Arc Fault Protection Cost. Requires arc fault protection for the dc wiring associated with solar photovoltaic pv systems. A series arc fault in one leg however is un likely to be at a dan ger ous level so will not be de tec ted.
Sma sunny boy us inverters are now available with integrated arc fault circuit interrupter afci functionality. Integrating afci functionality within the pv system inverter eliminates the cost and effort of installing additional arc fault circuit protection components to meet 2011 nec section 690 11 requirements. The cost is currently sitting between 70 to 200 per afdd depending on its type and rating.
In order to meet the 1 watt goal of the doe sunshot initiative arc fault protection must be provided within the context of 0 40 watt balance of system and 0 10 watt power electronics costs.
The arc fault detection devices are based on the siemens patented siarc detection technology. If the main box is full installing an extra one will allow homeowners to add more circuits. Turn off the main circuit breaker. The arc fault detection devices are based on the siemens patented siarc detection technology.
