Professional Documents
Culture Documents
For more information about this book and other Solar PV products
visit www.MikeHolt.com/solar
NEC®, NFPA 70®, NFPA 70E® and National Electrical Code® are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association.
Consider the sheer size and weight of solar modules for providing electrical power to a building. You’re looking at mechanical and site selec-
tion issues that may require specialized expertise. The value of these modules also means there are security issues to consider, which may
require more than just installing locks. There are also civil and architectural issues to address.
In summary, these installations are complicated and require expertise in several non-electrical areas, which the NEC doesn’t address.
Article 690 focuses on reducing the electrical hazards that may arise from installing and operating a solar photovoltaic system, to the point
where it can be considered safe for property and people. This article consists of eight Parts, but the general requirements of Chapters 1
through 4 apply to these installations, except as specifically modified by Article 690.
Part I. General
690.1 Scope.
Article 690 applies to photovoltaic (PV) electrical energy systems,
array circuit(s), inverter(s), and charge controller(s) for PV systems,
which may be interactive with other electrical power sources (elec-
tric utility) or stand-alone with or without energy storage (batteries).
Figures 690–1 and 690–2
Figure 690–2
690.4 Installation.
(B) Identification and Grouping. PV system conductors, both dc and
ac, can be installed in the same raceways, outlet and junction boxes,
or similar fittings with each other, but must be kept entirely indepen-
dent of non-PV system wiring conductors. Figure 690–22
Figure 690–1
Figure 690–27
(D) Inverter Disconnects. Where utility-interactive inverters are not Figure 690–73
readily accessible, dc and ac circuit disconnecting means is requires
as follows:
690.16 Disconnecting Means for Fuses 690.17 Disconnect Requirement. Disconnects must be a
manually operable switch or circuit breaker meeting all of the following:
(B) PV Output Circuit. A disconnecting means must be provided for
PV output circuits. Where the disconnecting means is more than 6 ft (4)For dc disconnects where line and load terminals will be energized
from the fuse, a directory indicating the location of the fuse discon- when the switch is in the open position, a warning sign must be
nect must be at the fuse location. Figure 690–75 placed on or adjacent to the disconnect such as: Figure 690–78
Nonload-break fuse pullouts or holders must be marked “Do not open WARNING—ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT TOUCH
under load. Figure 690–76 TERMINALS—TERMINALS ON BOTH THE LINE AND LOAD
SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION
(5) Maximum rated output current of the charge controller (if installed)
Figure 690–112
Figure 690–113
Article 705 answers these and other questions related to power sources that operate in parallel with a primary source. Typically, a primary
source is the utility supply, but it can be an on-site source instead.
Figure 705–15
Figure 705–19
Figure 705–18
This brand new book and DVD program is an insightful guide to the sweeping changes in the NEC as it relates to the
installation of PV systems of any size. This program explores the safety aspects of installation and the maintenance of PV
systems. If you are a PV installer, Electrician, Inspector or Engineer this book will be an eye opener to the complexity of
solar photovoltaic systems and the importance in understanding those NEC Rules that govern their installation.
For a limited time you can get your copy for 25% off list price – use discount code PVPDF11
2011 SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS ORDER FORM
NAME TITLE
PRICE QTY TOTAL
COMPANY
Book List Price $62 $49.60 $
ADDRESS
DVD Program List Price $210 $168.00 $
CITY STATE ZIP (includes book & 2 DVDs)
PHONE SUB-TOTAL $
SALES TAX FLORIDA RESIDENTS ONLY ADD 6% $
E-MAIL ADDRESS
Shipping (5% of total price) - Minimum $7.50 $
VISA MASTERCARD DISCOVER AMEX MONEY ORDER CHECK
TOTAL $
CREDIT CARD # EXP. DATE Mail form to: 3604 Parkway Blvd., Suite 3, Leesburg, Florida 34748
3 OR 4 DIGIT SECURITY CODE ON FRONT OF AMEX OR BACK FOR ALL OTHERS FOR VOLUME DISCOUNTS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE
TM
MIKE HOLT Enterprises, Inc.
“...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” [Joshua 24:15]