SOLAR AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
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Engineering confidence in DC protection for South Africa: introducing the FMB DC breaker range from ACDC Dynamics S outh Africa’s rapid adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery energy storage, and hybrid power breakers feature a fire-resistant, high- strength enclosure designed to maintain insulation integrity and mechanical stability under elevated temperatures and high DC voltages.
from 6 A to 125 A and operating voltages from 12 V DC up to 1,000 V DC. This makes the range suitable for residential battery systems, commercial PV strings, agricultural solar pumping, and utility-scale installations. Optimised for the South African energy landscape South African DC installations are diverse and often demanding. Systems may be installed on exposed rooftops, in plant rooms, shipping containers, or outdoor enclosures in high ambient temperatures. The FMB range is ideally suited for use in: • Residential and commercial solar PV installations; • Off-grid and hybrid systems supporting loadshedding resilience; • Battery energy storage systems in homes, businesses, and telecom sites; • Agricultural and borehole solar pumping systems; and • Industrial DC distribution and renewable energy projects. Whether installed in a PV combiner box, battery cabinet, or DC distribution board, the FMB range delivers consistent and dependable protection under fluctuating load and environmental conditions.
solutions has fundamentally changed the way electrical protection is specified. From residential rooftop PV to large commercial and agricultural installations, DC systems now operate at higher voltages and currents than ever before, often in harsh environmental conditions. In this environment, reliable DC protection is not optional. It is essential. To support this growing market, ACDC Dynamics has introduced the FMB DC breaker range, a PV-compliant series of DC miniature circuit breakers engineered specifically for South African operating conditions. Designed for real-world DC fault conditions Unlike alternating current, direct current does not pass through zero, making arc interruption far more demanding. In solar PV and battery systems commonly installed across South Africa, incorrect or underspecified DC protection can lead to persistent arcing, equipment damage, or fire risk. The FMB range DC MCBs are purpose- designed to handle these fault conditions safely and predictably. The range provides reliable protection against overload and short-circuit events across current ratings
This robust construction supports long service life, even in remote or unattended installations where reliability is critical.
been identified and resolved, the breaker can be manually reset, restoring system operation without replacing components. This practical, service-friendly approach is well-suited to South African installations where rapid restoration of power is often essential. A trusted DC protection solution from ACDC Dynamics With the introduction of the FMB DC breaker range, ACDC Dynamics continues its commitment to supplying engineered, fit-for-purpose electrical solutions to the South African market. Backed by local availability, technical support, and a deep understanding of renewable energy applications, the FMB range delivers dependable DC protection for a rapidly evolving energy sector. For South African engineers, installers, and system integrators, the choice is clear. When DC protection must perform reliably in demanding local conditions, the FMB range from ACDC Dynamics is engineered to deliver.
Simplified installation for local contractors
Incorrect polarity remains a common cause of DC breaker failure in the field. To reduce installation risk, the FMB range is designed for bidirectional connection, allowing installers to connect the breaker without concern for positive or negative orientation. This design simplifies installation, reduces wiring errors, and supports faster commissioning, particularly valuable in time-sensitive projects. All breakers are manufactured in a standard modular DIN-rail format, making them easy to integrate into locally manufactured enclosures, combiner boxes, and distribution boards commonly used in South Africa. Reliable protection with manual reset control In the event of an overload or short-circuit condition, the FMB DC breaker interrupts the circuit safely, protecting connected equipment and cabling. Once the fault has yield. The modular designs offer extended-duration storage tailored to evolving business needs, whether a manufacturing plant requires continuous overnight operations or a retail centre needs weekend coverage during maintenance periods. 3. AI integration drives profitability: Artificial intelligence (AI) is now extending its reach into BESS, making it smarter and more profitable. These systems predict failures, optimise operations based on pricing and demand, and automatically sell excess energy during peak periods for additional revenue. Advanced thermal management reduces auxiliary power consumption, directly improving operational margins. Factory pre- commissioning speeds up installation and system readiness, allowing businesses to achieve earlier returns on their energy investment. 4. Safety innovations address risk concerns: Modern systems feature multi-layer protection approaches covering prevention, detection, suppression and isolation. Patented pressure-relief structures enhance safety while advanced thermal runaway detection systems provide early warnings. These innovations address previous lithium-ion concerns while ensuring stable performance under varying operating conditions, meeting increasingly stringent insurance and regulatory requirements. A fundamental market shift Global trends support swift action. Renewable energy investment hit a record $386 billion in the first half of 2025, according to BloombergNEF, marking a fundamental market shift. This surge in
Engineered for harsh local environments
South African solar and storage systems are frequently exposed to heat, dust, and electrical stress. To address this, FMB DC
Enquiries: sales@acdc.co.za
Why your 2026 business strategy needs battery energy storage C ommercial and industrial businesses face a critical decision for 2026: integrate battery energy storage systems (BESS) or fall behind competitors, according to Sungrow. For shopping
head of Sungrow Sub-Saharan Africa. “Businesses that strategically deploy BESS in 2026 won’t just be managing energy costs. They’ll be securing competitive advantages through enhanced reliability, operational flexibility, and revenue optimisation that their competitors will struggle to match.” Sungrow recently convened more than 200 South African industry leaders at its C&I Summit to showcase innovations reshaping business energy strategy. Four trends emerged as particularly critical for business decision-making. 1. Modular scalability eliminates over- Four critical trends defining BESS adoption in 2026 investment: AC-coupled solutions now provide scalable capacity from 257 kWh to 514 kWh, allowing businesses to expand as needed without wasteful initial investment. These systems integrate seamlessly with existing solar installations, delivering high round-trip efficiency while supporting single-phase unbalanced loads without requiring isolation transformers. This translates to lower installation costs and faster deployment timelines. These are critical factors for finance directors evaluating capital allocation. operational independence: DC-coupled solutions now enable multi-hour or 2. Long-duration storage transforms multi-day independent operation, positioning BESS as a genuine grid alternative rather than mere backup. These systems support multiple layout options and allow for greater solar capacity to achieve higher energy
malls, mines, manufacturing plants, and hospitality venues, several converging trends are making BESS essential to remain competitive, maximise profits, and secure reliable power. This urgency reflects a fundamental market shift. As renewable energy proliferates globally, BESS has become the critical technology that transforms intermittent solar and wind into reliable business power. For commercial enterprises, this means BESS delivers triple value: it ensures operational continuity despite grid instability, reduces energy costs through strategic storage and deployment, and generates additional revenue by selling excess power during peak pricing periods. Companies delaying adoption concede these advantages to competitors. The foundation for this transformation was laid in 2025, a watershed year for renewable energy and grid infrastructure reform. Global momentum accelerated as grid modernisation initiatives gained traction, regulatory frameworks evolved to accommodate distributed energy resources and financing mechanisms matured to support large-scale deployments. This convergence created ideal conditions for rapid BESS adoption. Businesses entering 2026 inherit this momentum, benefiting from proven technologies, established supply chains, and clear implementation pathways. “The commercial and industrial sectors are at an inflection point,” says Nigel Sun,
Nigel Sun, head of Sungrow Sub-Saharan Africa.
investment explains why BESS adoption is becoming essential for businesses: as renewables proliferate globally, storage becomes the critical technology required to stabilise grids and ensure reliable power. Without storage, intermittent solar and wind generation creates instability; with it, renewables become dependable baseload power. South Africa’s advantage is compelling: more than 2,500 hours of annual sunshine in many regions, paired with proven BESS technology, positions local businesses to lead rather than follow. Battery energy storage has moved from emerging technology to a business imperative. Companies integrating BESS in 2026 will control their energy destiny while competitors remain vulnerable to grid instability and rising costs. The foundation exists, the technology delivers, and early adopters are already realising returns. “The solutions available today are designed not only to meet current power challenges but also to equip companies with systems that grow alongside their operational needs,” concludes Sun.
Enquiries: https://sa.sungrowpower.com/
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
OCTOBER 2024
FEBRUARY 2026
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