While real energy savings are being generated by solar photovoltaics markets in the U.S. and many American homeowners are excited about reducing their electrical costs, most of them lack funds to install the units on their roofs. Consequently, the DOE is funding a program to reduce the costs of solar PV installations.
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Photovoltaic (PV) power systems are becoming more numerous, larger and more complex. Inspectors and plan reviewers have limited time to deal with these new systems and still carry on the routine electrical system inspections that have been done for 100 years or more. I intend for this “Perspectives on PV” articles to provide you with information on the Code requirements for these systems and also give you information on how to make the plan reviews and inspections easier and faster.
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Section 50 of the Canadian Electrical Code covering Solar Photovoltaic Installations has seen dramatic changes in the last year and a half. As a result of this action four new rules have been added, and all but two of the existing rules have changed. Rule numbers in this article are the rule numbers from the 2012 Canadian Electrical Code, and minor editorial changes have been left out.
(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)Question Where conductors from both dc and ac photovoltaic systems utilize a common junction box or other enclosure, are there any special identification requirements for these conductors? Also, where photovoltaic circuits are run inside a building (whether in conduit or not), can these circuits be run embedded within insulation, and if so, is there any [...]
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The market activity in PV has driven many new products into our markets, making the inspector’s job difficult as technology can change from one job to the next. You will be faced with new products and configurations that will require you to do your homework. A heightened sense of awareness is an asset in this changing market.
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The NEC in sections 705.12(D) / 690.64(B) allows utility-interactive photovoltaic inverters to be connected on the load side of the service disconnect. This requirement has been in the Code since the late 1980s when PV Article 690 first appeared. Except for a slight change in 2008, the requirement has been largely unchanged. A critical examination of the requirement and how it can be applied as well as various proposals that have been rejected over the years may yield insights on what is needed in the future.
(2 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5)
Across the country and around the world, harnessing energy from the sun is becoming increasingly achievable for homeowners, businesses, and utilities alike. With an increased interest in solar photovoltaics (PV), comes a plethora of opportunities, as well as some challenges for the electrical industry. Amidst all the excitement and advantages of getting connected to alternative [...]
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Today, the solar industry and markets are experiencing record growth. Many states, utilities and the federal government are offering lucrative incentives for the installation of solar energy systems. Numerous companies and individuals are seeking to enter the business as manufacturers, financiers, distributors, integrators, marketers and installers. However, not all have the requisite training, experience and [...]
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Well, not exactly. Yes, all of those things will usually keep a system uses sunlight for fuel. However, these and other weather conditions also affect how a PV system is designed and installed to comply with the requirements of the National Electrical Code. With a PV power system lifetime exceeding 40 years, Mother Nature is [...]
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IAEI, as the keystone of the electrical industry, is a membership driven, non-profit association promoting electrical safety throughout the industry by providing premier education, certification of inspectors, advocacy, partnerships and expert leadership in Electrical Codes and Standards development.
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