Rapid Shutdown
An NEC (National Electrical Code) safety requirement that solar systems must be able to reduce rooftop DC voltage to safe levels within 30 seconds of initiating shutdown, protecting firefighters and first responders.
Why It Matters
Rapid shutdown compliance is legally required for most new solar installations. It drives the adoption of MLPE devices and affects system design and equipment choices.
Related Terms
Module-Level Power Electronics (MLPE)
A category of devices (microinverters and power optimizers) that manage power conversion or optimization at the individual panel level rather than at a central inverter.
Microinverter
A small inverter attached to each solar panel, allowing independent operation and optimization of each panel.
Power Optimizer
A DC-to-DC converter installed behind each solar panel that maximizes the output of individual panels before sending power to a central string inverter.