If you’re thinking about installing solar panels, you might be wondering whether they need fuses. Solar panels, of course, convert sunlight into electricity. Consisting of photovoltaic cells, they release electrons when struck by sunlight. This process creates electricity that, once converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), can be used to power homes and appliances.
The Basics of Fuses and How They Work
Fuses are devices that protect electrical circuits, as well as the electrical equipment connected to the circuits, from overcurrent. They typically feature a thin piece of conductive material within a plastic, nonconductive housing. Electricity can flow through the conductive inner piece — as long as it stays within the current level for which the fuse is rated.
Fuses are installed directly in electrical circuits. Automobiles, for instance, often have circuits between the battery and headlights. If the current exceeds the fuse’s rating, the fuse will blow. Blown fuses melt or break so that electricity can no longer flow through them. The headlights will then stop receiving power, rendering them inoperable until the fuse is replaced.
Yes, Solar Panels Need Fuses
Solar panels need fuses for the same purpose as other electrical circuits — to protect against overcurrent. Overcurrent can damage or destroy solar panels. If a solar panel receives too much electricity, it may succumb to heat-related damage.
With overcurrent, excess electricity is converted into heat. And the more excess electricity flowing through a given circuit, the greater the heat. All of this heat can cause a solar panel’s wires, connections and internal components to melt.
Fuses also lower the risk of fires. As previously mentioned, heat is a byproduct of overcurrent. Without fuses, electrical faults may occur that cause excess electricity to flow through a circuit. The heat produced by this overcurrent event may start a fire, which can damage the solar panels themselves and other nearby equipment and objects.
Fuses are particularly important when wiring solar panels in parallel. Most solar panels are wired either in parallel or in series. With parallel wiring, circuits have a higher current flow than solar panels wired in series.
Another reason solar panels need fuses is to maintain the manufacturer’s warranties. Many solar panels come with a manufacturer’s warranty. There are certain requirements owners must follow, however, to maintain coverage, such as only using authorized components and installing fuses. If you don’t use fuses, you may inadvertently void the warranty.