600.34 Photovoltaic (PV) Powered Sign.
Code Change Summary: A new code section was added to address PV powered signs.
In 600.2 of the 2017 NEC®, a Photovoltaic (PV) Powered Sign is defined as a complete sign, powered by solar energy consisting of all components and subassemblies for installation either as an off-grid stand-alone, on-grid interactive, or non-grid interactive system.
Along with the new definition, new code section 600.34 was added to provide installation requirements for PV powered signs. These include listing of equipment, type and protection of wiring methods including flexible cords and cables, proper grounding, disconnecting means and battery compartments.
These signs can be wired as an interactive or stand-alone system. One thing is made clear by the parent text of 600.34, A PV powered sign is not just covered in Article 600. The installation instructions and applicable rules in Article 690 must also be followed. In Article 690 are additional rules that may send the user to Article 705 or even new Article 710 depending on whether the sign is wired as an interactive or stand-alone configuration.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2017 Code Language:
N 600.34 Photovoltaic (PV) Powered Sign. All field wiring of components and subassemblies for an off-grid stand-alone, on-grid interactive, or non-grid interactive PV installation shall be installed in accordance with Article 690, as applicable, 600.34, and the PV powered sign installation instructions.
(A) Equipment. Inverters, motor generators, PV modules, PV panels, ac PV modules, dc combiners, dc-ac converters, and charge controllers intended for use in PV powered sign systems shall be listed for PV application.
(B) Wiring. Wiring from a photovoltaic panel or wiring external to the PV sign body shall be:
(1) Listed, labeled, and suitable for photovoltaic applications
(2) Routed to closely follow the sign body or enclosure
(3) As short as possible and secured at intervals not exceeding 0.91 m (3 ft)
(4) Protected where subject to physical damage
(C) Flexible Cords and Cables. Flexible cords and cables shall comply with Article 400 and be identified as extra hard usage, rated for outdoor use, and water and sunlight resistant.
(D) Grounding. Grounding a PV powered sign shall comply with Article 690, Part V and 600.7.
(E) Disconnecting Means. The disconnecting means for a PV powered sign shall comply with Article 690, Part III and 600.6.
(F) Battery Compartments. Battery compartments shall require a tool to open.