June 5th, 2019–A new Australian made Solar DC Optimiser and Solar Safety Product has started presales, as an answer to growing concerns from electrical regulators; that claim as many as 1 in 6 solar systems are "substandard", and 1 in 30 was considered "unsafe"1. The OS1000 and the SCOM600 are the latest paired release from the Australian start-up, which hopes to create a safer working environment for solar installers, firefighters and homeowners alike. Allowing homeowners to verify all power from their Solar system is safe before accessing their roof. The Domestic DC Optimiser Presale is only currently available to Australian residents and promises to increase power in semi-shaded systems by up to 60% as indicated by their solar partial shading calculator. Older systems have more to benefit, with older cables presenting a fire risk if damaged, and power derogation prevalent.

The following video shows the results of the devices, and collecting data at 1 second:

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Orange line: Power output of a standard system (read at right index)

Red line: Power output with CQSola Optimisers enabled (read at right index)

Other Coloured Lines: Output of each panel (read at left index)

The problem of operating with large voltages without a mechanism of ensuring the system is safe has been a technical issue for the industry, which until now has largely been unsolved.

"We’ve got a positive response from firefighters that we’ve introduced this system to. The system brings the voltage to safe levels and allows firefighters to perform their job, using water without fear of electrocution" – Tony Schirmer CEO of CQSola.

The solar safety equipment is also capable of power transfer previously unseen in any solar converter of its size; with efficiency ratings between 99.2-99.5% between input and output.

The Queensland startup is claiming the devices have the following industry-first new technologies. The first 1500V Solar DC Optimisers:

- to be rated to 1500V for solar farm use

- to be compatible with all current solar inverters and batteries, including Solar Farm Technologies

- to convert power between Solar DC sources at 99.2 - 99.5% efficiency rating

- to reduce the power of a solar system to Extra Low Voltage when needed; to ensure that it stays at the safe voltage for firefighter safety.

- to include a Maximum Power Point Tracker that typically resolves to Maximum Power within 2 seconds

- to collect solar panel data in 1-second intervals

- to be rated to IP68 water resistance, and can be used in moisture-heavy and saltwater conditions

- that are designed for SIL2 Safety Rating; allowing industrial usage, including Solar Farms, Military, and Government usage

The system is also able to

- compatible directly with off-grid and battery attached systems

For more information please contact press@cqsola.com or phone +61738063132

1An audit of the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) was conducted late last year, and covered by ABC in May 2019: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-27/australias-obsession-with-cheap-solar-derailing-market-insiders/11139856

Edited:20th June 2019 - The information contained a typographical error: "The first Solar DC Optimisers:" should read "The first 1500V Solar DC Optimisers:"

Edited: 10th July 2019 - Added video for display purposes