Grounding Pv Solar Panels

Although all components of a pv system may not be fully functional for this period of time the basic pv module can produce potentially dangerous currents and voltages for the life of the system.

Grounding pv solar panels.

Chassis or mechanical and electrical. Proper grounding of a photovoltaic pv power system is critical to ensuring the safety of the public during the installation s decades long life. You also have two thick copper wires negative and positive going from your inverter to your solar panel array outside that also has its own grounding system but is not bonded with the house grounding system. There are three main reasons for grounding in an off grid power system.

Of all the elements of a u s. If lightning were to strike the solar panels outside the electric current may go into the panel grounding system if you are lucky or it may travel along the positive and negative wires going back to the inverter inside your house. Drive a grounding rod at least 8 feet deep into the earth near the system. Basically there are two types of grounding in a pv system equipment grounding and conductor grounding.

Appropriate bonding and equipment grounding limits the voltage imposed on a system by lightning line surges and unintentional contact with higher voltage lines. Leave around 6 above ground to properly attach your copper wire to the grounding rod. First it is required to ground all pv systems. Safety v oltage transients and t h e sheer fact that they are required for some loads.

Third it can help prevent fires in the system post installation avoiding potential lawsuits from angry homeowners. But before we address each of these it s important to understand the actual definition of ground. Equipment grounding is generally mandatory. Solar installation the grounding portion of the system may well be the most important.

Pv mounting systems and devices. Use a clamp to attach the copper wire to the grounding rod. Once there it could arc again to the house wiring. Devices and systems used for mounting pv modules that are also used to provide grounding of the module frames should be identified for the purpose of grounding solar panels.

Second a properly grounded system will help protect you and your employees from unintentional shocks and possible deaths. Regardless of system voltage equipment grounding is required on all pv systems. This is providing a path to ground for metal parts module frame mounting system etc that could be inadvertently energized by a faulted conductor.