Do I Need A Lightning Rod Above My Solar Panels

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.

Do i need a lightning rod above my solar panels.

Solar arrays are also electronic devices and so are subject to the same potential for damage from surges. All connected together by bare copper stranded 6awg wire. Using your hammer drill or driving tool gradually drive the rod vertically into the ground. 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.

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. Even if you seldom have electrical storms all it takes is one lightning strike or a single lose wire and all the. 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.

The question is that does lightning affect solar panels. My solar panel array is 70 long. Every part needs to be grounded. A damaging surge can occur from lightning that strikes a long distance from the system or even between clouds.

If you live in a region known for lightning strikes then you also need lightning rods above your solar panels. When installing a solar photo voltaic system pv it is extremely important all the equipment is grounded correctly. Solar needs surge protection. How to protect your solar power system from lightning lightning is a common cause of failures in photovoltaic pv and wind electric systems.

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. Present and future solar purchases ask frequently about this. Solar panels are weather resistant and consumers always ask for lightning because it is a striking effect.