Solar Panels Hit By Lightning

Since a photovoltaic installation does not increase the probability of lightning strikes the solar modules themselves are no more at risk than the inverter or other loads connected to the grid.

Solar panels hit by lightning.

No lightning isn t attracted to solar panels and putting solar panels and the metal racking it requires on top of your roof doesn t increase your home s risk of getting hit by lightning. The panels themselves will almost assuredly be damaged if directly struck by lightning so the obvious technological direction is to develop cheaper panels that can be easily replaced when the inevitable strike happens. A damaging surge can occur from lightning that strikes a long distance from the system or even between clouds. In the case of the solar industry the costs are found in damage that happens when lightning strikes the exposed panels along with the associated surge that the strike produces.

Lightning is a common cause of failures in photovoltaic pv and wind electric systems. Since the metal panel frames and racking of the solar array are located on the roof the egc will direct a strike to the solar array to ground and may reduce additional damage to the building. The fundamental principle of lightning protection is based on placing the solar panels within a zone of protection so that downward lightning leaders attach to streamers emanating from air terminals or other strike termination devices and is directed to ground rather than hitting the panel and or other components of the solar system and causing damage. This configuration provides necessary protection zones effectively dissipating lightning energy to the ground and helps to insulate the solar panels and inverter stations from damage.

When it comes to solar panels there s one persistent myth which is that putting solar panels on your home can actually attract lightning to your home. Since a photovoltaic pv installation in no way increases the chance of a lightning strike the solar modules themselves are at no more risk than any other appliance connected to the grid in the uk. The other benefit of this system is that there will likely be significantly lower cost of labor and material to install the entire system as compared to a traditional franklin rod system. However in the rare event of the solar generator be.

What happens if my solar installation is struck by lightning december 7th 2011 by 00str1. But most lightning d. But most lightning damage is preventable. Right off the bat i ll give you the answer.

Lightning is a common cause of failures in photovoltaic pv systems. How to protect your solar power system from lightning.