The word "listed" when it comes to code and PV/solar components

[fastline]

I'd like to get some input on experiences with solar equipment approvals in the field. The word "listed" in code is about as vague as it gets, and at least in my area, leaves the county to make things up.

What is being explored is off-grid equipment, not connected to a commercial grid in any way.

Where there is issue is any PV charge controllers or inverters. What is being discussed is the "growatt" brand, which of course is just another China brand. What is most frustrating is even the best brands are made in China because the USA can't build anything anymore.

There has been discussion of which approvals overlap, which don't, which are just a "pay to shut up" sort of deal.

 

[jaggedben]

'Listed' is defined in Article 100. Practically speaking it means it's been tested to a particular UL standard by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, of which there are a few. That's what most AHJs want to see.

Beyond that I'm not sure what your question or complaint is.

 

[pv_n00b]

It's pretty much what the NEC defines it as:

.. in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction

In the USA this generally means a UL Listing. But can also include being on a number of other "lists" like the CA list of approved PV Inverters maintained by the CA Energy Commission. So what your AHJ considers a list is what you go by. If you want to use a pv inverter or charge controller that is not UL 1741 listed you will have an uphill battle with AJHs. Frankly, that's good by me. There is some cheaply made and electrically unsafe stuff you can buy in China that should never be installed in the US.