Which grounding configuration is not permitted for PV systems?

Which grounding configuration is not permitted for PV systems?

• A. functional ground reference
• B. high-impedance grounded
• C. solidly grounded
• D. ungrounded

Answer: (B)

Grounding configurations for PV systems determine how the DC side is tied to earth and how faults are detected and cleared. High-impedance grounding is not permitted because it limits fault current to a very small amount, which can prevent protective devices from sensing a fault and tripping. That leaves a ground fault active longer, creating shock hazards, potential arcing, and insulation damage, while the system may continue to energize parts that people could touch. In contrast, solidly grounded systems provide a clear fault path to earth with enough current to reliably trip protective devices, and ungrounded arrangements avoid a direct earth reference while still allowing detection methods to identify faults. Functional grounding, used for non-current-carrying parts or for equipment references, provides a stable ground reference without carrying fault current. So the configuration that is not permitted for PV systems is the high-impedance grounded setup.

Grounding configurations for PV systems determine how the DC side is tied to earth and how faults are detected and cleared. High-impedance grounding is not permitted because it limits fault current to a very small amount, which can prevent protective devices from sensing a fault and tripping. That leaves a ground fault active longer, creating shock hazards, potential arcing, and insulation damage, while the system may continue to energize parts that people could touch. In contrast, solidly grounded systems provide a clear fault path to earth with enough current to reliably trip protective devices, and ungrounded arrangements avoid a direct earth reference while still allowing detection methods to identify faults. Functional grounding, used for non-current-carrying parts or for equipment references, provides a stable ground reference without carrying fault current. So the configuration that is not permitted for PV systems is the high-impedance grounded setup.