Are ground mounting steel frames suitable for PV solar power plant projects?

In the photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant projects, PV solar panel (SP) support structure is one of the main elements and limited numerical studies exist on PVSP ground mounting steel frames to be a research gap that has not be addressed adequately in the literature.

What are the bonding and grounding requirements for PV systems?

The specific bonding and grounding requirements for PV systems in Article 690 are in Part V. Section 690.41 covers system grounding, allowing both grounded and ungrounded PV array conductors.

How do I develop a grounding scheme for a PV system?

The first step in developing a grounding scheme for the completed PV system is to examine the foundation structure as soon as it is available. The length and attachment method of the steel post and pier may or may not qualify the design as a grounding conductor. Refer to NEC 250.68 (C) (2) and NEC 250 to get started.

Do I need a grounding electrode for a PV array?

While a separate grounding electrode system is still permitted to be installed for a PV array, per 690.47 (B), it is no longer required to be bonded to the premises grounding electrode system. In PV systems with string inverters, the equipment grounding conductor from the array terminates to the inverter’s grounding bus bar.

Does a PV array need a grounding conductor?

Since the PV array and other electrical equipment in PV system, e.g., inverters, are often located remotely from one another, 690.43 (B) requires that an equipment grounding conductor (EGC) be run from the array to other associated equipment.

Can a solar PV system be grounded?

Solar PV systems are still permitted to be grounded, per 690.41 (A) (1) and (5), and, for those PV systems that are, the dc grounded conductor is directly coupled (or coupled through electronic circuitry) to the ac grounded conductor, which is then brought to ground potential by being terminated to the neutral bus bar at the main service panel.