Evaluation of Surge Protective Devices (SPD) on Photovoltaic (PV) System Installations: Mitigating the Impact of Lightning Strikes

The installation of a lightning protection system (LPS) in a solar photovoltaic (PV) system plays a critical role in safeguarding the system from potential disruptions caused by lightning strikes. Lightning-induced surges pose a significant risk to the functionality, reliability, and longevity of solar PV installations, making effective protection measures essential. To better understand the risks and improve protective strategies, a statistical analysis was conducted to assess the lightning trends at the solar PV system site. This analysis involved the collection and evaluation of lightning data to gain insights into the frequency, intensity, and impact of lightning strikes in the area. The data serves as a foundation for assessing the effectiveness of solar PV system protection schemes, particularly through the integration of surge protective devices (SPDs). The study adheres to established standards and guidelines outlined in various technical documents to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. The findings from this analysis are expected to contribute valuable insights for improving solar PV system protection. These insights could serve as a reference and guide for the proper installation and configuration of SPDs, ensuring enhanced protection against lightning-induced damage. Ultimately, the results aim to strengthen the overall resilience and reliability of solar PV systems in lightning-prone regions.