For safety reasons, how should racking and frames be treated in a functionally grounded PV system on a roof?

In a functionally grounded photovoltaic (PV) system, safety is a paramount concern, particularly concerning the racking and frames that support the solar modules. Grounding both the racking and frames is essential because it helps to ensure that any potential fault currents are effectively directed to the ground. This minimizes the risk of electrical shock or fire in the event of a system fault.

When racking and frames are properly grounded, they can help to prevent the accumulation of stray voltage, which can pose a danger to maintenance personnel and the public. Grounding provides a low-resistance path for fault currents, allowing circuit protection devices to function effectively and help safeguard equipment from damage.

In scenarios where grounding is overlooked or only partially implemented, such as grounding only the frames or only the racking, there could be significant risks. If either the racking or frames are left ungrounded, it can lead to dangerous voltage levels during a fault condition, increasing the risk of electrical hazards.

Thus, properly grounding both components enhances system safety and aligns with best practices in PV system design and installation, making grounding essential in all functioning PV systems.