PV

PV SYSTEM CEC 690 and AMP

General

  • Residential 1-2 family dwelling – max 600 volts 
  • PV module model #, quantity, and location according to plan
  • Work done in a neat, workmanlike manner
  • Array mounting system and structural connections to plan
  • Roof penetrations flashed/sealed
  • Firefighter access to plan
  • Emergency egress/rescue openings path of travel 36” wide
  • Access and working space for PV equipment
  • A valid permit and plans must be on-site R106.3.1

Conductors

  • Ampacity and wire size
  • Exposed single conductor wiring is 90C, wet rated, and sunlight resistant type USE-2 or approved/listed PV wire
  • If wiring is in a conduit, it is 90C, wet rated type RHW-2, THWN-2, or XHHW-2
  • Conductor insulation is rated at 90C to allow for operation at 70C+ near modules
  • Grounded conductor IDed white or gray
  • PV conductors grouped and IDed

Main Service Panel Interconnection

  • 2-Pole Breaker
  • Over-current device type/size per plan
  • Labels on panels. DC conduit every 20’ and 1 at eye level
  • The panel must be labeled
  • Conduit secured 3’/10’

Bonding & Grounding

  • A complete GES installed
  • Modules and racking systems are bonded and grounded per manufacturer instructions
  • Properly sized EGC is routed with circuit conductors

Over-current Protection

  • OCPD in DC circuits listed for DC 
  • OCPD per plans
  • PV output OCPD is located at the opposite end of the bus from the feeder connection
  • 20% rule: 100 amp svc ≤ 20 amp PV breaker

Disconnects

  • Disconnect handles ≤ 6’7” – blade lockable
  • Disconnects according to plan and located as req by CEC and AMP
  • Disconnects used in DC circuits are listed for DC operation and located per AMP
  • Disconnects are installed for PV equipment. NOTE: For inverters and other equipment energized from > 1 source, disconnecting means must be grouped and identified per AMP req
  • AC Disconnect ≤ 10’ and in sight of main meter panel per AMP
  • DC Disconnect and inverter at grade level (unless micro inverters are used)

PV Source/output Circuit Conductor Management

  • Cables secured every 4.5′
  • Cables secured within 12″ of the box, cabinet, conduit body, or other termination
  • Cable closely follows the surface of the building finish or on running boards
  • Exposed single conductors, protected where subject to physical damage

Signs & Labels

  • All int/ext DC conduit, enclosures, raceways, cable assemblies, junction boxes, and disconnects are marked
  • Markings on the conduits, raceways, and cable assemblies every 10′, within 1′ of turns/bends, and within 1′ above and below penetrations of roof/ceiling assemblies, walls, and barriers
  • Marking is placed adjacent to the main service disconnect in a location that must be visible from where the disconnect is located
  • The markings say “WARNING: PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE” and have 3/8″ minimum-sized white letters on a red background. The signs are made of reflective weather-resistant material
  • Where PV circuits are embedded in built-up, laminate, or membrane roofing materials in roof areas not covered by PV modules and associated equipment, the location of circuits must be marked