Massachusetts-based Solectria has introduced a Rapid Shutdown (RSD) Combiner for its single-phase inverters for residential photovoltaic installations.
The RSD Combiner option enables compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) 2014, Article 690.12, requiring rooftop installations to de-energize conductors outside of a 10-foot boundary from the array. Solectria says the system has been designed to integrate seamlessly with its PVI 3800-7600TL single-phase, transformerless inverters. It allows for operation of dual maximum power point tracking (MPPT) zone configurations with two strings per MPPT zone.
The inverter provides a signal to enable or disable the RSD Combiner. If the RSD Combiner is enabled, the array automatically – upon loss of AC power at inverter – shuts down the system without an additional power supply, disconnect or activation switch.