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Lightning protection and Solar panels

  • 27-10-2022 2:56pm
    #1
    the_amazing_raisin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,422 ✭✭✭✭


    So I was a bit shocked to recently discover that houses don't have lightning protection

    I know that the actual risk of a direct strike on your house is minimal, but it can cause a lot of damage if it happens

    It seems that by putting solar panels and a lot of nice conductive material on your roof, you'd essentially be painting a target for any storms


    So I'm wondering has anyone had to install any extra earthing rods on their panels?

    I couldn't see anything specific about it online, but I'm guessing the mounts and panels need to be earthed at least?

    "The internet never fails to misremember" - Sebastian Ruiz, aka Frost



Comments

  • #2
    bullit_dodger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,596 ✭✭✭bullit_dodger


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058269304/lightning-protection-and-solar-panels

    Most panels are earthed - least mine were earthed by the installer who installed my ones. That said, good luck with the standard 2.5mm (or whatever) earth cable taking a lightning strike. LOL

    Haven't heard of a lightning taking out a system though. I'm sure it must happen, but it doesn't seem to be that frequent.



  • #3
    con747
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,051 ✭✭✭con747


    Living in Mayo in the 80's the tv aerial was struck and it fried everything attached, hi fi and so on and a few other things as well. Most houses would have higher metallic objects to attract lightning on the roof before the panels even these days.

    Don't expect anything from life, just be grateful to be alive.



  • #4
    the_amazing_raisin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,422 ✭✭✭✭the_amazing_raisin


    Yeah I think the problem is that most new houses don't have a chimney or handy aerial to take the hit


    My wife's colleague recently had the house hit by lightning, sounded terrifying, the roof is damaged and it blew out the fuse panel. Luckily no-one was hurt


    I know that's fairly worst case, but I still wouldn't want that happening. I imagine that if the array got hit it would cause some damage

    "The internet never fails to misremember" - Sebastian Ruiz, aka Frost



  • #5
    con747
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,051 ✭✭✭con747


    That's why I made sure I put in on the house insurance when I renewed just after installation so they knew about it. Whether that means they will pay out if it gets zapped is another matter.

    Don't expect anything from life, just be grateful to be alive.



  • #6
    DC999
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,542 ✭✭✭DC999


    There was no extra cost for me to add it to our insurance policy. Would be needed for a full rebuild scenario.



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