Solar Ground Fault Protection
Lightning is a common cause of failure in off-grid solar systems. Most often damage does not occur as a result of a direct hit, but from nearby hits. A nearby hit can induce thousands of volts into a solar system if not protected. A ground hit can also spread out and travel into buried conductors, such as buried cables and pipes. Grounding is the most fundamental technique for protection against lightening damage. A lightning surge cannot be stopped, but a direct path to ground that bypasses equipment can be accomplished. In addition to grounding, specialized surge protection devices are recommended for sites that are on high ground in severe lightning areas, that are on dry, poorly conductive soil or that have wire runs longer than 100 feet.
Solar ground fault protection devices are used for ground fault detection and interruption for on-grid and off-grid solar systems. It is designed to prevent current from following unintended paths during a ground fault. The ground fault protection device needs to detect any stray current and interrupt the circuit until safe operation can be restored. A current imbalance between the positive and negative conductors entering the controller or inverter may indicate a ground fault. The ground fault protection device must isolate the array from the battery and loads, while maintaining the bond to ground.
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