Tech Forum

2019 Issue-4

Solar Panels And Lightning

Are solar panels suceptable to damage by nearby lightning strikes and would they provide any margin of safety to electronic equipment in a grid-tied or off-grid system?

#04193
Alex Freeleagus
Tigard, OR

Associated files:

Answers

While a direct hit will wipe out just about anything, a nearby hit won't do much damage to a solar panel. If something were close enough to get a shock, electronic gear would be the least of your trouble! Just use proper grounding per NEC codes. (and fuses)

Robbie J
Green River, WY