Photovoltaic power systems for inspectors and plan reviewers 2nd

What is a photovoltaic system review?

This work intends to make a review of the photovoltaic systems, where the design, operation and maintenance are the key points of these systems. Within the design, the critical components of the system and their own design are revised.

Do you need a licensed electrician to install a photovoltaic power system?

In most locations, all electrical wiring (including photovoltaic power systems) must be accomplished by, or under the supervision of a licensed electrician and then inspected by a designated local authority. Some municipalities have additional codes that supplement or replace the NEC. The local inspector has the final say on what is acceptable.

Where does a PV system DIS-CONNECT on a pure utility-interactive PV system?

For example, as shown in Figure 1.1 (part of Figure 690.1 from the 2017NEC) the PV system dis-connect on a pure utility-interactive PV system occurs at the ac output ofthe utility-interactive inverter. If there are ac PV modules involved, the PV system disconnect will be at the output of the combined outputs of all the ac PV modules in the system.

Will a utility-interactive PV inverter energize a dead line?

The utility-interactive PV inverter will not energize a dead line and, in fact, will disconnect from the line when the line voltage varies more than -12% to +10% from nominal (typically 120, 208, 240, 277, or 480 volts) or when the frequency varies by more than -0.7 to +0.5 Hz from the normal 60 Hz.

Can a DC PV arc fault circuit interrupter be built into a U-I inverter?

Many of these systems will be built into the U-I inverter, but separate versions are also available. Photovoltaic systems with dc circuit voltages over 80 volts will require a device known as a dc PV arc-fault circuit interrupt-er (DCPVAFCI) and, in most cases, these devices will be built into the string inverter (690.11).

Where are photo-voltasic system disconnects located?

As we know them today, PV systems may include several interconnected sources of energy, including battery storage systems, multimode inverters, generators, and similar devices. Photo-voltasic system disconnects are located in various locations throughout the “so-called” PV system in a manner that is sometimes confusing.