Power line communication for DC shutdown equipment - Communication signal, physical layer

IEC 63257:2026 applies to photovoltaic (PV) system components and communication networks supporting the communication of the DC shutdown equipment using power line communication.

This document defines how to propagate the operational state of the entire PV system (normal / shutdown) to the individual power production components comprising the PV system. The document also describes requirements and constraints associated with power line communication networks that are used to support this application.

This document defines the communication requirements for reducing the output voltage of the DC cables that leave a PV array. This output voltage reduction function can support emergency responders during firefighting operations. For this function, communication is necessary from the inverter / initiator to the PV-modules.