Article 100 Photovoltaic (PV) System.
Code Change Summary: Revised definition of a Photovoltaic (PV) System.
In the 2020 NEC®, the definition of a PV system has been revised to clarify that a PV system includes the total components, circuits, and equipment up to and including the PV system disconnecting means. In addition, the words “for connection to a utilization load” were deleted since some PV systems do not have a direct connection to a specific load.
Utility interactive PV systems are commonly tied into the premises wiring system through a backfed circuit breaker at the electrical panel, a feeder connection, or a connection directly to the service conductors ahead of the service disconnect. They are not usually connected directly to a load or to utilization equipment.
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 2020 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2017 Code Language:
Photovoltaic (PV) System. The total components and subsystem that, in combination, convert solar energy into electric energy for connection to a utilization load.
2020 Code Language:
Article 100.
Photovoltaic (PV) System. The total components, circuits, and equipment up to and including the PV system disconnecting means that, in combination, convert solar energy into electric energy.