Solar Lattice

Architecture

Grounded PV array

ID
arch:grounded-pv-array
IRI
https://solarlattice.org/kb/arch/grounded-pv-array
Status
active
Also known as
negatively grounded array, positively grounded array, solidly grounded, Earth PV System, positively grounded
Category
Earthing

In a grounded PV array, one of the current-carrying DC conductors is intentionally bonded to earth, so some planned earth leakage current is part of the design. In most legacy systems installed before 2011, one DC pole is solidly bonded to ground inside the inverter. Modern non-isolated string inverters are usually functionally grounded, with neither pole solidly bonded. The bond between the grounded conductor and the grounding electrode system normally runs through the ground-fault protection device. If fault current is detected in that path, the circuit opens and the inverter shows a ground-fault alarm. A ground fault on the normally ungrounded terminal sends residual current back to the grounded terminal through the ground-fault monitoring, such as a GFDI, which then trips. When retrofitting, check whether the modules must be negatively or positively grounded. Moving them to a functionally grounded modern inverter can cause potential induced degradation and a fast loss of production, so consult the module manufacturer first. Some module-level electronics cannot be used with this topology. The Generac PV Link requires modules that do not need positive or negative grounding, because grounding would interfere with its power line communication. Commissioning guides give separate insulation resistance test procedures for source circuits and combiner sub-arrays in grounded arrays and in ungrounded arrays.

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