[RE-wrenches] Solar flares

[Hilton Dier III]

It's my understanding that the threat of solar flares primarily to the 
grid and devices connected to the grid. When the charged particles from 
the sun hit our magnetosphere that induces voltage in long power lines. 
Since we have satellites (SOHO and ACE) at the first Lagrange point in 
between the earth and the sun, we have real time warning of solar flare 
events. There are also multiple earth based solar observatories watching 
24/7.  An eye on the astronomical news and a simple disconnect will 
protect a residential system on the AC side. If a system has a long run 
to a ground mounted array then flipping the disconnects at either end 
would do the job. Even then, I doubt the amount of voltage induced in a 
150 foot underground run would amount to much.

The magnetosphere protects us from most of the effects of solar flares. 
They aren't gamma rays, after all. I haven't done the research, but I'd 
think that a blast of charged particles powerful enough to either induce 
high voltage in the short wiring within a metal cased, grounded 
inverter, or to literally blast the semiconductors into submission 
directly, would leave the owner with bigger problems than a loss of 
electricity.

Hilton

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Hilton Dier III
Renewable Energy Design
Partner, Solar Gain LLC
453 East Hill Rd.
Middlesex, VT 05602
Tel: 802-223-6652