EC&M Asks — NEC Requirements for Connecting PV Systems to the Utility

March 14, 2024
In Episode 31, SME Ryan Mayfield explains methods for complying with NEC Sec. 705.11.

In Episode 31 of “EC&M Asks,” a video series featuring subject matter experts (SMEs) answering reader-submitted questions regarding popular electrical topics, Ryan Mayfield, founder and SME of Mayfield Renewables, answers a reader-submitted question regarding connecting photovoltaic (PV) systems to the utility. Specifically, Ryan shares methods to comply with grounding requirements while making supply-side connections per NEC Sec. 705.11.

EC&M Asks” is a video series that enlists the technical expertise of our brand’s subject matter experts to answer our readers’ most pressing electrical questions. Posted twice per month, these quick videos offer Q&As on topics related to various installations, applications, and troubleshooting scenarios. When our readers ask, EC&M answers. 

About the Author

Ryan Mayfield

Ryan Mayfield discovered his passion for renewable energy early in his college career at Humboldt State while pursuing his degree in Environmental Resources Engineering. Ryan was exposed to the exciting possibilities of solar power and his desire to learn more and be involved in the solar industry only grew as he continued his studies. Once he got his hands on an actual PV installation during a class with Solar Energy International, Ryan knew exactly how he wanted to spend his working days. Early in his career he worked as an installer, provided technical support for a renewable energy retailer, and moved up to Engineering Manager at a national renewable energy wholesale distributor.

Ryan has been working in the renewable energy field since 1999 and founded Mayfield Renewables in 2007. His career has blended technical expertise with an affinity for technical writing and education. While serving as CEO at Mayfield Renewables, Ryan was also the PV Systems Technical Editor for SolarPro Magazine from 2010 to 2018, where he regularly wrote feature articles and was a regular contributor to Home Power magazine. He is also the author of PV Design and Installation for Dummies (published in 2010) and teaches nationwide PV courses on topics such as: National Electrical Code, Oregon Solar Code and PV systems, commercial PV systems, and PV + Storage. Ryan holds a Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT) license in Oregon.

Ryan lives in Corvallis, Oregon with his wife, three children, and one dog. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, competing in triathlons, traveling, and a good scotch. 

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.

8 Types of Electrical Conduit and Their Uses

Electrical conduit is a tube or raceway used to house and protect electrical wires within a building or structure. From data centers to underground subways to ports and bridges...

A Powerful Duo: Fiberglass conduit and solar applications

Learn how strong, durable fiberglass conduit excelled in an environment with dense cable and helped make a complex burial much simpler for the contractor to help this customer...

Champion Fiberglass® Conduit Protects Cabling For New York's First Offshore Wind Farm

Learn how fiberglass conduit supported a heavy cable load and a buried installation to help this project reach a successful outcome.