Designing and Installing Safe, Durable, and Cost-Effective Photovoltaic Power Systems

Utility-interactive photovoltaic (PV) power systems are a mature technology. PV systems designed and installed following existing guidelines and codes will achieve long life, durable service, excellent safety, and cost-effective power production. However, it is evident that great numbers of systems being installed today will not achieve these levels of performance and reliability because of poor design and installation practices. To achieve top performance and long lifetimes, PV systems must be designed using the best available locating tools, the excellent information provided by the module and inverter manufacturers, and by following both the U.S. National Electrical Code and good workmanship practices