The 6 Solar Parts Every PV Installer Stocks (Identification Chart)
ET Engineering Team 7 min read · September 1, 2026
A PV array is only as safe as its DC protection. The six parts on the chart above are the ones installers and EPCs reorder every month: combiner boxes, surge protectors, isolators and DC breakers. Here's what each one does and how to spec it — without the textbook.
The 6 on the Chart
PV combiner box, 2-in / 2-out (1000 V DC)
Combines two strings with fusing and protection in a certified box — the right size for residential and small commercial roofs.
Outdoor combiner box, 4-in / 1-out (63 A, waterproof metal)
The commercial-roof workhorse: four fused string inputs into one feeder, weatherproof metal enclosure for the array edge.
Solar surge protector (T2, 1000 V, 40 kA)
Type 2 DC SPD that clamps lightning-induced surges before they reach the inverter — the cheapest insurance in the whole system.
PV DC isolator switch (IP66, 1500 V DC, 100 A)
The visible, lockable disconnect between array and inverter. Maintenance techs and fire codes both love it.
DC MCB (1000 V, 1–4 P, 10–63 A)
Miniature circuit breaker with a proper DC curve — overcurrent protection you can reset instead of re-fuse.
DC breaker 63–125 A (500/1000 V)
The big brother for main DC feeds and battery lines, 63 to 125 A.
Spec in Four Questions
- How many strings? → picks the combiner box in/out count.
- System voltage? 1000 V or 1500 V — every part must match.
- Where's the lightning risk? → SPD on every combiner and at the inverter.
- Who services it? → isolator within reach, rated for the array current.
One Carton, Complete DC Side
Because we make the box, the SPD, the isolator and the breakers, installers order a matched set in one shipment — consistent ratings, one supplier, one QC standard, CE/TUV-certified components. Browse the solar and PV range, read the combiner box deep-dive, or request a quotation with your array layout.
FAQ
Do I need both fuses and an SPD in the combiner?
Yes — fuses handle overcurrent from string faults; the SPD handles voltage transients. Different threats, different parts.
Can I use an AC breaker on the DC side?
No. DC arcs don't self-extinguish like AC; always use DC-rated breakers and isolators.
Do you OEM-brand combiner boxes?
Yes — your label, your configuration (string count, SPD, monitoring) on our certified platform.
Conclusion
Count strings, fix the voltage, add the SPD and isolator — and buy the whole DC protection set from one factory. Send your array layout and we'll spec the carton.
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