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Greetings from UL,
 The number of PV installations has grown at an incredible rate over the past five years with a current total of over 16GW in the US. The structural integrity of the PV mounting rack, its capacity to conduct shock hazards safely to ground and its capability in combination with PV modules to provide resistance to fire are paramount to the continued growth of PV.
The PV landscape is very different from five years ago when UL drafted the first outline to address mounting system construction and installation safety. The newly published UL 2703 Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for Use with Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels not only addresses PV mounting rack constructional requirements but also includes bonding and grounding requirements to assure electrical continuity and the prevention of shock hazards.
Additionally, UL 2703 is used to determine the fire classification of a rooftop-mounted photovoltaic system (which is a combination of specific PV modules and the racking system) as required by the building code. When fire tested in accordance with UL 2703 and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions, the fire performance integrity of the roof is maintained, providing resistance to external fire exposure for the overall installation.
Publication of this standard is another example of UL, a trusted solutions provider, staying in step with industry needs. Whether it's taking product to market or taking risk out of a PV project, UL is there to help.
For further information on PV standards or UL's solar energy services, please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 404-374-3124.
Regards,
Market Development Manager,
Energy & Power Technologies
T: 404-961-0380 / M: 404-374-3124
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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