National electrical code changes in 2014 for photovoltaics: Processes, critical industry consensus topics and impacts

Most technical challenges that have emerged for safe photovoltaic (PV) systems are addressed with new installation requirements in the 2014 National Electrical Code^® (NEC^®). The recent cycle for updates to the NEC has been completed. Collaborative efforts among industry experts and focused groups including the US DOE industry forum, Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), and Solar ABCs resulted in consensus, and extensive technically-responsible updates for the 2014NEC for PV Systems. New firefighter safety and fault detection language was added as was updated system interconnection requirements. Details of those changes and new efforts to write proposals for 2017NEC are presented. Impacts of major changes and needs for further changes to the 2017NEC are presented.