I'm curious about the best ways to protect solar panels from lightning strikes. Can the aluminum frames of the panels be interconnected into a mesh and grounded at certain points? What about the solar cells and the wires that form various loops – are they at risk not only from direct lightning strikes but also from electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by nearby strikes? I wonder if using twisted-wire connections would help, especially since those aren't typically used for on-panel cell interconnections which create several loops. Would it make sense to decouple the solar panel system from the grid during stormy weather? Are there any guidelines or statistics on how to effectively protect solar panels against lightning?
2 Answers
So, I’ve had a close call with lightning and thankfully my solar panels were fine. However, some sensitive electronics didn’t make it. If lightning strikes, it tends to follow the path of least resistance. One thing you can do is install lightning rods nearby to help redirect the charge. Make sure you ground them deep and straight down to the earth with heavy gauge wire. As a precaution, if you know a storm is coming, consider disconnecting your sensitive gear and putting it in a Faraday cage to keep it safe. You can even use a regular stove – it works like a charm!
Lightning protection can be a real challenge! From what I've gathered, if lightning strikes directly, there’s a strong chance something could get damaged. I’ve seen some surge protective devices, like the Square D Universal Whole Home Surge Protector, which claims to cover up to $75K in damages for 5 years. But do keep in mind that collecting on such claims can be tricky. You might also want to check with your homeowners insurance about adding solar coverage – it could be worth it!
I had a similar experience – lost some GFCIs but oddly, most of my devices were untouched. It’s like the electrical system was acting as a large coil!