Solar Converters Inc.FCCFCC Section 15J Part B (simplified) The FCC is a U.S. federal commision that regulates the radio spectrum in the United States. Each region of the world has their own equivalent governing body. They have published a number of requirements that any and all equipment must pass in order to be sold and manufactured in the United States. This is a "global" specification on all equipment that produces, either intentionally or unintentionally, RF(radio frequency)interference. Testing of a product not only takes the form of measuring the radiated RF field strength around the unit, but also the RF conducted through each wire connected to the unit. All these tests view the RF spectrum from 10 KHz through hundreds of megahertz. So the testing is quite thorough. The governing bodies have the authority to seize and impound equipment and property as well as impose fines if any product sold or manufactured in the United States does not conform to their specifications. This requirement is not to be taken lightly. This is a time bomb in the solar field. The previous relay based controller had no RF, hence FCC impact. As PWM controllers and microcomputers are fairly new in this field, the issues of FCC compliance are raised. The switching action of all PWMs, not to mention the microcomputers that control them, produce RF interference. Unlike safety UL type issues where there is little or no existing relevant specifications or guidelines, FCC certification is an enforceable existing real requirement as yet unaddressed in the solar power field. This issue for PV systems is also made worse by the long lines and large PV panels that form a large radiating antenna. Not only does the potential exist for RF interference, but the PV wiring and array make an excellent antenna to broadcast it to the world. The Power Tracker(TM) is certified to FCC Section 15J part B, the tightest and hardest to meet specification of FCC. Also it passes the specification by 20 db (a factor of 100). This effectively means unrestricted use of it in North America and effectively the world. Revised -- 6/27/97 |