External lightning protection of the park
Isolated air-termination rods or ESE terminals positioned to cover the arrays without shading the modules. We maintain the separation distances required by EN 62305-3 so that the lightning current cannot flash over to the structure and cables.
Earthing grid
A common earthing ring connecting all mounting structures, inverter stations, the substation and the fence into a single equipotential system. For large sites we design an earthing grid with calculated resistance and step voltage.
Surge protection (SPD)
- Type 1+2 or Type 2 SPDs on the DC side – in combiner boxes and at inverter inputs
- SPDs on the AC side – in the main switchboard and at the grid connection
- Protection of communication and monitoring lines (RS485, Ethernet)
- Coordinated protection depending on cable lengths and whether external lightning protection is present
Rooftop photovoltaics
For installations on buildings we check the existing lightning protection and extend it so that the modules fall within the protected zone or are isolated from it. We bond the mounting structure to the building's earth electrode and select SPDs for the inverter.
Frequently asked questions
My modules are earthed through the mounting structure – isn't that enough?
Earthing the structure is mandatory, but it is not lightning protection. Without air terminals and SPDs the lightning current passes through the modules themselves and the cables to the inverters. Full protection includes all three elements: interception, conduction to earth and surge protection.
Do insurers require lightning protection for a PV plant?
Many insurers require documented lightning protection and SPDs as a condition for covering lightning and surge damage. We hand over a design, test certificates and an installation record that you can present.
