Renvu

Part 2: Rapid Shutdown Code (Effective after 01/01/2019)

(2) Inside the Array Boundary. The PV system shall comply with one of the following:

(1) The PV array shall be listed or field labeled as a rapid shutdown PV array. Such a PV array shall be installed and used in accordance with the instructions included with the rapid shutdown PV array listing and labeling or field labeling.

(2) Controlled conductors located inside the boundary or not more than 1 m (3 ft) from the point of penetration of the surface of the building shall be limited to not more than 80 volts within 30 seconds of rapid shutdown initiation. Voltage shall be measured between any two conductors and between any conductor and ground. 

(3) PV arrays with no exposed wiring methods, no exposed conductive parts, and installed more than 2.5 m (8 ft) from exposed grounded conductive parts or ground shall not be required to comply with 690.12(B)(2).

The most important takeaway from “Part 2” is sub-item 2, because it can dramatically change the equipment and layout of a system that was previously following NEC 2014 code. The most common methods of achieving sub-item 2 requirements is through string inverters with MLPE (i.e. optimizers) or microinverters. Microinverters and string inverters with MLPE should allow the ability to decrease the voltage to 80V once rapid shutdown is initiated.