APsmart Introduces Cost-Effective and Easy-to-Install RSD-D Rapid Shutdown Device

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APsmart, the global leading supplier of DC MLPE Rapid shutdown devices, announces the launch of its dual-module Rapid Shutdown Device, the RSD-D. A key component of a PVRSE solution to meet NEC photovoltaic rapid shutdown requirements, the RSD-D is capable of serving two PV modules simultaneously, is quick and easy to install, and is highly cost-effective.

The new RSD-D meets NEC 2017 & 2020 (690.12) requirements, enabling the critical rapid shutdown function while simultaneously improving product cost and performance. By using the RSD-D and Transmitter-PLC in solar PV installations, the connection between each module can be cut off remotely or manually in case of an emergency, thus eliminating any high voltage DC in the solar array, which reduces the risk of accidents and improves the safety of the PV system.

The highlights of RSD-D include:

  • Dual-input channel
  • Supports modules at 8-80V Per Channel
  • Maximum Current is 15A per input
  • Buckle to the PV module frame directly
  • IP68 enclosure rating
  • Meets NEC 2017 & 2020 (690.12) requirements
  • Executes rapid shutdown of system when Transmitter-PLC signal is absent
  • Meets SunSpec requirements

The RSD-D is already CSA, FCC, SunSpec Alliance-certified, and the recent addition of TUV Rheinland certification further emphasizes the robust safety and quality of the product. The fully-compliant RSD-D devices will be shipping soon to markets worldwide.

FIMER partners with APsystems for rapid shutdown certifications

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FIMER, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of solar inverters, has announced its UNO-DM-PLUS-Q-US and PVS-60-TL-US string inverters for residential and C&I applications in the US are now fully compatible with the APsmart Photovoltaic Rapid Shutdown Equipment (PVRSE) from APsystems.

The APsmart system by APsystems allows constant monitoring and communication between the RSD-S-PLC and Transmitter-PLC, which means that FIMER’s inverters now meet the mandatory rapid shutdown regulatory requirements for grid connection in the US.

With the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reporting that the US installed 3.8GW of solar PV capacity in Q3 2020, and that residential installations increased by 14 percent between Q2 to Q3, the US solar PV market is expected to continue its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic with growth during 2021 and beyond.

The partnership means FIMER’s inverters can now be coupled with a cost-effective, safe, and reliable rapid shutdown solution which is UL 1741 certified and fully compliant with the National Electric Code (NEC) 2014, 2017 and 2020 690.12 Rapid Shutdown Requirements.

FIMER VP Technology for the US Ananda Hartzell said: “As a provider of a comprehensive, innovative portfolio of solar inverter products, systems and services addressing all market segments and types of solar installations, FIMER is well-positioned to support the demand in the US’ residential, commercial and industrial solar sectors. Working with APsystems means we now have one of the most widely recognised and respected solutions on the market, as its RSD system is already installed in approximately 300,000 around the globe and comes with 25 years’ warranty.”

The APsmart RSD System is a SunSpec Alliance-certified device which allows constant monitoring and communication between the RSD-S-PLC and Transmitter-PLC. FIMER’s string inverters, combined with APsmart’s RSD devices, offer a solution which provides all the required safety features to shut down a PV array at the module-level, which is the safest way to de-energize a PV system.

Olivier Jacques, APsystems business unit president and global executive vice president, further added: “FIMER is one of the largest manufacturers of solar inverters in the world, and its product portfolio complemented our rapid shutdown system solutions, meaning that end customers can be confident that FIMER’s inverters meet the rapid shutdown requirements in the US.”

The products are available through both FIMER and APsystems’ APsmart distribution partner networks.

APsystems Announces PVRSE Compatibility with its APsmart RSD and SMA Inverters

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Module-level Rapid Shutdown solution for SMA-powered solar arrays in the United States

SEATTLE–APsystems welcomes SMA to its growing network of inverter manufacturers compatible with its APsmart brand of Sunspec standard-compliant Photovoltaic Rapid Shutdown Equipment (PVRSE). Solar professionals in the United States can now combine the complete range of SunSpec Rapid Shutdown-certified SMA inverters with a reliable, safe and cost-effective APsmart Rapid Shutdown solution. Available throughout APsmart US distribution partner networks, the APsmart RSD 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.

“We are proud to have SMA, one of the most respected and recognized brands in the industry, join our list of inverter manufacturing partners using the APsmart RSD with their products,” said Olivier Jacques, APsystems business unit president and global executive vice president.

Already compatible with leading inverter manufacturers including Chint, CSI, Delta, Fronius, GoodWe, Growatt, Solectria and Solis, the APsmart RSD comes with a 25-year warranty, and tens of thousands of units have already been installed around the world since its launch last year.

“The APsmart RSD is Sunspec certified for rapid shutdown and delivers an easy, reliable and cost-effective solution for code compliance,” said Charles Ellis, VP of sales for the Americas region, SMA America. “When paired with SMA inverters, installers can be confident this technology will deliver best-in-class performance.”

As a result of intensive testing and cooperation from both SMA and APsystems, the approved Rapid Shutdown solution will now be available to customers through the APsmart distribution channel.

“The APsmart RSD solution is quickly being accepted as the new industry benchmark for rapid shutdown devices,” said Dr. Yuhao Luo, APsystems CTO. “We’ve built a powerful, reliable product that through its core function prioritizes the safety of homeowners and first responders.”

Technical documentation on the RSD-S-PLC can be found on the APsmart website where interested installers and SMA channel partners can also register for an upcoming training webinar on the APsmart PVRSE.

APsystems Announces Tigo Claims against Parent Company Withdrawn

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SEATTLE–APsystems is pleased to announce that Tigo Energy has withdrawn its claims against APsystems’ parent company, Zhejiang Yuneng Technology. In an amended complaint that Tigo filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California late last month, Tigo amended its complaint to remove all claims against the parent company. APsystems views this as a positive development and confirmation that there is no evidence that its parent company has committed any act that Tigo can accuse of infringement.

APsystems continues to remain confident that it does not infringe on any valid Tigo IP, and will continue to vigorously defend its rights in this case. APsystems is currently working with its legal team to respond to Tigo’s complaint by October 19, 2020. A Case Management Conference is scheduled with the judge on October 28, 2020, at which time APsystems will learn more about the judge’s thoughts on case scheduling and procedure.

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

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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

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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.

CPS Webinar Promotes Benefits of APsmart Rapid Shutdown Solutions: Elegant, Simple, Cost-effective

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On March 26th, CPS America, the leading commercial inverter supplier in the U.S., hosted an in-depth webinar on the evolution of Rapid Shutdown (RSD) requirements, and detailing the RSD solutions, in particular, APsmart’s Rapid Shutdown Solution which has already been both lab & field tested and commercially installed.

APsmart and CPS have established a long-term partnership to promote this innovative new solution for module-level Rapid Shutdown to meet and exceed NEC 2017 standards.

APsmart is the best choice among available RSD solutions:

-Simple: the APsmart RSD solution is simple to install and easy to use. It not only fulfills the NEC code requirement, but is already in the field with proven compatibility with CPS.

-Flexible: The APsmart RSD-S-PLC is flexible enough for install on multiple locations on PV modules, especially with Bifacial. With its clever clip-on design, there’s no need to drill into the frame, and it’s easy to install & replace if needed.

-Reliable: APsmart RSD solutions focus solely on the RSD function, meaning fewer electronics in the system and greater reliability in the field compared with 1:2 and 1:4 monitoring designs.

APsmart’s RSD System offers built-in safety, reliable technology, and is already CSA, TUV and SunSpec Alliance certified, emphasizing 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.