{"id":50216,"date":"2015-01-03T15:25:26","date_gmt":"2015-01-03T13:25:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yilkomer.com\/gunes-santrallerinde-yildirimdan-korunma-ve-topraklama-konusunda-onemli-noktalar\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T17:23:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T14:23:16","slug":"important-points-regarding-lightning-protection-and-grounding-in-solar-power-plants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yilkomer.com\/en\/important-points-regarding-lightning-protection-and-grounding-in-solar-power-plants\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Points Regarding Lightning Protection and Grounding in Solar Power Plants"},"content":{"rendered":"

Grounding in Solar Power Plants: In order to prevent photovoltaic systems from being damaged by sudden overvoltages and lightning strikes, protecting solar systems within the scope of the IEC 62305-5 Standard<\/strong> is a mandatory requirement. Ensuring that systems planned as long-term investments can generate energy at the desired efficiency requires implementing all necessary protection measures, which is often one of the most neglected issues by investors. In this context, we have summarized below the key points to be considered regarding the protection and grounding of PV systems<\/a><\/strong> against lightning.<\/p>\n

General Principles in the Protection of Solar Power Plants<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Within the scope of the relevant standard, the importance of four-level protection is emphasized. To ensure that PV facilities are not damaged by lightning and surge-related effects, the integration of the following four systems is essential.<\/p>\n

1-External Lightning Protection System<\/strong>: Within the scope of the standard, appropriate protection angles should be created according to the rolling sphere method based on passive systems. The system designed as a result of risk calculations should aim to protect both the site and PV system equipment from the direct effects of lightning strikes.<\/p>\n

2-Internal Lightning Protection System:<\/strong> The use of internal lightning protection systems on AC-DC and coaxial lines will prevent the system from burning out and becoming inoperative during lightning and sudden surge events.<\/p>\n

3-Equipotential Bonding System:<\/strong> Ensuring equipotential bonding throughout the facility eliminates resistance differences and prevents coupling effects that may occur as a result.<\/p>\n

4-Grounding System:<\/strong> Foundation and functional grounding systems established at and around the facility will ensure long-term protection of the installation against electrical adverse effects.<\/p>\n

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Grounding of solar power plants requires expertise and experience.<\/p><\/div>\n

Risk analysis is essential for the selection of products to be used and for the design and engineering of the system to be installed.<\/p>\n

First, the lightning activity \u2018E<\/strong>\u2019 of the structure to be protected shall be calculated. Based on the calculated \u2018E<\/strong>\u2019 coefficient, the protection level must be determined from the relevant table.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For both rooftop and ground-mounted installations, integration of the four systems mentioned above is critical. In accordance with the TSE EN 62305 standard<\/strong>, all PV installations must ensure protection of panel areas in terms of human safety and electrical system security. Based on the risk analysis, appropriate air termination systems should be designed considering direct lightning strike risks to PV installations. Special attention must be paid to ensuring that lightning down conductors passing near facility equipment are insulated<\/a><\/strong> (tested against lightning strikes). Otherwise, coupling effects may damage the system. External lightning protection system components to be used must have successfully passed tests against 100 kA lightning impulses.<\/p>\n

Construction of the Grounding System<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Grounding must be implemented at the facility to ensure the electrical safety of the systems. Grounding systems and equipment should be designed in accordance with the Ministry of Energy Grounding Regulation<\/a><\/strong>, TS HD 60364-5-54 and TSE EN 50164 standards.<\/p>\n

For foundation grounding and functional and operational grounding<\/strong><\/em><\/span>, the key considerations are the quality of materials used and long-term resistance against corrosion. For example, for a 30×3.5 grounding strip, a minimum coating thickness of 70 microns is specified under TSE EN 50164. The grounding project must be designed by an expert engineer in accordance with site conditions. The use of corrosion tape and bimetal compatibility are critical. Inverters and AC sections of equipment installed on site must be grounded. Additional precautions must be taken for grounding equipment mounted on structures.<\/p>\n

In ground-mounted installations, depending on suitability, mesh networks under panels with cell sizes not exceeding 20×20 m should be combined with surrounding ring conductors, and this universal grounding should reach every structure and system component via equipotential bars<\/strong><\/span><\/em>. All calculations must be designed by a qualified engineer.<\/p>\n

Equipotential Bonding Conductor<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Equipotential bonding is a protective measure applied against the possibility of electrical installations having a higher potential relative to ground in the event of a fault. When implemented, the potential difference between ground and other parts is eliminated, reducing electric shock risk to a minimum. Relevant parts of the installation are categorized as exposed conductive parts or extraneous conductive parts.<\/p>\n

In many PV systems, such exposed or extraneous conductive parts are not present; therefore, equipotential<\/strong> bonding conductors are generally not required. If equipotential bonding conductors are necessary, the decision tree below is applied. On the DC side of PV installations, double or reinforced insulation must be applied during the design stage. Accordingly, system components are insulated and additional protective equipotential bonding is not required.<\/p>\n

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An insulated down conductor is essential for a correct and safe system.<\/p><\/div>\n

All equipment within the facility must be connected to local equipotential bars via equipotential bonding conductors. The external lightning protection system must also be connected to this bonding conductor. However, connections to equipotential bars within the facility must be made via spark gap surge arresters to ensure that potential impulses are immediately suppressed.<\/p>\n

System Grounding (DC Conductor Grounding)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n