The usage scenarios of photovoltaic fuses and semiconductor fuses
Solar energy systems have a special and problematic electrical environment. They are open to the elements and their constituents, especially the solar panels are capable of producing large quantities of current. Although a conventional blade fuse or a common semiconductor fuse would have worked in another circuit, a photovoltaic (PV) system requires a more specialized solution due to the peculiarities of its circumstances.
An ordinary fuse, say, is not set up to respond to the unusual fault currents that may arise in a PV system, e.g., a reverse current, or a short circuit in a single panel. To be neglected, those distinctive malfunctions may cause serious consequences, such as electrical fire and total destruction of valuable equipment. The photovoltaic fuse is designed to deal with these particular hazards, and it offers a level of protection that a regular blade fuse or a generic semiconductor fuse cannot offer.