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Utilities Held Accountable for Solar Performance

March 7, 2016

Guidelines to improve safety, energy efficiency of high-voltage solar systems.

A new certification has been created for 1500-volt solar photovoltaic systems that will verify stated performance and system safety. The certification standards from UL require checks on the cables, junction box, connectors, and photovoltaic modules, as well as addressing safety features to mitigate the threat of electrical hazards from the high voltage systems.

High voltage photovoltaic systems are an attractive option because they require fewer combiners and less wiring within the system, cutting labor costs and increasing efficiency. Lack of products, standards, and codes has slowed adoption, though UL’s experts believe that the guidelines will help improve the ability of energy and building professionals to make the case for upgrades that improve sustainability and energy efficiency.

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