Grounding inverters in grounded PV structure

[newswebstar]

Greetings, I have a doubt.

I have a ground-mounted solar system. All PV structures are connected to each other and then connected to the master ground bar. After carrying out a grounding analysis, we determined that the PV structures serve as grounding and reduce the resistance considerably.

I would like to know if it is possible to ground my inverters directly on the structures and running the groud separate from the circuit conductors.

I attached a reference image of a similar project:

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[jaggedben]

If you are just concerned about functionality and not having to meet any code requirements, yes, I'm sure that the structure provides adequate grounding as you discovered. Just make sure to use appropriate non-corrosive connections. For example, tinned copper lugs.

This does NOT replace the need to have a bonding conductor (EGC) run with any circuits where you need a circuit breaker or fuse to open for a ground fault. Wherever the AC conductors from the inverters go, you need to have a ground wire with the circuit to whatever equipment it's connected to.

(BTW, in this case where you say 'doubt' you should use the word 'question'.)

 

[electrofelon]

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I would like to know if it is possible to ground my inverters......

"Grounding" means several different things and you really need to break down what exactly you are trying to accomplish. Note that Most inverters these days no longer need an earth connection/grounding electrode. In general, you will run an EGC with the AC circuit conductors. Then also an EGC with the DC circuit conductors that will typically attach to the metal array structure. Your array structure will need a grounding electrode if the structure itself doesn't qualify (which it probably doesn't).

 

[pv_n00b]

If the structure is UL 2703 listed then it is a DC EGC. Connect the inverter to the structure and connect the structure to ground somewhere and you are good to go. If the structure is just a collection of metal supports connected together without a UL 2703 listing then it can't replace the DC EGC. An AC EGC with the phase conductors will still be needed in either case.

 

[asif.k]

Yes, possible provided, as pv_n00b said that structire should be UL2703 listed.
Apparently it seems a Grid-connected system. So the Inverters should also be UL1741 listed. In, this case you have to connect the structure grounding to the main AC grounding too.
BTW, what do you mean by "running the groud separate from the circuit conductors"

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[tortuga]

newswebstar welcome to the forum, it says your in the Dominican Republic are you working under the National Electrical Code (NEC)? And if so which version has been adopted there? And please give more details about your system, what are the nominal voltages? and is it grid connected or stand alone?

If the structure is UL 2703 listed then it is a DC EGC.

Also if the structure complies with 250.136