Solar power generation lightning protection method

Does a lightning protection system work on a grid-connected photovoltaic park?

In this paper, the performance of a lightning protection system (LPS) on a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) park is studied by simulating different scenarios with the use of an appropriate software tool.

How can a PV system protect against lightning?

The paper recommends modifying the system performance against lightning by the proper cable arrangement, using PV systems with a metal frame, using the efficient grounding system with low resistance, and keeping an appropriate distance between the external LPS and the PV system.

How will a lightning protection system affect PV power generation?

All this kind of destruction will undoubtedly affect the economic aspects or the return on investment that could be earned from PV power generation as well as the cost of repair or replacement to recover from the damage, all of which can be mitigated by implementing a lightning protection system (LPS) .

What is a lightning protection system (LPS)?

The lightning protection system (LPS) is used to protect the PV system from damage and service interruption. The LPS includes an air termination rod, earthing system, or surge protective devices, which provide an alternative path for lightning away from the PV system.

How to protect solar power plants from lightning?

The work recommended the mesh-type air termination instead of vertical rods to reduce mechanical damage and avoid the shadow effect. To assess the external lightning protection and the earthing systems design in the large-scale solar power plants, the methods and models were also presented [ 38 ].

Why is accurate modeling of PV systems during lightning important?

The accurate modeling of PV systems during lightning is important for the proper selection of LPS. Some previous researches presented an overview of the PV system behavior during lightning, taking into account the LPS design and the effect of lightning on PV systems.