ABSTRACT
Dc-to-dc converters are commonly referred to in the industry as “power optimizers,” which is really a marketing term from SolarEdge. If a dc-to-dc converter did not work as well as advertised or was clipping powe, perhaps we would call it a “power-pessimizer.” Supply-Side Connections need to be properly bonded using best practices similar to service equipment since they are exposed to utility currents. For most photovoltaic (PV) systems, including functional grounded systems, there are no dc grounding electrode conductor requirements. In these systems, the ac equipment grounding conductor and ac grounding electrode conductor provide reference and a pathway to ground. The PV system used to include the energy storage system and even some loads in the 2014 National Electrical Code and earlier. PVC is most often used in Hawaii outside of buildings due to high corrosion rates.
