APR 143F Advanced PV Design and NEC Code

Lecture Hours: 5
Lab Hours: 2
Credits: 6

Focuses on residential and commercial-scale systems, but the Code requirements, design parameters, and best practices are applicable to all types and sizes of PV installations, including utility-scale. Detailed lessons address requirements for disconnects, overcurrent protection, and wire sizing; interconnection requirements and calculations; grounding, ground-faults, and surge protection; calculations and examples for system sizing, inverter selection, and electrical configuration; ground and roof mount details; and labeling and data acquisition systems.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Define the purpose of the National Electrical Code (NEC®) and NEC® terminology for PV equipment
Identify options for NEC®-compliant PV system interconnection to the utility grid and determine whether a supply side, load side, or additional service connection is appropriate
Calculate PV module voltage based on temperature to ensure compatibility with system components and NEC® Section 690.7, and explore other options for maximum PV system DC voltage calculations
Demonstrate the use of sun charts and perform calculations to determine row spacing and minimize inter-row shading
Calculate minimum overcurrent protection device (OCPD) size and conductor ampacity using appropriate adjustment and correction factors
Determine size of residential grid-direct PV system based on site and customer-specific considerations including the number and wiring layout of modules, conductor and OCPD sizes, and the AC interconnections
Show how reports can be generated and utilized to remotely assess health of system

Content Outline

Sun Charts
PV Module Voltage
PV Grid Size
NEC Code