As the adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems continues to rise globally, ensuring their safety, reliability, and compliance with electrical standards has never been more crucial. Grounding and overcurrent protection are two fundamental pillars of any successful PV installation, directly impacting equipment lifespan, personnel safety, and power quality. The PV Systems Grounding and Overcurrent Protection course is designed to provide professionals with the technical skills and regulatory knowledge necessary to implement best practices in PV system grounding and protection.

Participants will explore the principles of system grounding, bonding, fault current pathways, and the selection of overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) based on system configuration and voltage levels. The course blends theoretical foundations with practical case studies, helping engineers, technicians, and solar professionals reduce fire risk, minimize downtime, and ensure code-compliant PV systems in residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications.

Duration
5 Days

Target Audience

• Solar PV installers and technicians
• Electrical engineers and system designers
• Utility engineers and safety inspectors
• Renewable energy consultants and EPC contractors
• Maintenance and facility management professionals
• Compliance and quality assurance officers
• Site supervisors and project managers
• Independent power producers
• Government regulators and permitting officers
• Safety trainers and risk management personnel

Objectives

• Understand the principles and importance of PV system grounding
• Distinguish between grounding, bonding, and earthing techniques
• Identify proper fault current pathways and overcurrent protection methods
• Select and size appropriate fuses and circuit breakers for PV systems
• Apply NEC/IEC codes and best practices for system protection
• Design grounding systems that protect equipment and personnel
• Implement overcurrent protection strategies across PV subsystems
• Troubleshoot grounding faults and insulation resistance issues
• Enhance system longevity through proper protective coordination
• Reduce the risk of fire, shock, and equipment failure in PV installations

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Grounding and Overcurrent Protection

• Purpose and types of electrical grounding in PV systems
• Key terminology: grounding vs. bonding
• Importance of overcurrent protection in PV systems
• Overview of common protection devices: fuses, breakers, relays
• Regulatory frameworks and code compliance basics

Module 2: System Grounding Design Principles

• Types of system grounding: grounded vs. ungrounded PV arrays
• Functional grounding vs. equipment grounding
• Grounding for transformerless inverters
• Single-point vs. multi-point grounding
• Resistance grounding and its applications

Module 3: Equipment Grounding and Bonding Techniques

• Grounding of PV modules, racking, and conduits
• Bonding requirements for metallic parts
• Use of grounding electrodes and conductors
• Ground fault path continuity and impedance considerations
• Importance of corrosion-resistant connections

Module 4: Overcurrent Protection Device (OCPD) Selection

• Sizing fuses and breakers for PV source and output circuits
• Overcurrent protection for batteries and inverters
• Coordination of series fuses in parallel strings
• Current ratings, voltage ratings, and interrupting capacities
• Time-current characteristics and selective tripping

Module 5: Ground Fault Detection and Prevention

• Types and causes of ground faults in PV systems
• Ground fault protection devices and arc fault interrupters
• Insulation resistance testing and insulation monitoring
• Impact of faults on inverter performance
• Best practices for preventing recurring faults

Module 6: Compliance with Electrical Codes and Standards

• Review of NEC Article 690 and IEC 60364 guidelines
• Country-specific protection requirements and variances
• Grounding requirements for standalone and grid-tied systems
• Inspection procedures and testing protocols
• Common pitfalls and code violations in PV protection

Module 7: Grounding and Protection in Battery-Integrated Systems

• Grounding considerations in hybrid PV-battery systems
• Isolation requirements and grounding transformers
• Battery disconnects and fuse coordination
• Overcurrent protection for DC-coupled and AC-coupled systems
• Special protection measures for lithium-ion batteries

Module 8: System Testing, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting

• Grounding continuity and impedance testing
• OCPD maintenance and replacement cycles
• Diagnosing fault currents and nuisance tripping
• Thermal imaging and voltage drop analysis
• Documentation and system commissioning checklists

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.