Surge Protection for Photovoltaic Roof Top

SURGE PROTECTORS FOR Photovoltaic systems

ROOF TOP INSTALLATIONS

For low power PV applications, i.e. residences and small offices, it is necessary to consider surge protecting the AC output of the Inverter that connects directly into the electric power grid as well as the DC input side of the Inverter fed by the PV modules.

SPD location

The diagram below shows the pertinent locations for surge protectors as described in the CLC/TS61643-12 guide.

Additional Surge Protectors

If the equipment to be protected (inverter or PV modules) is located more than 10 meters away from the initial surge protector, the guide imposes the insertion of a complimentary surge protector to improve the level of protection.

PV network: Type 2 surge protector

Depending on the lightning rating of the installation area, a Type 2 surge protector on the DC network may be required.

AC network: AC Surge Protector

to protect all loads connected to the facility’s main distribution panel against transients originating from the AC utility grid.

Additional AC Surge protector

If the length of conductor between the PV inverter and the primary SPD in the main board exceeds 10 m, an additional SPD is necessary at the input of the inverter.

Surge Protectors for Photovoltaic Roof Top Installations

Surge Protection for Photovoltaic Roof Top Video