The Solar ABCs recently published a final report entitled, Inverter Ground-Fault Detection "Blind Spot" and Mitigation Methods, and a supplemental report on this topic, entitled Analysis of Fuses for "Blind Spot" Ground Fault Detection in Photovoltaic Power Systems. These reports conclude a research program into an important safety issue associated with the design of many U.S. PV systems. Over the last twelve months, Solar ABCs has led a broad industry- and stakeholder-based working group to research this problem and develop effective mitigation strategies. This report includes recommendations for operational strategies and equipment retrofits that can increase ground fault detection sensitivity and reduce the risk of fire in new and retrofit applications. Early results from large PV systems that have been retrofitted with the recommended protective devices indicate that these devices can substantially reduce the detection blind spot without requiring redesign of the system.

The Solar ABCs has also released a report, Photovoltaic Module Grounding: Addendum Report on Corrosion Testing, which completes a two-part study addressing the electrical grounding of photovoltaic (PV) modules. This addendum provides updated information related to corrosion testing of electrical grounding components and connections used in PV arrays. It focuses on the parts and components that have not been adequately tested for resistance to corrosion, the lack of adequate or appropriate test requirements in the module or component certification standards, and concludes with recommendations to improve the test requirements for assessing corrosion resistance.