Why do micro-inverters need a rapid shutdown switch?

[JoeNorm]

Does anyone see a way around having to include a rapid shutdown down initiator switch when using micro-inverters?

We're using them almost exclusively now in our residential jobs and it would be really nice to be able to exclude all equipment from the side of the house. Seeing that there is really no exposed DC wiring I don't really see how RS applies to these systems.

thanks

 

[jaggedben]

No.

RS was put in the code because firefighters wanted solar arrays to be deenergized when fighting fires. Whether it is energized by AC vs DC is irrelevant. The code has moved toward the same approach for the entire home by requiring an outside disconnect for the service, too. in case you're not clear, if the service disconnect is outside (and there is no backup microgrid) then the service disconnect is your initiation device and you don't need an additional switch.