Notes:
I. General
ARTICLE 690 Solar
Photovoltaic Systems
1. These diagrams are intended to be a means of identification for photovoltaic system components, circuits, and connections.
2. Disconnecting means required by Article 690, Part III, are not shown.
3. System grounding and equipment grounding are not shown. See
Article 690, Part V.
Figure 690.1(A) Identification of Solar Photovoltaic System
Components.
other components, as required, to form a direct-
690.1 Scope. The provisions of this
article apply to
current power-producing unit.
solar photovoltaic electrical energy systems, including
the array circuit(s), inverter(s), and
controller(s) for
Bipolar Photovoltaic Array. A photovoltaic array that
such systems. [See Figure 690.1(A) and Figure
690.1(B).] Solar photovoltaic systems covered by this
article may be interactive with other electrical power
production sources or stand-alone, with or without
electrical energy storage such as batteries. These
systems may have ac or dc output for utilization.
has two outputs, each having opposite polarity to a
common reference point or center tap.
Blocking Diode. A diode used to block reverse flow of current into a photovoltaic source circuit.
Building Integrated Photovoltaics. Photovoltaic cells,
devices, modules, or
modular materials that are
690.2 Definitions.
Alternating-Current (ac) Module (Alternating-Current
integrated into the outer surface or structure of a building and serve as the outer protective surface of
Photovoltaic Module). A complete,
environmentally
that building.
protected unit consisting of solar cells, optics, inverter,
and other components, exclusive of tracker, designed
to generate ac power when exposed to sunlight.
Array. A mechanically integrated assembly of modules or panels with a support structure and foundation, tracker, and
Photovoltaic source
Photovoltaic output circuit
Charge Controller. Equipment that controls dc voltage or dc current, or both, used to charge a battery.
Diversion Charge Controller. Equipment that regulates the charging process of a battery by diverting power from energy storage to direct-current or alternating- current loads or to an interconnected utility service.
Electrical Production and Distribution Network. A power production, distribution, and utilization system, such
.source circuits , nverter Photovoltaic so urce circuits , nverter input cjrcuit
Inverter output circuit
Photovoltaic output circuit
Interactive system
Wind, engine-generator,
\
Inverter
♦.Electric production and distribution network connection
Energy storage, charge controller, and system
Circuits
Array or photovoltaic power source
micro-hydro-electric, and
other power sources
control
Inverter input circuit
Inverter output circuit
Dedicated branch circuit *• of the electric production and distribution network
Hybrid system
—I / _
dc loads Inverter
Inverte
ac module system
Inverter output circuit
ac module (includes inverter) Array (of ac modules)
Photovoltaic output circuit /
Charge controller J Inverter input circuit
Inverter output circuit
^ Main supply equipment for ac loads
Stand-alone system
Notes:
■ Inverter
—*- Main supply equipment for dc loads
•Energy storage
exclusive of tracker, designed to generate dc power when exposed to sunlight.
Panel. A collection of modules mechanically fastened together, wired, and designed to provide a field- installable unit.
Photovoltaic Output Circuit. Circuit conductors between the photovoltaic source circuit(s) and the
1. These diagrams are intended to be a means of identification for photovoltaic system components, circuits, and connections.
2. Disconnecting means and overcurrent