Does Solar Panels Attract Lightning

Raycap is a leading producer of surge protection devices for photovoltaic pv systems that are used in both industrial power production as well as residential or semi commercial markets.

Does solar panels attract lightning.

They are also mounted on large metal frames that act much like antennas collecting atmospheric charge. Lightning and related static discharge is the number one cause of sudden unexpected failures in pv systems lightning does not have to strike directly to cause damage to sensitive electronic equipment such as inverters controls radios and entertainment equipment it can be miles away and invisible and still induce high voltage surges in wiring especially in long lines. Wind turbines are mounted high to get in the non turbulent air flow so they re exposed to the environment and make an attractive target. But most lightning damage is preventable.

Here are some of the most cost effective techniques that are generally accepted by power system installers based on decades of experience. However there is no guarantee of this it is important to note that the egc is not intended to take the place of a dedicated lightning protection system. Lightning is a common cause of failures in photovoltaic pv and wind electric systems. No lightning isn t attracted to solar panels and putting solar panels and the metal racking it requires on top of your roof doesn t increase your home s risk of getting hit by lightning.

When it comes to solar panels there s one persistent myth which is that putting solar panels on your home can actually attract lightning to your home. Since the metal panel frames and racking of the solar array are located on the roof the egc will direct a strike to the solar array to ground and may reduce additional damage to the building. Solar panels are installed in the open for maximum exposure the sun. Solar panels and their associated control systems are highly susceptible to damage from both direct and indirect lightning strikes.

Login to reply the answers. But most lightning damage is preventable. Lightning is a common cause of failures in photovoltaic pv systems. Yes they are liable to damage by lightening.

A damaging surge can occur from lightning that strikes a long distance from the system or even between clouds. Right off the bat i ll give you the answer. Since a photovoltaic installation does not increase the probability of lightning strikes the solar modules themselves are no more at risk than the inverter or other loads connected to the grid.