Article 691 of the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) provides the requirements for large-scale photovoltaic (PV) supply stations that are not under exclusive electric utility control. Where exactly does “large scale” begin? At 5,000kW [Sec. 691.1]. And what is meant by an electric supply station? It's a location containing the generating station(s) and substation(s), including associated generator, storage battery, transformer, and switchgear areas [Sec. 691.2].
These stations must meet the “special requirements” of Sec. 691.1(1) through (5). The fifth requirement is one of their distinguishing characteristics: they cannot be installed on buildings.
These installations are to have an engineered design. Accordingly, your workflow should include having an independent licensed professional electrical engineer review and stamp the drawings and other documentation of the electrical portion. If the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) asks for this stamped documentation and you cannot provide it, your project likely will not be approved [Sec. 691.6].
To get approval to operate, you also need to document that construction proceeded per plan (to the engineered design, anyhow) [Sec. 691.7]. Just as a professional engineer (P.E.) is integral to documenting the design, a P.E. is integral to documenting the construction conforms to the design.
About the Author
Mark Lamendola
Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.
Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.
Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.