A solar PV SPD is an important component in solar power systems, which protects electrical equipment against voltage surges, usually caused by lightning striking or sudden fluxes in power. These surges reach up to 40 kA in high-risk areas and pose a serious threat to sensitive components such as inverters, operating at a high DC voltage-usually between 600 to 1,500 volts in commercial solar installations. A PV surge protection device diverts excess voltage so it does not reach the critical parts and cause damage, thereby averting costly repairs or downtime.
Thus, SPDs at critical junctions within the system absorb surge sudden and divert it safely to the ground, keeping current within limits. For example, a good SPD with a clamping voltage rating of 1,000 volts DC would best protect equipment in systems operating at or near that voltage level. Application of the SPD with clamping at a lower threshold compared to the system’s maximum voltage ensures the surges will not reach the sensitive equipment and the PV system operates with efficiency and life span maintained.
Industry standards like IEC 61643-31 provide specifications for the manufacture of PV SPDs that handle high voltage DC applications safely. These standards stipulate that PV SPDs shall be of strong response time-usually less than a nanosecond-to instantaneously react to surges. In solar installations, a fast response is needed to ensure that even the shortest surge will not cause damage or deteriorate the performance of components. Good-quality SPDs would offer at least 10 years of durability, and thus for the owner of solar systems, this is going to be an investment in a long period to help in the prevention of possible hazards.
Because, as solar expert Mike Holt explains, “Investing in a PV surge protection device is one of the smartest ways to safeguard your solar investment. A single surge can cause thousands of dollars in damage if your system isn’t protected.” Installation of the PV Surge Protection Device ensures reliable protection by safely managing surges and protecting the whole solar array from unexpected spikes, thus preserving the system functionality throughout its lifetime of operation.