Factory photovoltaic panel grounding requirements

In this blog post, we summarize key points according to the NEC. The NEC is the primary guiding document for the safe designing and installation practices of solar PV systems in the residential and commercial markets in the United States. The summary outlined below can be used by a solar PV practitioner; however, it is highly recommended that .

Abstract: This guide is primarily concerned with the grounding system design for photovoltaic solar power plants that are utility owned and/or utility scale (5 MW or greater). The focus of the guide is on differences in practices from substation grounding as provided in IEEE Std 80.

The UL 1703 standard does allow for PV modules and panels to be grounded with listed grounding devices. Until recently, grounding devices could be certified to a few standards which included UL 1703; UL 467, Grounding and Bonding Equipment; and, subject UL 2703, Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for .

This paper addresses the requirements for PV system grounding contained in the U.S. National Electrical Code ® ( NEC ® ) published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of solar panel grounding, covering everything from basic concepts to step-by-step instructions. The most important takeaway? Always use #6 AWG bare copper wire for outdoor grounding to meet National Electric Code requirements and pass inspections.

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6 FAQs about [Factory photovoltaic panel grounding requirements]

Do solar PV systems need to be grounded?

Key points from the NEC: The code requires all non-current-carrying metal parts of the solar PV system to be grounded. It specifies the minimum size of grounding conductors (more on this later). The NEC also outlines requirements for grounding electrodes (like ground rods) and how they should be installed.

What are equipment grounding requirements for PV systems?

Equipment grounding requirements for PV systems are covered in 690.43. These requirements include the bonding and grounding requirements for exposed metal parts of PV systems such as metallic module frames, electrical equipment, and conductor enclosures [690.43 (A)].

Does a photovoltaic system have a DC grounding system?

Photovoltaic systems having dc circuits and ac circuits with no direct connection between the dc grounded conductor and ac grounded conductor shall have a dc grounding system. The dc grounding system shall be bonded to the ac grounding system by one of the methods in (1), (2), or (3).

Why is proper grounding of a photovoltaic power system important?

Proper grounding of a photovoltaic (PV) power system is critical to ensuring the safety of the public during the installation’s decades-long life. Although all components of a PV system may not be fully functional for this period of time, the basic PV module can produce potentially dangerous currents and voltages for the life of the system.

Do ungrounded PV systems need ground protection?

In all cases, an ungrounded array must be provided with equivalent protection for ground faults, as required by NEC 690.35. A PV system is defined as a grounded system when one of the DC conductors (either positive or negative) is connected to the grounding system, which in turn is connected to the earth.

Do I need a grounding electrode for a PV array?

While a separate grounding electrode system is still permitted to be installed for a PV array, per 690.47 (B), it is no longer required to be bonded to the premises grounding electrode system. In PV systems with string inverters, the equipment grounding conductor from the array terminates to the inverter’s grounding bus bar.

Factory photovoltaic panel grounding requirements