What is the minimum size grounding equipment conductor required for a photovoltaic system?

In a photovoltaic system, the minimum size grounding equipment conductor is crucial for safety and to ensure the system operates correctly. The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides specific guidelines for the proper sizing of grounding conductors based on the rating of the equipment and the system's characteristics.

For photovoltaic systems, the code typically mandates a minimum size grounding conductor that can safely handle fault currents and provide an effective ground fault path. In this case, 14 AWG is the minimum size required for the grounding conductor in many typical applications, making it the correct answer. This size ensures adequate conductivity, minimizes the potential for overheating, and provides reliable grounding for the system, which is essential for both safety and performance.

Other sizes mentioned, like 12 AWG, 16 AWG, and 18 AWG, do not meet the minimum requirements specified by the NEC for grounding conductors in photovoltaic systems, either being too large or, in the case of the smaller options, insufficient to safely handle the potential fault currents.