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Solar advances As photovoltaic systems grow in popularity, Lior Handelsman outlines the standards and new technology keeping people safe
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NSTALLING PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) systems has become increasingly attractive to homeowners and businesses because of the economic benefits they bring. With the proliferation of solar energy, it is important to keep in mind that they are mini power stations. While PV systems are safe, it is important to consider certain safety measures during design and installation. Advanced global standards and
regulations are leading the solar industry towards improved system safety. While PV safety requirements are the responsibility of each individual country and may vary according to the region, regulations are having a collective impact on driving industry safety standards forward. The USA is one of the leaders in PV system
safety regulations. In its newest provision of NEC 2017, which reduces the shock hazard in PV arrays, there is a rapid shutdown functionality requirement in rooftop systems. This requirement states that controlled conductors beyond one foot (30.5cm) of the array need to be reduced to 30 volts
46 OCTOBER 2019
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or less within 30 seconds, allowing installers, maintenance workers, and firefighters to quickly handle the system after shutdown. Another example is the German VDE-AR-E 2100-712 standard, one of the requirements of which is that, after switching off the AC power supply, first responders are not exposed to the risk of electrocution from direct contact with high voltage DC cables. In Austria, OVE R11-1: 2013 requires, depending on the situation, a disconnection close to the source (modules). Additional safety regulations focus on other
important areas, for example, arc detection. These advanced safety regulations require the implementation of arc detection functionality, which is designed to mitigate the effects of arcing faults that – under certain conditions – potentially pose fi re risks. The USA has one of the strictest arc detection
standards, UL 1699B, which calls for the detection of specifi c arcs as they occur. The UK has yet to implement arc detection requirements, but bear in mind that insurance companies may request it.
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