ABB has earned the UL98B certification for its 2,000-V OTDC switch-disconnector, the primary to take action within the renewable power trade.

ABB’s 2,000-V OTDC switch-disconnector.
Over the past 20 years, photo voltaic methods have advanced to deal with progressively larger voltages, leading to decrease system prices and better power yield. UL certifications are essential for guaranteeing product security, reliability and efficiency within the U.S. renewable power trade. UL Options, a worldwide chief in utilized security science, conducts rigorous testing and evaluations to make sure merchandise meet electrical, fireplace, mechanical and environmental efficiency requirements.
Whereas 2,000-V photo voltaic modules have gotten commercially accessible, 2,000-V photo voltaic methods would require inverters and combiner packing containers with switches that may additionally deal with the upper voltage.
“This certification is a breakthrough for the photo voltaic trade,” mentioned Invoice Stewart, product advertising and marketing director, ABB Good Energy. “We’re proud to be the primary to market with a UL-certified 2,000-V resolution that straight addresses our prospects’ calls for for larger effectivity and decrease prices with out compromising high quality. Improvements like this are vital to accelerating the power transition.”
ABB’s three-pole DC switch-disconnector is designed for two,000-V utility-scale photovoltaic energy vegetation, enabling elevated energy output whereas decreasing electrical stability of system prices by as much as 15% by sooner set up occasions, fewer elements and decrease labor prices, the corporate acknowledged in a press launch. The two,000-V design can even deal with extra modules per string to enhance power yield throughout the lifespan of photo voltaic installations, which in the end drives prices down for builders and EPCs.
“Our prospects have been clear: UL certification is step one many require to make sure product and challenge compatibility,” mentioned Brian Nelson, renewables phase chief at ABB. “Reaching this milestone removes a significant barrier and reaffirms ABB because the enabler for the subsequent technology of extra environment friendly, cost-effective photo voltaic installations.”
Merchandise rated for two,000 V are anticipated to extend from lower than 5 GW in 2026 to 380 GW by 2030. At the moment, they’re predicted to comprise 77% of all utility-scale photo voltaic tasks worldwide by 2030.
Information merchandise from ABB