Installation Guidelines: Electrical

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the electrical guidelines for installation of a photovoltaic PV system. The chapter covers some of the key issues particular to PV installations that are contained within PV specific codes and guidance documents. A PV array does not have a fixed voltage and current output, rather one that varies considerably under different operating conditions. It is important to determine the expected current and voltage maxima that may be generated by the PV array, in order to select suitably rated system components. A PV module is a current limiting device. PV arrays require a slightly different approach when designing suitable fault protection. Moreover, PV modules cannot be switched off, and due to the current limiting nature faults may not be detected or cleared. Precautions need to be taken to mitigate shock/fire hazards during installation, operation, or maintenance. This includes careful consideration of earthing of the PV system. The chapter explains concepts of direct current (DC) ratings including maximum voltage, maximum current, multiplication factors, voltage multiplication factor, and crystalline silicon modules. The chapter also explains the fault protection and earthing issues in detail.