Schematic diagram of photovoltaic panel grounding fault principle

How to check a PV system for ground faults?

Only use measuring devices with a DC input voltage range of 600 V or higher. In order to check the PV system for ground faults, perform the following actions in the prescribed order. The exact procedure is described in the following sections. Check the PV system for ground faults by measuring the voltage.

Why is proper grounding of a photovoltaic power system important?

Proper grounding of a photovoltaic (PV) power system is critical to ensuring the safety of the public during the installation’s decades-long life. Although all components of a PV system may not be fully functional for this period of time, the basic PV module can produce potentially dangerous currents and voltages for the life of the system.

Do PV systems have ground-fault detection requirements?

To address this issue, PV systems have ground-fault detection requirements that account for the potentially low fault current. These requirements are described in the Ground Faults and Ground-Fault Protection Devices part of this paper.

How does a gfpd ground a PV system?

Grounding Electrode Conductor—Installation. On utility-interactive PV systems, the connection between the DC grounded circuit conductor and the grounding system is usually made through the ground-fault protection device (GFPD) internal to most non-battery based utility-interactive inverters.

How does a PV ground fault protector work?

However, some PV Ground Fault Protectors use a ~.5A-1A circuit breaker or fuse in series with the system bonding jumper to detect ground faults. In this case, if a ground fault occurs and the breaker trips, the DC circuit is no longer solidly grounded.

How do you ground a PV system?

The equipment in direct current (DC) portions of the PV system may be grounded using conductors as outlined above with appropriate connections to each metal surface. In general, when a copper wire is connected to a metal surface to be grounded, some sort of certified/listed grounding device must be used.