Solar PV earthing, lightning and electrical protection
Sources checked
PV protection is designed with the modules, inverter, building and grid connection. Earthing, lightning protection, surge protection and overcurrent protection address different situations. One device type or universal cable size cannot cover every installation.
Assess the complete building arrangement
The designer needs the roof and mounting details, existing electrical installation, lightning-protection arrangements and connection conditions. Positioning, cable routes and the exact equipment affect the protective measures required.
Do not infer that module certificates or an inverter's built-in protection certify the whole building installation. Protection must work as a coordinated design.
Ask for evidence at quotation and handover
The quotation should identify the required scope rather than simply promising all protections. At handover, take the as-built documentation, applicable inspection and test records and operating instructions.
Reassess after expansion, lightning damage, major roof work or equipment changes. Monitoring output does not establish that protection remains complete or correctly coordinated after a modification.