Do I Need A Lightning Rod Above My Solar Panels

If you got solar panels installation for your home you might think about the lightning effect and other natural hazards.

Do i need a lightning rod above my solar panels.

When installing a solar photo voltaic system pv it is extremely important all the equipment is grounded correctly. A lightning rod us aus or lightning conductor is a metal rod mounted on a structure and intended to protect the structure from a lightning strike. Solar panels are especially prone to lightning strikes due to their large surface area and placement in exposed locations such as on rooftops or ground mounted in open spaces. Solar panels are weather resistant and consumers always ask for lightning because it is a striking effect.

Using your hammer drill or driving tool gradually drive the rod vertically into the ground. All connected together by bare copper stranded 6awg wire. The electrical code states that it must have 8 feet 2 4 m of contact with the ground so you need to drive it all the way down. Solar needs surge protection.

My solar panel array is 70 long. You need to drive your rod all the way into the ground. Every part needs to be grounded. How to protect your solar power system from lightning lightning is a common cause of failures in photovoltaic pv and wind electric systems.

If you live in a region known for lightning strikes then you also need lightning rods above your solar panels. If lightning hits the structure it will preferentially strike the rod and be conducted to ground through a wire instead of passing through the structure where it could start a fire or cause electrocution. Drive the rod into the ground. Present and future solar purchases ask frequently about this.

A damaging surge can occur from lightning that strikes a long distance from the system or even between clouds. Failure to ground the entire system to include all the individual pieces can be devastating especially in an area that experiences lightning on a regular basis. The question is that does lightning affect solar panels.