and medical facilities rely on PFC to ensure stable and efficient operation of critical medical equipment. This is particularly important for regional and rural healthcare facilities where power quality can be inconsistent.

Agriculture and Mining: For large-scale farming operations, it helps improve the efficiency of irrigation systems and processing facilities. In the mining sector, PFC is vital for operating heavy machinery, conveyor systems, and processing plants, often located in remote areas where power quality can be challenging.

Data Centres: Data storage and processing facilities consume significant amounts of electrical power. PFC ensures the servers and IT equipment operate efficiently, reducing energy costs and cooling requirements.

Automotive Industry: The automotive sector, including electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, relies on PFC to enhance the efficiency of battery charging processes and overall vehicle electrical systems.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): PFC is used in large-scale HVAC systems to maximise the performance of heating and cooling equipment.

Lighting Industry: PFC reduces the reactive power associated with lighting systems in outdoor lighting such as streetlights and signage.

Electronics Manufacturing: Some consumer electronics and semiconductor manufacturing processes require precise power factors for consistent and efficient operation.

Marine and Aviation Sectors: PFC is relevant in marine engineering and aviation, especially in large vessels and aircraft that demand stable and efficient power systems.

Benefits of Power Factor Correction

Power factor correction offers numerous advantages, making it an essential practice for maintaining a healthy and efficient electrical infrastructure. Key benefits include:

Improved Efficiency: By balancing the relationship between real and reactive power, PFC ensures that the incoming power is used more efficiently. This leads to reduced energy consumption, as more of the supplied power is directed to the actual workload, thereby improving the overall efficiency.
Cost Savings: Energy bills are based on the total apparent power (kVA) consumed, not just the amount of real power (watts). Correcting the power factor can significantly reduce your energy demand costs.
Reduced Power Losses: Poor power factor can lead to excessive reactive power flow, causing unnecessary losses. Power Factor Correction helps mitigate these losses.
Enhanced Equipment Performance: With a corrected power factor, the actual power (watts) required by the equipment is better aligned with the supplied power, ensuring optimal functionality and potentially increasing the lifespan of your machines.
Increased Reserve Capacity: Correcting power factor can lead to a more efficient system, providing additional reserve capacity. It gives you a safer buffer for adding more equipment or increasing production without overloading.
Energy Efficiency: By minimising wasted power, your facility can reach a new level of green efficiency, reducing the overall environmental impact of energy consumption.

Assess Your Power Factor

A power quality audit makes assessing your power factor straightforward. At Quality Energy, our team of expert analysts is ready to provide you with invaluable insights into your system's performance.

By scheduling an audit, you'll gain:

Precise identification of power factor or other power quality issues
Tailored recommendations for practical solutions
In-depth analysis using state-of-the-art equipment
Clear understanding of your maximum demand and minimum power factor requirements

How to Improve Power Factor

There are several ways to improve power factor, including:

Capacitor Banks: For larger systems with significant reactive power demands, a PFC unit with capacitor banks should be customised, manufactured and installed. These banks are designed to counteract the reactive power load, bringing the power factor closer to 1. Capacitor banks are configured for constant or variable correction depending on the system's needs.
Active Power Factor Correction: In some cases, installing a dedicated power factor correction unit could be beneficial. These units, often called Static Var Generators, Statcom or active PFC, sense the reactive power in the system and inject the necessary corrective amount of reactive power. They are used in high-power applications where the reactive power demand varies significantly.
Capacitors: Another method is to get individual capacitors installed. Capacitors act as a buffer to balance the reactive power in the system. They can be connected either in parallel or series. Parallel connection is used for general PFC while series connection is more suitable for specific applications.

When to Install PFC Equipment

Here are some key indicators that your system could benefit from power factor correction:

If you have a kVA charge present on your electricity bill . Our blog post on understanding kVA charges will help you identify this.
Low Power Factor: If your power factor persists (typically below 0.9), it's time to consider correction. A lagging power factor of 0.8 or lower significantly indicates power factor correction is required.
High Apparent Power: If the apparent power (kVA) is considerably higher than the real power (kW) consumed, it clearly shows low power factor and energy inefficiency. In such cases, power factor correction becomes a valuable solution.
If you’re running close to your electrical system’s capacity and wish to install more equipment, PFC could eliminate the need to upgrade the site’s electrical infrastructure.
Power Factor Mandates: In Australia, power factor requirements are governed by national, state, and distributor-specific regulations. Large commercial and industrial customers are generally required to maintain a power factor of 0.8 or higher. Failure to meet these standards can result in penalties for non-compliance and could even risk the electricity distributor isolating your power supply.

Choosing the Right Solution

Choosing the right solution for your facility can be overwhelming, but that's where the experts at Quality Energy come in. Our electrical engineers and power quality specialists assess your needs and recommend the most suitable power quality equipment, which may include PFC.

To design a customised solution, we consider the type of load, system configuration, available space, and budget.

Here are some additional considerations:

Type of Load: Inductive loads, standard in motors and transformers, often require different correction methods than capacitive loads in electric furnaces or LED lighting.
System Harmony: We ensure the recommended solutions integrate seamlessly with your existing electrical system. Compatibility issues can lead to unexpected problems.
Installation and Maintenance: Quality Energy designs, installs, services , and can monitor power factor correction equipment, ensuring your system runs efficiently.
Cost-Effectiveness: Our experts can build systems that provide significant long term cost savings and the highest return on investment, and can be added to as demands change.

Talk to Quality Energy Today About Power Factor Correction

Power factor correction is a vital aspect of modern electrical system management. With the right solution, you can significantly improve your energy efficiency, reduce electricity demand and costs, and ensure a more sustainable and green future for your business.

Take a proactive approach to enhance the operational effectiveness of your business today. Reach out to our team to discuss a power quality audit and find out how we can help improve your power factor. It's a valuable investment for businesses striving for efficient and responsible energy usage.

Where Are All the EV Chargers? Navigating the Electric Highway

michelle.k@qualityenergy.com.au (Michelle Kemp) — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:32:28 GMT

Recently, I experienced a near miss due to a lack of EV charging infrastructure firsthand. Driving an EV over 180kms for the first time, I realised I’d need to recharge before reaching my destination. Confidently, and with a little relief, I pulled into a large service station on the M1 only to be shocked that they did not have an EV charger. I couldn’t help but wonder: why not?

The Charge Is On

The last few years have seen an uptick in EV sales. However, the widespread adoption of EVs hinges not just on the vehicle themselves, but also on the availability of reliable charging infrastructure where, and when, it’s needed.

Australia’s EV charging network is expanding rapidly with the Australian government, along with private companies, investing heavily in expansion, ensuring that EV owners can confidently hit the road without the fear of running out of power.

Companies like Engie, NRMA, RACV, RAA, Chargehub and Evie Networks are building extensive fast-charging networks across major highways and urban centers. Energy companies are integrating EV chargers into existing sites, just not at the site I needed there to be one!

The Current Landscape

According to the Electric Vehicle Council’s Australian Electric Vehicle Industry Recap 2023 (the Recap,) there was a 75% increase in charging infrastructure locations in Australia in 2023, compared to 2022, with the number of public DC charging locations growing from 464 at the end of 2022, to about 812 at the end of 2023. It also states, ‘the deployment of ultrafast charging locations is currently moving slightly quicker than the rapid growth in vehicle numbers’, and outlines there were more charging locations in NSW than Queensland, Victoria and other states.

A key driver behind this growth in NSW is the State government’s investment of $199 million to build a world-class EV charging network, which has included:

$10 million was provided in the second round of Destination Charging Grants to encourage small to medium regional tourism businesses and councils to install at least 1,500 EV charge points.
$3 million was provided in Kerbside Charging Grants to support the installation of at least 150 electric vehicle chargers at kerbside locations, offering co-funding for charge point operators and councils of up to 80% of installation and equipment costs. There is another $7 million in the budget.
A $10 million EV Ready Buildings Grants Program was launched in November last year to facilitate the installation of charging infrastructure in over 100 residential strata apartment buildings across the state.

Victorian grants of $5 million to establish a public EV fast-charging network across Victoria with an aim to install 43 regular EV charging stations and 90 fast EV charging stations, $3 million in grants provided to 26 local councils and 12 businesses to install 150 stations and $2.2 million for four innovative EV charging projects that included 100 public EV charger installations, pales in comparison.

Plugging Into the Future

With the Recap also noting that:

“98,436 new EVs were purchased in 2023;
new EV purchases in Australia more than doubled in 2023, compared to 2022 with 8.45% of all new cars sold being EVs; and
the market can continue to grow at 30-50% per year”,

Victoria, and the rest of Australia, will have to ramp up the installation and accessibility of EV charging stations to enable those of us already proud owners of EVs, and the new owners of EVs this year and beyond, to travel stress free, knowing there is a charging station around the corner, or on the M1 between Drouin and Berwick!

For businesses, now is the perfect time to consider installing EV chargers and capitalising on this booming market. Not only will EV chargers cater to the growing number of EV drivers and provide you with additional revenue , but they will also position you as a leader in sustainability – an increasingly important factor for consumers.

Sparking Sustainability

The future of EVs and EV charging stations in Australia is electrifyingly exciting and the rise in the number of EVs and EV charging stations is a pivotal step towards a greener, more sustainable future. Something we can all breathe easier about.

For more information about EV chargers and EV charger installations, providing staff or customers the convenience of being able to park and charge their EVs while using your facilities and how they can provide additional revenue for you, read this case study here or go to the web page here .

For over 35 years, Quality Energy have provided, manufactured and installed power quality, energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, including EV chargers. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your power quality, energy efficiency or renewable energy project.

Commercial Solar Cost Cuts: Maximising Savings with Australian Government Rebates

michelle.k@qualityenergy.com.au (Michelle Kemp) — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 01:24:16 GMT

Federal Government Rebates and Incentives for Commercial Solar Systems

1. Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) :

The SRES provides financial incentives for the installation of solar power systems up to 100kW. Under this scheme, businesses can earn Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for every megawatt-hour of renewable electricity their system is expected to generate until 2030. These certificates can be sold to offset the upfront costs of installing a solar power system.

The number of STCs available will reduce by a fifteenth on 1 January every year until 2030 (when the scheme is set to be totally phased out). The deeming period, the period during which renewable energy is generated, will also decrease by one year annually until 2030.

This means that a 99kW commercial solar PV system installed and eligible for STCs in Victoria this year, would receive 821 STCs, and an approximate $32,757 up front rebate (at the date this article was published).

Next year, the same system in Victoria will only receive 703 STCs. Even if the value remains the same as it is today, the upfront rebate would be approximately $28,049 – a $4,708 decrease, representing around 14.5% less in rebates, potentially reducing your return on investment and increasing your payback period.

2. Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) :

For larger commercial solar installations exceeding 100kW, the LRET creates Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs). These certificates are awarded based on the amount of electricity generated and provide an ongoing revenue stream for businesses investing in large-scale solar projects.

Most large-scale solar PV system installations previously claimed LGCs, currently valued at $45.75 (at the date this article was published). LGCs are generally paid out annually for energy generated each year from when the system was installed until 2030 (when the scheme is set to be totally phased out). Over the years LGCs have been available, the value has fluctuated, with the market hitting $85.25 in 2017. According to Renewables Now in July 2018, ‘…. the Clean Energy Regulator projects that certificate supply in the next decade would materially exceed demand at some stage, as a result of which LGCs spot prices will go down.’ With only 6 years left of the scheme from 1 January 2025 and projections the value of LGCs will go down, other options should be considered, particularly if you’re in Victoria.

State-Specific Commercial Solar System Incentives

3. Victorian Energy Upgrades - Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs)

For Victorian businesses, the value of Victorian state government Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) is at an all-time high, offering smart business owners’ substantial rebates on large-scale commercial solar systems that improve returns on investment and shorten payback periods.

VEECs are currently valued at over $108 (at the date this article was published), but were up to over $112 last month, with potential for further increases before the end of the year. VEECs are provided based on carbon emission reduction over a year then forward paid 12 to 24 months after commissioning a solar system.

If a business was looking to install a large-scale solar PV system over 150kW before the end of 2024, it may be more beneficial to take advantage of the high value of VEECs instead of claiming federal government Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) annually over the next 7 years.

Recently, some of our commercial customers in Victoria investing in large-scale solar systems, took advantage of the high value of VEECs, receiving rebates covering 36% of their costs, reducing the payback period to around three years!

Local Government and Utility Company Incentives for Commercial Solar Systems

Some local councils and utility companies offer additional incentives for commercial solar installations, including grants, low-interest loans, or feed-in tariffs that pay businesses for the excess energy they export back to the grid.

Spot Prices

The prices of VEECs, LGCs and STCs fluctuate based on market conditions. Recent spot prices from Demand Manager show VEECs are significantly higher than LGCs and STCs. However please note, VEECs are paid 12 to 24 months after commissioning a large-scale commercial solar system, LGCs are provided annually over the next seven years (if installed before the end of the year) and STCs are an upfront rebate.

Benefits of Commercial Solar System Rebates

• Cost Savings:

The financial incentives provided by the Australian government can significantly reduce the initial investment required for commercial solar installations. By lowering upfront costs and providing ongoing financial benefits through the sale of certificates or energy savings, these rebates make solar energy more affordable for businesses.

• Environmental Impact:

Adopting solar energy helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to Australia’s renewable energy targets and global efforts to combat climate change. Utilising clean energy also enhances a business's reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

• Energy Independence and Stability:

By generating their own electricity with solar, businesses can reduce reliance on the grid, protect themselves from rising energy costs, and ensure a more stable and reliable energy supply. This is particularly advantageous in areas prone to power outages.

Conclusion

The Australian government’s rebates and incentives promote renewable energy adoption and encourage businesses to install commercial solar systems by making it more affordable. The benefits for businesses include a reduction in operational costs and contribution to a greener and more sustainable future for Australia.

For expert advice on the best commercial solar system and rebate suited to your circumstances and installed this year, please talk to your Australian owned and trusted solar specialist with over 35 years in business. Harness the power of the sun and drive positive change.

For over 35 years, Quality Energy have provided, manufactured and installed power quality, energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your power quality, energy efficiency or renewable energy project.

Environmental Benefits of Active Harmonic Filters

michelle.k@qualityenergy.com.au (Michelle Kemp) — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 01:18:37 GMT

As we shift towards more sustainable energy solutions, some technologies that play a major role in the transition may be overlooked. One such technology is the Active Harmonic Filter (AHF). AHFs not only improve power quality and efficiency in electrical systems and provide substantial enhancements to operation efficiency, but also offer environmental benefits.

Where Active Harmonic Filters Can Work Their Magic

Active Harmonic Filters mitigate risks in various settings, including manufacturing plants, data centres, large office or retail complexes, hospitals, wind or solar farms, wastewater treatment plants, or any business or organisation where power quality is critical. They address the following issues:

Overheating of electrical distribution equipment, cables, transformers, and standby generators.
High voltages and circulating currents caused by harmonic resonance.
Equipment malfunctions due to excessive voltage distortion.
Increased internal energy losses in connected equipment, leading to component failure and shortened life spans.
False tripping of circuit breakers.
Metering errors.
Fires in wiring and distribution systems.
Generator failures.
Low power factor, resulting in kVA penalties on monthly electricity bills.

Active Harmonic Filters continuously monitor and adapt to the electrical system’s changing needs in real-time, reducing a broad spectrum of harmonic frequencies. Another explanation on what they do and how they work is provided here .

Active Harmonic Filters minimise production disruptions and operational costs, increase profitability, and can provide a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions.

What Are Some Environmental Benefits of Active Harmonic Filters?

1. Less Demand on Power Plants

By improving power quality and efficiency, Active Harmonic Filters reduce energy waste and thereby consumption, decreasing operational costs and lessening the demand on power plants, resulting in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation. Moreover, reducing the strain on electrical infrastructure by minimising harmonic distortions decreases the need for expanding or upgrading power distribution systems, conserving materials, and reducing the environmental impact of construction activities.

2. Protecting Equipment to Conserve Resources

AHFs protect equipment from overheating and excessive wear and tear caused by harmonic distortions, which can lead to increased maintenance and early replacement. By extending the lifespan of equipment, AHFs reduce the need for manufacturing new units, conserving resources, and minimising the environmental footprint associated with production and disposal. Longer-lasting equipment means less electronic waste and a smaller environmental impact.

3. Supporting Renewable Energy Integration

Wind and solar energy generation can introduce variability and power quality issues into the grid. AHFs stabilise power quality, facilitating the integration of renewable energy into existing grid infrastructure. This support is vital for the widespread adoption of renewables, ultimately leading to a cleaner energy landscape.

Conclusion

Active Harmonic Filters, while often viewed through the lens of operational power quality and efficiency, also offer environmental benefits. By reducing energy waste, enhancing equipment longevity, lowering carbon footprints, supporting renewable energy integration, and decreasing infrastructure strain, AHFs contribute significantly to a sustainable and eco-friendly future. As industries and businesses strive to become more environmentally responsible, investing in technologies like Active Harmonic Filters is a step in the right direction, aligning economic benefits and operational improvements with ecological stewardship.

Look for the latest in Active Harmonic Filter technology, including premium solutions from local manufacturers that exceed Australian Standards, built as solutions specific to your business needs.

Have we sparked your curiosity? We have more interesting reading about this magical solution to harmonics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Active Harmonic Filters

Since 1989, Quality Energy is a power quality and energy efficiency solutions provider and manufacturer. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your energy efficiency project.

Understanding Charges in SME or Large Market Electricity Bills

michelle.k@qualityenergy.com.au (Michelle Kemp) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 05:20:59 GMT

Do you know exactly what you’re being charged for with each item on your electricity bill? Some businesses could have a kVA charge due to poor power factor, which can be easily addressed to reduce the bill.

Who looks at their electricity bill closely? Me, said no one ever! Unless you see an increase in charges (and/or usage), it’s the last thing people make time for. When an electricity bill comes in, a quick glance at the amount due or the amount of electricity getting used per day may be noted but other sections in the bill are generally overlooked.

There is a compelling reason to pay closer attention: you might be getting charged excessively high rates for something you didn’t know existed!

kVA explained

Besides energy, market, metering, environmental, network and other charges, you may see a kVA charge on your bill. What is kVA? kVA is apparent power measured in kilovolt-amperes and can appear as a charge on your bill for ‘reactive’ power, or the highest level of demand you have on the network during a specific period. If your business experiences energy spikes, you will draw current at the peak rate of demand, more than is needed, and you’ll be charged based on the highest usage throughout the day (or night).

What is Power Factor?

Then there’s power factor. What is it? How do you know what yours is?

Think of power factor as an efficiency rating.
It is a number calculated on a business’s demand for energy, representing the ratio of real power (measured in kilowatts, kW) to apparent power (kVA) demanded by your electrical equipment.
It could appear on your electricity bill
Still a bit confused? Download a PFC guide here , check out our FAQ’s , or read our blog post to learn more about power factor correction .

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) allows electricity retailers to penalize businesses for the extra demand on the electricity bill so voila, you’ll be charged more than you should.

Your Electricity Bill

If your most recent bill has a charge for kVA, a poor power factor could be inflating your bill and may mean it isn’t close to ‘unity’ (1). Most efficient sites have a power factor close to 1, but a lot of facilities can have a power factor of 0.7 to 0.8. It doesn’t seem like a big difference but any increase towards a power factor of 1 can mean significant reductions in demand charges on your electricity bill, with 0.98-0.99 being the goal for most sites.

So where on the bill can you find this sneaky and unnecessary charge and how do you reduce costs effectively as well as become more energy efficient? Have a look at the sample below, then have a look at your bill.

Do you see a kVA charge and accompanying power factor? Some bills only show a kVA and won’t highlight a sites’ power factor, so you may not know how efficient you are. If you do have a kVA charge, but can’t see a power factor, consider requesting a quick assessment from a qualified professional. Either way, it will be beneficial to your business to take steps to improve your power factor, and not just for cost reduction.

Power factor correction (PFC) is one of the most cost-effective solutions on the market today to prevent rising energy costs.

Take action to reduce your kVa charges now!

Why pay up to 20-30% extra for your power when you may not need to? Remember, understanding your electricity bill empowers you to make informed choices. By optimising your power factor, you can enhance efficiency and potentially lower costs.

Consult with a company expert at implementing energy-efficient practices to reduce your electricity bill with equipment manufactured in Australia and installed by an Australian owned and operated company .

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your energy efficiency project.

Why Choose a Static Var Generator?

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 00:52:50 GMT

Static Var Generators are a revolutionary new standard in reactive energy compensation. When the load is generating inductive or capacitive current, it makes the load current lag or leads the voltage. This article explains why Static Var Generator is the chosen solution for reactive compensation.

Why Choose SVG?

A low power factor means you are drawing more current than you need. The Australian Energy Regulator allows electricity retailers to penalise businesses for the extra demand on the electricity grid. If your most recent power bill has a charge for kVA, then your Power Factor is probably inflating your bill.

Poor Power Factor can be improved by installing Power Factor Correction (PFC) equipment to correct your energy supply inefficiencies, reducing the total current and apparent power (KVA) demand on the electricity network and bring the power factor close to 1 (unity).

Quality Energy Static Var Generator

Quality Energy's Static Var Generator (SVG) is an entirely new approach to power factor correction. SVG works in a similar way to an active filter: it injects a current in the opposite direction to counteract reactive power (inductive and capacitive), thus ensuring that target cosϕ is achieved at all times.

Quality Energy's range of Static Var Generators are high-performing, compact, flexible, modular and cost-effective to respond instantaneously and effectively to resolve power quality problems in low or high-voltage electric power systems.

We manufacture SVG in our factory at Moorabbin, Victoria, featuring:

three-level topology
ultra-compact modular design
fast-switching frequency 25.6kHz
low power consumption ≤2.5%
leading dissipation technology
continuous Power Factor Correction
precise Power Factor maintain -1.0 ≤ Cos Φ ≤ 1.0
both capacitive and inductive control
no over or under-compensation
hybrid Power Factor Correction
three-phase load balance
low noise

Power Factor Correction is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Quality Energy has been Australia's leading Power Factor Correction specialist for close to 35 years now. We supply custom Low Voltage (LV) and High Voltage (HV) Power Factor Correction solutions Australia-wide for industrial and commercial settings. We are experts in managing projects for both LV and HV compensation. Our solutions are manufactured in our Melbourne-based facility using premium components, and we offer service and commissioning capability to our client's sites.

Hybrid AHF-SVG Solutions

Power factor displacement and current distortion are two critical indicators of the grid power quality. However, the ever-increasing deployment of high-power converters in industrial applications causes the grid's power quality to deteriorate. Although Active Harmonic Filter (AHF) alone can address both the low power factor issue and the high current distortion issues of power quality, AHF can be an expensive solution to manage multiple power quality problems. We offer an economical hybrid solution combining the AHF and SVG features.

Main features of hybrid AHF-SVG solutions:

harmonic mitigation, reactive power compensation and load balancing in a single solution
single cabinet, meaning single supply and a reduction in installation costs
up to four modules in a cabinet in any combination
IP30 and IP54 as standard

Applications

Industries having VFD and inverters, UPS, etc.
Industries having textiles, paper, etc.
Steel
Automobile
Data centres
Hospitals
Solar generation farms
Windmills

Conclusion

Quality Energy's Static Var Generators (SVG) provide high-efficiency reactive power in a compact and high-performing cabinet, making it cost-effective to resolve power quality problems in low and high-voltage electric power settings.

Since 1989, Quality Energy is a power quality and energy efficiency solutions provider and manufacturer. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your energy efficiency project.

Introducing Our New and Improved Active Harmonic Filters

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 02:46:42 GMT

Quality Energy is proud to introduce our new range of Active Harmonic Filters. The new designs are proudly manufactured in our hub located in Moorabbin, Victoria, utilising premium modules from global manufacturers to create filters that exceed the highest Australian standards. The filters are built to last and equipped with various performance features. Read more to find out why Quality Energy's Active Harmonic Filters are the choice solution for harmonics mitigation.

What Are Active Harmonic Filters?

If you're experiencing power quality issues with your grid, such as harmonics, reactive power, and three-phase load imbalance, Active Harmonic Filters (AHF) can be a great solution. These filters are comprehensive and can effectively filter out harmonics in your power system.

How AHF Works?

Active Harmonic Filters clean out an electrical system's higher and lower-order harmonics. This process is also known as harmonic mitigation. The illustration below shows how AHF works to filter out harmonics in the network:

Quality Energy's Active Harmonic Filters

Quality Energy is proud to introduce our new range of Active Harmonic Filters. The filters have high input impedance and very low output impedance. Besides filtering out 2nd~51st harmonics, our AHF is available in 3-wire and 4-wire systems between phases and between phase and neutral. This helps to improve current and voltage imbalance on the steps and reduce the neutral current, which increases the safety of installation and allows sensitive loads to operate.

Other stand-out features of our Active Harmonic Filters include:

wall-mounted and floor-standing options
modular and compact design
single cabinet design optimised for a single supply and reduced installation costs (hybrid solutions)
easy installation and commissioning
available in IP20 (wall-mount), IP30 and IP54 (free-standing) versions to suit a variety of applications
3-year warranty (conditions apply)

Australian Standards Compliance for Active Harmonic Filters

In Australia, the AS/NZS 61000.3.6 standard governs the acceptable level of harmonic voltage distortion and aligns with the IEEE 519 guidelines. If your power supplier or distributor is dissatisfied with the amount of voltage distortion at the point of common coupling (PCC), they may require harmonic filtering to comply with the Australian Standards. The 1992 edition of IEEE 519 specifies limits for both harmonic voltages on utility transmission and distribution systems and harmonic currents within industrial distribution systems. By managing the currents or impedances in the industrial facility, one can regulate harmonic voltages on the utility distribution since these voltages arise from the flow of currents through distribution system impedances.

Quality Energy's Active Harmonic Filters comply with Australian Standards, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015. We configure and build our Active Harmonic Filters in our manufacturing hub and factory at Moorabbin, Victoria and undergo rigorous factory testing (FAT).

Conclusion

Quality Energy's new and updated Active Harmonic Filters (AHFs) not only improve power quality from a technical standpoint but also reduce operational costs and boost overall profitability. Beyond the immediate financial gains, businesses embracing AHFs position themselves as sustainable businesses prioritising operational excellence.

Since 1989, Quality Energy is a power quality and energy efficiency solutions provider and manufacturer. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your energy efficiency project.

ARENA Funding EV Chargers Recipient Installation Update

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 05:25:28 GMT

Quality Energy is delighted to partner with Chargefox to install DC EV chargers in five locations across South Australia, under the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) funding program. We are excited to share the progress of this project with you and provide some updates on the installation of electric vehicle charging stations that were awarded to the program recipients.

1. Gawler Homemaker Centre - Evanston, SA

Quality Energy installed a 120kW three-phase EV charger and switchboard at Gawler shopping centre , a busy hub for Evanston SA residents' weekly essential shopping.

We carefully considered the most effective way to carry out civil works to avoid any inconvenience to the ongoing services and operations of the centre. We opted for the hydro excavation during installation to minimise harm to existing services. Moreover, we carried out the required MSB work outside regular business hours to avoid interfering with the shopping centre's operating hours.

2. Moana Heights Shopping Centre - Moana, SA

We replicated our successful EV charger installation at Gawler Homemaker Centre by implementing a similar strategy at Moana Heights Shopping Centre. Before the installation, we conducted a site inspection to evaluate the location's suitability. Based on the feasibility study and site inspection, we installed a 120kW three-phase EV charger on-site. Any hydro excavation and MSB work were scheduled after business hours to avoid damaging existing infrastructure and minimise disruption to the centre's operating hours.

3. Newton Shopping Centre - Newton, SA

Recently, Quality Energy installed a 120kW Kempower EV charger at the Newton Shopping Centre . We also installed a distribution board to efficiently manage the added load from the EV charger. The electrical work was completed outside of business hours to avoid disturbing the shopping centre's operations, similar to what was done at Moana Heights Shopping Centre and Gawler Shopping Centre. We chose to use hydro excavation to minimise the damage to existing services.

Benefits of Installing EV Chargers in a Shopping Centre

Quality Energy is in the process of coordinating with all parties involved to install the remaining EV chargers awarded under the ARENA funding program. With more drivers making the switch to electric vehicles, there are many benefits for shopping centres to install EV chargers on site.

Some of the benefits include:

Putting your shopping centre on the EV charger maps for drivers.
Attract more visitors to your shopping centre while EV chargers charge their vehicle.
Provide EV charging facility for shoppers.
Promote environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
Generate additional income by installing payment terminals on your EV charger.

Conclusion

While EV chargers can be great for your business, they place additional loads on your electrical network, resulting in more power demand and expensive power bills. That is where we can help. Quality Energy is the expert in power quality and energy efficiency. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply. Our approach to EV charger installation considers the additional demands that will be placed on your electrical network. We will recommend solutions to help you reap the benefits of EV chargers and ensure you are still meeting your energy efficiency targets.

One of the most popular ways for EV charger owners to save on electricity bills is to install solar PV systems . This method allows the EV charger owner to offset any additional electricity consumption from the EV charger. We can also design a load distribution system to balance the extra load from your EV charger.

If you're a facility manager or building engineer, we would love to talk to you about installing EV chargers in your building.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your energy efficiency project.

The Economic Benefits of Active Harmonic Filters for Your Business

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 23:15:00 GMT

Amid the rising costs of doing business, it is essential for Australian businesses to optimise every aspect of operations to make the most of every dollar. Power quality, often overlooked, is a hidden factor that significantly impacts both productivity and costs. Active Harmonic Filters (AHFs) are a solution that not only enhances power quality but also offers tangible economic benefits. This article explores the return on investments (ROI) when implementing AHFs, highlighting the financial gains Australian businesses can achieve over time by prioritising power quality improvement.

About Power Quality

Power quality, which refers to the reliability and stability of electrical supply, directly affects the efficiency and longevity of equipment. Harmonic distortions, voltage fluctuations, and other anomalies can lead to equipment failures, operational disruptions, and increased energy consumption. This then translates to hidden costs in your electricity bill through demand charges that escalate over time, eroding your business’ profitability.

Understanding Active Harmonic Filters

Active Harmonic Filters are dynamic devices that combat power quality issues. AHFs neutralise harmonic distortions and ensure a clean power supply by actively monitoring electrical waveforms and injecting counteractive currents. While the immediate benefits are evident in improved equipment performance and power quality, the long-term financial gains of Active Harmonic Filters are equally noteworthy.

Quantifying the ROI of AHFs

Calculating the ROI of AHFs require a comprehensive assessment that considers various factors:

Energy savings: Harmonic distortions lead to increased energy consumption. AHFs optimise energy usage by mitigating these distortions, reducing electricity bills.
Equipment longevity: Harmonic-induced stress contributes to premature equipment failures. AHFs extend equipment lifespan, reducing the frequency of replacements and maintenance expenditures.
Operational continuity: Unplanned downtime can be detrimental to productivity. AHFs help to improve power quality, leading to uninterrupted operations and higher output levels.
Reduced maintenance costs: Equipment subjected to harmonics requires frequent maintenance. AHFs decrease wear and tear, leading to lower maintenance costs over time.
Power Factor Correction: AHFs enhance power factor, which impacts energy efficiency. Improving power factor can lead to lower reactive power charges on electricity bills.

The Data-Driven Approach

To effectively demonstrate the ROI of AHFs, businesses should consider the following steps:

Baseline assessment: Conduct an initial power quality assessment to understand the extent of harmonic distortions and power anomalies present in the system.
AHF implementation: After implementing AHFs, monitor power quality changes and gather data on energy consumption, equipment performance, and operational continuity.
Energy savings calculation: Compare energy consumption before and after AHF implementation. Calculate the energy savings achieved due to reduced harmonics and improved power factor.
Maintenance and equipment cost reductions: Track the frequency of equipment failures and maintenance requirements before and after AHF installation. Calculate the cost savings from reduced maintenance expenses and equipment replacements.
Operational continuity analysis: Quantify the impact of AHFs on downtime reduction. Calculate the potential revenue gain from uninterrupted operations.
ROI calculation: Combine the calculated energy savings, maintenance cost reductions, operational continuity gains, and power factor improvements. Divide this total benefit by the initial investment in AHFs to determine the ROI percentage.

Quality Energy: Power Quality Solutions Experts Since 1989

Victoria. We partner with premium electrical components manufacturers who are leaders in the field, enabling the creation of a new generation of Quality Energy Active Harmonic Filters that are flexible yet do not compromise on performance.

Features of Quality Energy’s Active Harmonic Filter

Modular design with three-level topology performance
Wall-mounted unit or floor-standing options
Individual selection of harmonics to be filtered to ensure maximum performance.
Single cabinet, meaning single supply and a reduction in installation costs for hybrid solutions
Selection of harmonics up to the 50th order
Harmonic attenuation factor better than 97%
Available in IP20 (wall-mounted), IP30 and IP54 (floor-standing) as standard.
Best-in-class 3-year manufacturing warranty (conditions apply).

Conclusion

Active Harmonic Filters (AHFs) not only improves power quality from a technical standpoint, it reduces operational costs, and boosts overall profitability. Calculating the ROI of AHFs involves a data-driven approach that considers energy savings, equipment longevity, maintenance reductions, and operational continuity improvements. Beyond the immediate financial gains, businesses embracing AHFs position themselves as a sustainable business that prioritise operational excellence.

Since 1989, Quality Energy is a power quality and energy efficiency solutions provider and manufacturer. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your energy efficiency project.

Active Harmonic Filters: A Guide to Effective Installation and Maintenance

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Active Harmonic Filters (AHFs) are one of the most effective solutions for enhancing power quality and optimising energy consumption. However, the journey to reap the full benefits of AHFs doesn't stop after design. Proper installation, regular upkeep, and meticulous maintenance all play a pivotal role in ensuring these devices' longevity and sustained performance. In this article, we share a comprehensive guide to installing, maintaining, and caring for AHFs, enabling Australian businesses to maximise their investment and enjoy uninterrupted power quality improvements.

The Importance of Proper Installation

The effectiveness of Active Harmonic Filters begin with a meticulous installation process that considers various factors:

Expertise matters: Installing Active Harmonic Filters is a specialised task that demands technical expertise. Ensure you’re engaging experienced professionals who possess knowledge of power quality solutions, harmonic profiles, and AHF configurations.
Location and environment: Choose an appropriate location for the AHF installation. Ensure it is protected from adverse environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and dust. Such precautions safeguard the device's performance and lifespan.
Electrical compatibility: Ensure the Active Harmonic Filter is compatible with the existing electrical system. Harmonic assessments and load profiles aid in determining the appropriate AHF capacity and configuration.
Integration with control systems: Active Harmonic Filters often integrate with existing control and monitoring systems. Proper integration ensures seamless communication and real-time monitoring, enhancing power quality management.

Regular Upkeep for Optimal Performance

Maintaining AHFs involve regular checks and preventative measures to maintain their effectiveness:

Routine visual inspections: Periodic visual inspections allow operators to identify any physical damage, loose connections, or signs of wear. Addressing these issues promptly prevents them from escalating into major problems.
Monitoring software updates: Manufacturers often release software updates to enhance AHF performance and address potential bugs. Regularly updating the software ensures that the AHF operates with the latest features and improvements.
Calibration checks: Calibrate the AHF regularly to ensure its readings and responses align with the electrical conditions. This step guarantees accuracy and reliability in power quality management.
Temperature and cooling considerations: Monitor the operating temperature of the AHF. Overheating can lead to reduced performance and even damage. Adequate cooling and ventilation mechanisms should be in place to maintain optimal temperature levels.

Preventative Maintenance for Prolonged Longevity

Proactive measures are pivotal to extending the lifespan and effectiveness of AHFs:

Cleaning and dust control: Regularly clean the exterior to prevent dust buildup that could hinder proper ventilation and cooling. A dust-free environment aids in heat dissipation and ensures consistent performance.
Inspecting internal components: While AHFs are enclosed devices, internal components can still accumulate dust and contaminants. Periodically inspect and clean interior components to prevent their degradation over time.
Capacitor checks: Capacitors are critical components of AHFs. Regularly assess their condition, checking for signs of leakage, bulging, or overheating. Replacing aging capacitors pre-emptively avoids performance issues.
Harmonic assessment: Conduct periodic harmonic assessments of the electrical system to ensure that the AHF effectively mitigates harmonics. Adjustments can be made if the harmonic profile changes over time.

Partnering with Professionals for AHF Servicing and Maintenance

While routine maintenance can be performed by on-site personnel, engaging professionals offers distinct advantages:

Expertise: Professionals possess in-depth knowledge of AHFs and their intricacies, ensuring that maintenance tasks are executed accurately.
Diagnostic Tools: Professionals often utilise advanced diagnostic tools to identify potential issues and anomalies that might go unnoticed during routine checks.
Timely Intervention: Professionals can detect problems early and take preventative actions to avoid major breakdowns or performance deterioration.
Performance Optimisation: Maintenance professionals can fine-tune AHFs for optimal performance based on real-time monitoring and assessment.

Quality Energy: Manufacturing AHFs and Power Quality Equipment Since 1989

Quality Energy understands the intricacies and importance of power quality for businesses to save on energy costs and improve energy efficiency. Quality Energy manufactures all our power quality equipment in our manufacturing hub at Moorabbin, Victoria. We partner with premium electrical components manufacturers who are leaders in the field, enabling the creation of a new generation of Quality Energy Active Harmonic Filters that are flexible yet do not compromise on performance.

Features of Quality Energy’s Active Harmonic Filter

Modular design with three-level topology performance
Wall-mounted unit or free-standing options
Individual selection of harmonics to be filtered to ensure maximum performance
Single cabinet, meaning single supply and a reduction in installation costs for hybrid solutions
Selection of harmonics up to the 50th order
Harmonic attenuation factor better than 97%
Available in IP20 (wall-mounted), IP30 and IP54 (floor-standing) as standard.
Two-year manufacturing warranty (conditions apply).

Conclusion

Active Harmonic Filters are powerful allies for Australian businesses seeking to enhance power quality and energy efficiency. However, their impact can only be fully realised and maintained through meticulous installation by experts, consistent upkeep, and proactive maintenance. Proper installation ensures that Active Harmonic Filters integrate seamlessly with existing systems, setting the stage for effective power quality management. Meanwhile, routine inspections, software updates, and calibration checks sustain AHF accuracy and reliability. Preventative maintenance measures, such as capacitor checks and dust control, extend the device's lifespan and prevent performance degradation.

Partnering with professionals has substantial advantages in the quest for AHF longevity and sustained performance. Their expertise, diagnostic tools and timely interventions safeguard AHF performance and offer peace of mind to businesses. By following this comprehensive guide, Australian companies can ensure that their investment in Active Harmonic Filters translate to long-term power quality improvements, uninterrupted operations, and enhanced energy efficiency.

Since 1989, Quality Energy is a power quality and energy efficiency solutions provider and manufacturer. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your energy efficiency project.

Active Harmonic Filters: Ensuring Energy Regulatory Compliance in Australia

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 01:41:39 GMT

Introduction
Australian Standards Compliance
Harmonics and Power Quality
The Role of Active Harmonic Filters
Ensuring Compliance Through Active Harmonic Filters
Benefits Beyond Compliance
Implementing Active Harmonic Filters
Quality Energy: Power Quality Solutions Experts Since 1989
Quality Energy's Active Harmonic Filters in Action
Conclusion

In Australia, the AS/NZS61000.3.3 standard governs the acceptable level of harmonic voltage distortion and aligns with the IEEE519 guidelines . If your power supplier or distributor is dissatisfied with the amount of voltage distortion at the point of common coupling (PCC), they may require harmonic filtering to comply with Australian standards.

Active Harmonic Filters (AHFs) have emerged as a solution that not only enhances power quality but also helps industries adhere to regulatory requirements in Australia. This article dives into the regulatory landscape surrounding power quality in the country and explores how AHFs serve as an indispensable tool for businesses aiming to ensure compliance, sidestep penalties, and reduce energy costs.

Australian Standards Compliance for Active Harmonic Filters

Australia's commitment to maintaining high standards of power quality is reflected in its regulatory framework. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and various state-based regulators have established standards that businesses must adhere to. These standards focus on parameters such as voltage quality, harmonic distortion levels, and power factor. Non-compliance with these standards not only affects operational efficiency but also attracts financial penalties in the form of demand charges.

In Australia, the AS/NZS 61000.3.6 standard governs the acceptable level of harmonic voltage distortion and aligns with the IEEE 519 guidelines. If your power supplier or distributor is dissatisfied with the amount of voltage distortion at the point of common coupling (PCC), they may require harmonic filtering to comply with the Australian Standards. By managing the currents or impedances in the industrial facility, harmonic voltages on the utility distribution can be regulated since these voltages arise from the flow of harmonic currents through distribution system impedances.

Harmonics and Power Quality

Harmonics is a byproduct of non-linear loads and power electronics, which can disrupt power quality significantly. These distorted waveforms not only impact equipment performance but also strain the entire electrical distribution system. Harmonic currents can cause overheating, equipment malfunction, and unnecessary energy losses. When harmonics are eliminated or minimised, power quality will improve.

The Role of Active Harmonic Filters

Active Harmonic Filters, or AHFs, are dynamic devices designed to counteract harmonics and maintain a clean power supply. AHFs continually monitor the electrical waveform and inject counteractive currents to cancel out harmonic currents, ensuring a power supply that aligns with regulatory standards. This active intervention addresses a range of harmonic frequencies and prevents excessive distortion, safeguarding equipment and compliance.

Ensuring Compliance Through Active Harmonic Filters

Voltage Quality Enhancement: Harmonic distortions can lead to voltage instability, affecting both equipment performance and regulatory compliance. AHFs stabilise voltage levels, ensuring businesses operate within permissible voltage ranges.
Harmonic Reduction: AHFs play a crucial role in reducing harmonic distortions, thereby helping industries meet limits set by regulatory bodies. This reduction not only avoids penalties but also ensures smooth operations.
Power Factor Improvement: Poor power factor not only hampers efficiency but can also lead to regulatory non-compliance. AHFs contribute to power factor correction , aligning businesses with power factor requirements.

Benefits Beyond Compliance

While regulatory compliance is a significant driver, the benefits of AHFs extend beyond avoiding penalties:

Mitigation of Penalties and Legal Issues: By integrating AHFs, businesses pre-emptively mitigate the risk of penalties, fines, and legal action due to non-compliance with power quality standards.
Operational Continuity: Regulatory violations can lead to disruptions, downtime, and loss of productivity. AHFs' contribution to stable power quality ensures operational continuity, a critical advantage for businesses.
Equipment Longevity: Harmonic distortions can lead to premature equipment failures. AHFs extend equipment lifespan, reducing the need for costly replacements and maintenance.
Cost Savings: The optimisation of power quality achieved through AHFs leads to reduced energy consumption and lower electricity bills, providing an attractive return on investment.

Implementing Active Harmonic Filters

Successful implementation of AHFs involves strategic planning:

Regulatory Assessment: Understand the specific regulatory requirements applicable to the industry and region. This provides clarity on the target parameters for power quality.
Harmonic Profiling: Conduct a comprehensive harmonic assessment of the electrical system to identify the harmonic distortion levels. This informs the capacity and configuration of AHFs required.
Customised Solutions: Collaborate with AHF experts to design solutions tailored to the industry's unique needs. These solutions optimise performance and compliance.
Professional Installation: Proper installation by experienced professionals ensures seamless integration and adherence to performance standards.
Ongoing Monitoring: Regular monitoring and maintenance ensure AHFs continue to meet regulatory requirements and perform optimally.

Quality Energy: Power Quality Solutions Experts Since 1989

Quality Energy's Active Harmonic Filter in Action

The graph below is a use-case scenario of the Total Harmonic Distortion (THDi) for three phases. Before installing the AHF, the Total Harmonic Distortion (THDi) for three phases was 15%. After installing and commissioning Quality Energy’s Active Harmonic Filters, the THDi was reduced to 3%, a significant reduction in harmonics:

In the face of rising costs and productivity pressures, Active Harmonic Filters are your allies in energy efficiency and reducing your energy costs. Beyond their prowess in power quality enhancement, AHFs unlock a realm of financial benefits by optimising energy consumption, reducing overheads, and extending equipment lifespans. By embracing Active Harmonic Filters, Australian industries can move towards a highly efficient operations, heightened profitability, and a greener future.

Since 1989, Quality Energy is a power quality and energy efficiency solutions provider and manufacturer. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your energy efficiency project.

Leveraging Active Harmonic Filters in Australian Manufacturing

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 05:49:28 GMT

As businesses strive to optimise their operations and reduce costs, power quality emerges as a critical factor in the demand for reliable and efficient energy supply. Active Harmonic Filters , or AHFs, not only enhances power quality but also offer a pathway to substantial energy efficiency and cost savings. In this article, we explore how Active Harmonic Filters can revolutionise energy consumption by improving your power quality and contributing to a more energy-efficient future.

Power Quality and Energy Efficiency in Australian Manufacturing

Poor power quality, often marked by harmonic distortions, not only affects equipment performance and longevity but also leads to energy wastage. Harmonics cause increased currents and reactive power demand, resulting in higher energy consumption and electricity bills. This not only burdens industries financially but also puts additional stress on power generation and distribution systems.

Active Harmonic Filters: A Dynamic Solution

Unlike passive filters , Active Harmonic Filters are dynamic devices that continuously monitor the electrical waveform and actively inject counteractive currents to cancel out harmonics in real-time. This dynamic response not only addresses a wide spectrum of harmonic frequencies but also helps industries enhance energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency Unleashed

The integration of Active Harmonic Filters into industrial electrical systems unlocks a cascade of energy efficiency benefits, such as:

Harmonic elimination:

By neutralising harmonic currents, Active Harmonic Filters reduce reactive power demand, minimising losses in distribution systems and optimising energy utilisation. This directly translates to lower electricity bills for industries.

Optimised equipment performance:

Harmonic distortions can lead to equipment overheating and premature failures. Active Harmonic Filters ensure that equipment operates within design parameters, extending its lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Reduced energy waste:

Harmonics cause energy to oscillate between equipment and the grid, leading to energy wastage. Active Harmonic Filters mitigate this phenomenon, allowing industries to channel energy towards productive operations.

Voltage stability:

Active Harmonic Filters stabilise voltage levels by mitigating voltage fluctuations caused by harmonic currents. Stable voltage leads to improved equipment performance and energy efficiency.

The Cost-Saving Advantage

The economic benefits of incorporating Active Harmonic Filters into industrial setups are significant:

Lower electricity bills:

Perhaps the most immediate impact is the reduction in electricity bills. Industries can experience substantial savings due to the elimination of reactive power charges and minimised losses.

Maintenance cost reduction:

The wear and tear caused by harmonic-induced stress often increases maintenance costs. Active Harmonic Filters mitigate this stress, leading to fewer breakdowns and maintenance requirements.

Equipment replacement savings:

Expensive industrial equipment, such as motors and drives, are susceptible to harmonics-induced damage. By ensuring optimal operating conditions, Active Harmonic Filters decrease the frequency of equipment replacements.

Operational continuity:

Unplanned downtime can lead to missed production targets and lost revenues. Active Harmonic Filters' contribution to power quality stability ensures operational continuity, averting costly disruptions.

Sustainability and Compliance

Australia's focus on sustainability aligns harmoniously with the benefits AHFs bring:

Reduced carbon footprint:

Energy efficiency inherently leads to reduced energy consumption, translating to a smaller carbon footprint. By embracing AHFs, industries can contribute to Australia's commitment to sustainability.

Meeting regulatory standards:

Australia's AS/NZS 610000.3.6 standard governs the acceptable level of harmonic voltage distortion and aligns with the IEEE 519 guidelines. AHF helps to regulate harmonic voltages on utility distribution to help industries meet these standards.

How to Get Started Implementing Active Harmonic Filters in Your Facility

Active Harmonic Filters are not a one-size-fits-all approach. The successful integration of Active Harmonic Filters requires a strategic approach to implementation:

Energy audit:

Conduct a comprehensive power quality audit to understand the harmonic profile and energy consumption patterns. This informs the AHF capacity required and the expected savings.

Customised solutions:

Collaborate with experts to design AHF solutions tailored to the industry's specific needs. This ensures optimal performance and maximum cost savings.

Professional installation:

The proper installation of Active Harmonic Filter is critical. Engaging skilled professionals ensures seamless integration and long-term effectiveness.

Ongoing monitoring and maintenance:

Regular monitoring and maintenance guarantee AHFs continue to perform optimally, providing consistent energy efficiency and power quality improvements.

Quality Energy: Power Quality Solutions Experts Since 1989

Features:

Modular design with three-level topology performance.
Wall-mounted unit or floor-standing options.
Individual selection of harmonics to be filtered to ensure maximum performance.
Single cabinet, meaning single supply and a reduction in installation costs for hybrid solutions.
Selection of harmonics up to the 50th order.
Harmonic attenuation factor better than 97%.
Available in IP20 (wall-mounted), IP30 and IP54 (floor-standing) as standard.
Best-in-class 3-year manufacturing warranty (conditions apply).

Conclusion

Since 1989, Quality Energy is a power quality and energy efficiency solutions provider and manufacturer. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your energy efficiency project.

Shedding Light on Solar Quotes: What Businesses Need to Know

Wed, 31 May 2023 00:40:30 GMT

As the world transitions towards sustainable and clean energy solutions, solar power has emerged as one of the top choices in energy customers’ quest for emission reduction and affordable electricity. Unfortunately, like any growing industry, the solar industry is not without its share of dodgy practices. For businesses considering solar installations , navigating the realm of solar quotes can be daunting. This article aims to educate businesses about what to look out for in a solar quote. We highlight potential red flags and offer practical tips to ensure your solar purchase journey is smooth and successful.

Transparency is Key

When it comes to solar quotes, transparency should be your guiding principle. Reputable solar companies will provide detailed and itemised quotes. Your quote should clearly outline the costs associated with equipment, installation, warranties, and ongoing maintenance. Beware of vague or incomplete quotes that leave room for unexpected charges or hidden fees down the line.

Evaluate System Design and Performance

A well-designed solar system customised for your business's unique energy needs is crucial for maximising your return on investment. When evaluating a solar quote or proposal, pay attention to the system design proposed in the quote. Does it consider roof orientation, shading, and future expansion possibilities? What are the performance analysis and system design based on?

Request information on the estimated energy production and the projected savings over time. Be cautious if these details are absent or seem exaggerated. Read the fine print and clarify any points you’re unsure or hesitant about.

Tier-1 Quality Components and Warranties

Solar panels and inverters are the backbone of any solar power system. A comprehensive warranty demonstrates the installer's confidence in the system's durability. Ensure the quote specifies reputable brands and provides comprehensive information on the warranties offered. Beware of quotes with generic or unheard-of equipment, as it may be of inferior quality and lead to future headaches.

Verify Licenses and Certifications

Solar installations require industry-specific expertise and knowledge. Legitimate solar providers should have a track record of successful installations and be willing to share customer testimonials or case studies . Before committing to a quote, please verify that the company and its installers possess the necessary licenses, certifications, and accreditations, such as the Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditations.

Consider the Solar Company's Longevity and Variety of Service

When selecting a solar company to partner with, it's important to consider their longevity in the industry. Companies that have been trading for a longer period are more likely to be around to honour their warranties. Additionally, choosing a company that has diversified its business model and doesn't rely solely on solar projects for income is wise. By doing so, you can have peace of mind knowing that your chosen company will be a reliable partner for years to come, regardless of any industry shifts.

Beware of Unrealistic Promises

Solar quotes that promise unusually high energy production or absurdly short payback periods should be approached with caution. While solar power offers excellent benefits, it is essential to set realistic expectations. A reputable solar sales specialist will provide accurate projections based on local climate, electricity rates, and system efficiency. After all, solar panels installed in Hobart will have a vast difference to those installed in Mackay.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Obtaining quotes from multiple solar companies is essential for making an informed decision. Compare the solar company and installers' proposed system designs, pricing, warranties, and reputation. Don’t rush into accepting the first quote you receive, as it may not necessarily be the best option for your business's needs and budget.

Conclusion

Investing in solar power is a significant decision for any business, and choosing the right solar quote is a crucial step toward a successful renewable energy journey. By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can protect your business from dodgy practices and ensure a transparent, efficient, and reliable solar installation. Remember to seek advice from knowledgeable solar sales specialists who prioritise your best interests and are committed to delivering long-term value. Together, we can embrace clean energy and contribute to a sustainable future while reaping the benefits of solar power.

Since 1989, Quality Energy is a power quality and energy efficiency solutions provider and manufacturer. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply. Besides Power Factor Correction, our Power Solutions experts can also design and install a solar power system for your site, furthering your sustainability reputation and reducing your site's reliance on grid-generated electricity.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your energy efficiency project.

The Australian Federal Budget 2023: Energy Saving Opportunities for Businesses

Tue, 23 May 2023 00:48:57 GMT

In unveiling the Australian Federal Budget 2023-24, the government has spruiked the energy transition as "Australia's biggest opportunity for growth and prosperity". In this article, we highlight the key initiatives in the Federal Budget 2023-24 allocated to propel the adoption of renewable energy within the commercial sector.

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy and drive economic growth, these initiatives mark a turning point in Australia's commitment to a greener and more resilient future. These investments will create job opportunities, stimulate economic growth and ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply for the commercial sector. In the table below, we highlight the key budget initiatives shaping the commercial sector's renewable energy landscape.

Australian Federal Budget 2023-24: Energy Initiatives and Opportunities for Commercial Businesses

Source: Energy Ease

The 2023-24 Australian Federal Budget initiatives for renewable energy in Australia's commercial sector highlight the government's commitment to sustainable development and a clean energy future. By increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure, offering incentives and grants, and fostering collaborations, the government aims to create a thriving ecosystem that encourages businesses to adopt clean energy solutions, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulates economic growth. As Australia moves forward with these ambitious initiatives, it is expected to see a significant boost in renewable energy adoption, accelerating renewable energy technology commercialisation and enhancing workforce skills in the renewable energy sector.

Quality Energy is a leading renewable energy solutions provider at the forefront of this exciting transformation. Our team of energy experts are ready to assist your business in harnessing the benefits of clean energy. Tap into the Federal government's incentives and grants to accelerate your transition to renewable energy and gain a competitive edge in the market.

Quality Energy takes a holistic approach to energy efficiency, and we understand that every site and industry has different energy requirements. Contact us today to enquire about our range of renewable energy solutions, such as solar power systems for commercial, solar car parks , hybrid solar inverters, solar batteries , and EV chargers . Embark on your journey to a clean energy future and start saving on electricity bills.

Disclaimer: The information published in this article is accurate as of the time of publication. This article contains third-party link that may direct you to third-party websites that are not affiliated with us. We are not responsible for examining or evaluating the content or accuracy, and we do not warrant and will not have any liability or responsibility for any third-party materials or websites or for any other materials, products, or services of third parties. Full terms and conditions of our website.

Why Oil Rig Engineers Should Consider Power Factor Correction

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 02:47:24 GMT

Power Factor Correction (PFC) is critical in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of electrical systems on land rigs. With the increasing demand for energy and the need for efficient operations, land rig operators need to understand the importance of PFC and how it can benefit their operations.

What is Power Factor Correction?

Power Factor Correction is a technique used to improve the efficiency of an electrical system by adjusting the relationship between the active power (the power used to perform work) and the reactive power (the energy used to create magnetic fields) in an AC electrical circuit. By improving the power factor, the electrical system can deliver more active power and less reactive power, reducing energy losses and increasing efficiency.

Why is PFC Important on Land Rigs?

Land rigs are complex and energy-intensive operations, requiring a constant and reliable power source to ensure smooth operation. However, the electrical systems on oil rigs often suffer from poor power factor, leading to energy losses and low energy efficiency.

By implementing PFC, land rig operators can improve the power factor of their electrical systems, reducing energy losses and increasing efficiency. This can result in significant cost savings on energy bills and help to extend the life of electrical equipment by reducing the strain on the system.

Additionally, PFC can improve the electrical system’s reliability by reducing the risk of equipment failure and power outages. By ensuring that the electrical system is operating at its highest efficiency level, PFC can help reduce downtime and increase productivity.

Read how Quality Energy's discovery of low power factor at Ensign Energy's existing gen-sets led to the installation of Power Factor Correction Units to reduce fuel use and improve the rig's efficiency.

How is Power Factor Correction Achieved on Land Rigs?

PFC can be achieved by installing Power Factor Correction equipment such as PFC units. A PFC unit consists of capacitor modules and a controller that works as a buffer between your incoming power supply and your main distribution panel. It improves the power factor by reducing the amount of reactive power in the system.

The installation of PFC can be a complex process. To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to have the PFC system designed and installed by a professional electrical contractor who specialises in power quality and power factor correction.

In conclusion, PFC is essential in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of electrical systems on oil rigs. By reducing energy losses and improving efficiency, PFC can result in significant cost savings, increased productivity and minimised downtime. If you are an oil rig operator looking to improve your electrical system, consider investing in power factor correction to achieve optimal performance and a more sustainable and profitable operation.

Since 1989, Quality Energy has been in the business of helping other businesses improve energy efficiency and reduce their energy cost. We do that by providing specialist Power Quality management solutions for companies across every industry.

We are one of the few specialists who manufacture our own Power Quality systems here in Australia. This means we can custom-design, build, install and maintain our Power Factor Correction units and systems to the highest standards according to your energy-use profile and sector.

Call our team to discuss how our Power Factor Correction system can help provide clean, uniform power on your oil rig.

Quality Energy Awarded 1MW Solar Power Installation Project

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 02:58:45 GMT

We are pleased to share that Quality Energy has been awarded a 1MW solar power installation project for one of Australia's premier textile manufacturers.

Located in regional Victoria, Quality Energy is due to begin the installation in April-May 2023.

At Quality Energy, we understand that textile manufacturing is an energy-intensive process. Recognising the impact of rising commercial energy costs on textile mills, Quality Energy approached the client to discuss a tailored solar power solution to reduce their energy costs. After a site visit and an analysis of the client's energy consumption pattern, Quality Energy presented a custom 1MW solar power system proposal and feasibility study. In the proposal, Quality Energy outlined various finance options and included a cost analysis of the solar finance options currently available on the market.

Our customised approach to providing the client with all the technical and financial information meant that the client could readily answer their board of directors' questions. This factor resulted in speedy decision-making to award the solar power installation project to Quality Energy. The client also partnered with one of our solar finance partners, funding their solar power system via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a positive cash-flow outcome.

The 1MW Roof-Mounted Solar Power System comprises 1,851 Risen Solar Panels (540W) and Sungrow 110kW inverter over multiple buildings. It is expected the solar power system will deliver the following benefits:

1,350MWh annual production
$5 million projection of benefit over the life of the system
4-5 years payback period
1,150 tonnes of CO2 emission avoided per year

Quality Energy is anticipating handing over the project by the end of the financial year. We look forward to sharing more about the project in the coming months. For timely and instant updates, follow our LinkedIn page!

As a holistic power solutions provider for close to 35 years now, we don’t view solar power as a silo. Quality Energy understands that your electrical system is like a nervous system: your energy source – grid or solar – is the lifeline to ensure great electricity flow. This is where our vast knowledge and expertise in the electrical industry come into play. We consistently deliver turn-key solar power solutions from 6.6kW to 1MW and beyond with minimal disruptions to your power supply.

Ready to discuss solar for your business? Contact us for a free quote.

Energy Efficiency Grant for SME Round 1: Government Funding Opportunities for SME to Install Power Factor Correction

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 02:58:24 GMT

Update 28 March 2023: Funding allocation limit for this grant is now exhausted for all jurisdiction. Round Two is scheduled to open in 2024. Contact us to join our email list and stay updated to find out about Round 2 of EEG.

About Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) for SMEs
Grant Details
What Can the Grant Money be Used for?
Why Include Power Factor Correction in Your Grant Application?
Who is Eligible for the Grant Program?
How to Apply for the Grant?
Timing of Grant Opportunity
Notification of Grant Application Outcomes
Monitoring of Grant Activity
Conclusion
Useful Links and Key Documents

Small and medium-sized businesses across the country will benefit from a $62 million grant program to help them be more energy efficient, ease the pressure on energy bills and reduce emissions. The Federal Government published guidelines for the Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs , with a $16 million investment announced in Round 1 to support SMEs in saving on their energy bills. This article outlines the grant details, eligibility criteria overview, why include Power Factor Correction in your grant application and how we can help.

About the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) for SMEs

The Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (the program) will run over two years from 2022-23 to 2023-24. The objectives of the program are:

improve energy efficiency practices and increase the uptake of energy-efficient technologies
assist small and medium businesses in managing their energy usage and costs
reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Grant Details

Opening Date: Monday, 6 March 2023, 10 am AEDT.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 19 April 2023, 5 pm AEST.
Grant Amount: $10,000 to $25,000 to cover up to 100 per cent of the eligible project expenditure. You are responsible for any remaining eligible expenditure above the maximum grant amount and ineligible project costs.
Project Period: The maximum project period is 12 months.

This demand-driven grant is awarded to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis in order of the application receipt until funding is exhausted in each state and territory. The program is expected to be oversubscribed, so we encourage SMEs to apply as soon as possible within the application open dates.

What can the grant money be used for?

To be eligible, your project must:

be aimed at reducing the energy consumption of your business in Australia.
have at least $10,000 in eligible expenditure
include one or more of the activities listed in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines
expenditure must be a direct cost of the project and be incurred by you for required project audit activities
the project expenditure must also be incurred between the project start and end date for it to be eligible unless stated otherwise in your grant agreement
you must not commence your project until a grant agreement has been executed with the Commonwealth.

See the Grant Opportunity Guidelines on business.gov.au for a complete list of eligible activities for the EEG for SMEs.

One of the eligible activities for the grant is the installation of Power Factor Correction . There are many reasons for SMEs to include PFC in their energy efficiency Grant application. It is one of the most direct and quickest ways to receive funding, improve your energy efficiency AND reduce your ongoing electricity bills with minimal disruption. Read what our customers say about how PFC is helping them improve energy efficiency.

A Power Factor Correction Unit consists of capacitor modules and a controller that acts as a buffer between your incoming power supply and your main distribution panel. Installing Power Factor Correction can improve energy efficiency and lower electricity demand charges without coordinating a massive overhaul of your equipment, heating, refrigeration, and lighting systems.

Speak to us about installing Power Factor Correction and including it in your grant application.

Who is Eligible for EEG for SMEs?

To be eligible, you must:

Have an ABN number and be one of the following types:
an entity incorporated in Australia
a partnership
a sole trader.
Be a small and medium-sized business with an employee headcount of 1-199 employees averaged over any consecutive 12-month period since 1 July 2019.
Provide evidence that you have consent from the owner of the project location to undertake the project if you’re not the owner of the project location.

Note: if successful, you must ensure appropriately qualified personnel are engaged to undertake agreed activities where applicable.

Applicant must satisfy all eligibility criteria. The project cannot be funded if the applicant receives funding from another Commonwealth, state or territory government grant for the same activities funded under this grant program.

How to Apply for the Grant:

Step 1: Read and understand the complete Grant Opportunity Guidelines, sample application form and sample grant agreement published on business.gov.au and GrantConnect.
Step 2: Set up an account to access GrantConnect.
Step 3: Provide all the information requested
Step 4: Address all eligibility criteria
Step 5: Include all necessary attachments

Timing of Grant Opportunity:

If your application is successful and you enter into a grant agreement, it is expected that you will be able to commence the project around June 2023.

Notification of Grant Application Outcomes

Applicants will be notified in writing of the application outcome and any specific conditions attached to the grant. Non-sensitive details of successful projects will be published on GrantConnect.

Monitoring of Grant Activity

If your application is successful, you are expected to submit reports in line with the grant agreement, such as progress against agreed project milestones and project expenditure, including the expenditure of future grants. You will also be required to submit an end-of-project report.

Conclusion

SMEs are under cost pressure, with 36% of small businesses reporting that electricity is one of their biggest overheads and a further 38% reporting that electricity is a substantial cost to the business ( Energy Consumer Sentiment and Behaviour Surveys, December 2022).

The grant is an excellent opportunity to ease pressure on energy bills for these SMEs. The funding might help manufacturers or commercial buildings install Power Factor Correction units to improve energy efficiency and reduce ongoing electricity demand charges.

Grant applications will open on 6 March and close on 19 April 2023. Speak to our energy efficiency experts about how to best utilise this grant opportunity and get a free quote to support your grant application.

Useful Links and Key Documents

Grant Opportunity Information (Weblink)
Key Documents (Weblink to download)

Disclaimer: Grant application information is current as of 1 March 2023. The information provided is for general information only and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for making decisions. Visit business.gov.au for more details.

This article was originally published on qualityenergy.com.au on 1 March 2023.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or send us an email to discuss your energy efficiency project.

All the Innovation in the Electric Vehicle Charger Market Right Now

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 21:00:00 GMT

In recent years, the electric vehicle (EV) market has seen rapid growth and innovation, and the same can be said for the electric vehicle charger market. As more and more people adopt EVs as their primary mode of transportation, the demand for convenient and efficient EV charging solutions is only increasing. Here are some of the most innovative things happening in the electric vehicle charger market.

Fast Charging

One of the most exciting developments in the electric vehicle charger market is the advent of fast charging technology. Some chargers can now fully charge an EV in as little as 30 minutes, making EVs even more convenient for everyday use.

Wireless Charging

Another innovative development in the electric vehicle charger market is the advent of wireless charging technology. This involves using electromagnetic fields to transfer energy from a charging pad to the battery of an electric vehicle, eliminating the need for cords and connectors. This technology is still in the early stages of development, but it holds great promise for the future of electric vehicle charging.

Networked Charging

One of the challenges of electric vehicle charging is finding a charging station when you need one. To address this issue, some companies are developing networks of charging stations connected and managed through a centralised system. This allows EV owners to find and reserve charging stations, receive notifications when their car is fully charged, and even pay for charging services directly from their smartphones.

Renewable Energy Integration

Another innovative trend in the electric vehicle charger market is the integration of renewable energy sources. Some charging stations are now powered by solar panels, wind turbines, or other clean energy sources, reducing the carbon footprint of electric vehicle charging. This not only helps to make EVs more environmentally friendly, but it also makes charging stations more self-sufficient and less reliant on the grid.

Smart Charging

Finally, the electric vehicle charger market is also seeing the development of smart charging solutions. These are charging stations equipped with advanced monitoring and control technologies, allowing them to dynamically adjust the charging rate based on energy availability, demand, and pricing factors. This can help optimise energy resources, reduce costs, and improve the overall efficiency of electric vehicle charging.

In conclusion, the electric vehicle charger market is undergoing a period of rapid innovation, driven by the growing demand for EVs and the need for convenient, efficient, and sustainable charging solutions. From fast charging to renewable energy integration, exciting things are happening in this space. It will be interesting to see how these developments shape the future of electric vehicle charging.

Quality Energy is a power quality and energy efficiency solutions provider and manufacturer. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply. Besides installing EV charging infrastructure , our energy experts can analyse your site's power quality to ensure maximum energy efficiency and your site's electricity bill savings after the EV chargers are in operation. Our Power Solutions experts can also design and install a solar power system for your site, furthering your sustainability reputation and reducing your site's reliance on grid-generated electricity.

Ready to discuss how to propel your fuel service station towards tomorrow's EV-powered world? Contact us to discuss how we can help.

Why 100kW Commercial Solar is a Smart Business Investment Decision

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 01:02:53 GMT

It is no secret that a well-designed solar power system can significantly benefit a business’s bottom line. This article explores how a 100kW solar power system can help you save money on your electricity bill, improve your cash flow, take advantage of government incentives and subsidies, and improve your business’s environmental credentials.

Save on Electricity Bill

Electricity is the third largest cost for any business, sitting only behind labour and rent. Installing a commercial solar system can help businesses save on their power bill by reducing their reliance on grid-generated electricity. For a small-to-medium-size manufacturer, warehouse or cold storage that requires a 100kW solar power system, this can create up to $25,000 in savings in electricity bills per year.

Stabilise Your Cash Flow

Price hikes from your electricity retailer, or even wholesale energy rates hike, can destabilise your business’ cash flow. SMEs typically run a tight ship when it comes to cash flow, and any unforeseen tightening of cash flow can impact other sectors that can generate more revenue, such as product development, marketing etc.

Fortunately, while there is an initial cost outlay for solar power solutions, it is essentially a fixed asset, and the payback period is typically five years. Moreover, information on solar output and predicted savings are provided before you agree to solar installation, making it easier to predict your cash flow.

The low ongoing maintenance of solar power also makes solar energy an appealing choice for SMEs to consider installing 100kW commercial solar power.

Take Advantage of Government Incentives

The Australian and state governments have many incentives and subsidy programs to encourage businesses to switch to solar power. One of the most widely known and accessed programs is the Small Technology Certificates (STCs). Commercial systems 100kW and lower are eligible for this program, which reduces your solar cost outlay based on the amount of power you’re expected to produce over the next 13 years. This discount is applied at the point of purchase, and it can be a significant reduction.

In conclusion, a 100kW solar panel system is a smart business investment solution to help relieve commercial entities of increasing electricity charges and, at the same time, boost your business's environmental credentials.

Quality Energy is a power quality and energy efficiency solutions provider and manufacturer. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply. Besides installing commercial solar system , our energy experts can analyse your site's power quality and incorporate Power Factor Correction solutions to ensure maximum energy efficiency, reliable power supply and further reduce your site's electricity bill.

Ready to discuss how to save on your next electricity bill? Contact us to discuss how we can help.

What to Consider When Choosing a 100kW Commercial Solar Panels?

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 23:33:18 GMT

Solar panels are a popular and eco-friendly way to generate electricity. If you're looking to go commercial solar , a 100 kW solar panel system may be the perfect choice for your home or business. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of 100 kW solar panels, what to consider when choosing a system, and how to get the most out of your investment.

Benefits of 100kW Commercial Solar Panels

Significant Energy Savings: A 100kW solar panel system can generate up to 120,000 kWh of electricity annually, significantly reducing your monthly energy bills.
Eco-Friendly: Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of energy that does not produce harmful greenhouse gases. By using solar panels, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Increased Property Value: Installing solar panels can increase the value of your property, making it a smart investment.
Tax Incentives: Federal and state government incentives programs such as the Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and Solar Victoria rebates offer tax incentives for homeowners and businesses that install solar panels, making it even more affordable.

What to consider when choosing a system

Location: The amount of sunlight your panels receive will impact their efficiency. Make sure to choose a location that receives plenty of direct sunlight.
Roof Space: You will need enough roof space to accommodate a 100kW solar panel system. Consider the size and orientation of your roof and whether any trees or buildings will shade the panels.
Budget: Solar panel systems can be expensive, so it's essential to consider your budget when choosing a system. Look for options that offer the best value for your money.
Warranty: Make sure to choose a system with a comprehensive warranty to protect your investment.

Maximising your 100kW Solar Panels Investment

Monitor Performance: Regularly monitor the performance of your solar panels to ensure they are working efficiently. If you notice a decline in performance, have a professional check the system .
Clean Regularly: Dirt and debris can impact the efficiency of your panels, so make sure to clean your solar panels regularly.
Optimise Usage: Use your solar panels during the time of the day when they generate the most energy and reduce your usage during peak hours.
Consider Battery Backup: Consider installing a battery backup system to store excess energy generated by your panels. This will allow you to use the power generated by solar at a later time, further reducing your dependence on the grid.

In conclusion, a 100kW solar panel system can provide significant energy savings, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase the value of your property. Your solar panels will provide years of clean, renewable energy with proper care and maintenance. When choosing a system, consider your location, budget, and warranty, and make sure to maximise your investment by regularly monitoring performance and cleaning the panels.

Quality Energy is a power quality and energy efficiency solutions provider and manufacturer. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply. Besides installing commercial solar systems around the country, including Hobart , our energy experts can analyse your site's power quality and incorporate Power Factor Correction solutions to ensure maximum energy efficiency, reliable power supply and further reduce your site's electricity bill.

Ready to discuss how to save on your next electricity bill? Contact us to discuss how we can help.

Why Innovative Fuel Service Stations Have EV Chargers?

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 03:51:47 GMT

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is inevitably booming: electric vehicle sales have seen a massive increase compared to 2021. With the rise of electric vehicles, we are gradually witnessing a change in consumer behaviour. Filling up the tank is starting to look a little different, as EV drivers refill their vehicle's electric 'tank' at home and work.

This trend presents a significant challenge for fuel service stations worldwide. The growing demand for EVs is already displacing *1.5 million barrels of oil globally per day in 2021 (BloombergNEF). According to a study by Boston Consulting Group , at least a quarter of fuel service stations worldwide is at risk of closure by 2035 if no significant changes are made to their business models. This article highlights why innovative fuel retailers should tap into EV charging to adapt to this market shift.

There will be more EV drivers on the road in the coming years

There is no doubt that internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles dominate the market. However, this will change in the coming decades as electric cars become the 'new norm' in transportation. This growth is driven not only by passenger vehicles but also by business fleets and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs):

Business fleets: Consumers are not the only ones more open to electric cars. Businesses and governments are ramping up the electrification of their fleets. To name a few, IKEA and Amazon (USA) have announced fleet electrification initiatives to address the climate crisis and meet their emission targets proactively. Looking closer to home, Quality Energy installed EV chargers for Sutherland Shire Council and IKEA Marsden Park, NSW , as part of their sustainability initiatives. This trend will accelerate EV adoption in the mainstream population in the coming years.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM): Up until a few years ago, choices for electric cars were few and far between and often had a premium price tag attached to the cars. Since then, there have been many more OEM EV models, demonstrating the commitment of vehicle manufacturers to ramp up their EV production. With a more abundant supply of electric vehicles, the price premium is expected to diminish sooner rather than later, bringing mass adoption of electric vehicles even closer.

As vehicles and driver behaviour change, the need for reliable and accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure has never been more urgent.

What does this mean for fuel service stations?

The transition, while challenging, could present a unique opportunity for fuel service stations to edge out a competitive advantage. With more electric vehicles on the road, the demand for fast and reliable charging infrastructure becomes more urgent. Fuel service stations are perfectly positioned to harness their location advantage to capitalise on this market shift with the introduction of more high-power, DC fast charging stations for EVs.

While EV drivers may be able to charge their EVs at home or work, these charging stations are likely to be far slower than DC fast charging stations. This presents a unique opportunity for fuel service stations to get ahead and attract new customers and, more importantly, retain their current customer base.

Why should fuel service stations offer EV charging today?

The inevitable market shift will give rise to new independent actors, whether it's Charging Point Operators (CPOs) or EV manufacturers like Tesla, who own charging infrastructure. Fuel service stations that offer EV charging infrastructure today are reducing their risk of losing their customers to these new market entrants as mass adoption of EVs happens.

Besides, fuel service stations can also improve their sustainability reputation by offering a green alternative to emission-heavy fuel alternatives. This will help to eliminate negative pressures from consumers and authorities alike.

By investing in today, forward-thinking fuel service stations are future-proofing their business for tomorrow's EV landscape.

Quality Energy is a power quality and energy efficiency solutions provider and manufacturer. Our mission is to help businesses solve the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply. Besides installing EV charging infrastructure, our energy experts can analyse your site's power quality to ensure maximum energy efficiency and your site's electricity bill savings after the EV chargers are in operation. Our Power Solutions experts can also design and install a solar power system for your site, furthering your sustainability reputation and reducing your site's reliance on grid-generated electricity.

Ready to discuss how to propel your fuel service station towards tomorrow's EV-powered world? Contact us to discuss how we can help.

Source:

* Protocol (May 2022), 2-and-3 Wheel EVs are Crushing Oil Demand

Australia Solar Rebates: Looking Ahead to 2023

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 21:54:49 GMT

2022 has flown by, and with only one month left until the end of the year, it is time to look ahead to what next year will look like when it comes to Australia's solar rebates and subsidies.

Overview

Australia's national solar rebate is technically an up-front subsidy applied at the point of sale, that can reduce the cost of a home and business solar. For smaller systems, this can be thousands of dollars in savings, and in the case of larger systems up to 100kW, it can be up to tens of thousands of dollars.

This subsidy is called Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Despite its name, it is a virtual paper created after solar system is installed and offered as a point-of-sale discount. The number of certificates a system is eligible for is based on several factors such as the location of installation, solar panel capacity and the year of installation.

What is the Value of STCs?

The value of these STCs fluctuates with the market condition and has reduced each year on 1 January 2017 as part of a planned phase-out. The value of STCs is expected to drop to zero in January 2031. This means on 1 January 2023; there will be another round of STC reduction.

What About Other Solar Rebates and Subsidies Programs?

Each state government has different closing dates and eligibilities for its solar rebates and subsidies program. For example, in Victoria, the Solar for Business Program is place-based, offering up to 15,000 places for eligible businesses over three years (5,000 places per year) to apply for a rebate of up to $3,500 for their solar installation. There are currently 1,100 places remaining in this year's release, and it is expected there will be an influx of last-minute applications.

It Seems Like I've Missed the Boat for 2022's STCs - Should I Wait till Mid-2023?

While the STC spot prices have been relatively steady, we can't predict they will remain stable in 2023.

Furthermore, it can take around six weeks to get a quote and choose a solar installer to have solar panels on your rooftop. Depending on the installer's availability, weather and system size, this can sometimes take longer. While this is certainly not the time to make a hasty decision and panic buy, now is an excellent time to pull the trigger and contact a few installers for quotes.

With electricity prices predicted to increase by up to 35% in 2023, the longer your rooftop is without solar panels, the longer your household or business will be locked into higher electricity bills.

Furthermore, with inflation and other cost pressures, system hardware costs may also increase next year. While it is not guaranteed, getting a quote from installers will ensure you get the best prices for your solar panels and equipment.

Ready to Pull the Trigger on Solar?

Contact our solar consultant today for a quote. At Quality Energy, we know there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to energy efficiency solutions, especially solar. In our quote, we will provide an analysis of the savings you can expect, how much subsidies you can expect to receive and finance options that suit your business, so you can make an informed decision about your business' energy future. Find out more about our approach to commercial solar here.

What is Static Var Generator?

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 23:41:17 GMT

What is a Static Var Generator (SVG)?

A Static Var Generator (SVG) is an electronic reactive power compensation system for capacitive and inductive power. It has the same operating principle as an active filter; the SVG injects a current in the opposite direction to counteract the installation's non-useful inductive and capacitive power.

They are invaluable in industrial and commercial applications and high-demand environments like renewable energy systems, manufacturing plants, and healthcare settings.

Why Improve Power Factor?

A low power factor means you are drawing more current (electricity) than you need. The Australian Energy Regulator allows electricity retailers to penalise businesses for the extra demand on the electricity grid. If your most recent power bill has a higher than expected charge for kVA, then your power factor is probably the cause.

Poor power factor can be improved by installing Power Factor Correction (PFC) or Static Var Generator (SVG) equipment to correct energy supply inefficiencies, reduce the total current and apparent power (kVA) demand on the electricity network, and bring the power factor close to 1 (unity).

Why Choose a Static Var Generator?

Static Var Generators offer the ultimate solution to issues in power systems by dynamically compensating for reactive power caused by reactance in electrical load currents.

Power Factor Correction equipment is suitable for businesses with relatively stable loads that don’t require instantaneous, real-time, or highly dynamic reactive power control. PFC systems are cost-effective and work well for applications with minimal load variation or slow changes in power demand.

On the other hand, Static VAR Generators (SVGs) are advanced systems designed for continuous, dynamic power factor correction. They excel at providing instantaneous, real-time control of reactive power and maintaining three-phase load balance, making them ideal for facilities with rapidly changing or unbalanced loads, such as manufacturing plants, renewable energy installations, or systems with high harmonic distortions.

When alternating current (AC) systems encounter inductive or capacitive currents, they create inefficiencies like a low fundamental power factor and voltage drops.

SVGs directly address these issues by monitoring and correcting the phase angle difference between electric currents and voltage waves.

Active Harmonic Filters (AHF) can address the high current distortion issues of power quality. However, it can be an expensive solution to multiple power quality problems. We offer an economical hybrid solution combining the AHF and SVG features.

Compared to traditional capacitor banks, SVG technology provides faster response times, smaller space and volume requirements, and superior handling of harmonics caused by nonlinear loads like electric motors and variable-frequency drives (VFDs).

How a Static Var Generator Works

Static Var Generators operate based on AC power principles, using advanced power inverters and Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) to address inefficiencies in electrical current dynamically.

Detection and Analysis: Monitors the system's phase angle difference between voltage and current. This data helps the SVG determine whether the current is lagging or leading the voltage (caused by inductive or capacitive loads).
Reactive Power Injection: The SVG injects a calculated amount of reactive power into the electrical load, compensating for excessive lagging or leading current and stabilising the angle difference.
Waveform Adjustment: By correcting the phasor relationships (between voltage and current vectors), SVGs ensure a power factor closer to unity and minimise excess power draw.

Static Var Generator (SVG) vs Capacitor Bank: Key Differences

While Static Var Generators (SVGs) and capacitor banks improve power quality and compensate for reactive power, they differ significantly in technology, functionality, and application. Here's a comparison:

Are Static Var Generators applicable in all industries and sectors?

Static Var Generators are applicable in commercial and industrial settings that have high electricity demand, such as:

Power distribution system
Manufacturing
Healthcare settings
Oil and gas
Paper mills
Data Centres
Heavy industries

Benefits of Quality Energy's Static Var Generator

Advanced Power Factor Correction and Efficiency

A poor power factor caused by reactive power can inflate kVA charges on your power bill. Quality Energy's SVGs are tailored to each business or organisation to dynamically adjust the system to correct leading or lagging currents, achieving a close-to-unity power factor. The result is optimised energy usage and enhanced system efficiency.

Dynamic Reactive Power Compensation

Quality Energy's Static Var Generators act as controlled current sources. They can quickly absorb or emit the required reactive power by adjusting the amplitude and phase of the inverter output voltage or directly controlling the amplitude and phase of the AC side current. Whether caused by inductive reactive power or capacitive reactive power, SVGs ensure power supply consistency by compensating for these variations in real-time.

Combine With Active Harmonic Filters for Hybrid Solutions

Quality Energy's SVGs are manufactured to also function as active power filters, suppressing harmonic currents produced by nonlinear electrical loads like solar power inverters and industrial devices. This reduces electricity interruptions, improves power quality, and ensures a balanced power system.

Rapid Response Time For Voltage Stability

Quality Energy's SVGs operate with sub-5ms response times. They reliably maintain system voltage stability, regardless of sudden load variations or phase (waves) imbalances. This makes our SVGs ideal for critical electric power distribution applications in industries like utility frequency management and high-voltage direct current converters.

Low Footprint and High Safety

By eliminating the need for additional capacitor banks or electronic filters, Quality Energy's Static Var Generators reduce overall device volume and space usage by up to 2/3 compared to older technologies. They avoid resonance issues common in some series and parallel circuits, ensuring a safe and stable system.

Flexibility for High-Voltage and Low-Voltage Systems

Quality Energy's SVGs provide a scalable and impactful solution in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, electric power distribution, or low-voltage and high-voltage environments. Their usability extends to transformer stations, power transmission networks, and other mission-critical setups.

Why Choose Quality Energy for Your SVG Solutions?

With over 35 years of experience as Australia's premier quality power electronics provider, Quality Energy is your partner for power factor correction and power quality improvement. Our Melbourne-based facility specialises in manufacturing tailored Static Var Generators that meet your exact requirements.

Whether you're working with renewable energy sources, electric motors, or demanding industrial systems, our team ensures proper on-site commissioning and excellent customer support.

Could a Static Var Generator Be Right for You?

Are you looking for a way to reduce inefficiencies and lower operational costs? Contact us today to schedule a Power Quality Audit for your business! Let us determine if a SVG is the right solution to improve your electric power system and solve any power quality problems.

How Businesses Can Offset More Electricity Price Hikes in 2023

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 22:47:48 GMT

Rocketing energy prices have been dominating the news in Australia and globally. The gas price has jumped to an all-time high, taking electricity prices with it and impacting households and businesses. While Australian wholesale energy prices in September and October 2022 seemed to have dipped as we head into warmer spring weather and solar energy output increases, the energy crisis continues and may not end. The Australian Financial Review predicted retail electricity prices could increase by at least 35% in 2023, spurred by rising wholesale energy costs. In this article, we outline a few steps that businesses can take to offset rising energy prices.

Arrange for a Power Quality Audit

Your electricity bill covers various usage and charges, one of which is a charge for the level of demand a business has on the network for a specific period of the day. A Power Quality Audit allows our engineers to gather all the data required to assess and analyse the existing energy efficiency of a property. From here, we are best positioned to work with onsite engineers, consultants and contractors to reduce the kVAr, or ‘reactive’ power, to help reduce your power bill. Read here for more information about Power Quality Audit and what is involved.

Improve Your Power Factor via Power Factor Correction (PFC)

Suppose a Power Quality Audit identified your business paying thousands of dollars in demand (kVAr) charges. In that case, a custom-built Power Factor Correction Unit will help to reduce your electricity bill. A Power Factor Correction Unit consists of capacitor modules and a controller that works as a buffer between your incoming power supply and your main distribution panel. If your business already has PFC equipment installed, we recommend a comprehensive Power Factor Correction service on a routine basis to ensure your PFC is delivering its maximum efficiency.

Once the Power Factor Correction has been installed or serviced, we calculate the new kVAr from collected data and compare it to historical figures. These numbers typically illustrate a dramatic improvement in a company’s energy efficiency and, therefore, a reduction in energy bills.

Install a High-Quality Solar Power System

It is proven that Solar Power Systems can help to reduce electricity bills. It is reported that at its peak, household solar in South Australia met 92% of the state's needs in a single day (Source: ABC News ). Early adopters of solar in the Commercial and Industrial sectors are seeing their investment paid off in September and October 2022 as solar outputs increase. Solar power works by converting UV rays into electricity. For electricity users, this means they are generating their electricity instead of relying on power generated by the grid. Beyond reducing your power bill, solar power is a great way to 1 offset your business' carbon emissions.

Need more convincing? Read here about how Mercedes Benz Australia's decision to install a 99.9kW solar power system is estimated to help them save more than $20,000 in power bills each year.

A Combination of Power Factor Correction and Solar Power?

For many businesses in the commercial and industrial sectors, a combination of Power Factor Correction and Solar Power might be the answer to offset the energy price increases in 2023. Not only will you generate your power via Solar, but Power Factor Correction will also ensure your business receives clean, uniform power that minimises outages associated with poor Power Quality.

Read here about how the strategy to combine Power Factor Correction and Solar Power helped Laminex reduce its electricity bill.

Plan Ahead to Reduce the Impact of Electricity Price Hikes in 2023

Given the writing is on the wall that energy prices will increase in 2023, now is an excellent time to start looking into installing solar panels, energy-efficiency products such as Power Factor Correction, or a combination of both. While some might dismiss the media for fearmongering, both Power Factor Correction and Solar Power are proven solutions to improve energy efficiency.

Quality Energy is one of the few providers in the market that can tailor both Power Factor Correction and Solar Power solutions for energy users in the Commercial, Industrial sectors and SMEs. We have been in the energy business for over 30 years now, and our energy experts are more than happy to answer any questions you might have about how you can improve energy efficiency.

Contact us to discuss how we can help you streamline your electricity costs!

Footnote

Fossil fuels contributed 71% of total electricity generation in 2021 (Source: energy.gov.au )

Benefits of Installing EV Chargers at Your Workplace

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 03:00:35 GMT

According to the Electric Vehicle Council ’s latest State of Electric Vehicles Report, electric vehicles (EV) now represent 3.39% of all vehicle sales, which is a massive 65% increase compared to 2021. The exponential growth in the number of electric vehicle market share reflects Australia’s appetite to get behind the wheels of an EV. However, Australia still needs to catch up on the number of public chargers available, with only 3,669 public chargers available across 2,147 locations in Australia.

Implementing EV charging solutions will prepare your business for the EV era and futureproof your workplace by accommodating the vehicle charging needs of an increasing number of EVs.

Key Benefits of Business Electric Car Charging

Demonstrate environmental commitment

Social responsibility is critical for businesses today. Installing EV chargers at the workplace communicates where the business stands when it comes to enabling greener transportation to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and personnel.

Read how Sutherland Shire Council reduces its own operation’s environmental impact through on-site EV chargers.

Improve employee engagement

As more people drive electric vehicles, employers who provide essential electric vehicle charging infrastructure for their employees will see their employee satisfaction improve. Employees will feel valued by the business, resulting in higher employee engagement and productivity.

Improve efficiency

Having electric charging points at work will make it more convenient for employees and visitors, reducing the time they spent finding EV charging points. For companies with fleet vehicles, on-site EV charging infrastructure is also an opportunity to save on fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.

What Type of Businesses Need EV Charging Points?

Different businesses may need different types of charging points according to the type of premises and each business’ requirements.

For example:

large office complexes may need to think about employees who require electric vehicle charging points for the cars they drive to work
retail and commercial premises such as supermarkets and shopping centres will need to think about visitors and employees who require electric vehicle charging points to accommodate for visitors and employees
businesses with a commercial electric fleet, such as a logistic company, mobile health care provider or local government councils, for example, will require commercial electric charging stations to accommodate large number of company-owned vehicles
vehicle leasing firms and car dealerships with electric vehicles on offer will need to ensure there is sufficient charging infrastructure so that electric vehicles from electric car manufacturers can be tested and demonstrated.

Combining EV Charging with Solar Power

One of the many factors for Australians to make the switch to electric vehicles is the environmental and cost benefits. Many businesses and households are now choosing to power their EV charging points via Solar PV. This is an effective method to create lasting environmental benefits and reduce the user’s electricity bill further. It also dramatically reduces carbon emissions, as the electricity used to charge your EV will be generated via Solar PV rather than grid-generated electricity. However, this is an overhaul of your premise’s electrical system and requires careful planning with an energy efficiency expert to ensure successful implementation.

Quality Energy is an Australian-owned and operated energy efficiency management and power quality solutions provider. We’ve been helping businesses reduce their energy costs for over 30 years. We are an award-winning business, and a CEC Approved Solar Retailer with national and global experience carrying out projects large and small.

Read more about our electric vehicle charging solutions and give us a call to discuss how we can help.

Quality Energy Announces Partnership with Chargefox

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 06:39:31 GMT

Quality Energy is excited to announce our partnership with Chargefox, Australia's first and largest network of ultra-rapid EV charging stations.

We have teamed up with Chargefox to power Australia's EV revolution by growing the number of EV charging stations powered by renewable energy across Australia.

This strategic partnership is a result of the demand for high-performance and fast-charging EV chargers that are powered by renewable energy. Quality Energy has been offering Solar PV solutions and EV charger installations for the commercial and industrial sectors since 2014. The ability of Quality Energy to combine Solar PV and EV charger installation as a package is a catalyst for this partnership, enabling Chargefox to provide better value for their customers and accelerating the build-out of Australia's EV infrastructure.

'Chargefox and Quality Energy are both 100% Australian-owned and operated. Both organisations have the same dedication and commitment to workmanship and quality. I look forward to working closely with the Chargefox team,' says Luke Stratford, Managing Director of Quality Energy.

[Quote from Chargefox]

Quality Energy has been solving the problem of ever-increasing energy costs and inconsistent, unreliable power supply since 1989. In our mission to help businesses find smarter, more economical ways to use energy, we also tailor renewable energy solutions such as solar and EV charger installations to help businesses reduce their carbon emissions. Quality Energy is a Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer and Winner of the Gold Coast Business Excellence Award 2016 - Manufacturing and Construction.

Chargefox is Australia's fastest-growing EV charging network, offering EV charging solutions in the commercial and domestic sectors.

Reasons to Clean Your Solar Panels

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 04:05:13 GMT

According to a report by Energy Council Australia, the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) data showed more than 52,000 new installations of rooftop solar PV in the first quarter of 2022, increasing capacity by 417 megawatts (MW). The increase Solar PV's uptake is encouraging news as more energy users are shifting towards renewable energy. However, less is said about the importance of cleaning your commercial solar panels regularly.

Solar panels are composed of various materials, some of which are extremely sensitive. When cleaned improperly or neglected, these materials can cause corrosion or even begin to break down the panels. This will not only reduce the solar output but can also become a safety hazard.

What causes dirty solar panels?

Dirty solar panels can affect the output of your system, meaning they will cost you more money in your electricity bill. There are several reasons why your solar panels could be dirty. Some of the most common causes are:

Water damage: if water gets inside the panel, it can cause corrosion and reduce the amount of output.
Debris: Debris from plants and animal droppings may get stuck in between the cells and cause blockages to prevent electricity from flowing freely through the solar panels
Dust build-up: Dust can slowly build up on your solar panels over time if you don’t clean them often enough
Rainwater: Rainwater can seep into your solar panel, causing water damage and rust around the metal connections due to corrosion.

Benefits of Cleaning Solar Panels

The main benefit of cleaning your commercial solar panels is to ensure their long-term performance and to avoid the system’s degradation, which can reduce energy production and increase maintenance costs. Here are the benefits of cleaning solar panels:

Improve efficiency

Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. If there is dirt, debris and rainwater on the surface of the solar, it can affect how much light is absorbed therefore reducing the system’s efficiency.

Maintain your warranty

Solar panel manufacturers and installation companies require owners to clean and regularly maintain their solar panels. Failure to clean your solar panels regularly may void your warranty, forcing you to pay for any damages to your solar panels. Regular cleaning is a reassurance that any damages are not a result of neglect.

Improve your building’s aesthetic appeal

Dirty solar panels can give any customers or visitors who see them the impression of a poorly kept premise. Regular solar cleaning may increase your premises’ aesthetic appeal.

Inspect Your Solar Panels for Safety

Cleaning your solar panels allow wear-and-tear, and any damage to be fixed before it compromises your premise’s energy efficiency or safety.

What is Involved in Solar Panel Cleaning?

Quality Energy’s expert engineers will thoroughly inspect these components of your system:

Panels : By determining the age of your system and examining panels for wear and tear, we can hold manufacturers to their warranties if there are any faults or defects. Picking up issues early will aid in preserving system life at its peak level of efficiency.
Inverters: Quality Energy’s engineers will analyse your inverters to determine if they are running efficiently.
Cabling & Isolator: We inspect all cabling and isolators to make sure they’re operating in a safe condition and clear of potential water ingress.
Racking: A relatively simple component but an extremely important one—the integrity of the racking is crucial in maintaining the safety of your panels and of course your roof. Inadequate installations could easily result in a hefty repair bill.
Overall Performance: Our team will run performance diagnostics to determine the overall output of your system and if needed, suggest how to improve functionality.

Quality Energy's mission is to help businesses find smarter, economical ways to use energy. We also tailor renewable energy solutions such as solar and EV charger installations , to help businesses reduce their carbon emission. We're a Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer and an award-winning business.

Call us at 1800 736 374 or contact us to arrange for solar panel cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Power Factor Correction

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 05:47:35 GMT

Installing a Power Factor Correction (PFC) system is one of the most effective ways to make long-term changes to your energy efficiency by improving your Power Factor. In this post, we dissect and answer some of the most common questions we've encountered about Power Factor Correction.

Frequently Asked Questions about Power Factor Correction:

Why Choose a CEC Approved Solar Retailer?

Tue, 31 May 2022 06:36:13 GMT

We are so pleased to share that following a thorough vetting and auditing process, Quality Energy is now a Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Solar Retailer!

Why is this important?

CEC is the peak governing body in a saturated renewable energy industry that has seen its fair share of unscrupulous providers. The accreditation ensures a peace of mind for consumers when it comes to investing in a solar system, ensuring you are purchasing the best product available from a business that is committed to responsible sales and marketing. The Code of Conduct outlines what CEC expects of solar retailers, and protects consumers' interest.

Benefits of Choosing a CEC Approved Solar Retailer:

Detailed and professional quote documentation: Retailers like Quality Energy who are accredited undergoes stringent and regular audits by the CEC. Our quotes and documentation are detailed and compliant to CEC requirements.
Warranty Terms: Approved Solar Retailers will offer an additional warranty covering the "whole of system" including workmanship, installation as well as the performance and operation of the system.
Detailed procedure for post-sales process and complaints handling: CEC Approved Retailers are committed to raising the bar on service delivery in the solar industry. Therefore, our post-sales process and complaints handling procedure are compliant with CEC Code of Conduct. This ensures consumers are protected and complaints will be heard.

Besides being an Approved Solar Retailer, our installers are also CEC Approved Installers. This means they comply with the following:

CEC system design and installation guidelines
AS 5033:2012 installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV arrays)
AS 3000:2007 electrical installations (known as wiring rules)
AS 4777:2005 grid connection of energy systems via inverters
AS 2053.1:2001 conduits and fittings for electrical installations - general requirements
AS 4509.1:2009 stand-alone power systems - safety and installation

Why partner with us?

Quality Energy has been in the business of helping customers reduce their energy costs for over 30 years. We do that through our full range of power quality and renewable energy solutions such as Power Factor Correction , Active Harmonic Filters , Solar and more. You'll get access to a dedicated Power Solutions consultant who will advise you on a custom solution that is right for your business. Once your system is up and running, we're here to support you, from warranties to maintenance and repairs.

Give us a call on 1800 736 374 or contact us to discuss your solar needs.

How Much Will You Save by Switching to Solar

Wed, 25 May 2022 02:45:10 GMT

For the past few years, we have seen year-on-year growth in the number of businesses that have made the switch to solar. There are many benefits to installing solar , chief among them is the ability to reduce your electricity bill. With Australia setting the target of net-zero carbon emission by 2030 and general consumer sentiment favouring brands that prioritise sustainability, more SMEs are also considering installing rooftop solar panels for their businesses.

Using an industrial café in Melbourne as an example, we illustrate how much will a typical small business in the hospitality industry save by switching to solar.

Cost and Savings Analysis: 20kW Solar Panels for an Industrial Café

Sustainability impact: This system will save at least 7.5 tons CO2 emission per year, which is an equivalent of 5000-liter oil consumption per year.

Government Rebates Available

As a small business in Victoria, the industrial café was eligible for a $3500* rebate, in addition to the total Small-Scale Technology Certificate (STC) credits the business was eligible to claim ($7500).

The upfront cost of solar installation has always been an impediment for small businesses to make the switch to solar. However, the Victorian State Government's Solar for Business Rebate is a great incentive. Combined with the STC credits, the total installation cost for a 20kW solar power system is almost halved.

Hassle-Free Finance

Furthermore, there are various finance options to help you make the switch. Quality Energy's solar finance partners specialise in solar finance for small businesses, making the process hassle-free for business owners.

Right now, businesses who qualify for the Vic Solar for Business Program can also apply for 12 or 24 months interest-free finance up to $5000*

Why Quality Energy?

We have been in the business of helping other businesses reduce the cost of electricity for over 30 years. Trusted by the biggest brands in Australia, we only use Tier-1 manufacturer product with best-in-class warranties. Your Quality Energy solar power system will be installed by CEC accredited installers, giving you a peace of mind and the return-on-investment that we promise.

Interested to see if solar will be beneficial for your business? Give our team a call for a free solar assessment at 1800 736 374 or email enquiries@qualityenergy.com.au.

*Terms and conditions apply. See the Vic Solar for Business Program website for more information.

Save on Business Insurance Premiums with Thermal Imaging

Wed, 25 May 2022 02:22:36 GMT

Thermal imaging is increasingly being used by businesses to reduce their commercial insurance premium. A thermal imaging survey of your switchboards can help you establish a low-risk working environment and effective fire reduction strategies. That is why insurance companies are progressively including thermal imaging as an essential requirement for commercial premises' fire risk assessment.

What Are the Benefits of Thermal Imaging for Your Business?

Thermal imaging can pinpoint trouble areas before problems arise. Using a specialised camera to measure infrared radiation emitted by an object, thermal imaging can detect hot spots in electrical wiring and connections generally traced to high-resistance areas with multiple causes of failures.

Other benefits of thermal imaging include:

measure temperature variations accurately
accurately target areas that need repair
reduce unscheduled outages
increase efficiency of maintenance programs
document faults for corrective action or reporting
reduce the risk of expensive equipment damage from electrical damage

Example of Hazards Identified via Thermal Imaging

During our recent thermographic survey for an industrial client, we identified a couple of hazards in their ageing sub-board that - if neglected long enough - would become a serious fire hazard. Our world-class thermal imaging gun detected the issues by assessing the level of infrared radiation emitted by the object, regardless of the lighting condition. Our technicians then analysed the images and data collected, before providing a comprehensive report to our clients with recommendations. This process enabled our client to make informed economic and safety decision on the service and repairs required.

An electricity spark is one of the most significant contributors to fires in Victoria.

Thermal imaging is a non-invasive method to uncover any problem areas efficiently and safely, before it is too late. It is recommended to conduct thermal imaging once a year, or when moving into a new business premise.

The Quality Energy Promise

Quality Energy has been helping businesses reduce their energy costs for over 30 years. in fact, servicing and maintenance was how we started. Over the years, we have helped hundreds of Australian businesses save over thousands of dollars each year in electricity cost, and mitigate costly production shutdowns caused by electricity-related machinery and equipment malfunction.

Prevent property and financial loss by asking about our thermal imaging and preventative maintenance services today.

How to Select the Best Solar Installer for Your Business

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 00:44:00 GMT

So, you have decided to install a solar power system to help reduce your energy bill and carbon emissions. Now, you need to find a reputable solar power provider who can design and install a solar power system that will deliver the best result for your business. It is well-known that Australia’s solar industry — both commercial and residential — is growing. However, this growth has also resulted in an increase in complaints about solar companies. CHOICE Help reported a surge in members requiring advice for problems with their solar investments.

When choosing a solar installer, it pays to do a little research to ensure that you get the maximum return-on-investment (ROI). This checklist highlights what you need to know about selecting the best solar installer for your business.

Solar Accreditation and Approval

There are various installer qualifications and industry affiliations that you should be aware of. While some are mandatory, others are not. However, Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditation is compulsory for solar panel installers in Australia. If your solar power system is not installed by a CEC accredited installer, you may not be entitled to the Federal government rebate. This means you will be out-of-pocket thousands of dollars. Besides that, a CEC accredited installer had received special training to carry out solar installations competently and safely. This will save you from any future repair costs associated with delamination, incorrectly fitted solar panels, and poor solar panel performance.

Another common industry approval is the Clean Energy Council’s Approved Solar Retailer program. While it is not mandatory to select a CEC Approved Retailer in order to claim the federal solar rebate, some state schemes require you to do so.

When choosing a solar installer, you should also consider the industry memberships and affiliations of your chosen installation company. Having Industry affiliations are a good indication of the installer’s commitment to the industry’s best practices.

Examples of industry affiliations include:

Clean Energy Council member
Smart Energy Council member
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
Australian PV Institute

Warranty Terms

Before signing off on your installation project, make sure you have a clear understanding of the warranty terms. Individual solar products will come with a product manufacturer’s warranty. In addition, Approved Solar Retailers will offer an additional warranty that covers the “whole of system”, including workmanship and installation, as well as the performance and operation of the system.

A Realistic Return-on-Investment (ROI) Calculation

Your solar installer should provide a realistic ROI calculation for your desired system size. If the projections vary too much between different installers, you should be concerned about being misled by the product, performance, and outcome. Some questions to ask during this stage include:

What percentage of power will your system export to the grid?
What is the annualised electricity price rise?
What is the level of system degradation?

High Quality Solar Panels and Hardware

When comparing quotes from different installers, it is essential to compare the quality of the solar panels, inverter, and system components that are included in the quote. The difference in the quality of the product you receive can often indicate the system’s longevity and reliability. Ensure that all system components are on the Clean Energy Council Approved Product Listing . If not, you may not be entitled to a solar rebate.

Other Factors to Consider

Once you receive solar quotes from a few installation companies, you need to assess if your installer provides sound advice and able to tailor a system suitable for your premise and electricity consumption.

Things to look out for at this stage include:

System size guidance - Your installer should look at your electricity bills, obtain interval consumption data and design a system tailored to your needs.
Site inspection - Where possible, it is highly recommended that your installer performs a site inspection to inspect your premise’s roof orientation and identify any shading issues

Quality Energy has been in the business of power quality management for over 30 years. We are a reputable national provider of power quality solutions and a Clean Energy Council’s Accredited Installer for commercial solar installations . We only use premium, Tier-1 solar equipment and components in our installations. Contact us if you want to chat about how we can help improve your business’ power quality and energy efficiency.

Impacts of Harmonic Pollution and How to Mitigate Harmonics

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 04:38:00 GMT

As our electronic devices are powered to be smaller, faster, and more efficient in production terms, the electronic components embedded within these devices also create unwanted distortion within the electricity network. This distortion (or ‘harmonics’) affects the correct functioning of most of the connected equipment.

What are Harmonic Voltages?

Harmonic voltages (harmonics) result from the distortion of standard electrical current caused by non-linear electrical loads. This symptom of the electrical load is caused by standard office equipment and industrial machinery with switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) that convert utility AC voltage to regulated low-voltage DC for internal electronics. Computers, photocopiers, laser printers and air conditioning units are examples of single-phase non-linear loads. Three-phase, non-linear loads are more often associated with factories and industrial plants.

These non-linear power supplies draw current in high-amplitude short pulses that create significant distortion in the electrical current and voltage wave shape—harmonic distortion, measured as total harmonic distortion (THD). The distortion travels back into the power source and can affect other equipment connected to the same source. Most power systems will experience problems when harmonics become a significant component of the overall load.

Technical and Economic Impacts of Harmonic Pollution

Harmonics have the potential to cause equipment malfunction, overheating and hardware damage. Other common problems include:

Overheating electrical distribution equipment, cables, transformers, standby generators, etc.
High voltages and circulating currents caused by harmonic resonance
Equipment malfunctions due to excessive voltage distortion
Increased internal energy losses in connected equipment, causing component failure and shortened life span
False tripping of branch circuit breakers
Metering errors
Fires in wiring and distribution systems
Generator failures
Crest factors and related problems
Lower system power factor, resulting in penalties on monthly utility bills

How to Reduce Harmonic Pollution?

One way to mitigate harmonic pollution is by installing Active Harmonic Filters. Active Harmonic Filters include a series of transistors and capacitors to clean the current sinewave through inverse currents, eliminating the majority of undesired harmonic components.

Before installing an Active Harmonic Filter, it is essential to research and select a reputable provider. Like all Power Quality solutions, an Active Harmonic Filter houses complex electrical components. Choosing a high-quality brand installed by a reputable provider will ensure that you will effectively mitigate harmonics and prevent the problems from harmonics resurfacing again. A reputable provider will also conduct a harmonics survey to measure the harmonics currently present and assess the entire setup to most accurately pinpoint any danger points or issues that may need to be addressed.

Quality Energy’s dedication to excellence extends to the suppliers we partner with. We source our Active Harmonic Filters from Circutor. The Spain-based manufacturer’s range of Active Multi-Function Filters (the AFQ range) is considered the complete solution on the market. These are specifically designed in response to the increasing variety of electrical equipment found in commercial properties. From laptops to air conditioning units to vast manufacturing machinery, an active multi-function filter will ensure every single electrical device can be run on the same electrical system without compromise.

Read more about how Quality Energy helped Flinders Private Hospital to continue its critical life-saving work through mitigating the harmonics in their electrical network.

Energy-Saving Grants for SME Food and Beverage Manufacturers

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 05:13:00 GMT

Update 23 February 2022: Please note this grant program is extended until 3 March 2022 for Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia businesses that meet the criteria. See business.gov.au for more information.

Are you in the food and beverage manufacturing business? Does your business have 1-199 employees and is wanting to become more energy efficient? Right now, the government is providing full funding up to $25000 to help small-and-medium enterprises in the food and beverage manufacturing sector to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their electricity bill.

The Energy Efficient Communities (EEC) Grants for Food and Beverage Manufacturers is aimed to support small and medium sized food and beverage manufacturing enterprises to save energy by:

Replacing existing equipment with more energy efficient equipment
Installing or replacing components to help existing systems run more efficiently.
Carrying out energy audits
Monitoring and optimising energy use and emissions
Increase knowledge of energy efficiency practices, and
Positioning small and medium sized enterprises to adopt future technological advancement in energy consumption

Projects and activities hat are eligible for funding covers a vast range of energy efficiency products and services, and can be a combination of any of the eligible activities. This includes installing a Power Factor Correction Unit.

Why You Should Consider Installing a Power Factor Correction Unit?

Most types of industrial machinery, refrigeration units, air-conditioning units and fluorescent lights need an additional amount of power to maintain the magnetic field that starts them up and keeps them running. This is referred to as ‘reactive’ power because although it keeps equipment running, it isn’t actually doing the work, and much of it is considered wasted energy.

A Power Factor Correction (PFC) unit is a highly specialised equipment that is specifically designed and customised to your business’ energy profile to compensate the ‘reactive’ power, in order to improve your site’s Power Factor. A PFC unit will also rectify any overloading issues you have and benefit from the opportunity to expand your plant without upgrading your transformer or supply equipment. Ultimately, your business will be more energy efficient, and you will start to see savings in your electricity bill.

One of the most common questions we received is how long is the return-on-investment after installing a Power Factor Correction. It is not uncommon for the installation costs of a properly designed Power Factor Correction Unit to be recovered in six to 24 months after installation. If your EEC grant application is approved, the cost of your Power Factor Correction installation will be fully funded by the government up to $25,000. This means your return-on-investment will be sooner, if not immediately!

The Energy Efficient Communities (EEC) Grant is open until 18 February 2022, 5pm. Apply or find out more information here . As part of the grant application, you will be required to nominate the funding amount, which is your project cost. So, if you are keen to find out more about Power Factor Correction and get a quote to submit with your application, give our team a call or send us a message !

Since 1989, Quality Energy has been in the business of helping other businesses improve energy efficiency and reduce their energy cost. We do that by providing specialist Power Quality management solutions for companies across every industry. We are one of the few specialists who manufacture our own Power Quality systems here in Australia. This means we can custom-design, build, install and maintain our Power Factor Correction units and systems to the highest standards, according to your energy-use profile and sector.

Why You Need a Power Quality Audit

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 00:56:00 GMT

If you manage an industrial facility, commercial building or any other operation that relies on a stable and reliable electricity supply, a power quality audit should be on your radar. Understanding the state of your electrical system and addressing any power quality issues can significantly impact your bottom line, from reducing energy costs and carbon emissions, to minimising equipment failures, replacement costs, and maintenance expenses.

Power quality issues can be a silent killer for your business, gradually degrading your electrical system and resulting in costly problems.

At the heart of the matter is your electrical system and the quality of the power it receives from the main grid or on-site power sources.

Voltage sags and surges, harmonic distortion, electrical noise, and other power disturbances can all wreak havoc on your site including equipment, leading to poor performance, unplanned downtime, and premature failures.

Poor power quality can also stem from imbalances, grounding problems, or inadequate capacity. The impacts can be far-reaching, from higher energy bills to increased maintenance costs and financial losses.

A comprehensive power quality audit is the first step in identifying the root cause of your power problems and implementing the right corrective measures.

What to Expect With a Power Audit

Our team of power quality analysis experts will conduct a thorough investigation of your electrical network, using power quality analysers and other specialised equipment to collect data on voltage levels, harmonic distortion, power factor, and other critical parameters.

During the data collection phase, we'll analyse your load profiles, power consumption patterns, and energy usage to get a complete picture of your energy landscape. This information, combined with our harmonic analysis and reactive power analysis, allows us to pinpoint the sources of power quality issues within your facility.

Armed with this data, we can work with you to develop custom power quality solutions to address the underlying problems.

This might involve installing harmonic filters to mitigate harmonic distortion, implementing power factor correction equipment to improve energy efficiency, or upgrading your power distribution infrastructure to handle variable loads and transient voltages.

Benefits of Auditing Your Power System

Addressing power quality issues goes far beyond optimising your electrical system. Improved power quality can lead to significant cost savings, from reduced downtime and energy bills to lower maintenance costs and fewer equipment failures.

By eliminating voltage sags, transient voltages, and other power disturbances, you can extend the lifespan of your electrical equipment and electronic devices, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements. With better voltage stability and reduced harmonic distortion, you'll see improved performance and efficiency from motors, drives, and other mission-critical components.

Addressing power quality issues can directly impact energy efficiency and carbon footprints. Reducing energy losses, improving power factor, and optimising your electrical network contribute to measurable energy savings and lower energy bills. This aligns with broader energy management goals and supports your organisation's sustainability initiatives.

The bottom line is that a power quality audit is a smart investment that can deliver tangible returns for your business.

By identifying the root causes of your power problems and implementing the right corrective measures, you can optimise the performance of your electrical system, protect your valuable equipment, and achieve significant cost savings.

Whether you're running an industrial facility, a data centre, or a commercial building, a comprehensive power quality audit is an essential first step in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and longevity of your electrical infrastructure.

Make an informed decision and take action to address power quality issues today. You'll be well on your way to a more stable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don't let poor power quality continue to impact your operations and your bottom line. Contact the team at Quality Energy today to schedule your power quality audit and unlock the full potential of your electrical system.

What is Preventative Maintenance and why is it so important?

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 04:18:00 GMT

Equipment failures cannot be eliminated. It will happen. However, it is possible to reduce equipment failures, prolong the lifespan of expensive equipment, and save your business money in the long run.

Preventative Maintenance (PM) refers to regular, routine maintenance to keep equipment running at optimal levels, and prevent unplanned downtime and the expensive costs due to equipment failure. Preventative Maintenance requires careful planning and scheduling of maintenance on critical equipment, identifying and eliminating potential problems before they arise.

It can be a complex process, especially for businesses that house various types of electrical equipment in one facility. However, the days of relying on run-to-failure or reactive maintenance are numbered, as many businesses move towards preventative maintenance to protect their expensive equipment.

Reactive maintenance can cost up to eight times more compared to preventative maintenance.

Reactive maintenance involves repairing equipment after it has failed and inoperable. While it may seem less expensive to operate reactively, planned maintenance can actually be less costly.

What expenses could arise without preventative maintenance?

Besides the obvious expense that comes with unplanned outages such as lost production, cost of labour from overtime, idle equipment and shipment delays, there are other hidden expenses that can arise if preventative maintenance is not a priority. Issues such as safety hazards, inspection failures and a shorter life expectancy for equipment can arise, which can be more expensive in the long run.

While Preventative Maintenance cannot eliminate these expenses completely, following preventative maintenance schedules can help to reduce the risk of unexpected equipment breakdown, health hazards and liability lawsuits. Preventative Maintenance can also prolong equipment lifespan, increase productivity, reduce repair costs and even increase energy consumption.

Keeping detailed logs of accurate records of all inspections and servicing documents will make it easier to track the status of your equipment, thereby making preventative maintenance more manageable.

What industries will benefit from Preventative Maintenance?

While any organisation with assets to maintain can benefit from Preventative Maintenance, we have found that it really helps to streamline the maintenance operations for some of these industries:

oil, gas and utilities
manufacturing
property management
facility management
schools
hotels
office buildings.

Are you an operation or maintenance manager for the industries listed above?

Quality Energy can help your business with preventative maintenance services such as electrical switchboard imaging and thermographic scanning, emergency lighting testing, Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems maintenance and testing, etc. If you have a service item that is not mentioned here, Give us a call to discuss your Preventative Maintenance needs on 1800 736 374 or contact us today.

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Why We Manufacture PFC Equipment In Melbourne

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 21:55:00 GMT

Switching to LED lights, installing solar PV, or installing variable speed drives onto your motors can positively affect your power factor. However, the most effective way to make long-term changes to your energy efficiency is by installing Power Factor Correction (PFC) equipment.

But when it comes to PFC solutions, one size doesn’t fit all. Each business has different power needs, so a solution must be created based on their specific requirements. However, there is one thing that should always remain the same – the quality of the equipment.

The importance of quality

When investing in a PFC solution, you want to know that your equipment is safe, compliant and built to last from durable components. The wrong unit for the job is possibly worse than none at all.

Throughout our time in the industry, we’ve unfortunately seen many operators just buying and selling these units without any skill or experience.

That’s why, when we first learned of the increased demand for PFC units in Australia, we took the time to learn and understood the ins and outs of these products. We explored the various pitfalls associated with incorrect installation or servicing before we offered them to our customers.

The Quality Energy way

Quality Energy low and high voltage PFC units are designed and manufactured right here in Australia by our team of experienced electrical engineers. Each system is custom made to meet the needs of each client using premium European components. We even encourage our clients to witness test the FAT in our Melbourne facility to ensure a smooth handover.

Why do we do things this way? Because it allows us to maintain a high standard of quality and maximise equipment life expectancy. It also enables us to conduct extensive Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to our standard test sheets or customised to the clients testing regime.

In addition, a PFC system should not be something that you install and forget. Regular checks of system performance and integrity should be part of your maintenance regimen to avoid nasty surprises. We do just that here at Quality Energy, too.

Why choose Quality Energy for PFC?

In choosing a Quality Energy PFC system, you’re choosing a tailored solution at a highly-competitive price that delivers maximum power efficiency and cost savings. Our world-class power factor correction systems will reduce your risk of equipment failure, raise your business efficiency and lower your carbon footprint. The result? Savings in time, energy and money for your business.

Are you ready to improve your power?

The first step is to undertake a comprehensive energy audit of your business. Our experienced team will analyse your power bill and determine what specifications your PFC unit will need.

To learn more about our power factor promise, visit our PFC page.

Or, if you’d like to speak with an experienced member of the Quality Energy team about how we can assist with your power factor improvement, speak with us now.

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5 Significant Benefits Of Improving Your Commercial & Industrial Power Quality

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 21:55:00 GMT

While power problems certainly aren’t new, they’ve largely been either misunderstood, mismanaged or ignored in the past.

The importance of power quality has become more prevalent due to the digitisation and increasing use of electronic devices in facilities, such as computers and other digital machines. In many industrial facilities, poor power quality has become a serious problem and is a major under-utilised source of cost reduction and economic advantage.

Poor power quality can impact multiple aspects of your business with a long list of destructive and

costly effects. You could be losing money and productivity without even being aware of it. In contrast, the benefits that come from power quality correction can be multifold and long-lasting, improving your operations and your bottom line. The need for better power quality is also increasingly important for companies interested in energy conservation and continuous control.

Here are five of the most significant benefits of improving power quality at your commercial premises:

1. Minimise the risk of damage

Poor power quality can cause damage to sensitive equipment. Without clean, uniform power, your facility is more prone to premature equipment failures or outages.

2. Reduce energy costs

Poor power quality can lower productivity and drive up energy costs. Power quality improvement solutions can reduce heat, vibration, and noise in AC motors. The result is a reduction in energy expenses, improved machine performance, reliability, and longer life expectancy.

3. Improve equipment lifespan

The life span of equipment is also impacted by poor power quality, meaning that more costs are associated with maintenance and the replacement of depreciating assets.

4. Ensure the safety of electrical installation

Poor power quality can impair the safety of electrical installations. If power is not properly provided, machines, run the risk of overheating. When machines overheat, they can break down or even catch fire.

5. Increase operational efficiency

When you have an interruption of power, your service, and your machines, stops, even if only briefly. When you suffer these interruptions, your output, in turn, suffers as well.

Find areas of improvement with a power quality audit

There are a number of causes of poor power quality in commercial environments. But you don’t need to let your efficiency and productivity suffer. A power quality audit can help you to identify poor power factors and sources of electrical pollution.

An in-depth power quality audit by our power protection experts at Quality Energy involves comprehensively assessing your facilities, including wiring, loading, line balance, polarity grounding and harmonic distortion.

By providing you with technical and economic analysis data options, you can make an informed decision to solve your power quality problems. Ultimately, investing in the quality of your power is an investment in the quality of your business. To learn more about our power quality audit service, contact us today.

Check out our case studies to see how a Quality Energy Power Quality Audit will benefit your business.

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Conducting A Harmonic Survey

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 03:37:00 GMT

There are many factors which may impact the power quality of the electricity which is delivered to, and distributed within, a commercial property. Both delivery and distribution are important touchpoints in the process. Business owners have less capacity to impact and control the quality of the power delivered to them, being reliant on the country’s national grid, however, they can improve the quality, safety and longevity of their power distribution system onsite.

One of the most common and serious issues within a power distribution system is the existence of harmonics. In order to improve power quality across the entire property and for all equipment, harmonic distortion within the power distribution system should be minimised.

The presence of harmonics in power system affects the stability as well as the reliability of the power distribution system. Stability is paramount for safety and should therefore be the top priority for all business owners to protect their site. The equipment itself is a key secondary concern since instability can cause damage and increase wear and tear. Reliability is vital for commercial enterprise, particularly in industrial settings when constant power is required. Manufacturing plants, for example, will have their output and subsequently their bottom line negatively affected by unreliable power distribution. Similarly, industries such as construction, when project deadlines are paramount, cannot afford to lose time due to machinery being inoperable or not operating at its full capacity.

When there is a power quality or power distribution issue, our engineers begin by conducting an onsite harmonic survey. Harmonics in power distribution systems are caused by non-linear loads. Our engineers will not only measure the harmonics currently present but will also assess the entire setup to most accurately pinpoint any danger points or issues which may need to be addressed.

Once a harmonic survey is completed, our engineers have the necessary data to make informed recommendations. As every installation is different, it is key to draw conclusions based on reliable data to deliver the most effective solution for each of our individual clients. We take a holistic approach to your energy needs. There is no one size fits all answer when it comes to commercial power solutions and we understand the need for flexibility. For most power distribution systems, the installation of an active harmonic filter (sometimes called an active power filter) is an effective and reliable addition which can minimise any harmonic distortion.

An active harmonic filter works to cancel harmonics in real-time. They are therefore ideal for properties where there is a wide range of loads and varying demands required. When a non-linear load creates harmonic distortion, an active harmonic filter can regulate the desired levels and ensure the power supply is constant and safe, keeping plants operating smoothly and reliably 24/7.

Circutor, with whom Quality Energy partners, builds a range of not only active harmonic filters but active multi-function filters. These are specifically designed in response to the increasing variety of electrical equipment which can be found in commercial properties. From laptops to air conditioning units to vast manufacturing machinery, an active multi-function filter will ensure every single electrical device can be run on the same electrical system without compromise. Circutor’s range of Active Multi-Function Filters (the AFQ range) is considered the most complete solution on the market for solving quality-related problems.

Our engineers can recommend and install the most suitable AFQ for any commercial setup based on our harmonic Survey. Once the new active harmonic filter has been installed, a secondary survey will be carried out, collecting data which allows our engineers to see the effectiveness of the filter and make adjustments to the settings as needed. The AFQ also comes with a touchscreen display which enables onsite engineers to monitor and maintain the power quality for years to come.

To find out more about active harmonic filters and to enquire about conducting a harmonic survey at your facility, get in touch with Quality Energy today.

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Know Your Facility’s Power Quality to Manage it Effectively

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 03:24:00 GMT

Facilities in Australia and around the world are invested to varying degrees in measuring their power quality in order to effectively manage it, whether this is done through routine power quality audits or proactive, continuous power quality management. Here are some general guidelines on why power quality matters and what to track as part of your facility’s electrical management program.

Why Measure Your Facility’s Power Quality?

This is a critical part of troubleshooting and fault detection for anyone maintaining a commercial or industrial electrical system – a means to investigate issues in a failing or faulty electrical network and initiate action to effectively correct it. Power quality audits help give technicians and engineers a baseline for measuring and analysing the parameters for an electrical system, collecting usable data to identify hidden electrical distribution problems as well as opportunities for achieving energy savings goals.

Various sectors utilise power quality measurement differently according to their overall strategic goals. For example, power plants use power quality monitoring for overall energy management as well as preventative maintenance, quality control and cost savings. For facilities with voltage sensitive equipment, power quality monitoring is critical to protecting equipment and extending its lifespan while ensuring optimal performance. For other businesses, it is about ensuring minimal disruption to customer services.

Power quality studies point to common – and costly – power quality disturbances that are costing facilities significantly in terms of wasted energy, damage to equipment and facility downtime, including:

Voltage sags and swells – Voltage supplied by the grid through your mains supply is an average of 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. However, this supply spikes and drops as demand changes, creating fluctuations of between +13% to -10% from the standard voltage. Not only does this create wasted energy that your organisation will be liable for, it also creates wear and tear on voltage-sensitive equipment.
Voltage harmonics – Voltage harmonics are distortions in the electrical current due to a source impedance and generated by non-linear loads. This leads to power system heat losses and higher electricity bills, accompanied by the risk of equipment overheating and subsequent errors and downtime.
Wiring/grounding issues – Earth leakage causes short circuits between conductors and the grounding network, leading to disruptive electromagnetic fields, dips and surges in the voltage between grounding points and noise on the electrical network.

In terms of economic impact, transients and surges, voltage dips and short interruptions to the electrical network are the most costly for facilities, leading to increased power costs, damage to equipment and facility downtime.

How is Power Quality and Power Efficiency Measured?

The efficiency of your site’s power quality is measured in power factor. This is the ratio between real and apparent power – essentially, the kilowatts used by your site (real power) divided by the kilovolt-amperes (apparent power). This ratio shows how much energy is being supplied to your site versus how much is actually being used by the equipment on your electrical network.

The most efficient sites have a power factor close to 1, but most facilities without power factor correction equipment have a power factor of 0.7 to 0.8. Any increase towards a power factor of 1 can mean significant savings for your facility as wasted energy is reduced. – any increase in your power factor can make a significant improvement in the demand charges on your electricity bill, but improvement to 0.98 – 0.99 should be your goal.

What Power Quality Issues Should Your Facility Be Tracking?

Generally, facilities should prioritise the monitoring of harmonic distortion , power factor, voltage dips and interruptions, transients, and imbalance in power quality audits and proactive power quality measurement. This can be done on a regular schedule but is more effective when a continuous power quality monitoring solution is implemented over the long-term.

Does your facility Need a Professional, High-Quality Power Quality Monitoring Solution?

At Quality Energy, we consult with a wide range of commercial and industrial facility managers and consultants about various ways that we can assist them in optimising power consumption and driving energy efficiency through high-tech solutions, including power quality monitoring.

We can assist you in taking control of your facility’s power consumption, using smart technology to continuously and remotely monitor, measure and analyse real, apparent and reactive power, and providing in-depth power quality audits to suggest effective solutions to mitigate your site’s power quality issues. For a confidential discussion with our engineers, call us on 1800 736 374 or reach out online here.

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Long-Term Energy Savings Through Voltage Optimisation

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 04:24:00 GMT

In Australia, organisations of all sizes are increasingly seeking new and effective ways to save energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. This includes investments in renewables, efficient heating and cooling upgrades and energy-efficient building design. But what about simply using less energy at the source? That’s where voltage optimisation comes in.

What is Voltage Optimisation?

In Australia, the grid supplies power at a standard voltage of 230V at a frequency of 50Hz. However, this is an average measurement of supply, as it fluctuates according to demand by between +13% to -10% of the standard voltage. This often creates a scenario where your facility is being oversupplied with power by the grid.

Voltage optimisation is the application of solutions to your facility’s energy supply at its mains source to prevent wastage by limiting electrical supply to what your facility needs and no more. Voltage optimisation solutions include step-down transformers that reduce high voltages at the mains supply (they can only correct high voltage, not supplement undersupply) and more sophisticated voltage optimisers that can constantly measure and adjust supply to your site, reducing high voltage and increasing low voltage to ensure a steady supply. This translates into direct cost savings for your business, and some businesses have seen up to 12% energy and greenhouse gas savings.

Of course, these savings are site-specific, as they will fluctuate according to the oversupply of energy from your mains supply and how extensively your facility draws on the energy supply. This makes it essential that your site is professionally evaluated for energy management suitability and to create reliable projections for your savings over the long term.

Benefits of Voltage Optimisation

The clearest benefit of voltage optimisation is unquestionably operational cost savings, but for many facilities, this is not the most valuable benefit. By implementing an energy management system that counters the surges and drops in voltage that occur from the mains power supply and provides a consistent, optimal voltage, facilities are able to better protect sensitive equipment on their electrical network. This reduces equipment wear-and-tear, repairs and replacement as well as malfunctions, errors and nuisance tripping.

Examples of general voltage sensitive equipment include fluorescent lamps, linear fixed motors, refrigeration equipment, and HVAC systems.

Evaluating Your Site for Voltage Optimisation

Successful implementation of a voltage optimisation solution relies on comprehensive evaluation of your site and a professional implementation process, which can be broken down into five steps.

Step One: Understanding

First, it is essential to understand the suitability of voltage optimisation for your site by focusing on the key stakeholders, the energy consuming equipment on your site and its sensitivity to voltage, the benefits of the investment, and how voltage optimisation may fit into your business needs, goals and plans for the future.

Step Two: Evaluation

The next step is to evaluate the benefits of voltage optimisation, as well as possible alternative energy management solutions. In this step, it is essential to work with an experienced provider that understands the short, medium and long-term plans for your business, the energy needs and sensitivity of electrical equipment on your site and your site’s general operations. Voltage optimisation needs to be considered in light of planned or potential changes to your site and operations, including upgrades and modifications.

Step Three: Feasibility

A specialist in voltage optimisation for commercial and industrial sites will perform a feasibility assessment to determine if voltage optimisation is a suitable solution for your site. This will include a risk assessment, alternative options/solutions, technical considerations, financial considerations, regulations that will apply to your site, determining an appropriate installation location, and determining if there are any pre-implementation requirements to installation.

Step Four: Procurement

Work with a specialist provider who can implement a comprehensive energy management solution for your business, including voltage optimisation. They should deliver clear and transparent calculations for potential energy and cost savings, as well as information on warranties, performance guarantees (if applicable), expected increased lifespan of equipment, compliance certifications and licences to perform the work as required, maintenance services and replacement parts, the installation procedure and onsite testing.

Step Five: Implementation

This includes the development of an installation plan to monitor contractual performance, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, managing stakeholder relationships and managing the financial aspects of the installation.

Quality Energy – Voltage Optimisation and Energy Management Solution Specialists in Australia

Interested in voltage optimisation or energy management solutions for your site? The team at Quality Energy has over 30 years of experience in providing comprehensive energy solutions for commercial and industrial facilities across Australia. In addition to performing professional evaluations and power quality audits , we can supply you with voltage optimisers, renewable energy solutions and other high-efficiency power management solutions to help your business improve energy efficiency, save money and ensure a quality supply of electricity.

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Streamlining Business Energy Costs

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 13:54:00 GMT

Businesses around the world are streamlining the costs of their day to day operations. Due to the global economy, it’s key for commercial operations to reduce their outgoings in order to stay profitable during challenging times. An area to consider when reviewing your profit and loss is your energy bill. Sometimes one of the largest outgoings for a business and often overlooked.

In times like these, we know that every dollar counts. That’s why Quality Energy is committed to providing efficient, flexible and sustainable energy solutions designed to maximise power and reduce energy consumption costs.

Reducing Energy Bills With Power Factor Correction

For new clients, a common initial step after our assessment of a facility’s electrical setup and energy requirements is the installation of a Power Factor Correction System. Custom-built in our Melbourne facility, PFC Units are designed to improve a business’ energy efficiency (and therefore reduce the amount of energy used) as well as reducing the risk of equipment failure. Protecting the business’ bottom line is vital and one-off costs such as replacing depleted equipment should be avoided wherever possible in lean times.

When an electrical system or equipment is running inefficiently, it is because of its requirement for kVAr (reactive power) which in turn increases the total power load represented by your kVA. These two numbers are used to calculate the system’s ‘Power Factor’. A PFC Unit reduces the reliance on grid supplied reactive power (kVAr) which is used by inefficient electrical equipment, leading to an optimised Power Factor. The closer the Power Factor is to 1.0, the more efficient the system is running.

Of course, every facility is different and will have varied long and short-term energy needs. We’re dedicated to developing long term, supportive client relationships and are market leaders in designing, manufacturing and maintaining the most energy efficient solutions, extending beyond power quality and power factor correction.

Keeping Energy Bills Low

Businesses which have the space and capacity to generate (and store) their own energy can leverage off a reduced reliance on national energy suppliers and as a result, lower energy bills. We have helped businesses of all sizes around Australia to install commercial solar systems. These customised systems can generate much, if not all of the energy a business requires on a day to day basis, as well as including storage solutions to ensure the business has backup energy for when ongoing solar production is reduced, or when businesses are being charged additional peak charges on their energy bill (e.g. at night, or during peak demand periods).

While generating onsite energy will result in lower energy bills in the future, the cost of the installation can be a significant investment. With thanks to the Australian Government’s Coronavirus stimulus efforts, including the Instant Asset Write Of f and Backing Business Investment coupled with low-cost finance options available through our partner programs, now may be the perfect time to commit to a long term energy-saving solution.

The team of commercial solar experts at Quality Energy have the latest information about commercial solar grant schemes across all states in Australia and can provide tailored options within the scope of the current Government stimulus packages (of course, we encourage you to seek advice from your accountant). If you would like more information about commercial solar solutions , power factor correction solutio ns or other ways in which we can help you streamline your business energy costs, get in touch with one of our energy experts today.

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Improving Electrical Energy Efficiency

Tue, 26 May 2020 09:21:00 GMT

Improving your operational efficiency usually means lower operational costs, right? Whether a factory installs more efficient machinery, or an office wants to implement a customer management system to streamline complaints, efficiency is the goal for businesses across all areas. A common and often overlooked area in which a business can be inefficient in their energy consumption.

We work directly with business decision makers and in partnership with consultants and contractors who focus on maximising power quality and reducing energy costs on behalf of their clients. With over 30 years of experience in the power quality and energy efficiency industry, we have a proven track record of delivering optimal energy efficiency and of saving clients’ money on their energy bills. One of the ways we support the reduction of energy costs is through the creation and installation of an Energy Management System.

Why would you consider an Energy Management System?

Boost sustainability of the business’ bottom line
Make business more environmentally friendly
Improve technical management of the installations
Reduce running costs

Whatever the initial reason to consider whether to implement an energy management system, benefits can be seen across all four of the above areas.

We specialise in energy management systems for large plants, including the manufacturing, mining and construction industries where efficiency not only reduces costs but is key to maximising profits. Often, we work alongside consultants and contractors, bringing our experience and expertise in this area to enhance the service delivered as well as to provide support and guidance across the project if required.

We recommend and install the highest quality equipment available on the market today. Quality Energy partners with Circutor due to their wide range of electrical energy efficiency products, specifically designed to deliver tangible solutions.

There are six product families within Circutor’s range that we utilise to build bespoke energy management systems:

Measurement and Control

Power analysers
Efficiency data servers
Efficiency indicators
Concentrators
Transformers
Power control

Protection and Control

Earth leakage relays

Quality and Metering

Multifunction meters
Energy meters

Power Factor Correction and Harmonic Filtering

Capacitor Banks
Active Harmonic Filters

Smart Charge of Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicle Chargers

Renewable Energies

Photovoltaic self-consumption

For optimum measurement and control, Circutor has its own software which empowers onsite and offsite engineers to deliver round the clock, informed management and support services. This is a particularly important feature of large-scale electrical energy efficiency projects because the installation of equipment is not the end of the process. Ongoing management is key to ensuring consumption and processes remain optimised. Circutor’s PowerStudio SCADA is a comprehensive Energy Management Software system which places control directly into the engineer’s hands. This intuitive yet powerful piece of equipment, available on portable devices or on a desktop, will transform the way in which you can monitor and manage energy efficiency for years to come.

In addition to providing onsite engineers with the power to monitor and manage their improved energy system, PowerStudio also allows consultants to remain up to date. In the event, for example, of a client having an issue with the energy sources, a consultant is able to log in via PowerStudio from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an Internet connection. This sort of universal support is of great value to businesses and also allows consultants to provide a superior level of service.

Interested in finding out more about an Energy Management System customised to your needs and powered by Quality Energy and Circutor? Get in touch with us today for an obligation free discussion.

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Access the Extensive Benefits of an LED Lighting Upgrade

Wed, 20 May 2020 16:07:00 GMT

As a commercial energy specialist, we work with companies to increase their capacity for commercial energy optimisation and cost saving. A lighting upgrade to LED bulbs is an effective solution in commercial and industrial spaces that offers significant benefits above and beyond the financial bottom line. Here are some important aspects to leverage for your operation.

Reduced Energy Bills

The lighting portion of your energy bill can be significant, especially if you operate or manage large commercial or industrial spaces like retail shopping centres, office buildings and manufacturing plants. With traditional filament and fluorescent bulbs, a significant portion of the energy that goes into the bulbis used to heat the bulb rather than light it. LED bulbs require much less heating in order to operate, using 70-85% less energy than traditional bulbs and 65% less energy than halogen bulbs. This translates into solid commercial energy savings for businesses that need lighting for extended periods of time, reducing overall energy expenses by 20-55%.

This also impacts significantly in cold working environments, where traditional bulbs will draw even more energy in order to heat the filament to create light. LED bulbs work very efficiently in these environments as they are well-suited to cold temperature operation – in fact, their performance can even increase in these environments. This makes them critical to commercial energy saving in organisations that utilise cold storage, refrigerated spaces and outdoor applications.

Access to Governmental Energy Savings Incentives Programmes

The Australian government is dedicated to helping businesses of every size achieve their commercial energy savings goals through a range of incentive schemes and rebate programmes, making the process and benefits of a lighting upgrade accessible and affordable. These programs are offered by the state government and aim to help businesses save energy and money through a wide range of different discounts and offers on energy saving products and systems, including LED lighting services.

Reduced Lighting Maintenance Expenses

An LED lighting upgrade effectively assists organisations in reducing time and money spent on lighting maintenance. Good quality LED bulbs offer between 50,000 and 150,000 operating hours depending on their quality and how they are utilised in a commercial or industrial environment. Comparatively, incandescent and fluorescent bulbs typically last 750-2,000 and 24,000 to 36,000 hours respectively. Due to their solid mounting on circuit board and lack of filament and glass/quartz enclosure, LED bulbs are also very durable and resistant to breaking, which means they perform well even in demanding commercial or industrial settings.

This effectively off-sets the initial higher cost of these bulbs, delivering long-term benefits in terms of maintenance savings in two areas – namely, the expense of replacement bulbs and the cost of maintenance having to replace bulbs within the facility on a regular basis.

Diverse Application in Multiple Settings and Environments

LED technology allows a wide range of LED bulbs and lighting types to be developed, so it’s usually a simple job to find the right bulb for specialist as well as general applications. This is because the lights themselves are very small, making scalability easy and allowing organisations to use them in many different applications, from single bulbs up to clusters of thousands.

These bulbs also sync well with lighting control systems, making it easy for commercial environments to achieve an exact level of control over lighting systems. LEDs offer directional control and focussed, 180-degree light, so you can point a light exactly where you need it to be without wastage. They can be dimmed, change colour and set to automatic controls (adjusting lighting as daylight fades, for example), giving organisations an ability to customise lighting according to demands while gaining greater commercial energy savings.

Low UV-Emission and Low Heat Emission

LED bulbs run at very cool temperatures and emit little to no UV or infrared light, unlike traditional incandescent bulbs. This makes an LED lighting services upgrade ideal for environments where bulbs are required to run for a long time or constantly, or where objects can degrade if exposed to UV, like museums, laboratories and art galleries.

By emitting very little heat, organisations also effectively lower risks of fire or scorching, which exist with traditional lighting options.

Rapid Cycling and Instant Light

The lifespan of traditional bulbs is severely reduced by how often they are turned on and off. However, LEDs are unaffected by rapid cycling and can even be used effectively for flashing lights without any noticeable impact on their lifespan.

In addition, LEDs offer light and full brightness instantly as they do not have to heat up in order to switch on and reach their full operational capacity. With LEDs, you get 100% brightness almost instantly with no re-strike delay.

This is a great advantage in terms of safety and security application, as well as allowing for the rapid restoration of operations after a power outage or at the beginning of the workday.

Meet Sustainability Goals

For many organisations, commercial energy saving is as much about reducing carbon emissions as it is about saving on operational costs. By applying a lighting upgrade throughout the facility to reduce energy usage, organisations are actively reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and giving back to the environment. In addition, because these lights last significantly longer than their counterparts and do not use toxic components like mercury, organisations are actively reducing their waste and protecting the environment.

If you would like to find out more about energy efficiency upgrades for commercial and industrial businesses, speak with Quality Energy today. Our team of energy efficiency specialists can assist you with every aspect of this commercial energy-saving project.

The post Access the Extensive Benefits of an LED Lighting Upgrade appeared first on Quality Energy .

Maintaining a Steady, Reliable Electrical Supply Through Earth Leakage Protection

Thu, 14 May 2020 10:09:00 GMT

At Quality Energy, we have been assisting large and small businesses in Australia in achieving high-quality, reliable energy supplies for over 30 years. Key to our comprehensive solutions is expert earth leakage protection and monitoring, ensuring commercial and industrial organisations are able to maintain a continuous and reliable supply of electricity to support production processes.

The Cost of Poor Electrical Supply

Earth leakage is often the result of an incorrectly configured electrical system, causing short circuits between neutrals and the grounding network as well as the resulting equipment malfunctions. An earth leakage current can occur when part of the return current in the neutral conductor flows into the grounding circuit and the conductive parts back to the service entrance, causes several issues in electrical equipment, including:

Strong electromagnetic fields that interferes with neighbouring electrical equipment.
Noise in the electrical network that causes electrical equipment to malfunction.
Significant dips and surges in voltage between grounding points, which present a serious safety risk to people as well as equipment.

Unwanted stops, interruptions and nuisance tripping is not merely an inconvenience – it generates high economic costs in terms of downtime, production quality losses, loss of work and damage to equipment.

Earth leakage issues put lives and facilities at serious risk, as they may result in severe electrical shock and can easily start a fire. In the USA, for example, 5,200 fires every year in office buildings and industrial facilities are determined to have resulted from issues with fixed wiring and related equipment. Common electrical faults that can cause a fire in your facility include short circuits, overloaded circuits, excessive voltage, electrical arcs in connections and, of course earth leakage currents.

While buildings are required to have certain safety procedures and alarms to ensure a quick response in the event of a fire, prevention is by far the most important line of defence. This makes it critical for commercial and industrial organisations to implement a comprehensive energy management system (ISO 50001) to protect against earth leakage issues and provide effective monitoring of the electrical network.

End-to End Earth Leakage and Monitoring

At Quality Energy, we recommend comprehensive earth leakage protection and monitoring through various solutions tailored to your facility’s needs. This allows you to install the optimal systems that meet both price point and quality specifications, whether you want to address a single crisis situation or multiple layers of protection, control and monitoring of the electrical network’s health. Components of these solutions include:

Class B universal earth leakage protection and monitoring: A safety solution that ensures the correct functioning for AC, DC and mixed AC/DC up to 1kHz in frequency. The Class B solution offers two distinct advantages over Type A AC and AC earth leakage units in terms of effective and comprehensive protection, as Class B is able to detect smooth residual direct currents and offers a higher level of reliability when a pulsating earth leakage current occurs alongside smooth direct currents.
Earth leakage transformers: A range of round and rectangular toroidal transformers in a wide range of operating currents and specifications. This allows for the creation of a customised solution that works seamlessly with your existing electrical supply and infrastructure, ensuring minimal installation time/downtime.
Ultra-immunised earth leakage relays: Both fixed and adjustable earth leakage relays operating with an LED display, ensuring preventative maintenance teams have easy access to up-to-date reclosing and leakage data for monitoring and analysis. Solutions in this range offer service continuity, pre-alarm, monitoring, and Telemanagement capabilities, and can be applied to single-phase and three-phase (with and without neutral) electrical systems. Various devices also include type A, type B and instantaneous protection models with adjustable or fixed sensitivity and selective protection capabilities.

Simplified Installation of Earth Leakage Protection and Monitoring Systems

Smart, customisable solutions allow your team to cover all possible points of protection of most neutral systems through either a single-phase protection system or a complementary monitoring system. Software is designed to guarantee accurate energy supervision, achieve preventative maintenance along all lines and simplify access to essential data and system monitoring processes through telemanagement and remote control.

Quality Energy works with commercial and industrial clients to provide state-of-the-art earth leakage protection and monitoring systems that are scalable, customisable and reliable. Our solutions are designed to provide high-quality protection and accessible monitoring at a price point that satisfies your budget, ensuring peace of mind by providing your employees, facility and equipment with essential protection. To find out more about our earth leakage protection and monitoring systems or to have our expert team perform an analysis of your facility, please contact us today.

The post Maintaining a Steady, Reliable Electrical Supply Through Earth Leakage Protection appeared first on Quality Energy .

Expertise Is Invaluable In Improving Power Quality

Tue, 05 May 2020 04:13:00 GMT

In every industry, expertise is valued. In the electrical engineering and energy efficiency industry, we’re no exception. That’s why we believe in partnerships which allow us to share our expertise with others at the top of their field, bringing together in-depth knowledge from across the industry and working as a team to deliver a superior service and better outcomes for each client.

Back in 1989 when our business began, our range of services was relatively broad. Over the years, as we increased our experience and technologies developed, we began to focus more specifically on Power Quality and Renewable Energy. Now we are leading the way.

Expertise within our industry is of paramount importance. When it comes to Power Quality and Renewable Energy, we know what we’re talking about. Our staff keep up to date with the latest technology and offers our clients and partners cutting edge solutions for a wide range of Renewable Energy and Power Quality issues.

What is Power Quality?

Power Quality is all about optimising electrical systems, producing better quality electrical systems in terms of harmonics, while improving the power factor and reducing voltage instability. Improving a plant’s power quality usually results in a drop in the electrical demand, leading to lower power bills and greater longevity of equipment.

Power Quality Longevity

In addition to the initial improvements, Quality Energy can also install the necessary technology to detect and solve any power quality issues which may arise in the future. We offer Power Factor Correction Servicing to keep your solution running at optimal performance. Investing in power quality is a long-term solution and together with electrical engineers and electrical consultants, we deliver unparalleled expertise, superior services and greater results.

Quality Energy Renewable Energy Options

Businesses and individuals alike are now looking towards renewable energy as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Quality Energy has been helping businesses invest in green solutions over the years and we’re focused on continuing this into the future. This means we are able to advise individual business types about the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective changes they can make to their businesses in order to make a real impact and reduce their carbon footprint.

Solar Power Installations : Commercial solar can be customised to suit the power demands of any business
LED Lighting Upgrade : A greener, cheaper, smarter option for lighting
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: From installations at fuel stations for passing trade to installing units in business car parks for their own fleet or eco-minded staff members

Case Study – Beach Energy

We work with many niche industries with high power demands, where a constant supply of power is vital to consistent output and therefore to the bottom line. Over our three decades of trading, we’ve worked on many projects within the oil and gas sector and have in-depth understanding of how oil rig electrical systems operate as well as the common causes of inefficiencies. In 2019, Quality Energy completed a 12-month project with Beach Energy Limited, an oil and gas exploration and production company based in Adelaide.

Quality Energy was approached after a land drilling rig, owned and run by Ensign Energy Services, was experiencing electrical problems while attempting to drill a directional well. This task required more power than the four installed generator sets were providing in order for the job to be completed. When drilling at full electrical load, the electrical system on the rig was running with a power factor of between 0.4 and 0.5 inductive. The power potential from the four generators was not being delivered and Ensign Energy were considering installing a fifth generator set which would have been expensive, would require additional fuel and ongoing maintenance. When Quality Energy was called, our Power Quality experts quickly identified that the gen-sets were capable of an optimal power factor of 0.7.

Quality Energy installed Power Factor Correction Units in order to improve efficiency and deliver more power to the drill. We have experience installing PFC Units on numerous oil and gas rigs around the world and have seen excellent results. This is a large-scale solution and it comes with challenges when working on an oil rig. Our experts had to lay the necessary cabling and protection into the main switchboard and we also had to source electrical equipment which was rated to suit the 600V on which the rig runs. Thanks to our 30+ years of expertise, we were successful in overcoming these challenges and completing the project.

Once installation was complete, the rig was reassessed and found to be running closer to peak efficiency. We saved our client large sums of money by avoiding the addition of another gen-set (and the fuel it would have needed) and instead optimised the equipment they had already purchased.

If your electrical project or power quality problem requires a true industry expert, get in touch with Quality Energy today.

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Servicing Your Power Factor Correction Unit

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:05:00 GMT

We install a large number of Power Factor Correction Units, custom-built in our Melbourne facility for clients across Australia and abroad. These advanced pieces of technical equipment are designed to reduce the maximum demand (kVA), reduce electrical system losses which will result in reduced active power (kW) and reduced reactive power (kVAr). Each of these elements, if neglected, will contribute to higher power bills and a higher carbon footprint. A Power Factor Correction unit is designed to make the property more energy efficient. However, the installation of a Power Factor Correction (PFC) unit is not a quick fix. The unit will require maintenance in order to ensure it continues to operate at optimal levels over the course of its long lifespan.

Every piece of equipment in a commercial property needs to be periodically serviced. Your PFC Unit is no exception. Over time, the unit’s performance levels will drop. It may be almost unnoticeable but without attention, the unit’s capacity to perform will deteriorate to the point when your energy efficiency is no longer optimised. A PFC unit can pay for itself in as little as 6 months. This demonstrates how valuable they are as installations within commercial properties but also how important it is for businesses to not consider these as a one off purchase and instead to continue periodical investments in servicing the equipment.

In principle, PFC units are extremely efficient and provide an invaluable service which cannot be matched by on-site engineers. However, sometimes human intervention is required; for the servicing of a Power Factor Correction unit. Often, the installation of a PFC unit enables a business to scale down their on-site management teams because fewer engineers are required to monitor and manage the equipment. The PFC unit is capable of doing the work of a number of engineers, with more efficiency and better data tracking. They are typically running 24/7, required to always perform and operate within the plant. This will, over time, lead to deterioration of parts and loss of efficiency. At this point, we recommend the servicing of your PFC unit and setup.

The servicing of a Power Factor Correction unit from Quality Energy includes the following:

Download data
Check reactors
Thermal imaging of capacitor bank
Check joints and connections
Replace air filters as needed
Remove collected dust
Check capacitor elements
Full written and graphic report

We work with onsite engineers to complete these tasks, if required. Our reports are available in full for our clients. Our experts are able to talk you through any elements of the report which you do not understand or would like additional information about. We are able to highlight any problems which we identified and explain the steps we took to rectify the issue. This allows you to understand the importance not only of your Power Factor Correction unit but also the periodical servicing.

While we recommend annual servicing for all of our clients, there are times when a PFC unit will require emergency servicing. This is very rare, but it does sometimes happen and when an emergency occurs, Quality Energy is available for call outs. We will endeavour to be on-site as soon as possible, if required, to provide emergency servicing to your PFC units. Alternatively, we can work with your engineers and provide advice over the phone if appropriate.

Quality Energy has over 30 years’ experience servicing PFC systems . In addition to our own, bespoke built PFC units, we are able to service any existing units made by other manufacturers which may be installed on the premises.

Power Factor Correction units should be serviced every year. If you would like to book in for a recurring service, reach out to us today and organise your first service appointment.

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Reducing Your kVAr

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Quality Energy specialise in Power Factor Correction equipment and their servicing. We create custom-built Power Factor Correction Units which can be installed in a range of business settings and are designed to make a business more energy efficient. The key functionality of a Power Factor Correction Unit, or Capacitor Bank, is to reduce a property’s reliance on reactive power, or kVAr from the grid.

The first step in any project with Quality Energy is to complete a power quality audit . This allows our engineers to gather all of the data required to assess and analyse the existing energy efficiency of a property. From here, we are best positioned to work with onsite engineers, consultants and contractors to reduce the kVAr, or ‘reactive’ power to meet business goals. There are three reasons to prioritise the installation of a power Factor Correction Unit when it comes to improving energy efficiency:

With a high grid kVAr reliance, businesses are paying for power that can be generated on site and are receiving unnecessarily high energy bills
With a high grid kVAr reliance, important electrical infrastructure is unnecessarily more heavily loaded and may suffer from circuit breaker tripping and /or overheating
With a high grid kVAr reliance, businesses may incur additional fees from their energy providers

Paying For Power Which Isn’t Being Used Effectively

Every business understands the importance of streamlining costs and minimising any unnecessary spend. kVAr is exactly that: this power, which is used to excite the field windings of your induction motors, can be generated on site by a capacitor bank instead of purchasing it from your electricity supplier. Identifying the quantity of kVAr which a property is currently using is the first key step towards reducing your electricity account. We work with electrical engineers, consultants and contractors to calculate a property’s kVAr and then provide recommendations for how supply it from a capacitor bank. We aim to get a business Power Factor as close to 1.0 as possible and reduce their grid kVAr reliance to as close to 0 as possible.

The first step we recommend is a custom-built Power Factor Correction Unit or a Capacitor Bank and control system. If a property already has PFC equipment, we recommend a comprehensive service. Like all electrical equipment, Capacitor Banks need to be routinely serviced to ensure they are delivering an optimised performance.

Once the Capacitor Bank has been installed or serviced, we calculate the new kVAr from collected data and compare to historic figures. These numbers typically illustrate a dramatic improvement in a company’s energy efficiency and therefore a reduction in energy bills. We often work with consultants who have been brought on board to reduce energy bills. Together, we work to deliver excellent results to satisfied business owners.

kVAr and Maintenance Costs

Beyond high energy bills, grid kVAr reliance is costly for businesses in another form. The excess power can cause overloading issues to switchboards, busbar systems, circuit breakers, and consumers' mains and transformers. It will limit a plant’s manufacturing output as a result. These infrastructures will require more frequent maintenance as a result of high kVAr, and their lifespan will be shortened. These are costly items for businesses and are expenses that can and should be avoided through Power Factor Correction.

Without overloading issues, plants can scale up at minimal cost, increasing output without property expansion, a key aim for businesses in the manufacturing industry , among others. A higher output means greater profits so when working as a consultant, this is a valuable service which can be delivered to your clients.

Expert consultants and contractors who are working to save their customers money by improving energy efficiency should take a holistic approach towards reducing costs for their clients. That’s why reduction in grid kVAr reliance is such an important focus within energy efficiency projects. Not only does it deliver lower energy bills, it also reduces the costs of ongoing maintenance and lengthens the lifespan of the infrastructure.

Paying kVAr Fees

Some utility providers now charge kVAr fees for properties that are seeing high kVAr consumption. Energy providers, including Ergon Energy, charge their commercial clients fees when they are consuming high kVAr. Some businesses aren’t even aware they are paying thousands of dollars in penalty fees for something that can be entirely avoided. Therefore, the installation of such equipment is a valuable service that consultants and power quality experts can deliver.

If you are an energy consultant, speak with Quality Energy today and discuss with us how we can help you deliver a service that not only achieves targets but exceeds them to guarantee satisfaction from your clients.

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Large Scale Lighting Upgrades

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Technological developments have enabled us as energy efficiency experts to provide our clients with a wider and more effective range of options when it comes to reducing the levels of energy consumed by a business. We work with large and small clients to reduce their energy consumption. Many businesses don’t know where to start when they begin looking to reduce their energy bills. We recommend you start somewhere which may be overlooked: lighting.

This is a simple but important upgrade which you can complete for your business. Small businesses may be able to complete this upgrade without outside support. Quality Energy has experience implementing larger-scale lighting upgrades for medium and large businesses.

LED stands for light-emitting diode. They are solid-state lights in which a semiconductor converts electricity to light but without producing heat (unlike other lightbulbs), a waste by-product. The diode itself may only be one square millimetre so some bulbs include multiple diodes. Another benefit to LEDs is that the light is emitted in one direction. Therefore, LED bulbs do not require diffusers and reflectors.

The development of LED bulbs was slow, after the initial discovery of electroluminescence in 1907. It wasn’t until 1962 that LED lights were created for market. However, they were not immediately successful and it took many years for the general public to recognise the value of LED bulbs. Over the years, however, developments and improvements were made to further the benefits of the LED bulb and make them a desirable alternative to traditional bulbs.

Today, LED’s continue to be more expensive than other bulbs on the market. This puts some people and businesses off investing in this technology. It is important to look beyond the initial cost of the bulbs (which we predict will be driven down over the coming years as demand rises). However, for large businesses, we recognise that the current price difference can be hard to ignore. If you are implementing a large scale lighting upgrade and each LED bulb costs four times as much as its traditional equivalent, this may be a significant deterrent.

After decades of experience, we can say that this is an investment worth making. While a traditional bulb uses 150W of power, a LED bulb only requires 50W. Within months, businesses are able to recoup the additional costs of the lighting upgrade and all subsequent months simply see money back in your pocket. While some private homeowners are switching to LED lighting for lower energy bills, for large scale properties, the savings are even more pronounced.

In addition to saving money, LED bulbs have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. Traditional bulbs typically require maintenance or replacement after 8,000 hours (or every three and a half years). LED bulbs need to be maintained or replaced every 50,000 hours (or every ten years). Therefore, not only does a business save money monthly but the ongoing costs associated with electrical equipment such as large scale lighting systems are reduced too.

In 2020, LEDs are the most energy-efficient lights on the market. Beyond this, not only do LEDs out-perform their competitors, but the technology is developing further. If you upgrade your business lighting system in 2020, by the time you need to replace some bulbs (in 2030), we predict that the technology available will be saving you even more money, without the hassle of going through a full system upgrade again.

While businesses are primarily motivated to save money, there is a secondary reason to upgrade lighting systems and that is to be more environmentally friendly. Lower energy bills mean you’re using less fossil fuels and therefore minimising your impact on the environment. For many businesses in 2020, this is an important factor in their business making decisions.

If you would like to learn more about the implementation of an LED lighting system within a large business, speak with Quality Energy today to discuss how our experts can help assist you with this recommended energy-saving project.

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Active Harmonic Filters Vs Passive Harmonic Filters

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 22:00:00 GMT

While we are electrical engineers and experts on quality power, many of our clients are not as familiar with the terminology which we deal with every day. Whether you are a business owner, a renewable energy consultant or a contractor who specialises in specific power quality equipment, sometimes you need specialist advice.

Quality Energy believes it is important for everyone to understand how the equipment which we recommend and install helps to deliver superior power quality for businesses. One of our most popular and effective products are Active Harmonic Filters. Read on to find out more about this equipment and how it works to deliver reduced Total Harmonic Distortion .

What Is An Active Harmonic Filter?

Suitable to be fitted within large installation systems, Active Harmonic Filters are used to eliminate, or at least mitigate, harmonics experienced from power received from the Australian national grid. The electricity which is delivered to a property is not necessarily ‘clean’ and therefore properties can experience harmonics. Harmonic currents lead to power which is polluted enough to cause failures within an installation and it also takes up capacity within the electrical system. Active Harmonic Filters should be installed to minimise harmonics and therefore optimise the power supply.

An Active Harmonic Filter includes a series of transistors and capacitors to clean the current sinewave through inverse currents which will eliminate the majority of undesired harmonic components. Voltage fluctuations and harmonics cause grid disturbances and this can damage equipment, cause power surges and lead to overheating in addition to increasing energy bills. By installing an Active Harmonic Filter, a property is also helping to clean up Australia’s electrical grid supply, benefitting all users and the planet.

Active Harmonic Filters are larger than Passive Harmonic Filters. While we recognise that some installations are limited by space, Active Harmonic Filters are able to provide a superior level of power quality improvement. Active Harmonic Filters will not overload when the active filter limit is reached, while a Passive Harmonic Filter may be at risk of doing so. Additionally, if an Active Harmonic Filter is rendered incapacitated, the motors for which it is optimising power will not be affected. This is due to the fact that the current itself does not run through the filter.

For installations where constant output is key, we recommend Active Harmonic Filters. While the initial cost will be higher, an Active Harmonic Filter will, in the long run, be more effective when it comes to maintaining a business’ bottom line by guaranteeing ongoing output and reducing energy costs.

What Is A Passive Harmonic Filter?

Passive Harmonic Filters eliminate or mitigate harmonics much the same way that Active Harmonic Filters do. Passive Harmonic Filters filter the current wave through an input reactor, output reactor, shunt reactor and capacitor. They are a simpler solution for individual items of equipment but are limited to the individual and stable loads only.

Passive filters can be limited when it comes to their effectiveness and capacity. Large installations are likely to require Active Harmonic Filters as they are able to work with numerous variable speed drives. If an installation contains many non-linear loads, a Passive Harmonic Filter will not be able to effectively perform.

Passive Harmonic Filters are smaller than Active Harmonic Filters which can be an important selling point for small installations. Additionally, they are cheaper to install and will save businesses money over time by reducing their power bills. For some installations, we will recommend Passive Harmonic Filters to improve power quality. They are cheap to run and very stable.

Choosing The Right Filter

If you are unsure what sort of harmonic filter is suitable for either your own business or a project you are working on, speak with the electrical engineering experts at Quality Energy. We would be happy to provide you with our recommendations either over the phone or following a site visit, if required. We specialise in the installation of Active Harmonic Filters for large scale properties who are keen to clean the electricity received from the national grid to optimise their power quality. We are also able to install Passive Harmonic Filters if this is the better fit for a property or plant. To find out more, get in touch with Quality Energy today.

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4 ways to improve your business’ energy efficiency

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Businesses worldwide are looking for new ways to be more energy efficient. Not only is this important in terms of our collective carbon footprint, but energy is also expensive. Reducing your business’ energy use will reduce your monthly energy bills, saving you money at the same time as saving the planet. Here are our four top tips for improving your business’ energy efficiency.

Upgrade Your Lights

We’ll start with a simple one. Upgrade your lightbulbs. Just like all other technology, bulbs have developed over the decades and those on offer today are far more energy-efficient than those on the market 10 or 20 years ago. You’re not using a mobile phone which is a decade old, so why put up with ancient lightbulbs? The fundamental function of a lightbulb, unlike a mobile phone, hasn’t changed, of course. Bulbs are designed to do one thing: emit light. However, there are five factors to consider when purchasing lightbulbs:

Initial cost
Running cost
Maintenance cost
Lifespan
Quality of light

We recommend businesses upgrade to LED lightbulbs. It is true that when compared to traditional lightbulbs, LED bulbs are more expensive to purchase in the first place – that’s factor number one on our list. But in the other four factor categories, LED lightbulbs far outperform other market options. They are far cheaper to run, are very low maintenance, can last for up to 100,000 hours and emit a better quality of light. We saved one of our clients $32,874 per year by upgrading their lighting system to LEDs.

Optimise Your Voltage

In compliance with government regulation, power delivered to businesses in Australia is between 216 and 253 volts. However, most businesses receive voltage towards the higher end of this range, as a result of how the electricity grid functions. The majority of equipment in your business will not require a voltage that high. In fact, most equipment can function on 220V output. The use of additional voltage costs your business money and may lead to increased maintenance costs.

Install a Beolec system to regulate your voltage. This system will not only perform voltage regulation based on a fixed nominal output set-point (we usually recommend 220V) but it also independently balances the voltage across all three phases. This ensures no harmonics are introduced into the electrical system and reduces stress on the equipment, further minimising your maintenance costs.

Make Your Own Power

Did you know that Perth gets 3,200 hours of sunshine every year? Sydney gets 2,600, Canberra gets 2,800, Brisbane gets 2,900, and Melbourne gets 2,300 hours. Australia is a sunny country. And this is a natural, free, abundant resource which many businesses are now capitalising on through the use of commercial solar panels .

The installation of commercial solar panels can be a modest or grand energy efficiency scheme, depending on your budget and the energy requirements of your business. Some smaller businesses choose to start with a few panels and use the energy generated to subsidise power delivered from national energy providers. But these systems can also be vast (and are all scale-able, space dependent) and can produce enough energy to make even large businesses self-sufficient.

Commercial solar panels are certainly not a cheap investment and it will be a few years before they pay for themselves. In terms of delivering a return on investment, however, solar panels will do this over time, with saving starting from day one. You will see dramatic reductions in your energy bills from the first month, and the savings will likely increase, thereby shortening the length of return, with electricity prices predicted to rise further.

Minimise your kVAr

Most electrical systems are running inefficiently, unless they are optimised. Quality Energy specialises in Power Factor calculation, a key service designed to boost your energy efficiency by minimising your kVAr, or reactive power, which is the power lost during day to day equipment operations. Large quantities of kVAr is costly for two reasons. Firstly, you are paying for power you are not using. Secondly, many energy providers now charge a penalty fee for businesses with a large kVAr.

A Power Factor Correction Audit and then the implementation of a Power Factor Correction System will not only improve your energy efficiency and lower your monthly bills, it will also ensure you are not paying any unnecessary fees.

What Now?

Every business is different. Every business sets themselves and their employees different targets for improving their business efficiency. One thing which is key, however, is that the steps you take to improve energy efficiency do not compromise the running and productivity of your business.

Quality Energy are experts in Power Quality and energy efficient solutions for businesses. We’ve worked with companies across the world, tailoring our products and services to suit a range of needs and budgets. If you’re interested in improving the energy efficiency of your business, get in touch with us today and find out more about how our services may be able to help you.

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The Importance Of Power Quality

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 22:00:00 GMT

The Importance Of Power Quality

Electricity is transported and delivered across the power grid to businesses worldwide. It is used to power a wide range of equipment and electronic devices, often without a second thought—until something goes wrong.

Developed countries take for granted their capacity to plug into a reliable and safe electrical supply at any time, but few consider the quality of the power they are using.

Have you ever wondered, "How good is the power quality of the electricity powering my electrical systems and sensitive equipment?"

Few business owners ask this question, yet it can be the key to saving money on energy bills, improving productivity, reducing maintenance costs, and extending the lifespan of machinery. The power quality being delivered to a building can and should be optimised to provide more reliable, consistent, and safe electric power.

Why is Power Quality Important?

Good power quality is essential for several reasons. First, high-quality electricity is more efficient, allowing equipment to run on optimal energy consumption. This saves money on electricity bills, and reduces overall power consumption and carbon emissions.

Using high-quality power reduces the risk of equipment failure, overheating, and the need for frequent maintenance, minimising wear and tear on machinery.

Breakdowns, overheating, and excessive maintenance all come at a cost, and smart businesses want to minimise these events. Improved power quality increases productivity for manufacturers and allows facilities to maximise their distribution capacities.

Investing in power quality is an investment in the quality of your business operations.

Poor electric power quality may manifest in various ways, including:

• Short or extended power interruptions

• Noisy electrical equipment

• Voltage fluctuations, dips, and swells

• Harmonic distortion

• High-speed transient voltages

• Damage resulting from lightning strikes

Comprehensive power quality analysis and monitoring can identify how a building or facility can optimise its power supply. This is often prompted by obvious issues such as equipment malfunctions or power interruptions. A thorough power quality audit will uncover hidden power quality problems, and the resulting corrective actions can significantly improve energy consumption and costs.

The Impact of Poor Power Quality

Poor power quality can have serious consequences for businesses and their electrical systems. Voltage sags, harmonic distortion from non-linear loads, and low power factor can all contribute to equipment damage, premature failure, and unexpected downtime.

Voltage variations outside acceptable power quality standards can cause sensitive electronic devices and equipment to malfunction, leading to data loss, process interruptions, and financial losses. Surviving voltage dips, surges, and swells with surge protectors is important, but it does not address the root causes of poor power quality.

Harmonic currents and voltages, often generated by nonlinear loads like arc furnaces, can induce overheating in motors, transformers, and electrical infrastructure. This harmonic distortion reduces the efficiency of the electrical system, increasing energy costs. Installing harmonic filters can help mitigate the impact of harmonics.

The Key Role of Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering expertise is essential for analysing power quality issues and implementing the right solutions. That's what we do best here at Quality Energy . We design, manufacture, install, and service power quality solutions.

Investments in improving the quality of power through power factor correction, and better monitoring systems can deliver significant long-term cost savings. By protecting sensitive electronics and optimising energy efficiency, businesses can reduce operating expenses and maintenance requirements.

What is Power Quality Monitoring

Power quality monitoring involves installing meters to continuously provide accurate measurements of electric power quality parameters. This allows energy experts like Quality Energy to improve and optimise the power quality with specialised equipment as needed.

Any business seeking to improve the reliability and efficiency of its electrical energy supply should conduct periodic power quality audits.

Quality Energy has conducted power quality analyses for a wide range of facilities, including industrial sites, commercial buildings, data centers, mining operations, and oil and gas installations worldwide.

Maintaining Optimal Power Quality

Ensuring good voltage quality and power factor is essential for the reliable operation of electrical devices and control systems. Power quality monitoring systems can track parameters like total harmonic distortion, voltage levels, and reactive power to identify problems.

Addressing low power factor through power factor correction equipment can improve the efficiency of the electrical system, reducing active power losses and energy consumption. This in turn lowers electricity bills and operating costs.

As businesses increasingly adopt renewable energy, maintaining high power quality becomes even more important. Fluctuations in voltage and frequency from intermittent solar and wind generation can disrupt sensitive electronic equipment and control systems if not properly managed.

Book a Power Quality Audit to Uncover Savings For Your Business

Now that you understand the importance of power quality in your facility, it's time to take action. A comprehensive power quality audit can provide the insights you need to improve efficiency, reliability, and performance.

Our team of experts will conduct a thorough analysis of your electrical power quality, identifying any issues with supply voltage, harmonic voltage, power factor, and more. We'll then provide a detailed report outlining the technical and economic data options to solve your power quality problems.

Don't let poor power quality drain your profits and put your operations at risk. Schedule a power quality audit with Quality Energy today, and take the first step towards optimising your electrical systems for maximum performance and cost savings.

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What Is An Active Harmonic Filter?

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Active Harmonic Filters neutralise active harmonics. A harmonic is a voltage or current at a multiple of the fundamental frequency of the system. They are a result of non-linear electrical loads and occur within an installation but also reside in the power grid. These additional harmonic frequencies can cause power quality problems because they interfere with electrical equipment, cause overheating and system failures. Not only does this lead to interference and downtime in your energy delivery but will also cause undue stress on your equipment, increasing your maintenance and repair costs. Active Harmonic Filters prevent this by neutralising these polluting harmonics and ensuring regulated, consistent and safe power.

Active Harmonic Filters can also be called Active Power Filters. Their installation can solve harmonic issues by neutralising potentially harmful harmonic currents and delivering a ‘cleaner grid’. Even if your business is not currently experiencing any notable power quality issues, Active Harmonic Filters are recommended as a preventative solution. Their presence in new installations will save you money over time by reducing maintenance costs and minimising any power disruptions which may cause downtime within your business.

We recommend Circutor’s floor mounted, cabinet type active harmonic filters for most of our clients. Their key features include:

Grid resonance detection
User-friendly
Flicker compensation
Reactive power compensation
Harmonic compensation
Insensitive to network conditions
High performance
Excellent reliability
Compact design
Load balancing
Extendable modular system.

Cabinet Type Active Harmonic Filters

Smaller Active Harmonic Filter cabinets can be installed on a wall within your business site. The weight of an Active Harmonic Filter cabinet will depend on its capacity, differing for each client according to their requirements. All installations are simple, and our engineers are experienced in the process for a wide range of industrial applications.

Cabinet filters are fitted with an easy to read user interface. Here you can carry out the commissioning, operation and diagnosis. Engineers use this information to review the functionality of the filter as well as identifying any system errors. This allows easy control of the operating parameters. The datalogger also acts as an alarm, able to alert you or our engineers to any serious problems which the Active Harmonic Filter is unable to deal with independently without human intervention. Early alarms enable early interventions, minimising servicing costs and downtime caused by any issues.

With Circutor Active Harmonic Filters, the data gathered by the cabinet is also available remotely via external ethernet communications. This means that if you are experiencing any issues, Quality Energy can offer a fast diagnosis remotely and a costly on-site visit is often unnecessary if the problem can be fixed by our engineers from the office.

Multi-functional Active Harmonic Filters

Fluctuations in harmonics levels mean that an active harmonic filter needs to be able to react and compensate for these harmonics independently and without human involvement at any given moment. A multi-functional parallel active filter will deliver the most complete solution for industrial, commercial or service installations. These filters can deal with the consumption of reactive power where required as well as harmonic mitigation, delivering superior service and optimising power quality .

Active Harmonic Filters adapt to changes and expansions of load types, performing global or selected compensations of harmonics to maintain power quality and delivery. Thanks to advanced and complex engineering, Active Harmonic Filters deliver smooth, uninterrupted and safe power to industrial applications without the need for onsite engineers overseeing your power quality on a daily basis.

Who Needs Active Harmonic Filters?

Industrial facilities and electrical installations often require active harmonic filters to regulate polluting harmonics. If your business is experiencing disturbances in your electrical installations, such as short-term power outages, an active harmonic filter should be installed. We recommend Active Harmonic Filters be installed from day one. It shouldn’t be a reactive answer to an identified problem. Pre-emptive, preventative installation can save businesses time and money in the future.

Quality Energy installs high-quality Circutor Active Harmonic Filters. We believe these are the best systems available on the market and suit a range of industrial and commercial needs. To find out more, visit our Active Harmonic Filters page and browse the range available, or call our experts today to discuss your industrial setup.

The post What Is An Active Harmonic Filter? appeared first on Quality Energy .

Are Solar Panels A Good Investment For Commercial and Industrial Buildings?

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 15:14:00 GMT

Across Australia and the world, businesses are turning their attention to renewable energy sources. One of the most popular options in countries like Australia, which see a high amount of sunshine, is solar. But are commercial solar panels a good investment? We believe there are two ways to look at this question:

Are commercial solar panels a good financial investment?
Are commercial solar panels a good investment for the future of our planet?

We’ll answer both, based on our 30 years of experience in the energy sector and delivering solar panels for a range of businesses.

The Financial Benefits of Solar Panels

Solar panels enable you to generate and use your own electricity. This means you don’t have to buy as much electricity from your energy retailer. Electricity bills can be a substantial proportion of the company overheads, particularly if you run a business heavily dependent on power, which most businesses do. Electricity prices have never been higher and there is little market competition driving the prices back down. In fact, they’re set to rise further as resources such as coal, used to generate power, reduce in use in the coming years. Solar panels enable you to end your reliance on the national electricity suppliers. Financially, solar panels make sense as a business investment.

Most business investment decisions are based on making or saving money. Solar panels will save your business money as your electrical bills reduce. As soon as the initial capital is covered, your investment starts paying dividends and the money saved can be redistributed to other important areas of the business.

So why don’t all businesses implement solar? Solar panels for commercial properties, depending on the size, can require large capital to implement. Quality Energy understands that cashflow is important which is why we have finance partners and finance options available. This enables companies who are interested in powering their business using solar, subject to the solar feasibility, can do so without putting major strain on cashflow.

Finance partners are available for commercial solar panels because the ROI is clear to see, making it a smart investment. After the initial capital is spent and the solar panels installed, they will begin paying for themselves. Based on your company’s current energy bills, Quality Energy can assess and provide full turnkey solutions which are designed to reduce your energy costs, recovering the investment of the initial switch from traditional to solar quickly through our cash flow positive modelling and finance structure.

The Future of Electricity Generation

As a global community, we know we need to be more sustainable. Corporates and business owners agree that we need to move away from fossil fuels and turn towards renewable energy for the future of our children and planet. Solar panels are one of the most popular ways for households and businesses to generate their own power in Australia. We live in a sunny country so it makes sense to use the sunlight which we see anywhere from 2,200 to 3,200 hours per year across the nation to generate energy.

Renewable energies have increasingly accounted for a higher proportion of Australia’s National Electricity Market over the past decade, with coal percentages falling while wind and solar climb higher. Clean energy is undeniably the future and businesses should be leading the way, particularly now that the general public are more aware about their power as consumers to impact the environment. Businesses that are using commercial solar panels find this message resonates well with their customers. You can highlight this feature on your website, demonstrating your commitment to a healthier future. For environmentally-conscious consumers this could be the selling point which gives you the edge over a competitor.

New renewable energy technologies are developing fast. For businesses, one of the most efficient and reliable systems are solar panels. If your company is looking to become greener, our Clean Energy Council Accredited installs are a great place to start.

To answer our question, are commercial solar panels a good investment for the future?

They’re not just good, they’re essential.

An investment in solar panels is an investment in the future of our planet as well as increasing your company’s financial and environmental sustainability. Save your business money, save the planet and lead the way for a brighter future.

The post Are Solar Panels A Good Investment For Commercial and Industrial Buildings? appeared first on Quality Energy .

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