Solar Earthing Code Comparison
Grounding a Solar Array: A Cross-Code Overview
A consolidated overview of what solar array grounding/earthing requires, pulling together the code-specific detail covered elsewhere.
Solar array grounding/earthing gets detailed, code-specific treatment throughout this series — here's the consolidated, cross-code overview for a quick reference.
What's Universal Across PEC, AS/NZS, and NEC
- Panel frames and mounting structure need to be bonded to the earthing/grounding system
- The inverter chassis needs its own earth/ground connection, separate from (and not interfering with) the DC circuit's own internal reference
- Transformerless inverters rely on internal ground fault detection that an incorrectly added external DC earth bond can defeat — this specific trap is covered in depth in the dedicated AS/NZS MEN system article, and the underlying principle applies broadly
- Ground-mounted arrays typically warrant their own local earth electrode rather than relying solely on a long bonding run back to a building's existing earth reference
Where the Specific Rules Diverge
Exact conductor sizing tables, minimum bonding point spacing along a mounting rail, and specific labelling requirements all differ by code — see the code-specific Earthing/Grounding calculators and articles for the detail that actually governs your project.
Check your specific array's grounding requirements in the applicable Earthing/Grounding calculator.
Engr. Jason Morales — Founder, SolarEnergyPH & OhmWorks
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