[RE-wrenches] Designing PV systems for lightning prone areas

Ray Walters ray at solarray.com
Fri Sep 9 13:00:48 PDT 2011


Low impedance grounding is the most important. We have a ground 
impedance tester, and anything less is just guess work.
Uffer grounds (tied to exposed rebar in the footing) are usually lower 
impedance than rods, also a steel cased well can be an excellent ground, 
since it is essentially a metal conductor going down to the water table.
You might also consider lightning diffusers on high points along the 
peak of the roof a couple of feet higher than the array.
Consider working with a lightning protection specialist.
For arrestors/ suppressors stay away from the Deltas (not very effective 
from my experience) but take a look at Midnite Solar's new line of 
lightning protection equipment.

Ray Walters
Solarray, Inc.

On 9/9/2011 12:32 PM, James Rudolph wrote:
>
> Dear Wrenches,
>
> Does anybody have any best practices for designing large PV arrays on 
> metal building in lightning prone areas? Lightning arrestors on the DC 
> side and Surge suppressors on the AC load side? Any input or resources 
> would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Sunny Regards,
>
> James Rudolph
> NABCEP Certified Installer
> Master Electrician
> SF Energy
>
>
>
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