A Brief Overview of the Solar Section of the National Electric Code
The National Electric Code (NEC) is the standard for electrical safety in the United States, and its requirements must be followed by all electrical contractors and installers. The NEC includes specific provisions for the installation of solar power systems, including requirements for grounding and overcurrent protection. In this article, we will examine these requirements in detail to ensure that solar panel installations are safe and compliant with the NEC.
Grounding is an essential aspect of electrical safety, as it ensures that electrical current is directed to the ground in the event of a fault. The NEC requires that all solar power systems be grounded in accordance with Section 690.47. This section specifies that the grounding system for a solar power system must consist of a grounded conductor, an equipment grounding conductor, and a grounding electrode. The grounded conductor must be connected to the negative terminal of the solar array, while the equipment grounding conductor must be connected to the negative terminal of the inverter. The grounding electrode must be connected to the equipment grounding conductor and must be located as close as possible to the point where the conductors enter the building.
Overcurrent protection is another important aspect of electrical safety, as it prevents…
