How to protect a photovoltaic power plant from lightning?

External lightning protection of photovoltaic power plants can be more efficient. The standardised methods for photovoltaic power plants must be revised. Highlighting zones of interest can lead to an optimized air-termination system. Zone concept can be used generally for photovoltaic power plants.

Can solar power plants reduce lightning damage by installing LPs?

The authors emphasize the importance for power plants to minimize PV system lightning damages by installing LPS and highlight the role of the shadow of lightning poles that drops on the PV modules to increase solar cell temperature and reduce power generation.

Does a lightning protection system work on a grid-connected photovoltaic park?

In this paper, the performance of a lightning protection system (LPS) on a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) park is studied by simulating different scenarios with the use of an appropriate software tool.

Does this guide cover small scale solar power plants?

Similarly, this guide does not directly cover small scale solar power plants (such as rooftop type systems), substation grounding, or lightning protection.

Why is lightning protection important for photovoltaic installations?

The lightning protection of photovoltaic installations is of great importance, in order to warrant the uninterrupted operation of the system and avoid faults and damages of the equipment. Atmospheric discharges influence the proper operation of the photovoltaic generators and their installation, involving also sensitive electronic equipment.

Can a zone concept be used for photovoltaic power plants?

Zone concept can be used generally for photovoltaic power plants. The actual cost savings is dependant on the geometry of a given power plant. The current practice of creating the external lightning protection system for photovoltaic power plants, according to the IEC 62305 standard series, is overly generalised.