Do lightning arrestors really work for Solar systems?

Question

I'm thinking of putting some arrestors into my PV and Wind system. Does anyone know *from experience*, meaning a lightning strike to your system, if they really work? I spoke with SMA America and they said they are not UL approved and have no evidence that they do anything. My installer said that the inverters will still get fried.

Answer 1

Your solar collector system is probably 12 V.

Most lightning arrestors are designed to protect

120V. systems.

The arrestors might reduce damage in the event of

a strike, but I wouldn't expect to get away unscathed.

Answer 2

I don't have personal experience, but the link below has some articles by John Wiles, considered by many to be the authority on solid installations.  Look for the articles on Grounding - they may offer some insight.

I like the first poster's comment about protection by drawing away the strike.  As for protection against a direct strike by (I presume) a gas-filled lightning arrestor, I have no idea.  I would think that you ground one lead of your PV array anyway, and that the frame and mounts would be grounded, too.  I've heard of people getting one or two panels destroyed (only, not the whole array), and there was no mention of the inverter getting killed.  But that's hearsay from me.

You might also check out the second link below for a forum where experts discuss such topics.

Answer 3

any condiuctive rod that goes higher than your roof line and is connected to the earth with a conductive cable would offer some protection to your PV system as well as other parts of your house,

I doubt any rod would give total protection

as far as arrestors they sound hokey

if the cost of installation is more than your iinsurance deductible the value is questionable