Standard for Photovoltaic (PV) Luminaire Systems

1  Scope

1.1  These requirements apply to low voltage luminaire systems whose electrical power is derived from photovoltaic modules. Systems include, at a minimum, a photovoltaic (PV) module, storage batteries, one or more co-located luminaires, and controls to manage the energy flow between these subassemblies. These systems are intended to be installed in accordance with:

a) CSA C22.1, the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code), Section 64, Renewable Energy Systems; and

b) NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC), Article 710 as a stand-alone system.

NOTE: In accordance with the CSA C22.1, 64-000(1), renewable energy systems operating within the class 2 limits of 16-200(1)(a) and (1)(b) are exempt from the requirements of Section 64.

1.2  These requirements do not address:

a) The grid-interactive systems covered by CSA C22.1, Section 64 and NFPA 70, Article 705;

b) Systems that include an inverter intended to supply line voltage luminaires or remote equipment; or

c) Individual system subassemblies (PV modules, batteries, luminaires, or controls) that have not been evaluated as a PV luminaire system.

1.3  These systems can include means to connect to and receive energy from the utility grid or similar supplemental supply source; see Annex A, Systems with Supplementary Power Connections. Systems with this feature can be installed in accordance with NEC Article 702, Optional Standby Systems.

1.4  These requirements apply to fixed-in-place systems, to portable systems that are intended to be easily relocated, and to systems intended for periodic user disassembly and storage. These requirements do not apply to handheld luminaires, such as a flashlight, or where light output is an auxiliary function of the handheld device (such as a smart phone).

1.5  These systems are intended for outdoor, exposed installations within a nominal ambient temperature range marked in accordance with 9.3, but no less than -20 °C to +40 °C.

1.6  These systems may include controls and devices to optimize system performance (such as sensors, positioning motors, and communication devices). They may also include output ports for diagnostic purposes or to supply temporary power to portable devices. See Annex B, Power Output Ports and Receptacles.

1.7  These requirements address only some of the mechanical infrastructure used to support or mount parts of the system. The supplemental requirements to fully evaluate the structural integrity of the mechanical infrastructure, including strength and stability of support poles under various environmental conditions such as wind or impact, and the assessment of soil or ground conditions necessary for system physical stability and reliability, are outside the scope of these requirements.

1.8  Except for components intended to connect to the utility for supplemental power in accordance with Annex A, Systems with Supplemental Power Connections, these systems are expected to operate below the 30 Vdc outdoor (wet location) class 2 voltage limits of NFPA 70 or CSA C22.1. As permitted by CSA C22.1, Section 30-1202(3) and NFPA 70, Section 411, these systems do not require grounding other than where required by Annex A. All systems are permitted to use earth ground as a reference. Any system components carrying higher voltages will require supplemental safeguards (for example, grounding or double insulation) not fully addressed within these requirements.

1.9  These requirements do not consider the vibration and other environmental conditions that may occur for systems installed on watercraft, recreational vehicles, or other mobile platforms.

1.10  These requirements do not address the required performance for certain life safety-related applications, such as for emergency signaling or emergency/egress lighting. Additional requirements from those application-specific standards should be applied to ensure the required performance expectations can be achieved. These requirements also do not address any additional considerations that may be applicable to installation in Classified (Hazardous) Locations.