Arc detection and prevention in a power generation system

A method comprising:

• transmitting, using a controller, a first signal to a first plurality of photovoltaic panels, wherein the first signal comprises an instruction to continue power production by the first plurality of photovoltaic panels;
• measuring, using the controller, power delivered to a load;
• receiving, using the controller, a string power produced by the first plurality of photovoltaic panels;
• comparing, using the controller, the power delivered to the load and the received string power to produce a power difference;
• and
• ceasing, using the controller and based on a determination that the power difference is greater than a threshold value, transmission of the first signal to the first plurality of photovoltaic panels to stop power production by the first plurality of photovoltaic panels.

An apparatus comprising:

• a controller configured to:
• transmit a first signal to a first plurality of photovoltaic panels, wherein the first signal comprises an instruction to continue power production by the first plurality of photovoltaic panels;
• measure power delivered to a load;
• receive a string power produced by the first plurality of photovoltaic panels;
• compare the power delivered to the load and the received string power to produce a power difference;
• and
• cease, based on a determination that the power difference is greater than a threshold value, transmission of the first signal to the first plurality of photovoltaic panels to stop power production by the first plurality of photovoltaic panels.