The VDE-AR-N 4105 is the primary German application rule for connecting and operating power generation systems (like solar PV and energy storage) to the low-voltage distribution network. Official English PDF and Access
While the original standard is in German, an official English translation is available for purchase from the VDE Shop.
Official Version: VDE-AR-N 4105:2018-11 is the most recent full revision.
Key Update: A Corrigendum (Berichtigung 1) was released in October 2020 to refine specific technical requirements. Summary of the Standard
The guide outlines technical minimum requirements to ensure safe grid integration and high power quality. Documents - VDE FNN
VDE-AR-N 4105 defines German technical rules for connecting power generation systems to the low-voltage network, with official English versions sold by the VDE Publishing House. While the 2018-11 version is the current standard, a full 2011 translation is available via unofficial sources, and provides official summaries. Generating Plants Connected To The VDE-AR-N - 4105 - Scribd
The document provides technical requirements for connecting power generation systems to low-voltage distribution networks. Documents - VDE FNN
The VDE-AR-N 4105 is a critical German technical application rule that sets the minimum requirements for connecting and operating power generation systems (like solar PV and battery storage) in parallel with the low-voltage distribution network. It serves as the national implementation of the European "Requirements for Generators" (RfG) code. 📋 Core Scope and Application
Voltage Level: Specifically for low-voltage (230/400 V) distribution networks.
Power Limit: Covers generation systems and energy storage up to 135 kW of total effective power; systems above this must follow VDE-AR-N 4110.
Plug-In Systems: Includes specific simplified rules for "connection-ready" systems (e.g., balcony solar) up to 600 VA. 🛠️ Key Technical Requirements
The regulation ensures grid stability and safety through several mandates:
If you are looking for the VDE-AR-N 4105 ("Generators connected to the low-voltage network") in English, it is important to note that this is a copyrighted technical standard. Because it is a proprietary document issued by the VDE (Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies), the full text is not legally available for free download as a PDF.
Here is how you can access the official English version and a summary of what the standard covers: Where to get the English PDF
VDE Publishing House (VDE Verlag): This is the primary source for the official English translation of VDE-AR-N 4105. You can purchase and download it as a digital PDF or order a print copy.
Beuth Verlag: As the main distributor for DIN standards, Beuth also provides the English version of this German application rule. Overview of VDE-AR-N 4105
This standard is critical for anyone installing power generation systems (like solar PV, battery storage, or CHP units) in Germany. It defines the technical requirements for the connection and operation of these systems to the low-voltage grid. Key areas include:
Grid Connection Requirements: Specifics on how the system must physically and electrically interface with the network. vde-ar-n 4105 english pdf
Feed-in Management: Rules for how decentralized generators must behave during grid fluctuations.
Protection Settings: Requirements for NS protection (interface protection) to ensure the system disconnects safely during a grid failure (anti-islanding).
Reactive Power: Guidelines on how plants must provide reactive power to help stabilize grid voltage.
Symmetry: Rules for three-phase connection to prevent grid imbalance. Important Note on the 2018 Revision
The current version (VDE-AR-N 4105:2018-11) replaced the older 2011 version. It introduced stricter requirements for dynamic network stability and revised the limits for small-scale generation units (like "plug-in" balcony solar).
VDE-AR-N 4105 is the German technical connection rule for power generation systems (like solar PV or battery storage) connected to the low-voltage distribution network. It ensures that small-scale energy systems support grid stability rather than disrupting it.
While the full official standard is usually a paid document, English versions are available for purchase via the VDE Verlag . Key Technical Requirements
The standard focuses on how decentralized systems must behave when connected to the public grid:
Reactive Power Provision: Systems above 3.68 kVA must provide reactive power to help maintain voltage levels in the local grid.
Grid and System (GSP) Protection: A monitoring unit must immediately disconnect the system from the grid during faults (like voltage or frequency spikes) to prevent islanding.
Capacity Limits: For systems < 30 kW, protection integrated into the inverter is typically enough. Systems > 30 kW often require external GSP protection.
Frequency Response: Generators must adjust their power output based on grid frequency (e.g., reducing output if the frequency is too high) to prevent grid collapse.
Phase Balance: Power must be distributed evenly across all three phases to avoid unbalanced loads that can destabilize the local network. Comparison with Other VDE Standards
VDE-AR-N 4105 is part of a hierarchy based on voltage levels: Target Network Typical Application VDE-AR-N 4105 Low-Voltage (LV) Home solar, small batteries, small commercial VDE-AR-N 4110 Medium-Voltage (MV) Large industrial solar, wind farms VDE-AR-N 4120 High-Voltage (HV) Large energy parks, transmission level Compliance & Documentation VDE-AR-N 4105 Anwendungsregel:2018-11 - Standards
VDE-AR-N 4105 is the essential German technical application rule for connecting and operating power generation systems (like solar PV and battery storage) within the low-voltage distribution network. VDE Verlag
Whether you are an installer, manufacturer, or network operator, understanding this standard is key to ensuring grid stability and safety. Key Highlights of VDE-AR-N 4105 Applies to distributed power systems typically up to , including home solar and small commercial storage. Grid Support:
Mandates specific reactive power regulation and frequency/voltage stability functions to support the public grid. Safety & Protection: The VDE-AR-N 4105 is the primary German application
Requires integrated network and system (NS) protection (e.g., anti-islanding) to prevent dangerous feed-ins during grid faults. Storage Integration:
Modern versions (2018-11 and later) include specific requirements for energy storage systems and bidirectional charging. Simplified Connection:
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?
The official English translation is a commercial document published by the VDE Verlag VDE-AR-N 4105 Anwendungsregel:2018-11 - Standards
The VDE-AR-N 4105 is the primary German application rule for connecting and operating power generation systems (like solar PV and battery storage) on the low-voltage distribution grid. Key Overview & "Review" Points
While the full official standard is a paid document, several English translations and summaries are available for reference.
Scope: Applies to generation systems up to 135 kW of total effective power. Systems exceeding this typically fall under VDE-AR-N 4110 for medium voltage.
Core Purpose: It ensures grid stability by mandating "grid-supporting properties," such as specific voltage/frequency ride-through capabilities and reactive power control. Protection Requirements: ≤is less than or equal to
30 kW: Standard inverter-integrated protection is generally sufficient.
> 30 kVA: Requires central network and system (NS) protection to prevent islanding and manage grid faults.
Major Updates: The 2018-11 version introduced more stringent requirements for energy storage systems and EV bidirectional charging to align with European "Requirements for Generators" (RfG) codes. Available PDF Resources
Official Purchase: The definitive English version is sold by VDE Verlag. Free Summaries/Samples:
DG Africa provides an English translation sample of the 2011-08 version.
Detailed manufacturer compliance documents from firms like Fimer or SMA often contain summaries of technical requirements for specific equipment.
A brief overview of the 2018 version's changes is hosted on VDE's official site. VDE-AR-N 4105 Anwendungsregel:2018-11 - Standards
VDE-AR-N 4105 is a critical German technical standard that defines the minimum technical requirements for connecting and operating power generation systems (like solar PV and battery storage) to the low-voltage distribution network VDE Association
. An English version is essential for international manufacturers and installers to ensure their equipment complies with German grid-feeding regulations dg-africa.net Core Technical Features Grid Support Functionality cos φ range: 0
: The standard mandates "grid-supporting" properties to ensure stable network operation as more decentralized energy sources are added VDE Association Capacity Limits
: It specifically applies to generation systems and energy storage with a total effective power of up to . Systems exceeding this (135 kW to 950 kW) must follow the VDE-AR-N 4110 NS Protection (Network & System Protection)
Required to prevent disconnection during brief voltage or frequency fluctuations Systems over must have central NS protection Units like the ABB CM-UFD.M31
provide the necessary monitoring for over/undervoltage and frequency events Operating Parameters
: Covers critical electrical properties including voltage stability, harmonics, reactive power management, and metering Where to Find English PDF Resources
Official full translations are typically purchased through the VDE Shop, but several technical guides and sample documents are available online:
Power Generating Plants in the Low Voltage Network ... - VDE
The standard mandates active anti-islanding methods (e.g., frequency shift or voltage shift). Passive methods (voltage/frequency monitoring alone) are not sufficient.
Attempting to download a "free VDE-AR-N 4105 English PDF" from file-sharing sites is risky. Files are often old versions (2011 vs 2018), contain OCR errors, or are infected with malware. Worse, using an outdated standard can cause a failed grid inspection.
| Standard | Region | Key Difference | |----------|--------|----------------| | VDE-AR-N 4105 | Germany (LV) | Strict 40% / Hz for 50.2 Hz, 60 s reconnection delay | | VDE-AR-N 4110 | Germany (MV) | For medium voltage (1 kV – 110 kV) | | IEC 61727 | International | Less strict frequency-watt response | | IEEE 1547 | USA | Different voltage/frequency limits (e.g., 60 Hz system) |
The original standard is in German. Installers, manufacturers, and international project developers need the English version to:
Every generation system must have a protective device that monitors the grid and disconnects the system if parameters exceed limits.
Standard Disconnection Settings: | Parameter | Limit Value | Disconnection Time | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Voltage $U < 80% U_n$ | Undervoltage | $\leq 0.2 \text s$ | | Voltage $U > 115% U_n$ | Overvoltage | $\leq 0.2 \text s$ | | Frequency $f < 47.5 \text Hz$ | Underfrequency | $\leq 0.2 \text s$ | | Frequency $f > 51.5 \text Hz$ | Overfrequency | $\leq 0.2 \text s$ |
Note: For systems $\leq 4.6 \text kVA$, integrated grid and plant protection is often sufficient. For larger systems, an external, certified protection relay is usually required.
If your budget is too tight for the €300+ PDF, consider these next-best resources:
| Plant Type | Max AC Power | Special Requirements | |------------|--------------|----------------------| | Small generator (type-tested) | ≤ 4.6 kVA | Simplified notification to DSO | | Standard generator | 4.6–44 kVA | Full compliance, remote control ready | | Large generator | > 44 kVA | DSO approval + detailed grid study |
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