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Solar PV Systems And The National Electrical Code

A CEU Approved Course for Building & Electrical Inspectors and Officials

presented by Solar Sebastopol on July 7, 2005
Cosponsors: City of Sebastopol, City of Santa Rosa

This timely workshop was designed for building inspectors, plan checkers, fire officials, PV installers, designers, engineers and architects who wish to stay on top of the latest code compliance issues to help facilitate safe and long-lasting PV systems. Participants were provided with an intensive overview of small-scale solar electrical generation and the National Electrical Code (NEC) regulations for installation and safe operation of PV systems.

Interested in a future training? Email Marty Roberts to get on the list.

Course Content:

• Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
• PV Modules and Code Compliance
• PV Applications
• PV Equipment
• PV and the NEC
• Conductors
• Overcurrent and Disconnect Devices
• Grounding
• Battery Systems
• Utility Interactive Systems
• Point of Connection Issues
• Roof Attachments and Preventing Leaks
• Installing Systems to Last 30+ Years
• Corrosion-Resistant Racking & Hardware
• Picture Tour of Off-Grid PV Home

Click here to download a building inspector/installer checklist for solar PV installations.


About the Instructor: John Wiles is a Program Manager at the Southwest Technology Development Institute at New Mexico State University. He assists the PV industry, electrical contractors, electrical inspectors, and purchasing agencies in understanding the PV requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC). John serves as Secretary for an NFPA-appointed Task Group involved with Article 690 of the NEC. He drafted the text for Article 690 in the 2002 and 2005 NEC Handbook. His fieldwork involves balance of systems design for PV systems, acceptance testing of PV systems, test and evaluation of PV components, and the design and installation of data acquisition systems.

A few comments from attendees:

"I just feel much more comfortable with code installation practices now."

"...the PV seminar last Thursday was very informative and enjoyable, well worth the effort to attend."

"I found the information provided to be useful and informative. The knowledge gained will assist Building Division staff in implementing the plan review and inspection requirements of the NEC for PV Systems."

"In design, I am more aware of wire sizing."

When asked: "How could collaboration between the various entities (bldg. inspectors, installers, engineers, etc.) be improved to better serve the needs of the community?"...

"Doing exactly what this workshop provided. Continue doing it."

"More meetings like this."


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