The Fronius DC OVP Type 1+2 – M MultiString is a dedicated surge arrestor accessory designed for use with the Fronius SnapINverter family (notably the Symo and compatible models). It delivers combined Type 1 + Type 2 DC overvoltage protection (for both direct and indirect lightning strikes) and is tailored for multistring / multi-MPPT installations. For the Tanzanian solar market—where heavy sun, unpredictable storms and grid or lightning-induced surges are real risks—this accessory brings a critical layer of protection and monitoring to commercial or larger rooftop PV systems.
Features & Benefits
- Robust surge protection: With a combined type 1 (lightning strike) + type 2 (transient overvoltage) unit, the accessory ensures that direct or indirect lightning strikes or switching surges on the DC side are safely diverted—key in regions with strong storms and variable grid infrastructure.
- Multi-string / Multi-MPPT compatibility: Designed for installations where two MPPT trackers are used separately (e.g., many roof orientations, multiple strings). The “M” model accommodates both measuring channels. This gives greater design flexibility and protection across the whole system.
- Remote signalling & monitoring: The integrated remote signal allows the system operator—or installer—to be immediately notified via the monitoring portal (e.g., Fronius Solar.web) when the arrester trips. This enables faster maintenance, reduces downtime and protects system yield.
- Fast-replace modules: The plug-in design means that if the arrester module is damaged by a surge, only that module needs replacing—not the entire protection unit. This reduces service time and cost.
- Tailored for harsh conditions: Given Tanzanian conditions—high solar radiation, frequent storms, dust and heat—having a dedicated DC overvoltage protection near the inverter adds reliability and longevity to the whole PV installation.
- Brand integration: Because this accessory is made by Fronius and designed for Fronius Symo / SnapINverter systems, compatibility and reliability are built-in. The installer avoids compatibility issues or mismatched third-party SPD units.
- Design security for system owner: For business owners, commercial sites or larger rooftop systems in Tanzania, indicating that the system includes full DC protection conveys a higher quality system and may reduce insurance risk or maintenance concerns.
Use Cases
- Commercial rooftop PV installations in Tanzania using a Fronius Symo inverter (10-20 kW range) with multiple strings and orientations; the DC OVP Type 1+2 – M protects the DC side of such a system.
- Small industrial and SME solar systems where operator wants full protection across two MPPTs (for example east- and west-roof strings) and wants remote status monitoring of protective devices.
- Installations in coastal, tropical or storm-prone zones in Tanzania where lightning and overvoltage risks are higher, so incorporating surge protection is especially prudent.
- Systems tied to grids where power surges, voltage spikes or switching events are common; the accessory helps protect the inverter and modules from DC side stress.
- Projects seeking a “premium” specification or warranty compliance: for instance solar installers can offer the system with full arrester protection as standard, which may improve customer confidence.
Value Propositions
- Protection of investment: The PV system owner in Tanzania is safeguarded against the costly damage that a lightning strike or surge can do to inverter and modules.
- Improved system uptime: With monitoring and remote signalling, faults on the arrester can be detected and serviced quickly—reducing downtime and yield loss.
- Simplified maintenance: The plug-in module system means less downtime implies lower labour cost for replacements.
- Design flexibility & compliance: Allows advanced string architecture (multi-string, multi-orientation) without compromising on safety; also helps meet local norms or insurer requirements for surge protection on PV systems.
- Brand trust and compatibility: Using Fronius‐branded accessories ensures component compatibility, quality assurance, and simplifies logistics for installers in Tanzania.
- Competitive advantage for installer: Installers who include this accessory can market the solar solution as “fully protected DC side” which may differentiate them from budget installer solutions lacking full protection.
Local Market Positioning (Tanzania)
In the Tanzanian solar market, which is seeing growth in rooftop solar for commercial and industrial sectors as well as large domestic systems, this accessory can be positioned as part of the “professional-grade” or “premium reliability” offering. Key positioning points:
- Highlight environmental risk: Tanzania’s climate includes heavy tropical storms, lightning risk and grid voltage instability; making DC side protection part of the system shows foresight.
- For commercial clients (companies, hotels, large homes) emphasise that the system includes full surge protection on both AC and DC sides—this lowers risk of downtime, maintenance and module/inverter replacement.
- For installers, emphasise the benefit of using a Fronius accessory matched to the Fronius inverter line – fewer compatibility issues, simpler ordering and service.
- Emphasise remote monitoring/alerting – in Tanzania with sometimes remote systems or less frequent service visits, being able to remotely detect a tripped arrester adds value.
- Competitive differentiation: Many local systems may omit DC arresters or use generic SPDs; offering a Fronius OEM Type 1+2 accessory positions you above basic offerings.
- Service and logistics: Make sure to communicate availability of spare modules, replacement procedure, local service support and that responsibility for maintenance is reduced.
Technical Specifications
Product NameFronius DC OVP Type 1+2 – M MultiString
| Product Category | Symo Accessories / Surge Protection Device |
| Compatible Inverters | Fronius Symo, Fronius Primo (SnapINverter series) |
| Protection Type | DC Overvoltage Protection – Combined Type 1 + Type 2 |
| Nominal Voltage (Un) | 880 V DC |
| Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage (Uc) | 1,060 V DC |
| Rated Discharge Current (In) | 20 kA (8/20 µs waveform) |
| Maximum Discharge Current (Imax) | 40 kA (8/20 µs waveform) |
| Lightning Impulse Current (Iimp) | 12.5 kA (10/350 µs waveform) |
| Number of MPPT Inputs Supported | 2 (MultiString / Multi-MPPT systems) |
| Connection Cross Section (DC Side) | 2.5 mm² – 25 mm² |
| Connection Type | Screw terminals |
| Indication of Fault | Mechanical status indicator (Red = Fault) |
| Remote Signalling Contact | Yes – 1 changeover contact for remote alarm |
| Mounting Type | Plug-in replaceable module |
| Enclosure Type | Suitable for installation inside Fronius inverter enclosure |
| Installation Location | DC input side of inverter |
| Operating Temperature Range | −40 °C to +80 °C |
| Degree of Protection | IP20 (when installed inside inverter) |
| Standards & Certifications | EN 50539-11, IEC 61643-31, UL 1449 3rd Edition |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | Approx. 90 × 72 × 68 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 0.3 kg |
| Manufacturer | Fronius International GmbH (Austria) |



