SunSpec Rapid Shutdown Certification
The SunSpec Certified program for Rapid Shutdown verifies compliance to the SunSpec Communication Signal for Rapid Shutdown Functional Specification to meet the requirement established by National Electrical Code (NEC) 2017. PV module-level power control and safety (“rapid shutdown”) is required in 24 states starting in January 2019 and will affect millions of PV panels and all solar inverters. This standard is tested using UL 1741 SA criteria.
SunSpec Rapid Shutdown Certification Testing must be conducted by one of our Authorized Test Labs (ATLs). Each test lab is free to determine its own testing and fee structures. Once a Certification Application and payment have been submitted to SunSpec a shared space is opened where your ATL test engineer can submit test results for our analysis. SunSpec evaluates the test results for compliance to SunSpec Communication Signal for Rapid Shutdown Functional Specification and theSunSpec Communication Signal for Rapid Shutdown Test Specification and then awards the Certificate!
The SunSpec Rapid Shutdown package includes:
- Rapid Shutdown Fact Sheet (PDF)
- SunSpec Communication Signal for Rapid Shutdown Functional Specification
- SunSpec Communication Signal for Rapid Shutdown Test Specification
- PICS Template
Complete form to access specifications
Applicable Components
SunSpec Rapid Shutdown is typically implemented in association with Inverters and PV modules though other configurations are possible.
Integrated Component View
Market Benefits of the Rapid Shutdown Specification and Certification Program
Provides simple, robust, and reliable solution to shut down the voltage at module level to 1V per module (NEC2017 requires < 80V).
Lowest cost solution to what is a fundamental market requirement.
Reduces installation and interconnection cost with Plug-and-Play system components.Reports system health every time the sun comes up or the system is re-activated.
Open standard protects consumers with competitive pricing, multi-vendor choices, differentiated options and value availability. Ensures system service and upgrades with choice of vendors and interoperable components.Increases consumer safety and confidence in DER technology.
Rapid Shutdown News and Updates
SunSpec Rapid Shutdown Ecosystem Doubles as Companies Embrace Certification
Industry Leaders Unite in Support of Rapid Shutdown Standard SAN JOSE, Calif., May 13, 2020—The SunSpec Alliance is pleased to report that six additional SunSpecmembers have announced products and...
SunSpec Rapid Shutdown Ecosystem Doubles as Companies Embrace Certification
For full article, visit North American Clean Energy. The SunSpec Alliance is pleased to report that six additional SunSpec members have announced products and services supporting the SunSpec...
Rejoice for Choice: 12 Companies Now in the SunSpec Rapid Shutdown Ecosystem
For full article, visit Solar Builder Magazine. By Chris Crowell Product choice has been an issue with rapid shutdown requirements since the NEC 2017 update, but that tide is starting to turn. Six...
SunSpec Alliance Receives More Support for Rapid Shutdown Communication Standard
For full article, visit Solar Power World Online. By Kelsey Misbrener The SunSpec Alliance reported that six additional SunSpec members have announced products and services supporting the SunSpec...
Solis Inverters Earn SunSpec Rapid Shutdown Certification
For full article, visit Solar Power World Online. By Kelsey Misbrener Ginlong Technologies is rolling out its portfolio of SunSpec-certified residential, hybrid and commercial inverters to the U.S....
Rapid Shutdown Gets Its First Sunspec Certification in Fronius
For full article, visit PV Magazine. The Fronius Symo Advanced product line, which had already been NEC 2017 compliant when coupled with a Tigo TS-4, is now also certified for rapid shutdown by the...