As solar power has become more widespread in your average American suburb, the systems themselves have become more regulated. In many ways, this is a good thing, as it ensures that you’re receiving a safe and reliable system that will function within the city’s power grid. Along with those regulations comes requirements that protect not only you, but the city grid and the grid workers. One such safety requirement is the rapid shutdown function. While the name may sound self-explanatory, you should understand exactly what rapid shutdown is in your solar power system and why it’s so important. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Rapid Shutdown?
The rapid shutdown safety feature is a requirement put into place by the NEC, or National Electrical Code, for all photovoltaic systems—the fancy term for solar power systems. This mandate requires that all solar systems are equipped to quickly reduce the voltage of the panels to a safe level when necessary. Without it, solar panels can continue to produce electricity even after the main power supply is turned off, posing a significant safety risk.
Protecting First Responders
If there is a fire or other emergency at your home, rapid shutdown can ensure that the voltage in the system is reduced to non-lethal levels in a matter of seconds. This is crucial for the safety of emergency responders who might need to cut through a roof or handle electrical equipment during rescue operations. The rapid shutdown requirement can allow emergency personnel to perform their duties without fear of danger from errant (and potentially deadly) electrical currents.
Compliance with Regulations
Not to put too fine a point on it, but rapid shutdown functionality on your solar power system isn’t just a good idea—it’s required by law. The NEC has specific guidelines for rapid shutdown, and failure to comply with these guidelines land you in hot water—hot water that’s full of fines, too. Ensuring your solar system is equipped with this feature keeps you compliant and helps you avoid potential financial penalties.
Keeping Your Family Safe
That rapid shutdown feature can also give you peace of mind, knowing that your solar system can be safely deactivated in an emergency. In a natural disaster, errant electrical currents can be lethal, and knowing that your solar power system will automatically reduce its charge to nonlethal levels can help you feel a little safer even in the worst of circumstances. And, of course, as mentioned above, you can have the comfort of knowing that emergency responders can get to your family and offer help more quickly and safely with this feature.
Verifying Your Inverter’s Capabilities
If you’re installing a solar power system, make sure that the inverter you select is rapid shutdown ready, like the Fronius three-phase inverter, and that you understand all of the requirements to ensure that feature is functional. If you’re at all uncertain, contact a solar power professional for help.
