© Siemens AG 2009

Standard-compliant compo-
nents of a photovoltaic system
BETA Low-Voltage Circuit Protection
Function no. 002
The exploitation of renewable energy sources is becoming increasingly im-
portant because of limited fossil fuel reserves. Apart from wind power plants,
the main interest is focused on photovoltaic systems. Both the ecological and
economic aspects of this are of great importance. This significance is also
reflected in the fact that the construction and operation of photovoltaic sys-
tems is now standardized in DIN VDE 0100-712. Compliance with this stan-
dard guarantees reliable construction and operation of PV systems.

Financial incentives are also making the installation and operation of solar
systems increasingly interesting for private households as well as for indus-
trial plants.
Light

Photovoltaic 1 Disconnection device

generator

2 Surge ~ Power inverter

arrester DC
3 MCB

4 RCCB

5
Surge arrester AC

kWh kWh
Consumption meter Infeed meter

6 SHU 6 SHU

I202_01371

Highlights:
• Standard-compliant components
• Comprehensive and coordinated product portfolio
• Simple planning and operation
• Quality products from a single source

Answers for infrastructure.


1 5TE2 disconnecting device
Secure installation of photovoltaic systems
Here we give you tips on constructing a complete
photovoltaic system with standard-compliant,
high-quality products from Siemens..
■■ Electrical power from light energy
Standard DIN VDE 0100-712 stipulates the
following minimum requirements for the
construction of a PV system: Disconnect-
ing devices are to be provided on both
sides of the inverter. The disconnecting
device on the DC side must have load
switching capability. If the design of the
PV system does not offer at least simple
isolation between the alternating and di-
rect current side, a type B residual current
protective device must be used on the AC
voltage side.
© Siemens AG 2009
2 5SD7 surge arrester DC
An overcurrent protective device for the
automatic disconnection of load circuits
must be available on the AC voltage side.
Siemens offers a comprehensive and
coordinated range of products to meet
these minimum requirements.
The central aspect for the operation of a
PV system with power feeding into the
local supply system is network security.
Reliable disconnection of the PV system
3 5SY miniature circuit breaker
in the event of a fault is particularly
important. It must be ensured that, if a
fault occurs, there is no voltage applied
in the house and that the solar modules
are isolated from the system at the infeed
point. The solar generator must also be
prevented from continuing to feed in
power in the event of network or system
faults. Additional points to be taken into
account are protection against lightning,
overvoltage and faults.
 © Siemens AG 2009

4 5SM3 SIQUENCE RCCB type B 5 5SD7 surge arrester AC 6 5SP3 main miniature circuit breaker

■■ Our recommendation for an
optimum design is as follows:
The disconnecting device required in
accordance with DIN VDE should be in-
stalled as near as possible to the solar
generator.
(type 2) is placed downstream of the
power inverter to protect the inverter
against surge voltages transmitted
through the supply network. The con-
figuration can vary depending on the
equipment of the inverter.
Depending on the power inverter used,
a SIQUENCE residual current protective
device type B is either required or advis-
able. After the power meter, equipment
approved by the responsible power supply
company is used.

A surge arrester (type 2) should be pro-
vided upstream of the inverter on the DC
voltage side to protect against surge volt-
ages due to lightning strikes or switching
operations. Another surge arrester
For the rest of the infeed system, we
provide a miniature circuit breaker
which acts as a disconnecting device
and simultaneously protects the line
on the AC side.
Siemens supplies not only all compo-
nentsneeded for reliable operation of a
solar power system, but moreover also
a coordinated product portfolio for the
electrical installation.

What you need:

Product Order No.

1 Disconnectingdevice: DC isolator up to 5TE2 515-1
DC 1000 V/63 A

2 Surge arrester type 2, DC 1000 V 5SD7 483-1

3 MCB 5SY4, 5SY6

4 SIQUENCE RCCB type B, universal current sensitive 5SM3 .2.-4

2P Irn = 30–300 mA; In = 16–63 A

5 Surge arrester type 2, AC 5SD7 461-1

6 Main miniature circuit breaker 5SP3 735-1

You can find further information about our products in the catalog BETA Low-Voltage Circuit Protection (ET B1).
 © Siemens AG 2009

You can order further information at support.automation@siemens.com.

Siemens AG Subject to change without notice 11/09

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