Photovoltaic support roof lightning protection design drawing

Do rooftop photovoltaic systems need a lightning protection system?

This guideline also requires that LPL III and thus a lightning protection system accord-ing to class of LPS III be installed for rooftop PV systems (> 10 kWp) and that surge protection measures be taken. As a general rule, rooftop photovoltaic systems must not interfere with the existing lightning pro-tection measures.

Do PV panels need a lightning protection system?

Consequently, they are frequently subjected to lightning strikes, which may cause damage to PV arrays, service interruption, and additional cost for PV replacement. Therefore, an adequate lightning protection system (LPS) must be installed to protect the PV panels.

Can Lightning affect a roof top PV system?

It has been shown that for buildings with roof top PV systems only the avoidance of lightning attachment to unprotected parts of the building is not sufficient. Lightning currents passing through the lightning protection system may still affect the PV power system through inductive coupling.

Does a lightning protection system need to be installed on a building?

The energy released by a lightning discharge is one of the most frequent causes of fire. Therefore, personal and fire protection is of paramount importance in case of a direct lightning strike to the building. At the design stage of a PV system, it is evident whether a lightning protection system is installed on a building.

Can a PV mounting system carry a lightning current?

The metal components of the PV mounting system must be connected to the external lightning protection system in such a way that they can carry lightning currents (cop-per conductor with a cross-section of at least 16 mm2 or equivalent).

What is a lightning protection system?

Complete system used to reduce the danger of physical damages or injury caused by direct lightning strikes to a structure. It consists of air termination devices, down conductors and earthing electrodes.