Energetica India Magazine January-February 2021

ENERGY STORAGE In addition to the building lightning protection for the solar modules, brackets, inverters, and electricity distribution boxes, the lightning protection system of the project adds the follow- ing safety features based on the plan above: 1. For the most vulnerable parts of the system e.g. the inverter, make sure both the electrical (internal) grounding and cover (external) grounding are effectively connected. 1. Added four 1.5m length and O10mm round steel lightning rods at the four corners of the array and welded onto the build- ing’s own lightning belt to reduce a direct lightning strike’s im- pact on the system. 2. Separated grounding of residential PV system: Choose a location where ground is thick and humid enough and dig a 1.5m-deep hole, then use O8 round steel (40*4mm flat steel can also be used or O10 round steel) to make the separated grounding. The grounding resistor is 1.68Ω and meets the re - quirement of less than 2Ω. PART 4 Summary The lightning protection and grounding of residential PV sys- tems cannot be ignored. Therefore, in the system installation process, we must not only consider the scientific lightning protection and grounding technology, but also strengthen the system’s lightning protection according to the site conditions. In short, spend time considering your PV system lightning pro- tection, because meticulous care and attention in the design & installation stage can avoid many problems later. A safe and stable lightning protection and grounding construction can avoid system damage and even personal and property losses.