SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEMS

ELECTRICAL CODE COMPLIANCE AND INSPECTION CHECKLIST

This checklist contains common electrical code requirements for PV systems, based on the 2008 National Electrical Code© and
industry standards, and is intended as a guide for PV system inspectors, designers, and installers. The organization of this
checklist is aligned with the major sections of Article 690 on Solar Photovoltaic Systems, including circuit requirements,
disconnecting means, wiring methods, grounding, marking, connections to other sources and storage batteries. While the items on
this checklist provide an overview of the common electrical system requirements, it should not be considered a complete or
exhaustive list of all requirements for documentation or code compliance. In particular, this checklist does not address system
performance, manufacturer-specific installation instructions, structural loading issues, special fire codes or other local requirements
established by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

This checklist is intended for use by qualified persons having a thorough understanding of the building codes and PV systems
design and installation practices, and it is not intended as a design guide. System designers and integrators may find this
checklist helpful in preparing permit applications and plan review documents, and local officials may also use this as a guide for
reviewing plans and issuing building permits. Contractors and installers may use this checklist as part of conducting final
checkouts and system commissioning, and field inspectors may use this checklist as part of their final inspection and approval
process.

SYSTEM INFORMATION
Customer __ ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Site Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Name __ __________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone __________________________ Fax _____________________________ Email __________________________________

Permitting Authority_________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone __________________________ Fax _____________________________ Email __________________________________

Type of System ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Module (qty) ________________________________________________________________ System Output (kWdc) ___________
Inverter (qty) ________________________________________________________________ System Output (kWac) ___________
Charge Controller_____________________________________________ Battery____________ _______________

GENERAL PRACTICES AND COMPONENTS REFERENCE COMPLIANCE / NOTES

1. Equipment Approval. All equipment is identified and listed for NEC 110.2;
the application (includes UL 1703 listing for modules and UL 690.4(D);
1741 listing for inverters and charge controllers). 690.60
2. Manufacturer’s Instructions. Equipment is installed and used
in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or 110.3(B)
labeling.
3. Site Drawings. Site drawings include descriptions and
locations of major components.
4. Electrical Diagram. Electrical diagram includes component
interconnects, conductor types and sizes, conduit types and
sizes, disconnects, and point of interconnection.
5. Array Mounting Information. Mounting detail drawing
includes roof type and age, mounting system, fastener
spacing, and penetration weather sealing method.

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6. Owner’s Documentation. Documentation includes system
warranty, component warranties, owner’s manuals, utility
interconnection agreement, and instructions for operation and
maintenance.
7. AC Modules. AC modules have appropriate markings,
690.6;
overcurrent protection, disconnects, and ground fault
690.52
protection.
8. Stand-Alone Inverter Output. Inverter output rating is equal to
or greater than the largest single load on the system, but is 690.10(A)
permitted to be less than the sum of every load on the system.
9. Local Building Permit. Permits are obtained and displayed as
required.

CIRCUIT VOLTAGE AND CURRENT REQUIREMENTS REFERENCE COMPLIANCE / NOTES

1. Maximum System Voltage. Maximum system voltage is
calculated based on module open-circuit voltage at the lowest
NEC 690.7(A)
expected ambient temperature. Module manufacturer’s
temperature coefficients are used when available.
2. 600 V Limit. Maximum system voltage is less than 600 V for
dwellings. Circuits over 150 V accessible only to qualified 690.7(C); 690.7(D)
persons.
3. Maximum PV Current. The maximum PV source- and output-
circuit currents (used for sizing conductors and overcurrent
690.8(A)(1); 690.8(A)(2)
protection devices) are based on 125% of the module short-
circuit current.
4. Inverter Current. Maximum inverter input and output circuit
690.8(A)(3); 690.8(A)(4)
currents are based on inverter ratings.
5. Equipment Maximum Voltage. Equipment and devices are
690.7; 110.4
rated for maximum system voltage at lowest temperature.

CONDUCTORS AND WIRING METHODS REFERENCE COMPLIANCE / NOTES

1. Conductors and Wiring Methods. Standard building-wire
conductors and appropriate wiring methods are used. NEC 300; 690.31(A)
Conductors are rated for conditions of use.
2. Conduit. PV source- and output-circuit conductors operating
at more than 30 V and installed in readily accessible locations 690.31(A)
are in conduit.
3. PV Source-Circuit Wiring. Conductors have 90°C, sunlight,
and wet service resistances. Single conductor type USE-2
690.31(B)
and specifically listed and labeled PV wire is permitted in PV
source circuits.
4. PV Conductors Alone. PV source- and output-circuit
conductors are not run together with conductors of other 690.4(B)
systems.
5. Ampacity. Conductors are sized for a de-rated ampacity of at
least 125% of the maximum currents calculated or
690.8(B); 310.15(B);
determined in 690.8(A). De-rating factors include high
310.16
ambient temperatures, location on or above rooftops, and
number of conductors run together within a conduit or cable.
6. Flexible Conductors. Tracking or movable array mounts use
flexible conductors identified for hard service and outdoor 690.31(C); 400.5 N/A
use. Ampacities calculated according to 400.5.
7. Small Conductors. Single-conductor cables in sizes 16
AWG and 18 AWG are permitted for module interconnections 690.31(D); 310.15 N/A
if they meet the ampacity requirements of 690.8.
8. PV Source-Circuit Conduit. Where DC PV source circuits
are run inside a building, they are in metal conduit from the
690.31(E)
point of penetration into the building to first accessible
disconnect.
9. Connectors. Connectors are polarized, noninterchangeable,
guarded, latching or locking, have “first-to-make/last-to-break”
690.33
contact for grounded conductor, and either are rated for
interrupting current or require a tool to open.
10. Wiring Connectors. Connectors are listed for the intended
use and environment. Screw terminals are tightened to
110.14
recommended torque. Crimp-on terminals are used with
appropriate crimping tool.
11. Junction Boxes. Junction boxes are of appropriate type and
690.34; 314
size and allow the conductors within to be accessible.

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12. Color Codes. Grounded conductors are marked white or
gray and grounding conductors shall be green, green/yellow, 310.12
or bare.
13. Strain Relief. Strain relief or conduit is used with all
300.4
conductors.
14. Multiwire Branch Circuits. No multiwire branch circuits are
690.10(C) N/A
allowed on stand-alone 120 V inverter output circuit or panels.

OVERCURRENT PROTECTION REFERENCE COMPLIANCE / NOTES

1. Protected Circuits. PV source circuit, PV output circuit,
inverter output circuit, and battery circuit conductors and NEC 690.9(A); 240
equipment are protected in accordance with Article 240.
2. Multiple Power Sources. Circuits connected to multiple power
690.9(A)
sources are provided overcurrent protection from each source.
3. Ratings. Overcurrent protection devices are rated for not less
than 125% of the maximum currents calculated or determined 690.8(B); 240.4;
in 690.8(A).
4. Transformers. Overcurrent protection is provided for power
690.9(B); 450.3
transformers in accordance with Section 450.3.
5. Supplementary Overcurrent Protection. Branch-circuit or
supplementary-type overcurrent protection devices are 690.9(C)
permitted on PV source circuits.
6. Listed for DC. Overcurrent protection devices in DC circuits
are listed for such use and have the appropriate voltage, 690.9(D)
current, and interrupt ratings.

DISCONNECTS REFERENCE COMPLIANCE / NOTES

1. Array Disconnect. A disconnect is provided between the PV
NEC 690.13
power system output and other building conductors.
2. Accessibility. Array disconnect is installed at a readily
accessible location either on the outside of the building or 690.14(C)(1);
structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the system 690.31(E)
conductors.
3. Marking. Each PV system disconnect is marked as such, and 690.14(C)(2);
suitable for the intended use. 690.14(C)(3)
4. Grouping. There are no more than six disconnects for each
690.14(C)(4);
source of power. Disconnects for each power source are
690.14(C)(5)
grouped together.
5. Equipment Disconnects. Disconnects are provided to
disconnect equipment (inverters, batteries, charge controllers, 690.15
etc.) from all ungrounded conductors of all power sources.
6. Fuses. Disconnects are provided to independently disconnect
a fuse from all sources of power if the fuse is energized from 690.16
both directions.
7. Features. Disconnects open all ungrounded conductors, are
readily accessible, externally operated, have ON/OFF
indication, and have appropriate interrupt rating. Manually 690.17
operated switches and circuit breakers may fulfill these
requirements.

GROUNDING REFERENCE COMPLIANCE / NOTES

1. Ungrounded Systems. Ungrounded systems include
disconnects, overcurrent protection, and ground-fault
690.35 N/A
protection. Equipment is listed for use with ungrounded
systems.
2. Module Grounding Continuity. Module connections are
such that removal of a module does not interrupt a grounded 690.4(C)
conductor to another PV source circuit.
3. Ground-Fault Protection. Ground fault protection is provided
690.5
for grounded arrays.
4. PV System Grounding. One DC conductor is grounded for
690.41; 250.4(A)
two-wire PV systems operating above 50 V.
5. Single-Point. DC grounding is made at a single point on the
690.42
PV output circuit.
6. Equipment Grounding. Non-current-carrying metal
components are grounded, including module frames, 690.43
mounting structures, equipment, conduit, and boxes.
7. Equipment Grounding Conductors. Equipment grounding
690.43
conductors are routed with PV circuit conductors.

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8. Equipment Grounding Conductor Size. If array has GFP,
the equipment grounding conductor is sized according to
250.122. If array does not have GFP, the equipment 690.45; 250.122
grounding conductor is sized for at least twice the de-rated
circuit conductor ampacity.
9. Grounding Electrode Systems. The AC system is grounded
according to 250.50 through 250.60. The DC system is 690.47(A); 690.47(B); 250
grounded according to 250.166 or 250.169.
10. Common Grounding. If system includes both AC and DC
systems, the grounding electrode systems are bonded
together. The bonding conductor is sized for the larger of the
AC and DC requirements. Separate DC and AC grounding
690.47(C); 250
electrodes are permitted, or both grounding systems may use
the premises AC grounding electrode. The grounding
electrode conductor is sized to meet both AC and DC
grounding requirements.
11. Array Grounding. Array is grounded with separate grounding
690.47(D)
electrode system, unless it would be within 6’ of premises Not Required
electrode.

MARKINGS AND LABELS REFERENCE COMPLIANCE / NOTES

1. Array Ground-Fault Protection. Interactive inverter, ground-
fault indicator, and/or battery bank label warns of shock 690.5(C)
hazard during ground fault.
2. Modules. PV modules are labeled with open-circuit voltage,
operating (maximum power) voltage, maximum permissible
690.51
voltage, operating (maximum power) current, short-circuit
current, and maximum power.
3. System Info at DC Disconnect. PV power source is labeled
with maximum power current, maximum power voltage,
maximum system voltage, short-circuit current, and maximum 690.53
rated output current of charge controller (if installed) at the
DC disconnect.
4. Inverter Info at AC Disconnect. Point of interconnection is
labeled with inverter operating AC voltage and rated AC 690.54
output current at the AC disconnect.
5. Batteries. Battery bank is labeled with maximum operating
690.55
voltage, equalization voltage, and polarity.
6. Stand-Alone Systems. Exterior visible notice indicates the
structure contains a stand-alone system and identifies the 690.56(A)
locations of disconnects.
7. Interactive Systems. Exterior visible notice indicates
identifies the locations of array disconnect and utility service 690.56(B)
disconnect, if not located together.
8. Single 120 V Supplies. A stand-alone system supplied by a
120 V inverter includes a label warning against connecting 690.10(C)
multiwire branch circuits.
9. Ungrounded Systems. Ungrounded systems include a label
690.35(F)
warning of a shock hazard.
10. Disconnect Energized While Open. If all terminals of a
690.17
disconnect are energized when open, a label warns as such.
11. Marking. Panels containing overcurrent protection devices
supplying power to busbar are marked to indicate all sources 690.64(B)(4)
of supply.
12. Back-Fed Breakers. Back-fed circuit breakers for load-side
connections are labeled as inverter output connections with a 690.64(B)(7)
warning not to relocate.

CONNECTION TO OTHER SOURCES REFERENCE COMPLIANCE / NOTES

1. Inverters UL Listed. Inverter is listed and identified for
690.60, UL1741
interactive operation.
2. Islanding. Interactive inverters will de-energize if utility power
is lost. Bimodal inverters may continue to operate if 690.61
disconnected from utility power.
3. Neutral Loading. If two-wire inverter is connected to system
with multiple ungrounded conductors, sum of load and
690.62
inverter’s current rating does not exceed ampacity of
grounded conductor.

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4. Unbalanced Interconnections. Loads are balanced on
three-phase systems with interconnected single-phase
690.63
inverters. Three-phase inverter automatically de-energizes if
system becomes unbalanced.
5. Point of Connection. The output of interactive inverter is
connected to either the supply side or the load side of the 690.64
utility service disconnect.
6. Load-Side Connection. If load-side connection, the inverter
output connection is made at dedicated circuit breaker or 690.64(B)(1)
fusible disconnect.
7. 120% of Busbar Rating. Sum of ampere ratings of all
breakers supplying power to panel does not exceed 120% of 690.64(B)(2)
the busbar rating.
8. GFCI. Interconnection is on the line side of all ground-fault
690.64(B)(3)
protection equipment.
9. Suitable for Backfeed. Circuit breakers used for load-side
690.64(B)(5)
connections are suitable for such operation.
10. Back-Fed Breakers. Back-fed circuit breakers for load-side
connections are positioned at the opposite end of the panel 690.64(B)(7)
as the utility service disconnect.

BATTERIES AND CHARGE CONTROL REFERENCE COMPLIANCE / NOTES

1. General. Battery bank is installed in accordance with Article
690.71(A); 480 N/A
480.
2. Voltage Limit for Dwellings. For dwellings, operating
voltage is less than 50 V nominal (no more than 24 2 V lead- 690.71(B)(1) N/A
acid cells in series).
3. Covers/Access. Battery terminals and other live parts are 690.71(B)(2); 480.9
N/A
guarded and adequate working space is provided.
4. Fuses. Current-limiting fuses are installed on battery output
690.71(C) N/A
circuits.
5. Cases and Racks. Batteries in banks of greater than 48 V
nominal are in non-conductive cases. Conductive racks are
690.71(D) N/A
permissible, if no materials within 6” from top of battery case.
(Requirements do not apply to VRLA batteries.)
6. Series Disconnects. Series disconnects are provided for
690.71(E) N/A
battery strings over 48 V nominal.
7. Maintenance Disconnect. A disconnect is provided for the
grounded conductor of each string for battery systems over 690.71(F) N/A
48 V. Disconnect is accessible only to qualified persons.
8. Charge Control. Charge control is used if charge rates are
greater than 3% of battery capacity (C/33). Adjustment is 690.72(A) N/A
accessible only to qualified persons.
9. Diversion Charge Control. Systems using diversion charge
controllers have a secondary independent means for charge 690.72(B)(1) N/A
control.
10. Diversion Loads. DC diversion load current rating is less
than or equal to charge controller rating, load voltage rating is
690.72(B)(2) N/A
greater than maximum battery bank voltage, and load power
rating is at least 150% of the array power rating.
11. Interactive Systems. Interactive systems with batteries need
not comply with diversion load requirements, but must have a 690.72(B)(3) N/A
secondary independent means for charge control.
12. Battery Wiring. Battery interconnections are made with #2/0
AWG or larger flexible cables that are listed for hard-service 690.74; 400 N/A
use and identified as moisture-resistant.

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