Photovoltaic inverter fault test equipment

Do solar inverters need a ground fault detection & interruption device?

Solar inverters must have a ground fault detection and interruption (GFDI) device to detect and stop ground faults. It can identify the ground fault, generate an error code, and shut down the inverter. The amount of current flowing through the ground fault required to trip the inverter's GFDI varies based on the inverter type.

Does a PV system need arc fault detection?

Article 690.11 in the 2011 NEC requires arc fault detection on all PV systems operating above 80 volts and mounted on buildings. The 2014 NEC extends that requirement by removing the limitation of PV systems mounted on buildings so that ground-mounted systems must also have arc fault detection.

What should I do if my inverter has a ground fault?

Repair any ground faults and restart the inverter. If the inverter continues to show a ground fault, repeat steps c and d until the fault has cleared. You may also test the conductors from the combiner box to the inverter (or re-combiners) using the procedure for testing de-energized circuits below.

Are DC ground faults in PV arrays dangerous?

Dc ground faults in PV arrays are among the most hazardous electrical problems that can occur in a PV array and should be approached carefully according to the best safety practices. PV systems, and especially ground faults, are hazardous because of lethal voltages; ground faults are also hazardous to property because they can start fires.

Are source circuit-level devices a cost-effective solution for central inverter PV systems?

Source circuit-level devices can provide very high resolution and pinpoint the location of a fault in a PV array; however, these may be too costly to implement on a 1000-kW PV array feeding an 800-kW inverter. Combiner box devices are likely to be the first cost-effective products for central inverter PV system designs.

What is a photovoltaic inverter?

A photovoltaic or PV inverter, converts the direct current (DC) output of a solar cell or array into an alternating current (AC) that can be fed directly into the electrical grid (Grid Tie), used by a local electrical grid (Off-Grid), or both (Hybrid Inverters).