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.
Applicable Components
SunSpec Rapid Shutdown is typically implemented in association with Inverters and PV modules though other configurations are possible.
Integrated Component View
- 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
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
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...
Fronius Symo Advanced Inverter Receives First SunSpec Rapid Shutdown Certification
Portage, IN and San Jose, CA - May 21, 2019 – Fronius USA and SunSpec Alliance today announced the first SunSpec Certified™ Rapid Shutdown certification designation. The Fronius Symo Advanced is the...
Solar Standards: What is SunSpec?
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...
NEC 2017 Primer for Solar Installers: Manufacturers Explain How Their Products Meet the Updated Code
Originally published by Solar Builder. Visit their site for the full article. Jan. 1, 2019, is almost upon us, which means the National Electric Code (NEC) 2017 is almost in effect. Not all...
The Importance of Industry Standards
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...
Taking the Lead on Solar-panel Safety with a Reference Design Specifically for Rapid Shutdown
Originally published via Texas Instruments website. Visit their site for full article. Did you know that TI is one of the first semiconductor companies to offer designs for the rapid shutdown of...