Making the utility interconnection for PV systems can be a very straightforward process or wildly difficult. This "Code Corner" examines those challenging situations, both in residential and commercial applications; evaluates the NEC implications; and discusses the approaches installers can take to make a Code-compliant and utility-accepted connection. One common method for utility interconnection is a supply-side connection. This approach allows interconnecting a larger PV system than a load-side connection would allow. This method connects the inverter output to the service conductors, which were sized for the service overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs). By verifying that the new PV interconnection OCPDs don't exceed the original service, the existing service conductors will not be exposed to more current than they were designed for and the PV system can have up to the same amperage output as the incoming service.
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