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U.S. Department of Energy
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Grounding considerations for non-isolated photovoltaic systems

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6499351
The most efficient and lowest cost power conditioner configurations in the 1 to 200 kW size range are transformerless (non-isolated) designs. Unfortunately, a non-isolated photovoltaic (PV) system limits array grounding options and raises utility interface and safety issues. An analysis of design requisites is conducted to determine possible non-isolated configurations for various PV applications. Underwriters Laboratories' (UL) Standards for Safety and the 1984 National Electric Code (NEC) are considered. There is at least one suitable configuration allowing an economical non-isolated power conditioner for each of the three photovoltaic application areas: residential, commercial/industrial and central power plant. A recommended non-isolated power conditioner configuration and appropriate grounding scheme for each application area are described.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6499351
Report Number(s):
SAND-85-1192C; CONF-851043-11; ON: DE86002123
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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