For standard PV power stations, grounding resistance should be below 4 ohms; for large-scale PV power stations or areas with frequent lightning, it should be below 1 ohm.
Do solar panels need lightning protection? The short answer is: it depends on your location, system size, and local lightning activity-but most systems benefit from some level of protection.
Lightning protection systems (LPS) provide a protective zone to assure against direct strikes to PV systems by utilizing basic principles of air terminals, down conductors, equipotential bonding, separation distances and a low‐impedance grounding electrode system.
Annex D of IEC 62305-3 deals specifically with the protection of photovoltaic installations. It covers in particular the positioning of PV panels in protection zones, the separation distances to be observed between down conductors and DC cables, and the rules for grounding chassis.
To protect solar inverters from lightning damage, install appropriate Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) 1 on both AC and DC sides of the system. Select SPDs with voltage ratings matching your system's maximum voltage, and ensure they're properly grounded.
Why the best practice was used: This document provides consistent criteria for applying lightning protection design, installation, maintenance and inspection into safety programs against the NFPA and DOE requirements.
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