The Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (VDE) has stated that it no longer sees the requirements for an operating license being met for Deye micro-inverters. The VDE developed the standard VDE-AR-N 4105, which requires the presence of NA protection relays in the inverters. The association believes that if the certificate used according to VDE-AR-N 4105 is invalid, the basis for the operating license is not fulfilled. The VDE suggests that if confirmed by the relevant authorities, affected generating units must be shut down immediately. However, the VDE clarifies that it is not their role to investigate intent or potential criminal offenses – that is the responsibility of the appropriate authorities.
Contrary to Deye’s statement, the VDE highlights that the lack of NA relays is not solely an issue for Germany and Austria. The VDE states that the relay is also a requirement in other countries. The tie switch’s purpose is to isolate the generating unit or plant from the power grid, rather than shutting it down. The VDE further explains that the relay must be a power relay, contactor, or mechanical circuit breaker, and there should be at least two switches in series between each generating unit and the grid connection point according to the European standard EN 50549-1 and the international standard IEC 62109.
The VDE expresses doubts about the proposed external relay box by Deye, stating that it does not comply with the required standards. The VDE believes that a fully-fledged central NA protection is necessary, rather than a solution that allows consumers to independently integrate and solve the NS protection. The VDE clarifies that the integrated NA protection must act on an integrated section switch, as stated in VDE AR N 4105 Chapter 6.3.
The VDE explains that market surveillance measures for micro-inverters are not within their plans, as that is the responsibility of the federal states. They do, however, conduct random checks on products and production sites for certificates issued by the VDE. The VDE also emphasizes that safety rules apply regardless of the size of the generator, as single-fault safety is important to prevent fatal consequences.
The issue with the missing relays in Deye micro-inverters was initially highlighted by YouTubers in July. Deye is attempting to address the problem with an external relay box.
