Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have become common because of the ever-increasing global demands in renewable energy power. However, although solar energy is sustainable and efficient, safety and reliability of systems is critical. The use of surge protection devices (SPDs) is actually one of the most effective ways of safeguarding PV systems. In these regards, SPD solar technology becomes essential to keep the performance and wear electrical damage. More complicated PV systems are emerging and the industrial electrical equipment manufacturers are entering the market to offer reliable, compliant SPD facilities to increase the long term reliability of solar systems.
The SPD solar devices are designed to safeguard the DC and AC sections of photovoltaic (PV) systems against lightning overvoltages, switching overvoltages, or internal fault overvoltages. Such voltage spikes have the potential to damage inverters, panels or controllers, which in many cases can result in costly downtimes. The action of SPDs is to take up excess energy safely prior to it getting to critical equipment on the ground. Given that the PV systems are installed outdoors, and on most occasions, they are exposed to extreme weather conditions, they are prone to such electrical occurrences. As well, solar plants are often grid-connected, which means that effects of the public network are capable of propagating back through the system. At the high risk points system owners can use the SPD at the combiner box, the inverter input etc. to eliminate the threat before the damage is caused. Such devices become particularly significant to ensure continuity of energy in large-scale or mission-critical systems and losses of such equipment would spell havoc.
The surge risks of PV systems are different because of their operating conditions and design. Majority of them are mounted in open locations, such as rooftops or vast fields and this exposes them to direct and indirect lightning, as well. Electromagnetic interference may cause voltage spikes across lengthy cable lengths even when there are no direct hits. One more apprehension is that DC power generation is different as well and it needs special protection. Moreover, solar arrays have a high voltage (particularly those of utility scale) and therefore the impact of an overvoltage transient can be even greater. By introducing energy into solar panels and inverters and finally into the grid, it subjects the whole system to the anomalies of the grid. Voltage transients can enter into the solar infrastructure due to power fluctuations or switching on the utility side. This is why surge protection is indispensable in all the setups- even small rooftops but also in industrial scale farms. The good news is that nowadays, there are numerous industrial electrical equipment companies providing the SPD solar equipment already designed particularly to suit such applications, which can do a fine job of protecting them and making them electric-code-friendly.
Surge protection should be made in an intelligent system design and location of SPD. On the DC side protection will be very near to the PV modules or the combiner box. AC side, the placement is close to the inverter, or the main service panel. There are three types of SPD Type 1, Type 2 or Type 3 and each of them is used to serve various protection purposes. Type 1 is lightning prone area-specific and type 2 is generally used in general residential or commercial systems. The correct choice of SPD is based on a number of technical parameters including nominal discharge current, response time and voltage level of protection. Moreover, thermal disconnects and visual status indicators are vital to carry on with the safety and maintenance. SPD solar devices cannot be of general-purpose surge protector design because they have to be designed to the voltages and topology of PV systems. Such accuracy brings out the essence of obtaining equipment through well recognized industrial electrical equipment providers who can advise equipment to use that fits on the technical and environmental requirements of the solar plant.
Solar protection system built-in SPD caters to long-term performance, safety, and payback. A reduced equipment failure is one of the main benefits. SPDs keep systems on-line and produce well run power by not destroying inverters and other components connected to the power system. This is particularly significant to commercial systems or utilities, whereby failure to operate means loss of revenues. The other key advantage is peace of mind since unprotected systems may cause fire or electric shock owing to surge-related defects. The SPDs reduce such risks and protect the critical components by safely discharging the high energy current away. Besides SPD, its installation can address the needs of the code, insurance, and certification standards. With time, a system that is maintained well suffers fewer failures hence the cost of maintenance is lower and the lifespan of the system increases. These advantages mean good financial returns and stress free lives to property owners and operators. The protection of the system Surge has an outstanding value in a market in which the system lifespan is essential.
There are so many variables to consider in the development of the solar system, that it is vitally important to select the correct SPD product, made by the correct supplier. Generic protectors can possibly not provide sufficient protection to the particular requirements of PV installations. One should choose the devices that are stamped with DC values and according to standards like IEC or UL. It is equally important to have an experienced supplier. Summing it up in a sentence: supply of safe and expandable systems that can meet the future energy requirements can be achieved by investing in SPD solar solutions provided by the existing and reputed companies with regards to industrial electrical equipment. The partner is also a trusted provider who will provide qualified hardware and help to analyze sites, configure, and comply with codes. Such assistance allows installers and facility managers to prevent the costly errors and make sure their systems pass the safety and performance criteria. Since solar infrastructure becomes increasingly connected and vital, high-quality surge protection will turn into an unavoidable component of a future-proof PV system.
