We believe that solar systems should be simple, safe, and reliable.
To support the mainstream adoption of distributed solar, every customer should have choices when it comes to equipment, based on healthy competition in the market. In our vision, codes and standards should not limit options, but allow for a level playing field.
We want to see customer choice and thus do not want to prohibit any technology. However, we would like to have better and safer options available for everyone and we want that codes and standards ensure the same high levels of safety for every technology. When needed, installers should be able to choose Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE) and such, but it should not be mandated for the entire industry. Module Level Shutdown should not automatically mean Module Level Power Electronics. Today, there is only a false choice.
Module Level Shutdown (MLSD) can be chip-based, module integrated and based on SunSpec, an open industry standard that enables innovation, competition and customer choice. This way, the benefits of MLSD for service technicians and fire fighters are balanced with solar installer protection, simplicity and affordability of systems, as well as overall safety and reliability.
The 6 principles outlined below define a better way for the solar industry:
Good module level shutdown solutions are integrated into the module junction box.
To keep systems safe, simple and reliable, it is best to integrate the shutdown function into the module's junction box via a chip, without complex power electronics or power conversion components - this eliminates extra installation steps as well as added components and connection points (therefore not reducing fire safety as the current solutions do).
An open industry standard is best for customers.
Open industry standards ensure interoperability across systems and allow for innovation and customer choice. To integrate shutdown solutions into the module in a feasible way, an industry standard is the way to go.
Every module level shutdown solution needs to be tested to a proper switching standard.
Since Module Level Shutdown is for firefighter safety, solutions have to be reliable when needed. When Rapid Shutdown is activated, the module level shutdown switches must reliably switch and de-energize the array.
Shutdown solutions should not create electrical noise that compromises arc fault detection shutdown signals.
Every added component in a solar system can create electrical noise, which can compromise the arc fault detection or shutdown response. Thus, solutions shall not exceed noise levels that can create these problems.
The less connection points, the better.
Fewer connection points mean less risk of installation errors; mismatching and thus arcing and potential fires. The less connection points a shutdown solution requires, the better.
Affordability is key to keep solar growing.
Every added component in a solar system can create electrical noise, which can compromise the arc fault detection or shutdown response. Thus, solutions shall not exceed noise levels that can create these problems.
How It Works
A chip-based, module integrated shutdown solution based on SunSpec.
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We believe that solar systems should be simple, safe, and reliable.
We believe that solar systems should be simple, safe, and reliable.
Module Level Shutdown in the National Electric Code has made #solar systems more complex, less safe, and less reliable. Let's #FixMLSD and do it the right way. Sign the petition:
