Goodwe has introduced a new-generation Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI), validated by TÜV Rheinland, to address DC DC arcing faults in photovoltaic systems. Integrating advanced artificial intelligence, the technology detects arcing with a high degree of precision. It boasts an arc detection distance of 200m and achieves rapid shutdown within 500ms. In collaboration with TÜV Rheinland, the company has also released a white paper focusing on safety concerns associated with DC arcing in PV installations.

The risk of electrical fires in PV systems due to DC arcing faults has become higher with newly installed PV capacity reaching approximately 240GW in 2022 and continuing to rise. Recognizing this issue, Goodwe has pushed the boundaries of AFCI innovation to safeguard systems, in line with major market standards such as UL1699B and IEC63027.
Following comprehensive evaluation, TÜV Rheinland has confirmed that the company’s AFCI complies with technical market standards for dealing with DC arc faults within systems in residential, commercial and industrial scenarios.
In contrast to the traditional approach for detection which relies on personal experience, Goodwe’s new AFCI incorporates AI and deep learning to analyze arc characteristics across a variety of scenarios, enabling the creation of an arc characteristics library, eliminating false and omitted reports caused by environmental noise. Systems integrated with this AFCI function can achieve precise detection accuracy, as validated by TÜV Rheinland.
The AFCI supports a maximum detection cable length of up to 200m and can withstand a maximum input current of up to 30A, making it ideal for larger PV installations.

“We assess the performance of AFCI solutions through rigorous testing and evaluation, enabling customers to select the most suitable for their solar systems,” commented Mario Comboni, product manager at TÜV Rheinland Group. “It is plausible that AFCI technology will be regulated in most European countries in the future, and by releasing the white paper we hope to contribute to shaping the future regulatory landscape and fostering the adoption of harmonized standards globally.”
“For the past five years, we have been dedicated to developing AFCI technology and leading the market in innovating advanced AFCI functions. GoodWe’s new AFCI technology not only meets the standard requirements but also offers additional features and enhanced functionality,” added Ali Bouattour, Technical Director at GoodWe Europe. “We have made a substantial investment in R&D to strengthen our technical capacity for long-term success. Looking forward, we will continue to collaborate with partners to deliver optimized solutions.”