Solar/Photovoltaic DC Systems: Information for Electrical Workers and Firefighters

Peter McNutt; William Sekulic; Gary Dreifuerst

doi:10.1109/MIAS.2019.2943649

Solar/Photovoltaic DC Systems: Information for Electrical Workers and Firefighters

Peter McNutt, William Sekulic, Gary Dreifuerst

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are common and continue to gain popularity. This article helps electrical workers and firefighters understand basic operating principles and hazards of PV dc arrays. The effects of solar radiation and temperature on power output are discussed including; PV-module testing standards; methods for calculating the number of modules in a PV string; some National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines that are aimed toward improving array safety; dc-array commissioning, periodic maintenance, and testing; arc-flash-hazard potential ways firefighters can work safely around PV arrays; potential risks posed by moonlight and other light sources; some unique dc-system hazards. We also present statistics on PV dc-array electrical incidents and injuries.

Original language	American English
Article number	8998279
Pages (from-to)	39-47
Number of pages	9
Journal	IEEE Industry Applications Magazine
Volume	26
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1109/MIAS.2019.2943649 https://doi.org/10.1109/MIAS.2019.2943649
State	Published - 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 1975-2012 IEEE.

NREL Publication Number

NREL/JA-5B00-76374

Keywords

hazards
inverters
qualifications
temperature
testing

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abstract = "Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are common and continue to gain popularity. This article helps electrical workers and firefighters understand basic operating principles and hazards of PV dc arrays. The effects of solar radiation and temperature on power output are discussed including; PV-module testing standards; methods for calculating the number of modules in a PV string; some National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines that are aimed toward improving array safety; dc-array commissioning, periodic maintenance, and testing; arc-flash-hazard potential ways firefighters can work safely around PV arrays; potential risks posed by moonlight and other light sources; some unique dc-system hazards. We also present statistics on PV dc-array electrical incidents and injuries.",

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Solar/Photovoltaic DC Systems: Information for Electrical Workers and Firefighters

Abstract

Bibliographical note

NREL Publication Number

Keywords

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