Solar Panels Fire Protection in Brazil: Synergistic Effect of Fonrich AFCI Arc Detection + Rapid Shutdown

Amid the rapid global development of the solar energy industry, Brazil’s photovoltaic (PV) market is also experiencing vigorous growth. As more and more PV power plants and solar rooftop systems are deployed across Brazil, the safety of PV systems has become a key focus of the industry. In particular, arc faults—one of the primary causes of PV fires—demand urgent safety protection solutions. To effectively address this challenge, Fonrich has launched a comprehensive safety solution integrating Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) technology and Rapid Shutdown functionality, helping Brazil’s PV industry establish a stronger safety barrier.

Arc Faults: A Hidden "Time Bomb" in PV Systems

An arc fault occurs when electric current jumps across a gap in a circuit, generating massive heat and sparks that can ignite a fire in an instant. In PV systems, arc faults are often caused by loose wiring, insulation aging, humid environments, dust accumulation, and other factors. Especially in high-voltage DC circuits, the threat of arcs is more severe—once a fire breaks out, its rapid spread often catches operators off guard.

In Brazil, the incidence of PV fires continues to rise, with over 80% of fires linked to DC arc faults. This data has heightened vigilance among operators and installers, who must adopt more effective measures to ensure system safety.

Fonrich AFCI + Rapid Shutdown: Dual Protection for Enhanced Safety

Fonrich’s solution combines AFCI arc fault detection technology with a Rapid Shutdown system to create a "synergistic effect", significantly enhancing the fire protection capabilities of PV systems—particularly suitable for Brazil’s high-temperature and high-humidity environment.

1. AFCI Arc Fault Detection: Proactively Identify Arc Hazards

Fonrich’s AFCI arc fault detection technology utilizes advanced algorithms and sensors to real-time monitor arc signals in PV systems. It can quickly identify series and parallel arc faults and alert operators via an alarm system. This real-time detection ensures faults are detected at an early stage, preventing fire spread.

With AFCI technology, Fonrich provides power plants with more efficient and accurate arc fault protection, minimizing fire risks.

2. Rapid Shutdown: Millisecond Response to Contain Fire Spread

Even if an arc fault is detected promptly, swift and effective action is critical to prevent escalation. Fonrich’s Rapid Shutdown system responds within milliseconds to cut off current at the arc fault point, stopping further fire spread. Unlike traditional PV systems, Fonrich’s solution can target specific modules or strings, shutting down only the faulty section while allowing other normal components to continue generating power—maximizing power plant efficiency.

This design is particularly important for the Brazilian market, where power plants are often large-scale with complex grids. Traditional shutdown solutions typically require large-scale outages, resulting in significant energy losses. Fonrich’s Rapid Shutdown technology, however, ensures operational continuity and safety through localized power cutoff.

3. Synergistic Effect: Dual Protection from Arc Detection + Rapid Shutdown

Fonrich’s safety solution leverages the combination of arc fault detection and Rapid Shutdown to create a synergistic effect, drastically improving overall PV power plant safety. When the AFCI technology identifies an arc fault, the system immediately activates Rapid Shutdown, isolating the faulty section within milliseconds to prevent fire spread. This dual protection ensures faults are effectively controlled at an early stage, reducing property damage and personal safety risks caused by fires.

Adapted to Brazilian Market Needs and Local Regulatory Requirements

As Brazil’s PV industry develops rapidly, safety and compliance have gained increasing attention. According to Brazilian safety standards such as Norma Técnica 44/2023, all PV power plants must be equipped with devices capable of quickly cutting off current in the event of an arc fault. Fonrich’s dual-protection system is fully compliant with this regulation, ensuring Brazilian PV power plants meet all safety requirements and avoid fines or shutdown risks associated with non-compliant equipment.

Furthermore, Fonrich’s system is compatible with mainstream PV inverters in the Brazilian market, enabling seamless integration with devices from various brands. This makes project installation and operation & maintenance (O&M) more convenient and flexible.

Conclusion: Fonrich—The Best Choice for PV Safety in Brazil

As Brazil’s PV market continues to grow, enhancing power plant safety has become a top priority for operators and installers. Fonrich’s AFCI arc fault detection technology and Rapid Shutdown system provide a reliable safety solution for the Brazilian market, helping PV power plants effectively prevent fires caused by arc faults and minimize operational risks.

As a leading safety protection solution for Brazilian PV power plants, Fonrich remains committed to delivering cutting-edge PV safety technology to global customers, ensuring every solar panel operates at maximum efficiency in a safe and reliable environment.

FAQ

1. Why are arc faults so dangerous in PV systems?The heat and sparks generated by arc faults can instantly ignite fires that spread rapidly, posing significant risks to equipment and personnel.

2. How does Fonrich’s AFCI arc fault detection technology improve PV power plant safety?Fonrich’s AFCI technology real-time monitors arc signals, accurately identifies faults, detects hazards early, and prevents fire spread.

3. How does Fonrich’s Rapid Shutdown system work?When an arc fault occurs, Fonrich’s system responds within milliseconds to quickly cut off faulty current, preventing fire spread while maintaining normal power generation of the system.