Rapid shutdown device for photovoltaic modules

A device, comprising:

• a first power line and a second power line configured to connect to a photovoltaic string comprising a plurality of photovoltaic modules;
• a high voltage switch comprising a first disconnection switch on the first power line and a second disconnection switch on the second power line,
• wherein the high voltage switch is configured to:
• electrically disconnect the first power line and the second power line while the high voltage switch is open, wherein the high voltage switch is configured to have a blocking voltage exceeding a string voltage, wherein the string voltage is associated with power generated by the photovoltaic string;
• a communication circuit comprising a receiver filter connected to the first power line or the second power line and configured to detect at least one power line communication comprising an electronic photovoltaic string status signal associated with an operating status of the photovoltaic string;
• a gate drive circuit configured to:
• receive the electronic photovoltaic string status signal associated with the operating status of the photovoltaic string;
• determine that the operating status of the photovoltaic string indicates a hazard based on the electronic photovoltaic string status signal;
• and
• generate, based on the operating status of the photovoltaic string indicating the hazard, a high voltage switch command signal configured to cause the high voltage switch to open so as to electrically disconnect the photovoltaic string from an electrical connection to a grid power supply;
• and
• a discharge circuit having a discharge switch between a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the device, wherein the discharge circuit is configured to:
• drive the discharge switch complementary to the high voltage switch comprising the first disconnection switch and the second disconnection switch to establish a discharge path between the positive terminal and the negative terminal.