solar panel installation question (solar panels, charge, better, system)

[NC_resident_95]

Hi,
Can those of you who have solar panels installed already clarify if any measures have been taken to protect the panels from lightning strikes?
Thanks

[OwlKaMyst]

The panels are the least likely to suffer damage from a lightning strike. It's the other parts of the system like the batteries and inverter that are at more of a risk. A lightning strike on the ground a few feet away can infiltrate into a home and cause damage.
Be sure that you have everything well grounded. One grounding rod (not lightning rod, they don't really work) is typically not enough.
One can also get surge arrestors, and lightning protectors, which are better than nothing, but nothing is 100% but does cut down on potential damage considerably.
Grounding is most the important thing though.

[Mack Knife]

Although grounding is a standard, other devices or design considerations vary depending on if the system is grid tied or off grid.

If you are grid tied, there are no batteries to consider unless you use the solar panels to charge a backup system.

Any solar power install should be designed to code, no matter how insignificant you think it is.

Always design a system so that equipment is sacrificed prior to the risk to human life.