Photovoltaic Installations

Transcription

1 Photovoltaic Installations CanSIA December 2016 Presented by: Malcolm Brown Technical Advisor Western Region

2 Discussion Topics Bulletin Plan Review Requirements Connection Authorizations for Net Metering Bulletin 64-1-* Ungrounded Systems wiring methods AFCI for Ground Mounted Systems Protection of PV installations against rodents Optimizers Commercial building Deviations 2 CanSIA December 2016

3 Bulletin Plans and specifications Plan review requirements for PV Solar installations Question Is a plan review required if the inverter nameplate capacity(s) exceeds 10 kw but is programmed to export a maximum of 10 kw to the supply authority? Answer Yes 3 CanSIA December 2016

4 Bulletin Plans and specifications Plan review requirements for PV Solar installations Question Does the inclusion of storage batteries with an electricpower-generator operating in parallel with the supply authority change the plan review requirements? Answer No 4 CanSIA December 2016

5 Connection Authorization for Net Metering Connection Authorization when Operating in parallel with the utility Question: When parallel generation such as a Net metering or load displacement is connected in parallel with the utility, is a connection authorization required? 5 CanSIA December 2016

6 Connection Authorization for Net Metering Connection Authorization when operating in parallel with the utility Answer: Yes. The C/A informs the LDC. 6 CanSIA December 2016

7 Bulletin Ungrounded systems wiring methods In Ontario, effective immediately non-metallic wiring methods will also be permitted for conductors of ungrounded renewable energy systems based on the future changes in Code 2018 cable in a metallic raceway. Note: All dc conductors of renewable energy systems, both grounded and ungrounded, installed inside a building or structure will still require metallic raceways cables and enclosures, based on Rule CanSIA December 2016

8 Bulletin dc AFCI for ground mounted systems PV dc arc fault protection Question Is dc arc fault protection required for PV source or output circuits on ground mounted systems (not on a building) operating at 80 V or greater? Answer No, notwithstanding Rule requirements, dc arc fault protection is NOT required for PV source or output circuits of ground mounted systems. PV dc arc fault protection is only required for PV source and output circuits operating at 80 V or greater and installed on buildings. 8 CanSIA December 2016

9 Bulletin dc AFCI for ground mounted systems PV dc arc fault protection Rationale The original intent of arc fault protection requirements is to prevent building fires when PV systems are installed on buildings. When PV systems are ground-mounted or installed on trackers, there is a fire risk limited to PV installation only. NEC 2017 excludes large PV Systems from Arc Fault protection requirements, similar to the Ontario Direction above. 9 CanSIA December 2016

10 Protection of PV installations against rodents Rule (5) * Rodent protection for photovoltaic systems Question For the purpose of Rule (5), do optimizers providing the equivalent dc arc fault protection permit the omission of protection from rodent requirements? Answer Yes provided that: 1. The optimizers are controlled by an inverter that is approved with dc arcfault protection that is capable of detecting arc-fault at the module; and 2. The optimizer is installed at the module* and interrupts the power at the module. For example; Solar Edge 10 CanSIA December 2016

11 Protection of PV installations against rodents Rule (5) * Mechanical Protection for Damage from Rodents, Provisions for Deviation Request Protection is required for all roof top PV installations (Comm & Res.) Complete guarding on commercial buildings is difficult Commercial systems are continuously monitored for faults and output Reduced risk of fire for non-combustible building 11 CanSIA December 2016

12 Protection of PV installations against rodents Rule (5) * Mechanical Protection for Damage from Rodents, Provisions for Deviation Request ESA will accept a deviation request from the requirements of Rule (5) when the deviation request confirms: 1. The building does not contain a dwelling unit directly below roof line. 2. The building is of non-combustible construction. 3. Conditions of maintenance, supervision, and monitoring ensure that if damage is detected, it will be corrected immediately. 4. The building owner signs the deviation request. 12 CanSIA December 2016