Lightning protection measures for solar power generation

Is lightning protection necessary for PV systems?

Consequently, effective lightning protection is indispensable for PV systems. Lightning transient evaluation of a PV system has been a necessary task in designing effective LPS. Such evaluation has been addressed experimentally and numerically. Stern and Karner [ 10] investigated the induced voltages of a single panel in the laboratory.

How to protect PV panels during lightning strikes?

Therefore, an adequate lightning protection system (LPS) must be installed to protect the PV panels. In addition, the transient performance of PV panels during lightning strikes must be analyzed well. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the superior modeling methods of PV systems during lightning strikes.

What is a lightning protection system (LPS)?

The lightning protection system (LPS) is used to protect the PV system from damage and service interruption. The LPS includes an air termination rod, earthing system, or surge protective devices, which provide an alternative path for lightning away from the PV system.

Does a lightning protection system work on a grid-connected photovoltaic park?

In this paper, the performance of a lightning protection system (LPS) on a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) park is studied by simulating different scenarios with the use of an appropriate software tool.

Are lightning protection systems effective?

Experience shows that where lightning protection systems are installed, more often than not their design is poor and the protection they provide, ineffective. The problem becomes more serious for the industry, as the number of photovoltaic power plants increases.

Does lightning protection work on solar panels?

Research, as described in a recent review on the performance of lightning protection on photovoltaic systems (roof mounted or solar farms) has just started due to high penetration on the power distribution grids . In , the impact of a standard impulse lightning strike on the performance of single PV modules is evaluated.