Lightning damage to SW inverters [RE-wrenches]

[Jeff Yago]

I have seen a major increase in Trace SW inverters damaged by lightning.
All have cost over $1,300 for repairs (not covered by warranty) and all were
nowhere near direct strikes.

Many of these systems were not installed by us but some were.  I always make
sure the grounding is per code and always install a Delta lightning arrester
on both the DC and AC side of the inverter, and at the roof on the combiner
box.  Everything goes to the same ground rod or rods bonded together.  Of
course those with the lightning protection were less likely to receive
damage or received less damage, but it is still a big issue in this part of
the US with lots of lightning storms.

I don't expect any electronic device to sustain a direct lightning strike,
but when you have an electronic device (inverter) designed to be wired to a
kit flying in an electrical storm with a key and a wet string, you would
expect either a higher level of built in protection or a less expensive
"sacrificial" component.  It was interesting that some of these systems also
damaged the charge controllers, but some had no damage to the controllers
and the inverters were still damaged.  Have any of you seen this major
increase in damage and repair costs?

Jeff Yago

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