What percentage must conductor sizes be calculated to ensure proper ampacity in PV systems?

In photovoltaic (PV) systems, the ampacity of conductors is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that conductors are sized appropriately to handle the maximum expected current without overheating. To achieve this, the conductors must be calculated at 125 percent of the system's maximum output current.

This percentage accounts for potential increases in current flow, which can occur due to factors such as temperature fluctuations and variations in solar irradiance. By sizing conductors at 125 percent, it provides a safety margin that helps prevent overloading, thus ensuring that the conductors will operate safely under varying conditions. This practice is particularly important in PV systems where output can fluctuate significantly based on environmental factors.

Calculating conductor sizes at 125 percent ensures compliance with the NEC and enhances the safety and longevity of the electrical system. Other percentages, such as 100 percent or higher values like 150 percent or 200 percent, do not align with the NEC requirements for conductor sizing in typical PV installations.