National Solar Schools Program
Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System (DCSVS)
Requirements and Specifications
Following consultation with the renewable energy industry and state education agencies, the data requirements for renewable energy systems funded by the National Solar Schools Program have been clarified. These requirements are documented in the Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System Requirements and Specifications.
Please note that what was previously referred to in the NSSP Guidelines as a 'Smart Meter' will in future be referred to as a 'Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System' (DCSVS). The installation of a DCSVS is a compulsory requirement for solar power system installations funded by the NSSP.
The Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System Requirements and Specifications have been prepared as a 'minimum specification' to meet the NSSP requirements for the collection and storage of schools' electricity consumption data and renewable energy generation data, as well as the visualisation of this data within schools. Unless noted as optional, all the requirements in the specifications are mandatory.
All claims for funding submitted from 1 June 2009 that include a solar power installation must meet the DCSVS requirements set out in the Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System Requirements and Specifications.
Schools installing other renewable energy systems, such as small-scale wind or hydro, are strongly encouraged to include a DCSVS as part of their project proposal.
Download the DCSVS Requirements and Specifications
- Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System Requirements and Specifications (PDF - 142KB)
- Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System Requirements and Specifications (RTF - 766KB)
Approved Components List
For data collection, storage and visualisation components to be eligible for NSSP funding they must be assessed against the Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System Requirements and Specifications. Components must meet the specifications and must be sourced from the DCSVS Approved Components List.
Manufacturers and suppliers of components are invited to apply to the NSSP to have their components assessed for inclusion on this list. When a component is assessed as meeting the specifications, it will be included in the DCSVS Approved Components List.
Please note that the Approved Components List will be updated on an ongoing basis as components are approved.
Download the DCSVS Approved Components List
- Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System Approved Components List 5 November 2009 (PDF - 85 KB)
- Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System Approved Components List 5 November 2009 (RTF -376 KB)
Advice for installers
- Read the Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System Requirements and Specifications.
- Consider the individual circumstances of each school, for example, the data collection requirements for a school with multiple sources of electricity supply.
- Refer to the DCSVS Approved Components List for details of components that meet the specifications.
- Contact manufacturers and suppliers listed in the DCSVS Approved Components List to source appropriate components for NSSP renewable energy installations.
Please note that the NSSP Claim Form will be revised in the near future to reflect these changes. In the interim, any costs associated with the DCSVS should be included in the current NSSP Claim Form against the 'Smart Meter' field.
How to apply to have a component included on the DCSVS Approved Components List
- Read the Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System Requirements and Specifications.
- Download the appropriate application form.
- If you need assistance filling out the form, email the NSSP Team.
- Email or post the application form and relevant component specification to the NSSP.
- The NSSP will advise you whether your component meets the Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System Requirements and Specifications.
- Approved components will be added to the DCSVS Approved Components List.
Approval application forms
Energy Meters
If you have a product or component that you believe will meet the requirements of Section 3.1 of the specifications, use this form.
Inverter-based Metering
If you have an inverter that you believe will meet the requirements of Section 3.1 of the specifications, use this form.
Data Storage
If you have a product or component (hardware and/or software) that you believe will meet the requirements of Section 3.2 of the specifications, use this form.
Data Communications
If you have a product or component that you believe will meet the requirements of Section 3.3 of the specifications, use this form.
Web-based Visualisation
If you have a product or package (hardware and/or software) that you will believe will meet the requirements of Section 3.4 of the specifications, use this form.
Temperature Sensors
If you have a product or component that you believe will meet the requirements of Sections 3.1.1.3 and 3.1.2.3 of the specifications, use this form.
Contact us
- HOTLINE
1800 703 831 -
EMAIL
nationalsolarschools
@environment.gov.au
National Solar Schools Program
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
National Solar Schools Program
Grants of up to $50 000 (GST exclusive) to install solar and other renewable power systems, solar hot water systems, rainwater tanks and a range of energy efficiency measures including:
- Energy efficiency lighting
- Skylights
- Ceiling fans
- Insulation
- Sensors
- Shade awnings
- Automatic doors
- External window fittings (eg double glazing and shutters).
For more information read the Program guidelines