SolarEdge is leading the way in safety innovations

South Africa’s increasing solar imports:

South Africa’s imports of solar panels have skyrocketed, hitting R70 billion ($3.8 billion) in 2023, a significant increase from R17.5 billion in 2022. This rise is fueled by initiatives aimed at addressing power shortages and load-shedding, leading to an increased dependence on rooftop solar systems and battery storage. Imports from China surged fourfold to reach 3.4 GW in early 2023, underscoring the nation’s transition toward renewable energy. In 2024, a 10% import tax was implemented to promote domestic manufacturing. The solar expansion in South Africa illustrates a determined effort toward enhancing energy security and sustainability.

The incidents encouraged investors to use wisdom:

Recent media has highlighted fires associated with solar energy, causing fear among potential investors.

The fire that broke out at Vodacom’s head office on 9 July 2023 was reportedly linked to solar panels, but these claims were quickly dismissed. In another case, electrical arcing from solar panels caused a factory roof fire, requiring the panels to be isolated before firefighters could successfully extinguish the fire.

Arcing happens in a photovoltaic (PV) system as a result of damaged, decreased, or wrong-connected connectors and cables. Electrical sparks can electrify the entire installation, charging the mounting system and posing an electric shock risk to anyone who comes into touch with it.

SolarEdge is linked with security:

Thankfully, SolarEdge is a reliable supplier of superior security measures that will reassure even the most careful home or business owners. Their devotion is demonstrated by their creative approach to addressing possible dangers, which includes two critical built-in features: SafeDCTM and Arc Fault Detection and Management. These innovative elements work together to significantly limit the dangers connected with solar system fires, ensuring a safe and dependable solar energy source.

SolarEdge inverters with built-in safety features are specifically built to reduce the impacts of possible spiraling faults, which can lead to fire risks. This development rapidly leads to an automated shutdown. Users can manually restart the system while in standby mode to ensure a safe and thorough test before resuming operation. This multipurpose function increases human safety and protective equipment, while the PV solar prevents any structural damage to the system.

SolarEdge’s key safety features:

• SafeDCTM reduces the voltage of each solar module to touch safe DC levels during inverter shutdown and grid failure.
• The rip shutdown mechanism discharges the conductors to a safe voltage level within 30 seconds, providing first responders safe access to the roof in case of an emergency.
• Built-in protection prevents arc faults through automatic inverter and module-level shutdown.
• Thermal sensors inside the power optimizer connectors monitor and detect faulty wiring.
• Module-level monitoring provides automatic information on system problems and greater monitoring of individual panel performance.
• Battery thermal sensors reduce the risk of battery overheating.

Conclusion

Finally, SolarEdge is transforming South Africa’s solar energy market with unique safety features. SolarEdge is setting new industry safety standards by committing to developing the next generation of solutions that allow homeowners and businesses to harness the sun’s power safely and productively. 

SolarEdge power optimizers and inverters provide complete protection during installation, maintenance, and emergency scenarios. The company’s unique solutions focus on installation and firefighter safety, maintaining its position as an industry leader. 

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