The SUNTREE SUP2-PV DC Surge Protective Device (SPD) 3P 20-40KA is a high-performance DC surge protection solution engineered for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and DC inverter networks. Designed for installation in parallel on DC lines, it delivers both common-mode and differential-mode protection against lightning strikes and transient overvoltage.
Built with high-energy MOVs (Metal Oxide Varistors) using premium zinc oxide material, this SPD ensures stable surge absorption and rapid response. The device features thermal disconnection, short-circuit protection, visual fault indication, and optional remote contact signaling for enhanced monitoring. Fully compliant with IEC 60364-7-712 and tested under National Standards and TUV certification requirements, it offers reliable protection for commercial and residential solar installations.
Features & Benefits
- Parallel Installation on DC Network : Provides full system protection without interrupting normal inverter operation.
- Common & Differential Mode Protection : Shields solar PV systems from both line-to-line and line-to-ground surge damage.
- High-Energy Zinc Oxide MOV Technology : Ensures fast response time and strong surge absorption (20:40kA capacity) for reliable lightning protection.
- Wide Voltage Compatibility (500V:1500V DC) : Suitable for small residential solar systems up to large commercial and utility-scale installations.
- Thermal Disconnection Mechanism : Automatically isolates the device in case of overheating, enhancing system safety.
- Short-Shunting Double Protection Design : Provides safe electrical isolation to prevent fire risks and secondary damage.
- Visual Status Indicator Window : Allows quick inspection and easy maintenance without special tools.
- Optional Remote Contact Signaling : Enables integration with monitoring systems for real-time fault alerts.
- Plug-in Replaceable Module : Reduces downtime and maintenance costs with quick and simple replacement.
- Flame-Retardant Housing Material : Improves safety in high-temperature and harsh solar environments.
- Tested & IEC 60364-7-712 Compliant : Meets international safety standards, ensuring dependable performance.
- 2-Year Warranty : Provides confidence and long-term reliability for solar installers and system owners.
Use Cases
- Solar PV Combiner Boxes : Protects multiple panel strings from lightning-induced surges before power reaches the inverter.
- Grid-Tied Solar Inverter Systems : Safeguards inverters from DC overvoltage spikes, preventing costly equipment failure.
- Off-Grid Solar Installations : Ensures stable protection for rural electrification and standalone solar power systems.
- Commercial & Industrial Rooftop Solar : Shields high-capacity PV arrays operating at 1000V:1500V DC.
- Utility-Scale Solar Farms : Provides high discharge capacity (20:40kA) protection in large solar plants exposed to lightning risks.
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) : Protects DC battery banks and charge controllers from transient surges.
- Telecommunication Solar Power Systems : Maintains reliability of DC-powered telecom towers in surge-prone areas.
- Hybrid Solar + Generator Systems : Prevents DC surge damage when switching between multiple power sources.
- DC Distribution Panels : Installed in parallel to protect sensitive DC loads and inverter circuits.
- Lightning-Prone Regions (e.g., Tanzania) : Ideal for installations in areas with frequent storms and high electrical surge activity.
Value Propositions
- Protects High-Value Solar Equipment : Prevents costly damage to inverters, PV modules, and DC components caused by lightning and voltage surges.
- Reduces System Downtime : Minimises operational interruptions, ensuring consistent power generation and revenue stability.
- High Discharge Capacity (20:40kA) : Delivers strong protection performance suitable for demanding solar installations.
- Wide Voltage Range (500V:1500V DC) : Compatible with residential, commercial, and utility-scale PV systems.
- Double Safety Mechanism : Thermal disconnection and short-shunting design provide enhanced electrical isolation and fire safety.
- Easy Maintenance & Fast Replacement : Plug-in module design reduces service time and labour costs.
- Visual & Remote Monitoring Options : Enables quick status checks and optional remote alarm integration for proactive maintenance.
- Flame-Retardant Construction : Increases installation safety in high-temperature solar environments.
- IEC 60364-7-712 Compliance & Tested Quality : Meets international standards, giving installers and project owners confidence in reliability.
- Cost-Effective Investment : Affordable protection that extends the lifespan of solar infrastructure and reduces long-term repair expenses.
- 2-Year Warranty Support : Offers assurance of product durability and manufacturer-backed reliability.
Local Market Positioning in Tanzania
- Growing Solar Adoption : With expanding solar PV use across rural and urban Tanzania, there’s a rising need for quality surge protection as solar installations increase.
- High Solar Energy Potential : Tanzania receives 2,800:3,500 sunshine hours per year, making PV systems a key energy solution and creating demand for protective devices like SPDs.
- Supportive Import Policies : Government incentives such as VAT and import duty exemptions on solar components encourage solar product imports, helping reduce barriers for SPD adoption.
- Critical for Off-Grid and Mini-Grid Systems : In regions where grid access is limited or unstable, surge protectors help safeguard standalone solar setups against lightning and transient events.
- Essential for Commercial Projects : As Tanzania moves toward utility-scale PV projects (including multi-MW plants), robust surge protection becomes a standard requirement for system longevity.
- Opportunities in Rural Electrification : With solar powering many rural communities, reliable surge protection enhances system performance and reduces maintenance costs.
- Import-Dependent Market : Like much of the SADC region, Tanzania relies on imported SPDs and quality solar components — presenting opportunities for reputable brands to establish trusted supply networks.
- Educating Installers & Consumers : Market demand can be strengthened by awareness of SPD benefits among solar installers and customers to reduce losses due to voltage surges.
- Compatibility with Tanzania’s Solar Trends : Ideal for Tanzania’s mix of residential, commercial, and institutional PV systems requiring surge protection in environments prone to lightning and unstable grid conditions.
- Positioning as a Quality & Safety Product : A reliable SPD like SUNTREE SUP2H-PV can be marketed as a value-adding safety component, differentiating from low-quality alternatives in the local market.
Technical Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | SUP2-PV (3-Pole DC SPD) |
| Rated Operational Voltage (Ue) | Up to 500V, 600V, 800V (varies by variant) DC |
| Nominal Discharge Current (In) | 20 kA (8/20 µs) |
| Maximum Discharge Current (Imax) | 40 kA (8/20 µs) |
| Voltage Protection Level (Up) | ~2.8 kV – 3.0 kV (varies by voltage rating) |
| Protection Modes | Common Mode & Differential Mode surge suppression |
| Status Indication | Visual indicator (Green = OK, Red = Replace) |
| Remote Signaling Contact | Optional remote contact for fault alarm (250 VAC / 30 VDC, 1 A) |
| Installation Type | DIN-rail mount (35 mm standard) |
| Terminal Wiring Capacity | Hard wire: 4–25 mm²; Flexible: 4–16 mm² |
| Protection Class / Ingress Protection | IP20 enclosure |
| Operating Temperature Range | –40 °C to +70 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 30 % – 90 % (non-condensing) |
| Mounting Altitude Limit | ≤ 2000 m above sea level |
| Standards Compliance | IEC 61643-31, IEC 60364-7-712 (DC PV SPD standard) |
| Housing Material | Flame-retardant, durable PBT/PA66 plastic |





