Rapid Shutdown Solar Panels Requirements

However this isn t what happens and for good reason.

Rapid shutdown solar panels requirements.

Nec 2014 pv rapid shutdown requirements were added to nec 2014 690 12 to improve electrical and fire safety hazards for first responders. After nec 2014 took effect equipment suppliers responded one by one with proprietary solutions to help their customers meet array level rapid shutdown requirements. Nec 2017 also requires that products designed for rapid shutdown be listed according to a relevant industry test standard such as ul 1741. It is against metropolitan and municipal fire code for solar systems connected to the grid to stay turned on when the grid is down which demands the need for a rapid shut down mechanism in solar panels.

This requirement is called a rapid shutdown. Rapid shutdown is a simple to intall low cost rapid shut down systems designed to work with 2014 as well as 2017 nec from sol ark. In the article above the actual trigger for this shutdown is assumed to be the main breaker but unless your service panel and main breaker are on the outside wall of your house near your meter this will not meet the requirements for rapid shutdown nec 2017 that go into effect on. System conductors may remain energized even after the electrical service disconnect has been opened.