FROM DATA COMMUNICATION and fnance standard perspectives, the move to
1500V should be seamless.
Standards in the communication area (e.g. IEC 61850, IEEE 1815, IEEE
2030.5 and SunSpec over Modbus) are the same. The advanced inverter functions being introduced to IEEE 1547 (e.g. frequency/voltage regulation, reactive
power control, etc.) to manage rooftop systems are likewise the same for utility-scale. Differences exist in system management approaches (on-site personnel for utility scale vs. off-site personnel for rooftop), but the underlying infrastructure (i.e. protocols, tools) for both segments is similar.
Finance standards are somewhat different for utility-scale, but here the
rooftop segment is catching up, which means no disadvantage for 1500 volts.
The SunSpec Alliance is engaged with the U.S. DOE SunShot program on the
“Orange Button” initiative to ensure fnancing standards remain consistent for
all market sectors.
In safety standards, the overlap between 1500-volt systems and rooftop systems is minimal. At utility scale, and assuming inherent safety concerns are
mitigated, the benefts of 1500-volt systems are obvious (higher effciency, longer
string runs, smaller conductors) and therefore adoption should be strong.
TMEIC is prepared for the 1500V solar market as demonstrated by our recent
release of the world’s frst 1500VDC PV inverter certifed to UL1741. This
development is an exciting step in the shift to higher DC voltages as it allows
Is Your Company Prepared for
a 1500-volt Solar Market?
For utility-scale solar projects, the move to 1500 volts means that overall project installations costs
will be less because fewer balance of system (BOS) parts will be required and labor will be reduced.
How are product manufacturers, installers, project developers and other stakeholders preparing
for the switch? Have they rolled out new products and services? Do they plan to in the future?
Explore how prepared the solar industry is for higher-voltage PV plants
by reading the responses to this month’s big question: Is your company
prepared for a 1500-volt solar market? Why or why not? à
Tom Tansey
SunSpec Alliance
