Solar PV structure bonded to (2) separate ground electrodes

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szrom

Member
We are working on a roof-mounted solar PV system on a single structure which is feeding (2) separate services and ground electrodes (2 different building water mains).

Anyone know if the NEC addresses a situation like this? We are concerned that a different in potential between the (2) ground electrodes could cause current to flow through the PV structure via the GECs.

Thoughts?

Thanks...
 

SeanD

Member
The NEC does address this in section 250.50. Typically in a PV system this applies to any additional grounding electrodes installed as part of the installation being tied into the existing grounding electrode system. Since it is a single structure I would think this still applies and the 2 water mains being used as grounding electrodes would need to be tied together.

I hope the water mains are near each other. :grin:
 

RUWired

Senior Member
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You can pretty much bet that the grounded conductor, the water main and now the common GEC will all be in parallel with each other. The question of how much current will flow will depend on the relative location and least resistive path.

article 250.58 requires the connection. But if your using a ground bar in your enclosures, would it matter much if current was present.
 
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