International Electrotechnical Commission

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays – Design requirements - Edition 1.0
 N 62548

Annotation

Scope and object

This International Standard sets out design requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays including DC array wiring, electrical protection devices, switching and earthing provisions. The scope includes all parts of the PV array up to but not including energy storage devices, power conversion equipment or loads. An exception is that provisions relating to power conversion equipment are covered only where DC safety issues are involved. The interconnection of small DC conditioning units intended for connection to PV modules are also included.

The object of this document is to address the design safety requirements arising from the particular characteristics of photovoltaic systems. Direct current systems, and PV arrays in particular, pose some hazards in addition to those derived from conventional AC power systems, including the ability to produce and sustain electrical arcs with currents that are not greater than normal operating currents.

In grid connected systems, the safety requirements of this document are however critically dependent on the inverters associated with PV arrays complying with the requirements of IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2.

Installation requirements are also critically dependent on compliance with the IEC 60364 series (see Clause 4).

PV arrays of less than 100 W and less than 35 V DC open circuit voltage at STC are not covered by this document.

PV arrays in grid connected systems connected to medium or high voltage systems are not covered in this document. Variations and additional requirements for large-scale ground mounted PV power plants with restricted access to personnel will also be addressed in IEC TS 627381.