Impact of NEC and NESC on wind and solar plants

Abstract

Wind and solar power plants may be subject to different standards and interconnection requirements, depending on their size, geographic location, interconnection point and other factors. The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) applies to electric supply facilities, while the National Electrical Code (NEC) governs utilization facilities. NESC applies on the utility side of the service point, while NEC applies on the customer side of the service point. In some jurisdictions, there may be uncertainty over which code applies to customer-owned generation like wind and solar plants. The engineering and construction implications of this difference are discussed.