Measures for protecting residential solar energy from lightning strikes

The lightning protection measures for residential solar systems are as follows:

Direct lightning protection

Installation of lightning arresters: If the solar water heater or solar panel is not within the protection range of the building's lightning arrester, a separate lightning arrester needs to be installed. The height of the lightning arrester installation should be scientifically calculated according to the rolling ball method to ensure effective interception of lightning. For instance, two equal-height lightning rods with a height of about 2 meters or one independent lightning rod with a height of about 3 meters can be installed about 1 meter horizontally from the solar water heater. Moreover, the body of the lightning rod should be directly buried in the ground. If space is limited, it is advisable to install a lightning rod a certain length higher than the water tank on the edge of the bracket as a lightning arrester and reliably connect it to the roof lightning protection network.

When installing solar energy equipment in buildings equipped with lightning protection facilities, to reduce the risk of lightning strikes, the installation position of the solar energy equipment can be appropriately lowered or the height of the lightning rod can be increased. Under normal circumstances, a solar water heater should be at least 60cm below the lightning rod and maintain a safe distance of about 1 meter from it.

Grounding treatment of metal frames: The metal frames of solar energy equipment should be grounded and connected to the lightning protection facilities on the building at the same potential to ensure a good electrical connection between the metal frames and the lightning protection facilities. This way, when a lightning strike occurs, the current can be conducted smoothly, reducing the impact of lightning strikes on buildings and equipment.

Induced lightning protection

Power line protection: The power line of the solar energy system should be protected by metal shielding and grounded at both ends of the cable to reduce the interference caused by induced lightning. For intelligent solar energy equipment, such as solar water heaters, a single-phase power surge protector can be installed at the power switch box where the power line enters the household. When the equipment is exposed to overvoltage, the lightning protection device can quickly act to release energy and protect the equipment from damage.

Signal line protection: The water level, water temperature sensing lines and other signal lines of solar equipment also need to take shielding measures and be grounded at both ends to ensure the accuracy of the sensing data and the normal operation of the equipment. Signal surge protectors can be installed at the end of the solar signal sensing on the roof, and also at the entry end of the solar signal line. They should be installed on the signal line after entering the room.

Heating line protection: The power supply line of the heating tube of the solar equipment also needs to be shielded and grounded at both ends to effectively reduce the impact of induced lightning on the power supply line of the heating tube and ensure the heating effect of the equipment.

Other protective measures

Regular inspection and maintenance: Regularly inspect the lightning protection facilities to ensure they are in good condition and can promptly eliminate potential safety hazards. For equipment installed outdoors or near rooftops, regular inspection and maintenance should be carried out to ensure its lightning protection performance.

During thunderstorms, try to avoid using solar equipment to prevent lightning strikes. At the same time, the power plug of the equipment should be unplugged. Try to minimize contact with water pipes, faucets, etc., just in case.