The 2023 National Electrical Code is Now Available Online for Free

Becoming familiar with the National Electrical Code (NEC) is an absolute requirement for anyone planning on advancing in residential and commercial solar installation, design, or operations. It’s created by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to safeguard persons and property from hazards associated with all types of electrical installations, not only photovoltaic ones. The NEC is the foundation for safe residential and commercial PV electrical work that passes inspections and becomes operational in the United States. 

To keep it relevant with new technologies and improved best practices, the NEC gets updated every three years by a committee of various industry experts.

This September, the 2023 NEC made its debut. Those interested are able to read and download a digital copy directly from NFPA’s website for free. 

For more information and expert commentary, check out HeatSpring instructor Sean White’s Solar and Energy Storage podcast episode “Radio 690! 2023 NEC 690 PV Systems Part 1.” He talks about the new addition of floatovoltaics and the new minted NEC terminology of the word “string” (as opposed to the previous “PV source circuit”).