![]() ![]() These devices have to operate for years in what is a particularly harsh environment. “Since then, rooftop isolators have been proven by inspection data to be the largest single source of PV system failure.”Īn interesting point is while AS/NZS 5033 also applies in New Zealand, there is an exception for Kiwi installations in this regard – they do not require a rooftop DC isolator (nor is it a requirement in some other countries). “Rooftop DC isolators were made mandatory through AS/NZS 5033 in 2012,” states the Clean Energy Council. ![]() The isolators have caused more problems than they have solved, particularly when installed incorrectly. But fires occurring in rooftop solar arrays have been rare and the use of the switch by emergency services, given its location, has apparently been even rarer. The reasoning behind the requirement was primarily to help better protect emergency services. Solar power system owners don’t have a choice as to whether a rooftop isolator is installed – it is currently required. It was intended as an additional safety mechanism as there are also isolator switches at ground level adjacent to the inverter or enclosed within the inverter itself. Pictured above, a rooftop DC isolator is manually operated switch situated adjacent to a solar panel array that shuts off DC current between the array and the solar inverter. There is a growing call for an end to the very unpopular rooftop isolator requirement for solar power system installations in Australia. ![]()
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