Photovoltaic grid-connected circuit breaker circuit board

Why is circuit breaker selection important in solar PV systems?

Background In solar PV systems, circuit breaker selection is something that is easily overlooked and time should be taken to select the correct solution. If the circuit breaker is not appropriate, it will cause frequent tripping of equipment, overheating damage and even system fire.

What are pvgardtm solar circuit breakers?

PVGardTM solar circuit breakers are part of a product family that combines a disconnect with overcurrent protection in one device to protect photovoltaic systems. PVGard breakers can replace fuses and disconnects in combiner box and inverter applications—saving space, streamlining purchasing and receiving, and reducing spare parts requirements.

How to choose a circuit breaker in a PV system?

For the selection of circuit breakers in PV systems, temperature is the most important consideration. According to the IEC 60947-2 standard, all circuit breakers have a datasheet detailing the derating/increasing current value of the ambient temperature.

What is a direct current circuit breaker?

Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert the energy of the sun into electrical power that is fed directly into the electric grid. Within the balance of system (BOS), direct current (DC) circuit breakers protect the wiring connected from the PV modules to the combiner or the inverter, while also functioning as a disconnect.

What is a DC circuit breaker?

Within the balance of system (BOS), direct current (DC) circuit breakers protect the wiring connected from the PV modules to the combiner or the inverter, while also functioning as a disconnect. Eaton is a global leader in circuit protection and brings this expertise to bear in the photovoltaic market.

How do you calculate a circuit breaker size for a SolarEdge inverter?

Multiply the inverter's maximum continuous output current by the factor. Round up the rated size, as calculated in step 1, to the closest standard circuit breaker size. See Circuit Breaker Criteria table below for standard sizes suitable for SolarEdge three phase inverters. If the result has a decimal fraction smaller than 0.5 round it down.