NEC 2014 section 690.12 requires that inverters must be installed within 10 ft of the solar array to meet rapid shutdown requirements. Inverters must also be elevated to meet new fire safety codes. The easiest way to achieve this is to mount inverters on racking, but since manufacturing these isn’t in the realm of most inverter manufacturers’ specialties, third-party companies are stepping up to offer a standard solution.
Steel PowerRack and PowerShield
For example, Bentek offers the PowerRack, an inverter rack that comes in steel or aluminum and works with most three-phase inverters including models from ABB, Advanced Energy, Chint Power Systems, Fronius, Schneider Electric, SMA America, SolarEdge, Solectria Renewables and SunGrow.
This isn’t the equivalent of making poor quality, off-brand power chargers for Apple iPhones that may or may not work with the product. Bentek’s John Buckley explained that his California-based company works closely with inverter manufacturers to ensure Bentek’s racking is completely compatible with their models.
“We’ve developed good relationships with inverter manufacturers through manufacturing their recombiners,” Buckley said. “We value working with them to ensure our racking is completely compliant with their inverters. We test in their labs and get input to continue to make our product better.”
Aluminum PowerRack and PowerShield
Furthermore, Bentek’s 10-year warranty matches the warranty on most three-phase solar inverters which eliminates concerns about having to replace one before the other.
Bentek can also integrate three-phase inverters and its AC disconnects in its ISO 9001:2008 factory and ship the completed assembly to the job site for added convenience. Bentek offers shields that can mount on the rack to protect the inverter from direct sunlight.
The PowerRack is also compliant with NEC 2011 & 2014 Article 110 requirements for working space clearances further enabling acceptance from plan checkers and inspectors. “We manufacture a standard industry rack that installers can rely on universally without having to worry about which inverters they are using,” Buckley said. “Making a rack that is compatible with most major manufacturers also helps increase volume and bring down the price to avoid adding a lot of cost to adhering with NEC 2014 requirements.”
Additional racking options:
Some traditional panel racking manufacturers also offer solutions for inverter racking. For example:
- Applied Energy Technologies (AET) offers its Rayport I ballasted inverter mounting model (above), which fits most string inverters available on the market and does not penetrate the roof.
- SunLink believes that rooftop flexibility is key, so it offer inverter racking through its Precision-Modular RMS system. This customizable modular system addresses flexibility and is optimized for inverter wiring with channels and other features already built in.
