Photovoltaic aluminum bracket grounding

Why is proper grounding important for a photovoltaic power system?

Proper grounding of a photovoltaic (PV) power system is critical to helping ensure electrical safety during its lifetime. PV equipment needs to be properly bonded, in addition to code-compliant grounding, so that the low current flows on metal parts can facilitate the operation of over current and ground-fault protection devices.

Can PV panels be ground bonded to aluminum?

In order to use the bare copper wire for bonding, the fasteners attaching to the aluminum must be stainless steel. Several years ago some companies developed a product that allows PV panels to be directly ground bonded to the aluminum rails or other mounting systems. The rails are then connected to each other and to ground.

Do PV modules need to be grounded?

Grounding PV modules to reduce or eliminate shock and fire hazards is necessary and required by Electrical Code in countries in USA, Australia etc. The grounding guidelines of the Code essentially state that all electrical equipment is to be grounded by means of direct attachment to an equipment grounding conductor.

What are the grounding guidelines for electrical equipment?

The grounding guidelines of the Code essentially state that all electrical equipment is to be grounded by means of direct attachment to an equipment grounding conductor. This can be done in many different ways.

What ancillaries can I attach to my PV array?

From service walkways to conduit, wire trays, optimizers, other MLPEs and monitoring equipment, you can use S-5! clamps, brackets and GRIPPERFIX ® universal utility mounting system to securely attach the above ancillaries to your PV array.