Standard for Safety for Distributed Energy Resource Systems

Note: The scope of this Notice of Intent (originally published on December 1, 2015) was updated by the responsible SDO on August 13, 2024.

Note: The title, scope and project need for this NOI (originally published on December 1, 2015) was updated by the responsible SDO on October 4 2023.

1 Scope

1.1 General

1.1.1 These requirements cover Distributed Energy Resource Systems (DER systems) that contain multiple DER units and associated control equipment that provide electrical energy to loads within the DER system.  DER systems may also provide energy to the area EPS if present.  This standard evaluates the impact on the risk of fire and electric shock created by interactions between the various sources and operation of the DER system as a whole.

1.1.2 DER systems are intended for installation and use in accordance with the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70 and the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I Safety Standard for Electrical Installations, CSA C22.1. Requirements for installation, with the exception of installation manuals and documents for installation provided with the system, are outside the scope of this standard.

1.1.3 This standard covers DER system installations that may be indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both.

4. A DER system may be:

1. A stand alone system, or
2. A system with the capability of disconnecting from the area EPS or another DER system and operating in islanded mode or a system with the capability of disconnecting from the area EPS or another DER system and operating in islanded mode.

1.2 Systems and equipment excluded from scope

1.2.2 Systems consisting of multiple sources that are designed and evaluated to operate together as a single source are not within the scope of this standard.

Note: Examples of multiple sources evaluated together to operate as a single source are ac modules, multiple microturbines with inverters and large inverters assembled out of smaller inverter segments.

1.2.3 Loads served by the DER system are not within the scope of this standard.

1.2.4 DER Systems that supply a single local EPS are not within the scope of the standard.

Note: DER Systems that supply a single local EPS are known as Single Site Energy Systems and should be covered by a separate standard.