The 2023 National Electrical Code is Now Available Online for Free Brit Heller What is the National Electrical Code? 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. Key Points The 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) is available to read and download for free at NFPA.org The NEC is updated every three years by a committee of industry experts The 2023 edition introduced floatovoltaics and redefined the term “string” for PV systems Understanding the NEC is required for anyone working in residential or commercial solar installation, design, or operations in the U.S. 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. What changed in the 2023 NEC? 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. Listen: Sean White on the 2023 NEC 690 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”). Ready to go deeper? Check out the free Introduction to Solar PV Design, Installation, and Code with HeatSpring instructor Sean White. Frequently asked questions about the National Electrical Code Is the 2023 National Electrical Code free to access? Yes, the 2023 National Electrical Code is available to read and download for free directly from the NFPA website at nfpa.org. What is the National Electrical Code used for? The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the standard for safe electrical installation in the United States. It is created by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to protect people and property from hazards associated with electrical work, including photovoltaic systems. How often is the National Electrical Code updated? The National Electrical Code is updated every three years by a committee of industry experts to reflect new technologies and improved best practices. Why does the NEC matter for solar professionals? Understanding the National Electrical Code is a requirement for anyone working in residential or commercial solar installation, design, or operations in the U.S. NEC compliance is necessary for PV systems to pass inspections and become operational. What is NEC Article 690? NEC Article 690 covers the installation of photovoltaic systems. It is the section most relevant to solar professionals and is updated with each new edition of the code to reflect changes in PV technology and best practices. Safety Solar Solar Design & Installation Solar miscellaneous Originally posted on September 21, 2022 Written by Brit Heller Director of Program Management @ HeatSpring. Brit holds two NABCEP certifications - Photovoltaic Installation Professional (PVIP) and Photovoltaic Technical Sales (PVTS). When she isn’t immersed in training, Brit is a budding regenerative farmer just outside of Atlanta where she is developing a 17-acre farm rooted in permaculture principles. She can be found building soil health, cultivating edible & medicinal plants, caring for her animals or building functional art. More posts by Brit