Protection of Terrestrial Photovoltaic Systems from Lightning Effects

摘要

Transients caused by nearby strokes constitute the major threat from lightning to photovoltaic power systems. Failure thresholds of silicon solar cells are dominated by the melting of the metal grid on the illuminated face of the cell. The optical flash from lightning is not a significant threat to cells. The use of guard wires over underground cables appears to be a cost-effective shielding technique. Terminal protection devices are available although their use may require some special design features. (ERA citation 05:011608)