The process of permitting, plan reviewing, and inspecting PV systems is the key to safe systems and to enhance durability and longevity of these systems.
Let’s examine the changes in the 2023 NEC that directly affect photovoltaic (PV) systems.
A PV system connected to the supply side of a main breaker will allow larger PV systems to be installed. Let’s explore these connections in depth.
With more frequent utility outages due to various environmental events, batteries are even more important in today’s PV systems.
COVID and its related supply-chain issues are having various impacts on the installation and inspection of alternative-energy systems, including PV.
There are no one-size-fits-all solutions to the ground fault-protected main circuit breaker issue. Diligent attention to the requirements in the NEC and the equipment in the existing installation is required.
The National Electrical Code requires several systems to reduce the possibility of fires in PV systems and to protect fire fighters.
The module and string voltages and the inverter DC inputs are critical issues since we will be experiencing widely varying weather conditions throughout the country in the years and decades ahead.
Starting in this article, we’ll enter the forest and start looking at the individual trees (PV equipment and NEC requirements) in some detail.
As photovoltaic power (PV) systems become increasingly common due to an increasing awareness of climate change issues, including severe storms and very large forest fires, both new and seasoned code enforcement people sometimes get buried in a forest of trees dealing with code minutia and issues.