3 Noteworthy Solar Implications in New US National Electrical Code

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feature-0-1405525439251.jpg The*2014 National Electrical Code (NEC)*has come out, and this version holds a bit of solar intrigue even for those who are not involved with engineering or construction.* In response to safety concerns for first responders, like firefighters, the 2014 NEC now requires solar energy systems to have a “Rapid Shutdown” function.* In simple terms, the

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  • solarix
    solarix Solar Expert Posts: 713 ✭✭
    #2
    Re: 3 Noteworthy Solar Implications in New US National Electrical Code

    The roof shown with solar in this article will be disallowed because it violates the 36" perimeter setback rule. This whole safety 1st attitude has gone too far when it prevents solar from being affordable. And if the fire code really wanted to be safe, how about outlawing all indoor exposed flame which is the cause of a million times more problems than solar ever will.
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: 3 Noteworthy Solar Implications in New US National Electrical Code
    solarix wrote: »
    The roof shown with solar in this article will be disallowed because it violates the 36" perimeter setback rule. This whole safety 1st attitude has gone too far when it prevents solar from being affordable. And if the fire code really wanted to be safe, how about outlawing all indoor exposed flame which is the cause of a million times more problems than solar ever will.

    There is no universal 36" setback rule.

    This latest requirement is more gibberish pandering to the ignorant. No doubt code inspectors will be demanding implementation before there is any equipment to accommodate the rule.

    You can't really shut down PV other than covering it with something opaque (don't tell them that or they'll be demanding automatic panel shutters).

    In terms of electrical fires more are started by overloaded extension cords than anything else.
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  • inetdog
    inetdog Solar Expert Posts: 3,123 ✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: 3 Noteworthy Solar Implications in New US National Electrical Code
    Cariboocoot wrote: »
    This latest requirement is more gibberish pandering to the ignorant. No doubt code inspectors will be demanding implementation before there is any equipment to accommodate the rule.

    There is already equipment that meets the rule, both new GTI string inverters (if mounted within 10 feet of the edge of the array) and DC combiners with Rapid Shutdown controls.
    The real crunch will come if and when the 10' limit gets tightened. At that point only microinverters and solar optimizers (of currently available products) would meet the requirements.
    SMA SB 3000, old BP panels.
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