Can a 3 MWp photovoltaic power station be grounded according to IEEE Std 80-2000?

A safe and cost-efficient grounding system design of a 3 MWp photovoltaic power station according to IEEE Std 80-2000 is presented. Grounding analysis is performed by considering the metal parts of the photovoltaic panel arrays foundations as auxiliary ground electrodes.

Why is proper grounding of a photovoltaic power system important?

Proper grounding of a photovoltaic (PV) power system is critical to ensuring the safety of the public during the installation’s decades-long life. Although all components of a PV system may not be fully functional for this period of time, the basic PV module can produce potentially dangerous currents and voltages for the life of the system.

Do photovoltaic panels need horizontal ground conductors?

Utilizing also horizontal ground conductors, required solely for the interconnections of the metal support structures of the photovoltaic panel arrays, both safety and cost-efficiency in grounding system design have been achieved.

Why do PV systems need a grounding system?

As installed PV systems age, grounding issues emerge that impact system safety. These issues include deteriorating electrical connections, inadequate grounding device design and installation, and the effects of non-code compliant system installations.

What is electrical & PV grounding?

Before discussing the subject of grounding, the term “grounding” requires definition. There are two types of grounding in electrical and PV systems—equipment grounding and system grounding. Equipment grounding is known in the ROW as safety grounding or protective earthing.

What is the use of auxiliary ground electrodes in PV plants?

According to common practice, the metallic parts of the PV strings foundations are used as auxiliary ground electrodes to design a cost-effective grounding system - . With the current situation of PV-grounding practices, it would be necessary to have a further study on the grounding methods for the PV plants.