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Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Canada are governed by CEC Section 64, which addresses conductor sizing, overcurrent protection, disconnecting means, and system interconnection for PV installations. Section 64 is Canada's counterpart to NEC Article 690, with similar structure but Canadian-specific provisions and references to CSA standards for PV equipment approval.
CEC Section 64-012 sets the requirements for PV source circuit conductors, requiring sizing at 125% of the short-circuit current (Isc) from the PV module(s) — the same as NEC 690.8(A). This is the fundamental sizing calculation for PV conductors: multiply the module Isc by 125% to get the minimum conductor ampacity.
For grid-tied inverter output circuits, CEC Section 64-108 requires conductor sizing at 125% of the inverter's continuous output current rating, and the OCPD must be sized accordingly. The backfeed (supply-side connection) rules for connecting a PV system to a panelboard use a similar calculation to NEC 690.64: the sum of the main breaker and the PV backfeed breaker cannot exceed 120% of the panelboard's bus rating. This is the "120% rule" that determines whether a new PV system requires a panel upgrade.
Canadian provincial net metering programs create additional context for PV system sizing. British Columbia (BC Hydro and FortisBC), Ontario (IESO programs), Alberta (micro-generation rules), and other provinces have specific interconnection agreements and metering requirements that must be coordinated with the utility in addition to the CEC Section 64 requirements. The CEC provides the electrical code framework; the utility sets the interconnection terms.
CEC 2024 has updated Section 64 to align more closely with NEC 690 on rapid shutdown requirements — verify the adopted provincial edition before designing any PV system for Canadian permit submission.
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Open CEC solar pv calculator →Each Canadian province and territory has adopted a version of the CEC. Verify the adopted edition and local amendments with your AHJ.
CEC Section 64 governs solar PV system installations in Canada, covering PV source circuits, inverter output circuits, disconnecting means, and grid interconnection. It is the Canadian equivalent of NEC Article 690.
CEC Section 64-012 requires PV source circuit conductors to be sized at not less than 125% of the module short-circuit current (Isc). This is identical to the NEC 690.8(A) requirement.
Yes. CEC Section 64 uses a back-feed calculation similar to NEC 690.64: the sum of the main OCPD and the PV back-feed OCPD must not exceed 120% of the panelboard bus rating.
Yes. Each province has its own net metering program and utility interconnection requirements. BC Hydro, FortisBC, Ontario's IESO programs, and Alberta's micro-generation regulations all add requirements beyond CEC Section 64. Coordinate with the serving utility before finalizing the system design.
Disclaimer: SparkShift calculators are provided for informational purposes. Always verify calculations against the adopted CEC edition in your province and confirm requirements with your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) before commencing work. The CEC edition adopted may differ by province — Ontario uses the OESC, BC uses the BC Electrical Safety Regulation, and other provinces have their own adopted editions.