Photovoltaic Module Shut-Off Control for High-Voltage Safety

The system segments the solar array into multiple parallel strings, each with its own combiner box and inverter. This segmentation allows each string to operate at lower, safer voltages while the overall system achieves cost efficiency through modular architecture. The patent describes multiple parallel strings (e.g., String 1, String 2, String 3) connected to separate inverters, eliminating the need for high-voltage series connections.

The patent introduces DC isolators and DC disconnect switches as intermediary devices between solar modules and inverters. These intermediaries provide safety isolation while allowing the system to maintain series connections for cost efficiency. The DC isolator physically disconnects the solar array from the inverter, creating a safety barrier that protects personnel from lethal voltages during maintenance or emergencies.

The patent divides the solar installation into multiple parallel strings, each containing a limited number of series-connected panels that stay within safe voltage limits. This segmentation allows the overall system to accommodate many more panels by distributing them across multiple lower-voltage strings rather than creating fewer high-voltage strings, thereby maintaining safety margins while increasing total productivity.

The patent transitions from a single-dimension approach (one long series string) to a multi-dimensional parallel architecture. By adding the parallel dimension with multiple strings connected to separate inverters, the system achieves both safety (lower voltage per string) and productivity (more total panels) simultaneously, effectively using dimensional expansion to resolve the contradiction.