5 benefits to standardized solutions for rapid shutdown

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By Tom Tansy, chairman of the SunSpec Alliance

Rapid shutdown compliance has become a bit of a pain point for professionals in the solar industry, but there is good reason for this rule when it comes to first responder safety and working around a solar array. While safety is the essential and most important purpose, rapid shutdown also has a host of other benefits.

With 34 states now requiring rapid shutdown for PV arrays, compliance is necessary. But it doesn’t have to be painful. A growing number of manufacturers and balance-of-system suppliers have recognized that producing solutions that can operate using the same open communication standard and specifications, which the SunSpec Alliance has developed, can make it much easier for industry professionals to design projects and install systems that function well for the life of the system.

There are a multitude of benefits when using a standardized solution that is SunSpec-certified for rapid shutdown, from risk mitigation to compatibility to cost. Here is a closer look at five of the key benefits for solar installers.

Freedom of choice

SunSpec rapid shutdown-certified solutions offer more choice to installers. Ideally, as more solutions are certified, installers will have a wide selection of products and solutions from multiple suppliers that can be combined and work across a common communication standard.

This means an installer won’t be locked into one brand or platform, or have to rely on a single supplier with a non-standardized solution, but will instead have several component choices that can work across systems while meeting their individual needs or preferences when it comes to other features like size, color or cost.

Cost reduction

The adoption of standardized products will help stabilize the market and reduce the risk associated with relying on one supplier. This makes it more cost-effective to use standardized solutions for rapid shutdown. With standardized components, the cost for each item goes down, so the final assembly of a system will have a lower overall build cost.

This savings could be passed on to the consumer, or it can be recuperated as profit for the installer. Either way, it’s a winning strategy.

Checks system health

When using a product certified with SunSpec’s rapid shutdown technology, the signaling system acts as a health check. Every time the system is commissioned (which essentially happens every time the sun comes up), if every panel turns on and transmits a signal, a customer will know their system is working. If something doesn’t work in a panel or inverter, it will be apparent right away as long as the customer has gained some understanding of their system and how it operates.

This makes it easier for a customer to know when to call a service provider for a repair, whereas a system that doesn’t operate with standardized solutions could take months to indicate any problems.

Compatibility of components and seamless integration

In today’s industry, amid COVID-19 and trade tensions, no supplier is really safe from disruption to their business. But imagine you design a system based on one brand or a single supplier, and the product malfunctions or fails. What if that supplier has gone out of business or halted manufacturing five years from now?

Instead, when installers use a product that is SunSpec-certified for rapid shutdown, it would be much easier to find a compatible product to replace it with, whether or not the original supplier is operating. The installer can pick any component and place it in the array, and the system will continue to operate with no disruption as opposed to working with an out-of-stock product, which would require an entire redesign.

This means long-term system health, knowing components can be easily updated or replaced and still be interoperable.

Simpler compliance and satisfied customers

With more standardized solutions for rapid shutdown coming onto the market, installers have additional options that they know will be compliant with rapid shutdown requirements. An installer does not have to wait for a product to be available from a certain supplier, and the system build won’t be held up because of a missing component. In turn, customers will be more satisfied as they are less likely to experience delays in their systems being commissioned.

The SunSpec Alliance is committed to applying standards to the distributed energy industry, which will ultimately help transform the solar PV marketplace and create an environment that makes it easier and more cost-effective for solar professionals to do business.

See Article here.

New Webinar is Coming: APsmart & CPS Commercial PV RSD Solution

APsmart & CPS are offering an technical training webinar on the evolution of Rapid Shutdown requirements, and detailing the RSD solutions.

The webinar will be held on 10:00 AM PST, August 20th, 2020 and the training program will cover product introduction, proper installation and the compatibility between CPS inverters and APsmart’s Rapid Shutdown Systems (PVRSS).

APsmart has established a long-term partnership with CPS, the leading commercial inverter supplier in the U.S., to promote an innovative new solution for module-level Rapid Shutdown that meets and exceeds NEC 2017 standards.

From the developers at APsystems, APsmart offers state-of-the-art PV module rapid shutdown devices (RSD-S-PLC), ideal for any new or existing string or central inverter system, and meeting Sunspec and U.S. NEC 2017 690.12 Rapid Shutdown requirements. Leveraging APsystems’ proven expertise in module-level power electronics, APsmart solutions are powered by ASIC with internal IP and integrated with TI chips at the system-level application.

Register here to learn more about the certified PV Rapid Shutdown System utilizing APsmart RSD devices and CPS inverters available now.

SolaX Power Inverters Offer Rapid Shutdown with APsmart’s PVRSS Solution

APsmart proudly announced that SolaX Power Inverters are listed on its Photovoltaic Rapid Shutdown Systems (PVRSS) certification to the UL 1741 standard. A total of eight SolaX inverter models were testing by CSA and certified to be used with APsmart’s PVRSS solutions.

SolaX Power joins the APsmart PVRSS certified compatibility list, along with eight other unique inverter brands, including CHINT, CSI, DELTA, FRONIUS, GOODWE, GROWATT, SOLIS and SOLECTRIA. More inverter manufacturers continue to be tested and added to the ever-growing list of compatible inverters with APsmart’s PVRSS.

The compatibility of these inverters and APsmart Rapid Shutdown Systems (PVRSS) enables APsmart to offer a more reliable, flexible, safe and cost-effective solution to both residential and commercial systems. The APsmart PVRSS has been certified by CSA to meet the UL 1741 standard for electrical safety and is fully compliant with the National Electric Code (NEC) 2014, 2017, and 2020 690.12 Rapid Shutdown requirements.

A key part of the APsmart PVRSS is the Rapid Shutdown Device(RSD). APsmart’s RSD System offers built-in safety, reliable technology, and is already CSA, TUV and SunSpec Alliance certified, which demonstrates the robust safety and quality of the RSD product. The APsmart RSD has already been shipped and installed in multiple projects around the world, and is ready for application to your next project.

 

Fronius Inverters Now Listed Under APsmart’s PVRSS Solution Sunspec Standard Compliance

APsmart proudly announces Fronius as the latest addition to its list of inverter manufacturers under its Photovoltaic Rapid Shutdown Systems (PVRSS) certification to the UL 1741 standard. A total of eight Fronius inverter models were testing by CSA and certified to be used with APsmart’s PVRSS solutions.

Fronius joins the APsmart PVRSS certified compatibility list, along with seven other unique inverter brands, including CHINT, CSI, DELTA, GOODWE, GROWATT, SOLIS and SOLECTRIA. More inverter manufacturers continue to be tested and added to the ever-growing list of compatible inverters with APsmart’s PVRSS.

The compatibility of these inverters and APsmart Rapid Shutdown Systems (PVRSS) enables APsmart to offer a more reliable, flexible, safe and cost-effective solution to both residential and commercial systems. The APsmart PVRSS has been certified by CSA to meet the UL 1741 standard for electrical safety and is fully compliant with the National Electric Code (NEC) 2014, 2017, and 2020 690.12 Rapid Shutdown requirements.

A key part of the APsmart PVRSS is the Rapid Shutdown Device(RSD). APsmart’s RSD System offers built-in safety, reliable technology, and is already CSA, TUV and SunSpec Alliance certified, which demonstrates the robust safety and quality of the RSD product. The APsmart RSD has already been shipped and installed in multiple projects around the world, and is ready for application to your next project.

APsystems Responds to Tigo Lawsuit

APsystems has always worked diligently to conceive and develop its own proprietary intellectual property. Like many rapid shutdown solution providers, APsystems’ product complies with the Sunspec rapid shutdown specification, the industry standard protocol that defines RSD communication and control requirements, which is not exclusive to Tigo.
APsystems is confident there is no infringement on any Tigo IP and will vigorously defend its intellectual property rights and the business of its customers. There is no substance to Tigo’s allegations and APsystems looks forward to the opportunity to prove that.
For more information on the SunSpec open standard for Rapid Shutdown, visit: rapidshutdown.sunspec.org

SunSpec Rapid Shutdown Ecosystem Doubles as Companies Embrace Certification

North American Clean Energy
May 14, 2020

The SunSpec Alliance is pleased to report that six additional SunSpec members have announced products and services supporting the SunSpec Communication Signal for Rapid Shutdown standard, bringing the size of the SunSpec Rapid Shutdown ecosystem to 12 companies.

SunSpec Rapid Shutdown ecosystem participants include balance-of-system suppliers with stand-alone PV module-level initiators and transmitter products (APsystems, JMTHY, Midnite Solar, StÀubli and ZERUN); inverter manufacturers with integrated transmitters (Fronius, Ginlong and SMA); semiconductor companies (Texas Instruments) and SunSpec Authorized Testing Laboratories (CSA, Intertek and UL).

“With the addition of these influential companies, the SunSpec Rapid Shutdown ecosystem is stronger than ever and has increased capacity to promote safety and standardization across the distributed energy landscape,” said Tom Tansy, chairman of the SunSpec Alliance. “As more solutions come to market to help integrators comply with rapid shutdown requirements, these leaders are ensuring safe deployment of solar and storage systems in the U.S.”

Since it launched the SunSpec Communication Signal for Rapid Shutdown standard, the SunSpec Alliance has continued to hone and simplify the SunSpec Certification process and interoperability program. Important advancements include harmonizing test requirements with the UL 1741 standard and mobilizing a co-operative marketing and educational program to raise the visibility and awareness of SunSpec Rapid Shutdown solutions. SunSpec has also recently enhanced its local support capabilities for manufacturing partners in Asia.

With this ecosystem expansion, solar professionals have more choices and a wider range of cost-effective, standardized solutions to comply with rapid shutdown requirements. A total of nine product lines from six manufacturers have achieved SunSpec Certified status, adding to a list of 79 products from 56 companies that have achieved SunSpec Certified status so far.

TESTIMONIALS:

“The SunSpec Rapid Shutdown standard provides a communication platform for PV system module level rapid shutdown devices (MLRSD). APsystems develops MLRSD and transmitters certified to the SunsSpec standard. The products allow seamless integration and high reliability in solar systems with many inverters. This provides designers and installers the flexibility to optimize the system cost and performance. Since the standard unifies MLRSD communication and simplifies our design, APsystems can focus on optimizing product design and manufacturing to drive down the cost. The standard brings great value to the solar industry in safety, cost and performance.”  

-Yuhao Luo, CTO, APsystems

“Fronius has been an early member of the SunSpec Alliance and is excited to see more industry standards emerge. SunSpec has a proven track record of successfully establishing industry standards, such as Modbus communications or smart inverter specifications. We were among the first ones to launch a product based on the new SunSpec Rapid Shutdown standard and are excited to see the ecosystem of products grow. Our belief is that industry standards support innovation to drive down cost and to allow customer choice.”  

-Richard Baldinger, Head of Marketing and Inside Sales, Fronius

“The PowerStore, a preferred channel partner for Fronius, is pleased to support the SunSpec Alliance with industry standardized products for solar and storage professionals. We are a national distributor that offers manufacturer agnostic solutions and competitive pricing for many different NEC 2017 compliant and SunSpec compliant products and solutions. Our knowledgeable staff are NEC and NABCEP trained with the ability to offer design assistance to installers across the U.S.”

-Stewart White, Vice President, The PowerStore

“By using a SunSpec certified rapid shutdown device, SMA and our partners benefit from a best-in-class shutdown solution. Solar integrators can meet code, expedite installation, reduce component count for improved reliability, and eliminate risk associated with proprietary single-sourced alternatives. SunSpec has been a game-changer for SMA and our installers.”

-Brad Dore, Director of Marketing, SMA America

“The NEC 2017 Rapid Shutdown requirements add a significant level of complexity and new equipment in order to meet the prescribed operation parameters. The fact that these new components need to communicate with each other in order to function effectively leaves two realistic Rapid Shutdown system configurations: a fully proprietary solution supplied by a single manufacturer or a methodology that allows products from a multitude of suppliers to effectively and safely work together. The latter is by far the preferred situation as it allows manufacturers to focus on specific system components that can benefit most from their experience and technologies. This gives the designer/installer the most flexibility when specifying components for their PV systems, both from the point of cost optimizing and using their preferred equipment suppliers. This (realistically) can only happen if a robust, trusted, open-source communication format exists that all these manufacturers can rely on and build their components around. This is what makes the work of the Sunspec Alliance so invaluable. Because of its acceptance as the leader in standardization of industry practices, and the fact that it is a collaboration of industry experts and manufacturers, it positions them to be the best possible source for a standardized communication protocol.” 

-Brian Mills, Product Manager, Alternative Energy, StÀubli

“Working with leading suppliers of rooftop solar systems for many years, we at Texas Instruments recognize the importance of an easy-to-implement and safe solution for rapid shutdown. We will continue to help SunSpec Alliance establish an open standard so solar companies can deploy safer and more effective designs.”

-Jose Sacripanti, Analog Marketing Manager, Texas Instruments

“In combination with the UL 1741 standards technical panel of experts, UL is the standards development organization that published safety requirements for PV Rapid Shutdown Systems (PVRSS) and PV Rapid Shutdown Equipment (PVRSE). These PVRSS and PVRSE requirements were added to UL 1741, 2nd edition, on December 22nd, 2017, to include safety requirements to reduce hazards for firefighters working near PV arrays. We applaud SunSpec’s success in this space. UL proudly works with SunSpec as an authorized test lab to test products to the SunSpec Rapid Shutdown Communication Standard. The combination of the SunSpec communication signal with the safety requirements of UL 1741 for PVRSS and PVRSE results in a powerful combination for implementation of PV systems.”

-Scott Picco, Business Development Manager, UL LLC

SunSpec Alliance | http://www.sunspec.org

Upcoming Webinar: APsmart Commercial Rapid Shutdown Solution

Join APsmart for this informative webinar on its Rapid Shutdown Device (RSD) & Transmitter solution. The webinar will take place on two dates:

Wednesday, May 27th at 9:00 am PT / 12:00 pm ET
Wednesday, June 3rd at 9:00 am PT / 12:00 pm ET

APsmart Webinar: Rapid Shutdown Solution Overview and Installation Training

Description: This webinar will cover the features and benefits of the Rapid Shutdown Device (RSD) and Transmitter comprising APsmart’s convenient rapid shutdown system for commercial projects. Attendees will learn:

  • An overview of the APsmart Rapid Shutdown solution
  • Details about the system technology and capability
  • Benefits and options of using the APsmart RSD and Transmitter solution
  • Installation and operation of the RSD and Transmitter

The APsmart RSD System is a SunSpec Alliance Certified (paired) device which maintains constant communication between the RSD-S-PLC and Transmitter-PLC, constantly monitoring voltage and current. When proper voltage is not detected, the Transmitter-PLC stops sending the keep-alive signal to the RSD-S-PLC device, initiating a module-level rapid shutdown sequence.

From the developers at APsystems, APsmart offers state-of-the-art PV module rapid shutdown devices (RSD-S-PLC), ideal for any new or existing string or central inverter system, and meeting U.S. NEC 2017 690.12 Rapid Shutdown requirements. Leveraging APsystems’ proven expertise in module-level power electronics, APsmart solutions are powered by ASIC with internal IP and integrated with TI chips at the system-level application.

APsmart Sponsors the CPS Solar Comedy Slam!

APsmart, the global supplier of DC MLPE Rapid shutdown devices, will sponsor the CPS Solar Comedy Slam held the week of Intersolar in San Diego, CA. APsmart understands the importance of building community believes in the power of laughter. Our team is very much looking forward to the event.

The Solar Comedy Slam is produced by CPS, and is a stand-up comedy competition with your funniest colleagues as the comedians. It brings together solar and storage professionals from across the industry through a friendly competition of comedy. The tickets are free, but are only available from sponsors. If you are interested, please contact APsmart for tickets.

The Solar Comedy Slam will take place on Wednesday, Feb 5, 2020, in San Diego the week of Intersolar North America. Be sure to come by the APsmart/APsystems booth #835 and check out our latest products.

Event Location: Whiskey Girl, GASLAMP QUARTER, 702 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (Walking distance to the San Diego Convention Center)
Time: Feb 5, 2020 @ 8PM

APsmart Exhibits at Intersolar North America, Feb 4-6

APsmart Exhibits at Intersolar North America, Feb 4-6

Intersolar North America 2020, one of the world’s largest PV conventions, comes to San Diego on Feb. 4-6 – and APsmart will be there in force.

Join APsmart at our booth 835, where we’ll bring you the most advanced rapid shutdown compliance solution—the newly launched MLPE DC Rapid Shutdown Device (RSD) and Transmitter.
APsmart’s RSD System offers built-in safety, reliable technology, and is already CSA, TUV and SunSpec Alliance certified, which emphasizes the robust safety and quality of the RSD product. The fully-compliant RSD devices will be available for shipment in Q1.

If you need more detailed information email us at info@APsmartglobal.com.

We look forward to seeing you all at Intersolar North America 2020!

Intersolar North America
Date: 4-6 Feb, 2020
Booth: #835
Venue: San Diego Convention Center | San Diego, CA

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and happy New Year.

– Your friends at APsmart