Category: Codes and Standards
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Energy Storage System Requirements: The Evolution of NFPA 855 and UL 9540
The grid’s increasing dependence on intermittent solar and wind resources is a main factor in the expansion of energy storage systems, particularly large-scale installations. Lithium-ion batteries became the dominant solution due to rapidly declining costs and high energy density. However, unlike aqueous electrolyte batteries, lithium-ion chemistries are inherently susceptible to thermal runaway, an uncontrollable self-heating… Read more
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Energy Storage System Requirements: 2026 National Electrical Code
As the distributed energy landscape shifts from simple generation to more complex storage and energy management, codes and standards are evolving in tandem. The publication of the 2026 NEC (National Electrical Code), the 2026 NFPA 855 (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems), and the 3rd Edition of UL 9540 (Energy Storage Systems… Read more
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SUNCAST: Plug-In Solar Is Moving Fast … But Who Set’s the Rules?
Rebekah sits down with Nico Johnson and Patrick Barney to discuss the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape for plug-in PV. This great conversation explores the hazards and challenges that must be addressed for plug-in PV to safely scale and find widespread acceptance. It covers: Listen for an expert take on plug-in PV! Episode 923: Plug-In Solar… Read more
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Calculating Bifacial PV Circuit Max Current in the 2026 NEC
Bifacial PV modules introduce new complexities into determining maximum circuit current for circuits as the National Electrical Code (NEC) doesn’t provide a clear method specific to bifacial modules and manufacturer documentation provides numerous short-circuit current values. This article examines what the 2026 NEC says, why it says it, and dives into relevant product safety standards… Read more
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The 2026 NEC® and the Future of Electrical Systems: EVs and EV Supply Equipment
Electric vehicles (EVs) now account for over 20% of annual global automobile sales, a number that is expected to continue growing. EV’s store a lot of energy — it takes a lot to move thousands of pounds hundreds of miles. This comes with challenges for existing electrical infrastructure since EVs can behave as a significant… Read more
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The 2026 NEC® and the Future of Electrical Systems: Controlling Power and Managing Energy using PCS and EMS
Electrical system design has been rooted in a fundamental principle for a long time: calculate the theoretical, worst-case-scenario load, then build a system robust enough to handle it. Traditional load calculations are based on estimations, assumptions, nameplate ratings, and demand factors. But in an era of distributed generation, energy storage, and heavy but controllable loads… Read more
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SUNCAST: Rebekah on Codes, Standards, and Training
Rebekah sits down with Nico Johnson to share the insights she has gathered founding multiple companies, pouring her soul into three NEC code-making cycles, developing cutting-edge products, and training the solar and storage workforce over the past 20 years. Listen for a fascinating discussion that provides an insider’s view of how codes and standards and… Read more