How to ground a PV inverter?

In general, effective grounding can be achieved with a grounding transformer as shown in Figure 1 (a). If the PV inverter has an internal transformer with the grounded wye to delta configuration, a grounding reactor can be used instead by accessing the neutral point of the inverter transformer.

Do PV inverters need AC side grounding?

When a PV plant is installed in the distribution feeder, the plant shall meet the IEEE 1547 standard and the interface requirements of the local utility company. Some utility companies require PV inverters to have AC side grounding in order to assure compatibility with their grounding scheme, generally referred to as effective grounding.

What are the bonding and grounding requirements for PV systems?

The specific bonding and grounding requirements for PV systems in Article 690 are in Part V. Section 690.41 covers system grounding, allowing both grounded and ungrounded PV array conductors.

Do I need a grounding electrode for a PV array?

While a separate grounding electrode system is still permitted to be installed for a PV array, per 690.47 (B), it is no longer required to be bonded to the premises grounding electrode system. In PV systems with string inverters, the equipment grounding conductor from the array terminates to the inverter’s grounding bus bar.

What is a functionally grounded inverter?

14) Nowadays, functionally grounded inverters or PV arrays not isolated from the grounded output circuit of inverter are used. This allows the EGC of the PV circuit to be connected to the grounding point provided by the inverter, eliminating the need for a separate DC grounding system.

What is a grounding point of a PV inverter?

The grounding point of the inverter is connected onwards to the grounding system or grounding electrode of the residential facility or building (see figure below). 15) PV circuits having 30V or 8A more shall be provided with a ground-fault protection device (GFPD). Nowadays, in general, this is a built-in function of inverters.