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EC&M Asks — NEC Requirements for Connecting PV Systems to the Utility

March 14, 2024

In Episode 31, SME Ryan Mayfield explains methods for complying with NEC Sec. 705.11.

In Episode 31 of “EC&M Asks,” a video series featuring subject matter experts (SMEs) answering reader-submitted questions regarding popular electrical topics, Ryan Mayfield, founder and SME of Mayfield Renewables, answers a reader-submitted question regarding connecting photovoltaic (PV) systems to the utility. Specifically, Ryan shares methods to comply with grounding requirements while making supply-side connections per NEC Sec. 705.11.

“EC&M Asks” is a video series that enlists the technical expertise of our brand’s subject matter experts to answer our readers’ most pressing electrical questions. Posted twice per month, these quick videos offer Q&As on topics related to various installations, applications, and troubleshooting scenarios. When our readers ask, EC&M answers.

About the Author

Ryan Mayfield

An engineer by training and a licensed Limited Renewable Energy Technician, Ryan has been widely known for his commitment to understanding and demystifying codes and standards for the PV and energy storage industry for decades. Starting in 1999, his career has blended technical expertise, designing and consulting on solar PV projects, with an affinity for writing and education. He founded the engineering consultancy Mayfield Renewables in 2007 to provide much-needed guidance and expertise to the solar and storage industries. Ryan was also the PV Systems Technical Editor for SolarPro Magazine from 2010 to 2018, and authored the PV Design & Installation for Dummies in 2010. He is passionate about bringing up the next generation of experts through teaching nationwide PV courses on topics such as: the National Electrical Code, commercial and utility-scale PV systems, energy storage systems best practices and electrical testing O&M best practices. He is also an alternate member of NEC Code Making Panel 13 tasked with charged with reviewing NEC sections 480 and 706.