Changes in the National Electrical Code® for PV Installations

The National Electrical Codereg (NECreg) is the predominant installation standard for all electrical installations in the U.S. and has been adopted in whole or part by all 50 states. More than 65,000 electrical inspectors in more than 40,000 jurisdictions are charged with enforcing the Code. The ten and one-half-page Article 690 specifically addresses photovoltaic (PV) power systems. More than 60 percent of the rest of the nearly 800 pages of the NEC apply to electrical power system installations including PV systems. An "Industry Forum" consisting of nearly 100 members of the PV industry, utilities, academia, and government agencies reviews all sections of the existing NEC for installation requirements that pertain to PV systems. The forum participants review the existing NEC for system installation requirements and propose consensus improvements or changes consistent with the safe evolution of PV technology. The forum proposed 42 improvements and changes for the 2008 code cycle. The proposals were based on a collaborative process of information exchange between electrical inspectors, PV installers, PV systems designers and integrators, equipment manufacturers, and other members of the PV industry forum. A summary of the proposals, the pertinent impacts and current status is presented