Solar panels are always live as they provide electricity. If this voltage cannot be transported properly, then high voltage could occur somewhere. To avoid problems with overloading, it is important to ground solar panels. In this blog, we would like to explain exactly what grounding solar panels means and whether it is necessary in your situation.
What does solar panel grounding mean?
Grounding solar panels involves connecting solar panels to the ground (via a cable) to prevent damage from energy overloads. By grounding the solar panels, sudden energy surges can be routed directly to the ground. This is because when energy is overloaded, the excess electricity goes safely into the ground. This way, the solar panels cannot malfunction or catch fire due to the sudden surge of electricity.
You could compare it to a grounded outlet that electrical appliances are connected to. Grounding protects your electrical appliances during sudden power surges and allows them to continue functioning as usual.
How should I ground solar panels?
A solar panel is naturally double insulated, so grounding is not necessarily necessary. However, the metal structure on which the panels are mounted does need to be grounded. This is one of the reasons why the DC cables are attached to the structure with cable ties. According to the new NEN1010 standard, a solar panel installation is considered a “foreign conductive part. This means that it is mandatory to ground the solar panels. Grounding takes place via the inverter, for which a separate grounding cable is laid in addition to the DC cables. This cable, known as the equalization line, provides a safe connection to the inverter.
A ground rail must be installed at the inverter, to which the equalization cable is connected. In addition, the inverter itself must also be connected to this ground rail with a similar equalization cable. Finally, the ground rail is connected to the main ground of the building to ensure safe and reliable grounding of the system.
How are solar panels grounded?
Grounding solar panels can be done in several ways, namely:
Through the inverter
From the solar panels to the inverter run DC cables that supply direct current. However, it is also possible to connect a grounding cable to the inverter. This cable is also called the equalization line. There is then a ground rail at the inverter that is connected to the main ground of the building.
A separate grounding
It is also possible to ground the frames of the solar panels through the outside of the house. This means that the solar panels get a completely separate grounding.
Directly on the main ground of the building
Finally, there is the option of connecting solar panels directly to the building’s main ground. This can be an option if you use micro-inverters instead of a large inverter, for example.
Reasons to ground solar panels
By grounding solar panels and other energy sources, we can prevent static electricity, divert lightning and conduct enclosures. We will explain this briefly.
Preventing static electricity
Grounding solar panels prevents a static electric field from forming around the panels.
Housing conduct
Solar panels are always attached to the roof via a special frame, also called the casing. The casing keeps the panels securely in place. However, sometimes the casing itself can start to conduct the generated energy from the solar panels. Some of the energy then remains around the enclosure. If the solar panels are grounded, then the housing can no longer conduct electricity, nor can it create a field of static electricity.
Diverting lightning
Preventing lightning strikes is surely the most important reason to ground solar panels. Although solar panels do not attract lightning by themselves, they can be struck by lightning. By grounding the solar panels, the solar panels cannot be overloaded and the panels will continue to work properly.
To ground solar panels or not to ground them?
Are you wondering when you should ground your solar panels? In the new 2017 NEN1010 guideline, an installation of solar panels is considered a foreign conductive part. This means that grounding a frame when solar panels are installed is mandatory anyway. Grounding solar panels themselves is mandatory if the solar panels are near a lightning conductor, if a lot of static electricity is generated and when using a transformer-less inverter. In general, though, it is always recommended to ground the solar panels.
Call in an expert for grounding your solar panels
We would be happy to visit you to connect your solar panels to the meter box and ground them to ensure that they do not generate a static electric field and that they are protected from a possible lightning strike. Would you like more information about grounding solar panels? Or would you like to know if this service is included with the purchase of new solar panels from The Sustainable Boys? Then contact us, we will be happy to give you more information!
