Ecmweb 26332 Photovoltaic Systems Basics Pr 0
Ecmweb 26332 Photovoltaic Systems Basics Pr 0
Ecmweb 26332 Photovoltaic Systems Basics Pr 0
Ecmweb 26332 Photovoltaic Systems Basics Pr 0
Ecmweb 26332 Photovoltaic Systems Basics Pr 0

Photovoltaic Systems, Part 1

Dec. 3, 2019
Article 690 of the NEC provides the electrical requirements for PV installations.

The costs of PV systems have been dropping over recent years. They are increasingly affordable (and thus increasingly more popular). In over 300 Chinese cities, for example, solar cost is on par with grid cost.

One problem with any PV system is that it's a complicated, multi-trade installation. That means each trade must follow the appropriate codes or things can go sideways badly. In fact, a large corporation recently sued over the loss of several buildings due to fires attributed to problems with the PV systems.

Article 690 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides the electrical requirements for these installations. This is far from a “paint by numbers” situation. Just understanding the lingo is an undertaking; there are more than two dozen definitions in Sec. 690.2 along with half a dozen drawings. Adding to the complexity, these systems are often interactive with other power production sources and/or storage systems, such as batteries [Sec. 690.1]. All of this sets a high bar for being one of the “qualified persons” permitted to install these systems [Sec. 690.4(C)].

Aside from the massive glossary, Part I presents little in the way of general requirements.

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.

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