From regulation to solution: how PV security technology is evolving in Brazil

Did you know?

Your rooftop solar PV system can pose serious risks to the safety of your property and your life.

In intense sunlight, photovoltaic arrays maintain very high continuous voltages—from hundreds to over a thousand volts. If the cables are aged, the insulation is damaged, or the connections are loose, this high voltage can generate electrical arcs—causing fires or electric shocks to people nearby.

With the rapid expansion of the PV industry, system safety has become a global priority. Incidents such as electrical fires, DC-side shocks, and accidents during maintenance are prompting governments in various countries to establish stringent safety standards. Among emerging solutions, module-level rapid shutdown (RSD) and intelligent optimization technologies are already emerging as industry standards.

Today, module-level security is no longer an optional extra for emergencies—it's a fundamental part of the photovoltaic design.

Global Trend: From the US to Brazil — Module-Level Security Is Becoming the Standard

The US was a pioneer in imposing security standards on the DC side. With the 2017 NEC, all PV systems in coverage must include RSD, ensuring that, in the event of an emergency, the voltage between any two points drops below 80 V within 30 seconds — protecting firefighters and rescue teams.

Europe, Australia and Japan followed suit, adopting UL 1741 as the essential technical reference.

In Brazil, the new ABNT NBR 17193:2025 standard, already in force, requires that rooftop systems include rapid shutdown that reduces DC voltage to less than 120 V in up to 30 s, increasing the safety of rescuers and operations teams. 

The standard also requires fire-resistant design, such as a minimum spacing of 2 m every 16 m of modules. Aligned with NEC 2017 and UL 1741, NBR 17193 elevates the Brazilian solar sector to global standards, improving reliability, facilitating insurance, financing, and widespread adoption.

How do module-level security devices work?

Rapid shutdown equipment

Designed to instantly reduce the DC voltage of the modules to less than 80 V in up to 30 s. They can be activated manually, automatically or remotely, cutting the risks of fire and electric shock.

Rapid shutdown equipment with monitoring

In addition to rapid shutdown, they include real-time monitoring — increasing system visibility and stability for safer, smarter operations.

Complete device, with optimizers + fast shutdown

They integrate rapid shutdown, MPPT monitoring, and optimization. They improve system efficiency while monitoring the voltage, current, and temperature of each module, maximizing production even in adverse situations.

How to choose the ideal security devices?

To reduce risks and ensure reliability, it is essential to select suitable products that meet criteria that guarantee their safe operation, such as: 

1. International and local certification: prioritize products with UL 1741, UL 3741 and Anatel certification for versions with communication.
2. Fast and reliable response: prefer systems with manual, automatic and remote shutdown modes.
3. Reliability in extreme conditions: devices must have protection against overheating, deformation or internal failures.
4. Module-level monitoring: Voltage, current, and temperature data enable visual O&M and early detection.
5. Stable communication and simple installation: prefer technologies with wired communication (e.g. PLC), without the need for additional wiring or restructuring the module layout.
6. Local technical support: choose brands with local representation for system supply, training and after-sales service in Brazil.

About AdvanSol: Redefining Safety and Efficiency with Intelligent Control

AdvanSol is a high-tech company specializing in module-level smart security solutions for photovoltaic plants. Founded by Dr. Jian Chen, with extensive international experience in the sector, it brings together a global R&D and management team. 

As a pioneer in module-level intelligent control, the company has its own R&D and production facilities, offering the most complete range of products: RSDs, Monitoring RSDs and Optimizers, all certified by UL 1741 and UL 3741. Below, in Figure 1, you can see the line of products and solutions offered by AdvanSol.

Within its portfolio, Advansol highlights the main products:

1. R Series – Rapid Shutdown Micro-Controller (RSD)

• Fast shutdown in 30 seconds, compatible with modules up to 800 W
• PLC communication without additional wiring
• Patented thermal fuse for protection
• Non-flammable, non-deformable design, IP68

2. MR Series – Monitoring Rapid Shutdown Device

• RSD with voltage, current and temperature monitoring
• Compatible with the Acloud AI platform for remote diagnostics
• Fault alerting and improved O&M efficiency
• Patented thermal protection

3. MRO Series – Full-Function Optimizer

• Aluminum alloy casing with high thermal dissipation
• Combines RSD, monitoring and MPPT
• Increases production by more than 30%
• Internal thermal protection provided

4. ASP V2.5 Control Box

• Intelligent core of the system
• PLC communication without extra cables
• Patented logic for flexible device combination
• Edge computing, data buffer, Modbus/RS485, remote configuration

5. Acloud AI Platform (free)

• Visual monitoring with AI per module
• Fault identification, remote updates, multi-site management
• Trend analysis and data visualization
• Open API and EMS/CRM compatible
• Web and mobile access

Partnership in Brazil — Dsolar & AdvanSol

To serve the Brazilian market, AdvanSol has partnered with Dsolar, offering local technical support, logistics and easy access to smart solutions.

From Compliance to Infrastructure: Security Becomes the New Standard

With the evolution of the PV market and growing awareness of risks, solar projects are shifting from “generating energy” to “generating energy safely, efficiently, and intelligently.”

Intelligent security at the module level is the core element of this transformation.

AdvanSol is committed to continuing to innovate and expand its operations in Latin America, offering reliable solutions for a safer and more sustainable solar future.

Contact — AdvanSol / Dsolar (Brazil)

sales@advansol-power.com

www.advansol-power.com

fernando.domingos@dsolarbrazil.com

+55 19 99697‑1327

The opinions and information expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the author. Canal Solar.