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2005 NEC Solar Photovoltaic Systems - General Information
The provisions of this article apply to solar photovoltaic electrical energy systems, including the array circuits(s), inverter(s), and controllers(s) for such systems. [See Figure 690.1(A) and 690.1(B).] Solar photovoltaic systems covered by this article may be interactive with other electrical power production sources or stand-alone, with or without electrical energy storage such as batteries. These systems may have ac or dc output for utilization.
Definitions
Alternating-Current (ac) Module (Alternating-Current Photovoltaic Module). A complete, environmentally protected unit consisting of solar cells, optics, inverter, and other components, exclusive of tracker, designed to generate ac power when exposed to sunlight.
Array. A mechanically integrated assembly of modules or panels with a support structure and foundation, tracker, and other components, as required, to form a direct-current power-producing unit.
Bipolar Photovoltaic Array. A photovoltaic array that has two outputs, each having opposite polarity to a common reference point or center tap.
Blocking Diode. A diode used to block reverse flow of current into a photovoltaic source circuit.
Building Integrated Photovoltaics. Photovoltaic cells, devices, modules, or modular materials that are integrated into the outer surface or structure of a building and serve as the outer protective surface of that building.
Charge Controller. Equipment that controls dc voltage or dc current, or both, used to charge a battery.
Diversion Charge Controller. Equipment that regulate3s the charging process of a battery by diverting power from energy storage to direct-current or alternating-current loads or to an interconnected utility service.
Electrical Production and Distribution Network. A power productions, distribution, and utilization system, such as a utility system and connected loads, that is external to and not controlled by the photovoltaic power system.
Hybrid System. A system comprised of multiple power sources. These power sources may include photovoltaic, wind, micro-hydro generators, engine-driven generators, and others, but do not include electrical production and distribution network systems. Energy storages systems, such as batteries, do not constitute a power source for the purpose of this definition.
Interactive System. A solar photovoltaic system that operates in parallel with and may deliver power to an electrical production and distribution network. For the purpose of this definition, an energy storage subsystem of a solar photovoltaic system, such as a battery, is not another electrical production source.
Inverter. Equipment that is used to change voltage level or waveform, or both, of electrical energy. Commonly, an inverter [also known as a power conditioning unit (PCU) or power conversion system (PCS)] is a device that changes dc input to an ac output. Inverters may also function as battery chargers that use alternating current from another source and convert it into direct current for charging batteries.
Inverter Input Circuit. Conductor4s between the inverter and the battery in stand-alone systems or the conductors between the inverter and the photovoltaic output circuits for electrical production and distribution network.
Inverter Output Circuit. Conductions between the inverter and an ac panel board for stand-alone systems or the conductors between the inverter and the service equipment or another electric power production source, such as a utility, for electrical production and distribution network.
Module. A complete, environmentally protected unit consisting of solar cells, optics, and other components, exclusive of tracker, designed to generate dc power when exposed to sunlight.
Panel. A collection of modules mechanically fastened together, wired, and designed to provide a field-installed unit.
Photovoltaic Output Circuit. Circuit conductors between the photovoltaic source circuit(s) and the inverter or dc utilization equipment.
Photovoltaic Power Source. An array or aggregate of arrays that generates dc power at system voltage and current.
Photovoltaic Source Circuit. Circuits between modules and from modules to the common connection point(s) of the dc system.
Photovoltaic System Voltage. The direct current (dc) voltage of any photovoltaic source or photovoltaic output circuit. For multiwire installations, the photovoltaic system voltage is the highest voltage between any two dc conductors.
General Information - Solar (part 2 of 2)
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