HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM FROM LIGHTNING

The protection of your photovoltaic system is put to the test by the destructive power of some natural phenomena. Among the most lightning is common and dangerous. In this article we will delve deeper into the topic: explainedwhat lightning is and what solutions to adopt to prevent its damage to photovoltaic systems.

Lightning: what is it

Lightning are electrical discharges originating from the collision between bodies of different electrical potential. The greatest lightning those between the cloud and the ground are easily observable, but discharges between two clouds or within the same cloud are also common. Lightning is usually thought of as a single electric discharge, but it is not the presence of multiple discharges in very rapid succession is unusual. When these reach the ground, they release up to 200 kA of electrical energy, bringing the air temperature to reach 15,000° C.
The power of lightning is such as to cause serious damage both in the case of direct and indirect contact. Humans, animals, vegetation and infrastructure are all subject to risks arising from the impact of lightning. The most at risk of thunderstorms in Europe is summer with frequent downpours full of thunder and lightning. In Italy, among the areas most affected by atmospheric phenomena of this type we have the Po Valley.

For further information, consult the article 'What are lightning and how to protect themi'.

Lightning and photovoltaic systems

Atmospheric phenomena such as lightning can cause electrical anomalies that pose a danger to humans and their belongings. More by half of electrical equipment failures is attributable to atmospheric causes and their damage is highly variable. They range from a blackout caused by a short circuit, temporary and very annoying, up to structural failures that require a large amount of of time and money to be repaired.

How to protect your photovoltaic system

To ensure protection and safety from lightning, it is it is best to choose a surge arrester. Also known as SPD-Surge Protection Device, the arrester is characterized by two advantages: low cost; and possibilities of implementation in an already existing system existing. This instrument is activated in the event of current anomalies, acting as a container and discharging excess energy to the ground. Given the frequency of adverse atmospheric phenomena (especially in recent years) and structural problems of systems, a surge arrester is essential. the greatest resource suitable to protect against the aforementioned inconveniences. ZOTUP offers various overvoltage protection solutions for photovoltaic systems. Anyone who owns a photovoltaic system is aware that periodic maintenance is essential. fundamental for good functioning, but prevention is often not considered as it should.

Protect your photovoltaic system: ZOTUP voltage arresters

By choosing a ZOTUP surge arrester, you guarantee protection for your photovoltaic system. It is a limiting SPD device (ZOTUPLIMITER). Typically installed near the inverter, near the photovoltaic generator and/or in string boxes, it is an arrester equipped with a varistor with very fast intervention times, less than 25 ns.
In general, surge arresters can be divided into three types based on the degree of protection and their positioning.

• Type 1: to protect people and equipment from lightning;
• Type 2: for overvoltages caused by the electricity distributor;
• Type 3: to be placed behind the appliance for further protection and to be used together with the other two types.

For effective protection for photovoltaic systems, ZOTUP offers both a surge arrester equipped with the characteristics of both types 1 and 2 and a type 2 surge limiter – the technical characteristics and use are different. This combo guarantees maximum protection against direct and indirect discharges. For the correct choice it is You can use the webapp ZOTUP or ask for advice from the technical office or your trusted installer/designer.

SPD: new and unique technical features and functions

ZOTUP surge limiters have an interrupting capacity, meaning that in the event of SPD failure they are capable of extinguishing the mains current independently. They are also equipped with a progressive indicator of residual performance on the front for simple maintenance in the event of replacement. For further information on the technical components, consult the article 'Utilities and functions of the surge arresters by ZOTUP'.

ZOTUP: For the protection of your photovoltaic system and beyond

ZOTUP offers products that combine quality, innovation and safety with an all-Italian production. With a vast selection of innovative SPD systems for low, medium and high voltage, the catalog presents tools suitable for all your needs. Just to name a few: surge arresters for data transmission, SPDs for telecommunications and for public lighting. Not only excellent products, but also a customer service always available and training courses to understand this complex matter.

For more information visit the website www.zotup.com and choose the optimal solution for your needs.