To add to Ray's comments, it's a good idea to minimize the area of your
source circuits' wiring loops as well, to minimize voltage jumps from
nearby strikes (of course, direct strikes blast a hole in the roof, so
no suppression can really help you there). I have a DC arrestor from
surgesuppression.com (made here in Florida) on my house's array. Nothing
on the AC side yet but I'm planning to add it eventually.
I second Ray's recommendation that you work with a lighting protection
specialist.
On 2011/9/9 16:00, Ray Walters wrote:
Low impedance grounding is the most important. We have a ground
impedance tester, and anything less is just guess work.
Uffer grounds (tied to exposed rebar in the footing) are usually lower
impedance than rods, also a steel cased well can be an excellent ground,
since it is essentially a metal conductor going down to the water table.
You might also consider lightning diffusers on high points along the
peak of the roof a couple of feet higher than the array.
Consider working with a lightning protection specialist.
For arrestors/ suppressors stay away from the Deltas (not very effective
from my experience) but take a look at Midnite Solar's new line of
lightning protection equipment.
Ray Walters
Solarray, Inc.
On 9/9/2011 12:32 PM, James Rudolph wrote:
Dear Wrenches,
Does anybody have any best practices for designing large PV arrays on
metal building in lightning prone areas? Lightning arrestors on the DC
side and Surge suppressors on the AC load side? Any input or resources
would be greatly appreciated.
Sunny Regards,
James Rudolph
NABCEP Certified Installer
Master Electrician
SF Energy
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