The VDE-AR-N 4105 standard fundamentally changed the role of low-voltage generation units from passive contributors to active, grid-supporting entities.
While older standards allowed inverters to immediately disconnect during a brief voltage drop, VDE-AR-N 4105 requires certain low-voltage systems to stay connected during short-circuit grid faults (Fault Ride-Through capabilities). This prevents a chain-reaction blackout where multiple solar plants disconnect simultaneously during a minor local disturbance. Revisions and Evolution: The 2018 Update and Beyond
Mandates specific reactive power regulation and frequency/voltage stability functions to support the public grid. Safety & Protection:
Required for the integrated or external NS protection relay. vde-ar-n 4105 english pdf
The VDE-AR-N 4105 standard for low-voltage power generation systems is protected by copyright and not freely available as a complete PDF, though it can be purchased from the VDE Verlag. Free technical summaries and partial documents regarding connection requirements are accessible through the VDE FNN website. Purchase the full English standard at the VDE Standards Store . AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
The VDE-AR-N 4105 is an official "Application Rule" published by
(2018-11) is a German technical application rule defining requirements for generating plants (including photovoltaic, battery storage, CHP) connected to the low-voltage grid (up to 1,000 V AC). It superseded earlier standards like VDE 0126-1-1 and aligns with DIN VDE V 0124-100 (EEG requirements). The VDE-AR-N 4105 standard fundamentally changed the role
Only inverters with valid certificates (confirming they meet VDE-AR-N 4105) can be used.
The rule applies to a wide range of generating plants, including:
Every system must include monitoring that automatically disconnects the generator from the grid during disturbances (like voltage spikes or frequency shifts) to prevent damage or "islanding". Revisions and Evolution: The 2018 Update and Beyond
Recent updates (like the 2026-03 revision) have simplified registration for small plug-in PV systems up to VDE Association Where to find the English PDF?
Technical standards are regularly updated. The most referenced recent version of VDE-AR-N 4105 is the (published in November 2018). It replaced the original 2011 edition and introduced many new technical requirements. A corrigendum (Corrigendum 1:2020-10) was also released to correct minor errors.