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.

Apply for Product Certification
SunSpec Communication Signal for Rapid Shutdown Test Specification

Applicable Components

SunSpec Rapid Shutdown is typically implemented in association with Inverters and PV modules though other configurations are possible.

Integrated Component View

SunSpec communication signal for module level rapid shutdown diagram

Please provide your contact info to download these files. Available files/links:
  • Rapid Shutdown Fact Sheet (PDF)
  • SunSpec Communication Signal for Rapid Shutdown Functional Specification
  • Communication Signal for Rapid Shutdown Test Specification
  • SunSpec Rapid Shutdown Mark Use Guidelines
  • PICS Template

Market Benefits of the Rapid Shutdown Specification and Certification Program

First Responder Safety Provides simple, robust, and reliable solution to shut down the voltage at module level to 1V per module (NEC2017 requires < 80V).
Industry Benefits and Growth 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.
Consumer Benefits and Protection 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

Solar Standards: What is SunSpec?

Feb 6, 2019

Join Tom Tansy of the SunSpec Alliance and Chris Connell, National Tech Sales Advisor for Fronius at this March 13 webinar hosted by CivicSolar related to the Rapid Shutdown protocol and NEC 2017...

The Importance of Industry Standards

Dec 5, 2018

Originally published by Fronius. Read the full article on their website. As the solar industry is maturing, technical industry standards gain importance and will be a crucial aspect for the further...