1500 V DC Switch-Disconnectors for Photovoltaic Installations: Maximum Safety and Efficiency for Solar Power Plants

Photovoltaic energy continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading sources of electricity generation. The growth of large-scale solar power plants and the widespread adoption of 1500 V DC systems have increased the need for switching and protection devices capable of ensuring the safety, efficiency and reliability of photovoltaic installations.

In this context, 1500 V DC switch disconnectors for photovoltaic installations play a critical role. Their function is to provide the safe isolation of DC circuits during maintenance, inspection and servicing operations, helping to protect personnel, equipment and critical plant assets.

With extensive experience in the development of direct current solutions, Telergon offers a comprehensive range of switch disconnectors specifically designed for photovoltaic applications. All are manufactured using high-safety self-extinguishing materials and provide excellent electrical insulation, low smoke emissions and outstanding resistance to electromechanical stresses.

Why Use 1500 V DC Photovoltaic Systems?

The transition towards 1500 V DC systems is driven by the need to improve the profitability and performance of large-scale solar installations.

Their key advantages include:

• Reduced electrical losses.
• Lower current levels for the same installed power.
• Optimised cabling and reduced installation costs.
• Higher overall system efficiency.
• Fewer components and electrical connections required.

However, operating at higher voltages requires switching solutions specifically designed for direct current applications, capable of safely managing the effects of electric arcs during switching and isolation operations.

The Importance of Switch Disconnectors in Direct Current Applications

Unlike alternating current installations, direct current systems present greater challenges when interrupting electrical flow. For this reason, switch disconnectors used in photovoltaic plants must incorporate specific technologies that ensure safe and reliable isolation.

Switch disconnectors for photovoltaic installations enable:

• Isolation of combiner boxes and inverters.
• Safe maintenance and servicing operations.
• Improved plant availability and operational continuity.
• Protection of equipment against electrical faults and incidents.
• Compliance with the safety requirements applicable to solar installations.

Telergon’s Range of 1500 V DC Switch Disconnectors for Photovoltaic Installations

S7 Series

The S7 DC series has been designed for photovoltaic applications requiring high performance in direct current systems. Thanks to its advanced magnetic overlap breaking technology and integrated magnets, it delivers a high breaking capacity and outstanding operational reliability.

Key Features:

• True 2-pole design.
• Current ratings from 400 A to 500 A.
• 1500 V DC21B.
• Designed for combiner boxes and inverters.
• Excellent resistance to electromechanical stresses.

S6N Series

The S6N DC series provides a versatile solution for photovoltaic installations requiring different DC connection configurations.

Its parallel arrangement design enables adaptation to the specific requirements of each project, ensuring safety, efficiency and ease of integration.

Key Features:

• 1P+1P configuration.
• Current ratings from 125 A to 400 A.
• 1500 V DC21B.
• Various mounting configurations available.
• Adaptable solution for a wide range of photovoltaic applications.

S5M and S5N Series

The S5M DC and S5N DC series are designed for high-power projects requiring elevated current ratings.

Their 4P+4P parallel configuration allows current ratings of up to 1800 A, making them an ideal solution for utility-scale solar power plants and high-demand industrial applications.

Key Features:

• 4P+4P configuration.
• Current ratings from 500 A to 1800 A.
• 1500 V DC21B.
• Designed for high-current applications.
• Maximum robustness and operational reliability.

S6R Series with SERPA TEC® Technology

The S6R series incorporates the patented SERPA TEC® technology, developed to minimise contact wear during DC switching operations.

Thanks to this innovation, the contacts are protected from damage caused by electric arcs and maintain stable internal resistance throughout the service life of the switch. In addition, no bridging links or heat sinks are required, enabling faster and easier installation.

Key Features:

• Available in 1P and 2P versions.
• Current ratings from 200 A to 500 A for 1500 V DC21B.
• Current ratings from 200 A to 400 A for 1500 V UL98B.
• Patented SERPA TEC® technology.
• Simplified installation.
• Enhanced durability and electrical stability.

F1 Series

The F1 series has been designed to provide a compact, safe and versatile solution for photovoltaic installations operating in direct current. Thanks to its wide range of mounting and operating configurations, it can be easily adapted to different electrical panel layouts and solar applications.

Its robust design and compliance with photovoltaic-specific standards make it a reliable solution for the isolation and protection of solar power systems.

Key Features:

• Rated current of 40 A.
• Available in 2P and 4P configurations.
• Designed for photovoltaic DC applications.
• Five mounting options: DIN rail, rear panel mounting, back-of-board mounting, IP66 plastic enclosure and IP66 aluminium enclosure.
• Five operating handle options: direct without padlocking, direct with padlocking, external without padlocking, external black with padlocking and external red/yellow with padlocking.
• IEC/EN 60947-3 certified for D-PV1 and DC-PV2 categories.
• Compact and adaptable solution for solar installations.

F7 Series

The F7 series has been developed for photovoltaic installations requiring greater configuration flexibility and connection capacity. Its modular design allows up to five strings to be connected through a single switch disconnector, optimising space and simplifying electrical panel design.

Capable of operating at up to 1500 V DC and available in multiple pole configurations, the F7 series is particularly suited to medium and large-scale photovoltaic projects.

Key Features:

• Current ratings from 13 A to 63 A.
• Up to 1500 V DC.
• Available in configurations from 2P to 10P.
• Modular design with capacity for up to 5 strings.
• Four mounting options: DIN rail, rear panel mounting, back-of-board mounting and central fixing.
• Five operating handle options: direct without padlocking, direct with padlocking, external without padlocking, external black with padlocking and external red/yellow with padlocking.
• IEC/EN 60947-3 certified for D-PV1 and DC-PV2 categories.
• UL508i certified.
• Optimised solution for combiner boxes, inverters and photovoltaic installations up to 1500 V DC.

Advantages of Telergon Photovoltaic Solutions

Telergon switch disconnectors for photovoltaic installations have been developed to meet the demands of today’s solar projects, where safety, availability and efficiency are critical factors.

Their key advantages include:

• Comprehensive range of solutions up to 1800 A.
• Designs specifically engineered for direct current applications.
• High-safety self-extinguishing materials.
• Low smoke emission characteristics.
• Excellent electrical insulation properties.
• High mechanical and electrodynamic resistance.
• Patented technology for electric arc management.
• Solutions tailored for combiner boxes, inverters and large-scale solar power plants.

DC Switching Solutions for the Photovoltaic Projects of Today and Tomorrow

The continuous evolution of solar installations demands increasingly efficient, safe and reliable technologies. At Telergon, we develop DC switching solutions designed to meet the requirements of the most demanding photovoltaic projects, supporting the growth of solar energy with products engineered to deliver maximum performance and safety throughout the entire service life of the installation.

Many companies across the renewable energy sector already rely on Telergon for their 1500 V DC photovoltaic installations. Our experience, product quality and commitment to innovation enable us to remain a trusted reference in switching solutions for solar energy applications.