Fuses for solar panels are specifically meant to protect individual PV modules, but do you need them? Many people installing solar arrays do not know whether they need fuses or not. To answer the question, will explain the purpose of solar panel fuses, as well as when you need them. Keep reading!

Do You Need to Fuse Solar Panels?

It depends; if you have a single panel, the answer is usually no – your single panel will have the right wire size/gauge for its amperage or rated wattage, so there’s no need for fuses at the module level.

You also do not need a solar panel fuse if you have a two-panel system, whether wired in parallel or in series. In these configurations, a short in either panel will not cause an overcurrent in the other protected panel.

However, if you have more than two panels wired in parallel – that is, if your system consists of multiple panels connected together on one circuit but in parallel – then you will need a fuse for every panel.

Fuses for Solar Panels in Parallel

The current in a parallel wired system will be the sum of all the currents in the individual panels, so if one panel has a short circuit, the current that will flow through it can reach dangerously high levels.

For instance, suppose you have four solar panels wired in parallel, each with a maximum current of 4 amps. If one of those panels experiences a short circuit, the current flowing through it could be as high as 16 amps!

That would quickly lead to overheated cables – potentially causing a fire – which is why having fuses for solar setups of this kind is paramount. Fuses placed at the module level will protect each panel from such overcurrents, guaranteeing the safety of your system.

Fuses for Solar Panels in Series

Solar panels can also be wired in series, in which case the voltage of the system will be the sum of the voltages of the individual panels. The current, however, will remain the same, unlike when wired in parallel.

That means, if you have four solar panels wired in series, each with a maximum current rating of 4 amps, the total system current will be 4 amps. Even if one of the panels experienced a short circuit, the current flowing through the system would not exceed 4 amps, so fuses are not required in this type of system.

How to Fuse Solar Panels

Using fuses for solar panels is a pretty straightforward process. The protective device is usually an inline solar fuse which, in most cases, requires no installation skill. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting the right fuse for your system.

First, you’ll need to determine the amp rating of your solar panel. This information can be found on the label of your panel or in the specs sheet. You’ll also need to know where to place the fuse. These two factors – solar panel fuse rating and location – are further explained below.

Solar Panel Fuse Rating

This is what to know when using fuses for solar panels wired in parallel: Unless your panels are rated below 50 watts each, the wire size installed by the manufacturer will usually be capable of carrying up to 30 amperes without overheating.

That means you will usually need to install a 30-amp fuse for each panel in a parallel system. This will protect each panel from a fault current of 30 amperes or less. At the combiner box, though, the entire system or individual strings must be protected by a fuse or fuse.

Solar Panel Fuse Location

Solar panel fuse location is another aspect of fusing solar systems that you need to be aware of. The National Electrical Code (NEC) and other industry standards require that overcurrent protection devices be installed as close to the source of power as possible.

In other words, if you’re using fuses for solar panels wired in parallel, each panel must have its own fuse, and those fuses must be installed at the module level – as close to the panel as possible.

Usually, you will need to house these fuses in a solar panel fuse box or combiner box. From there, you are required to add a common fuse for the circuit between the combiner box and solar charge controller (or inverter in a grid tie system).

Solar Panel Fuse or Breaker?

Solar panel fuses and breakers serve the same purpose – to protect your system from overcurrent – but they work in different ways.

• A fuse “blows” or disconnects when too much current flows through it, effectively breaking the circuit. Once a fuse has blown, it must be replaced before the circuit can be re-connected.
• A breaker, on the other hand, can be reset after it trips, or disconnects. This makes them more convenient than fuses. However, they are also often more expensive than fuses, except for some solar DC fuse types.

When it comes to PV module protection, fuses are often preferred, especially given that they are easy to use. They are also less mostly expensive and just as effective at protecting your array, making them a good choice for most situations.

Tips When Using Fuses for Solar Panels

Your solar panel system needs to be properly protected from overcurrents and fuses are one way to ensure this. They are both effective and affordable. If you’re a DIY, solar owner, you’ll also find them relatively easy to install. When hooking up fuses for solar panels, however, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Make sure you use the correct solar panel fuse size for your system. A too-large fuse won’t provide enough protection, while a too-small fuse can cause unnecessary downtime if it blows unnecessarily.

2. Use fuses in the right environment. High ambient temperatures can cause them not to work as intended.

3. Don’t use solar fuses as a substitute for other forms of protection, whether for the panels or other circuits in the system. They should be used in addition to things like circuit breakers and other protection devices.

4. Make sure fuses for solar panels are rated for DC current. Solar panels produce DC power, so AC-rated fuses are best used on the AC side, after the inverter.

5. Although your solar panel fuses will rarely blow, it’s still a good idea to keep spare fuses on hand. Having a few extras available will make it easy to replace a blown fuse and get your system back up and running quickly.

6. Keep an eye on your fuses. Check them periodically to make sure they’re still in working order.

Conclusion

To sum it up – if you have more than two panels in your system, and they are wired in parallel, then you will need fuses for each panel. Solar panel fuses will protect each panel by “blowing” or disconnecting when too much current flows through them, preventing damage to the rest of the system.

Just remember to use the correct size fuse for your system, and to keep a few extras on hand in case of a blown fuse. With proper protection in place, you can rest assured that your system will be safe from overcurrent damage.