I'm looking to set up a small ground mount solar system that connects to my home using a string inverter located right at the solar array. I plan to run a ground wire from the inverter back to the house, but I'm wondering if I also need to set up grounding from the panels or racking to the inverter. Since the racking is going to be several feet underground, wouldn't that suffice for grounding? If anyone has any references to the relevant codes, that would be super helpful!
2 Answers
You'll want to run a ground wire from your house to the array, plus make sure to connect it to two new ground rods right at the array. Don't forget to ground all the mounting hardware too! It's essential for safety, trust me.
Actually, you can't have two separate grounds for most residential setups according to the NEC. It's all about having a unified grounding perspective. Reference code 690.43, which requires your system to be grounded in line with the established grounding system. A simple jumper to the string inverter should suffice, but if your local authority considers it a ufer (metal in concrete), you might need to run a #6 wire to connect with the existing grounding system, which may be pricier but definitely better in the long run.
But aren't ground mounts different from roof mounts? My ground mount is about 75' away from my shed, which has a ground rod for the inverters. There's another rod at the panels too. What's the advantage of running a ground wire through the conduit in this case?