Following this, you should connect a grounding wire to the grounding rod. The wire should be made of copper or galvanized steel and should be at least 8 feet long. Use a wrench to tighten the connection between the wire and the rod. In the third step, run the grounding wire from the rod to your solar panel array.
Now, you’ll connect your solar panels and racking to the grounding wire: If your racking system is UL-listed for bonding, connect the grounding conductor to one rail in each row. If not, attach a grounding lug to each panel frame and racking component. Connect these lugs to your main grounding wire.
Solar panels with integrated grounding mechanisms use metal frames as the grounding conductor. The frames are connected to a grounding electrode, and the grounding path is established through the frames. This method is convenient and reduces the need for additional grounding components.
A: Yes, there are different methods of grounding solar panels, including grounding through the mounting structure, solar inverter, or solar panel frames. The specific method depends on various factors such as local regulations and system design. Q: How often should grounding systems be inspected?
Throughout this guide, we’ve covered the key aspects of solar panel grounding, from understanding regulatory requirements to avoiding common mistakes. Remember, the most crucial takeaway is to always use #6 AWG bare copper wire for outdoor grounding. This simple yet vital detail can make the difference between passing and failing an inspection.
Section 250 of the NEC specifically deals with grounding electrical systems, including solar panel installations. Key points from the NEC: The code requires all non-current-carrying metal parts of the solar PV system to be grounded. It specifies the minimum size of grounding conductors (more on this later).