Does a PV system need to be bonded?

There is no requirement that a PV system be bonded at its disconnecting means but, if it is bonded there, the PV system grounded conductor is required to be connected to a grounding electrode system.

How do you bond a PV module to a metal frame?

A decade ago, it was common practice to bond the metal frames of PV modules by drilling and tapping a hole in the aluminum frame of each module, fastening a lay-in lug to each, and then connecting those lugs with a bare, stranded, copper conductor.

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.

Can lugs be used for bonding PV modules?

This oxide layer was electrically insulative and compromised the conductive integrity of the module/lug connection. Lugs and wire can still be used for bonding PV modules, but the lugs are now required to be listed for the application, per 690.43 (A).

Does a PV array need a grounding conductor?

Since the PV array and other electrical equipment in PV system, e.g., inverters, are often located remotely from one another, 690.43 (B) requires that an equipment grounding conductor (EGC) be run from the array to other associated equipment.

How does a PV system work?

In fact, most PV systems are simply a supply of current to the electrical distribution equipment in a building, reducing the amount of current supplied by the service conductors. For most systems, a utility outage instantly shuts down the PV system, preventing it from continuing to supply current to the building.