Circuit Breaker

The circuit breaker is a key safety component in solar power systems, providing reliable protection against overload and short circuits. It safeguards cables and connected equipment such as inverters, charge controllers, and control electronics from thermal damage. Unlike fuses, a circuit breaker can be reset after tripping, simplifying maintenance and reducing downtime. In PV systems, it is commonly used on the AC side behind the inverter, but also in low-voltage DC circuits of smaller installations. The trip characteristics (B, C, D curves) allow precise adaptation to startup currents and load profiles. Modern circuit breakers offer high switching capacity, long service life, and optional functions such as residual current or surge protection. This makes them essential for ensuring electrical safety and operational reliability in both residential and commercial solar installations.