Solar SPD – IGOYE Solar Energy Equipment

Solar SPD Installation: How to Install a Solar SPD

Cribb — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 00:30:22 +0000

Solar SPD installation
Resource: https://youtu.be/f4iYfrLfzsA

Just as solar SPDs must be properly rated, they must also be properly installed. The correct solar SPD installation will ensure that the device is providing the level of protection it is rated for —and that it will continue to do so for the lifetime of the product. The instructions and tips in this guide will help you understand what is required to properly install a solar surge protection device.

Solar Surge Protection Device

The surge protection device, SPD, is the first line of defense against damaging voltage surges. Solar SPDs are engineered to provide a high level of protection against the damaging effects of lightning and utility-related electrical surges.

An SPD in solar system circuits is installed on the DC side of the system which is between the solar array and the inverter, and again on the AC side of the system, which is after the inverter. Additional SPDs may also be installed close to sensitive loads.

The surge protection device location will vary depending on the type of product being protected and the level of protection required. Generally, the various equipment and circuits must be connected to one. Here below are the general guidelines for SPD installation:

Surge protection device wiring diagram
Resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG0ifUmgvNI

Solar SPD Installation Guide

To ensure that your SPD is properly installed and that it will provide the level of protection it is designed to provide, it’s crucial that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. That said, here is the solar SPD installation guide to provide you with an overview of what’s required.

The process to install surge protection devices in solar systems involves two basic steps:

Selecting the proper SPD location and installing the SPD in the selected location
Connecting the SPD to the electrical system

1. SPD Location

The first step in installing a solar SPD is to select the proper location for the device. There are three main classes of solar SPD based on the specified location or installation point: the main SPD, the circuit SPC, and load SPD.

Main Surge Protector

The main surge protector is designed to be installed at the service entrance, between the utility power source or solar array and the inverter. Main SPDs provide surge protection for the entire electrical system, including all branch circuits.

In the solar system, this type of SPD is mounted close to the panels. The SPD for solar panel protects against direct lightning strikes, and must be properly rated for the higher voltages that the strikes can cause.

Circuit Surge Protector

The circuit surge protector is a type 2 SPD and usually provides secondary protection. This protection device is designed to be installed at the main service panel, between the main SPD and the branch circuit breakers.

Circuit SPDs provide surge protection for specific circuits, such as those that power computers and other sensitive electronic equipment.

Load Surge Protector

The load surge protector is a type 3 SPD and provides tertiary protection. It is normally installed at the point of use, between the branch circuit breaker and the electronic equipment. Load SPDs provide surge protection for electronic equipment and appliances.

2. SPD Connection

Solar SPD installation guidelines also recommend the proper connection of the SPD to the electrical system. The SPD should be connected to the phase (hot) conductor, neutral conductor, and the ground conductor.

The solar SPD connection must always ensure connection to ground, since surge protection devices typically work by providing a low impedance path to ground for the surge current.

Once the SPD is properly installed and connected, the last step is to test the device to ensure that it is functioning correctly. SPD manufacturers provide instructions on how to properly test their products alongside their installation instructions.

Solar SPD installation diagram
Resource: https://powerforum.co.za

Solar SPD Installation Tips

To ensure a successful solar SPD installation, various rules must be followed. These will help avoid any problems and will guarantee the correct functioning of the device in dissipating surges. The rules include those that concern the SPD regulations of your country, manufacturer guidelines, and proper electrical safety practices.

1. Make sure that the selected SPD is properly rated for the application. The SPD voltage rating must be greater than the maximum expected voltage of the system. The current rating, too, should not be less than the maximum surge current that the system can experience.

2. The SPD must be installed as close to the point of entry of the electrical system as possible. This will minimize the length of the conductor between the SPD and electronic equipment and prevent unwanted oscillation voltages.

3. The SPD location must provide adequate space for the proper installation and future maintenance of the device. The location must also be accessible for testing purposes.

4. Do not install the SPD in an area where it can be easily damaged by physical impact or exposure to harsh chemicals or corrosive fumes.

5. The selected location must have a suitable ground conductor system. The ground conductor must be properly sized and connected to the grounding bus bar or electrode system.

6. All conductors must be properly sized and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and surge protection device regulations.

7. The distance between the different surge protecting devices should be as short as possible. Although not always easy to implement, installers must ensure no more than 10 feet (3 meters) of the conductor is between the SPDs.

8. The solar array should be properly grounded according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is essential for the proper functioning of the SPD.

9. Once the SPD installation is completed, all system wiring must be inspected to ensure that it meets the requirements of your region’s Electrical Code.

Surge Protector Lifespan

Your solar SPD will have a finite lifespan. The number of surges that it can dissipate before needing to be replaced will depend on the type of surge protector, its voltage and current ratings, and the magnitude and waveform of the surges.

In general, however, most SPDs have a lifespan of a few years. After this time, the device will need to be replaced in order to continue providing adequate protection against voltage surges.

Most solar SPDs today come with a mechanism to disconnect from the system when they have reached the end of their lifespan. This is often in the form of a visual indicator, such as a colored strip: green for a functioning protector and red for a protector that needs to be replaced.

Once the surge protector lifespan has come to an end, it is important to replace it with a new one as soon as possible. Failing to do so can result in damage to electronic equipment if a surge occurs.

Conclusion

Solar surge protection devices make an essential part of any solar energy system. They provide protection from surges that can damage sensitive electronic equipment. Solar SPDs are available in a variety of types. It is, therefore, important to select the right SPD for the application and to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully. With proper installation, solar SPDs will provide system protection that other devices cannot on their own.

Related Resource

IGOYE Surge Protection Device Catalog

The post Solar SPD Installation: How to Install a Solar SPD appeared first on IGOYE Solar Energy Equipment.

How to Choose an SPD for Solar System Protection

HiManager1 — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 03:51:04 +0000

Solar surge protection devices
Resource: https://youtu.be/lR6hgJ40ngE

Surge protection devices are rated differently. As such, the right SPD for solar system protection must be carefully selected. That means considering the different parameters that affect the proper functioning of the SPD. The most important parameters to consider when selecting a solar SPD are discussed below.

What is a surge protection device in a solar system?

SPD stands for Surge Protective Device. Surge protection devices (SPDs) are used in electrical systems to protect against surges. Surges can come from many sources, including lightning, power outages, and electrical equipment.

Surge protection devices work by diverting the surge of energy that comes into the system. This protects the system’s components from damage. SPDs are required in many solar systems, especially solar arrays that cover a large area.

SPDs provide several benefits for solar systems. First, they protect the system’s components from damage. Second, they can improve the system’s performance by reducing the number of outages and power surges.

SPDs also extend the life of the system by protecting against wear and tear. Also, SPDs save money by preventing the need for repairs or replacements. But how do you go about selecting the right solar surge protection device?

DC solar surge protection device
Resource: https://youtu.be/DWBFHjE5zK0

How to Select SPD for Solar System

“How do I choose an SPD for my solar system?” This is a common question that we get asked. The answer depends on several factors, including the system’s design, environment, and application. The SPD selection process involves the following steps:

1. Identifying the different types of loads that will or are powered by the solar system. These include critical loads, non-critical loads, and occasional loads.

2. Assessing the risk of surges and determining the level of SPD protection required for each type. For example, you may want to know how likely it is that a surge from lightning will damage the equipment.

3. Familiarize yourself with the SPD requirements as specified by the equipment manufacturer or standards body and other rules such as your region’s electrical code.

4. Select the right SPD types for each type of load, considering the different ratings and features.

SPD Selection

After you have looked at and considered all of the different factors that go into making a decision on what SPD is right for you, it will be time to actually select the SPD. Here are some things that you should look at when narrowing down your choices:

SPD Types

The first thing you should look at when narrowing your choices is the types of SPDs that are available. A solar system will usually be installed with several surge protection devices, right from the solar panels to the load. The three most common surge protection device types are listed below:

Type 1 SPD: These devices are designed to protect against surges that come from outside of the system such as solar arrays.

Type 2 SPD: These protect against surges that come caused by indirect lightning strikes.

Type 3 SPD: Type 3 protection devices are meant to protect specific types of equipment from surges. They are usually installed in the vicinity of the equipment or load.

Consider also, whether you need an AC or DC SPD. Each has its place in solar systems and must be used accordingly. In essence, an AC SPD will be used for alternating current (AC) circuits of the solar system, while DC SPDs are used for direct current (DC) circuits.

SPD Quantity

The next thing you should look at during solar surge protection device selection is the number of these devices that you need. The number of SPDs will depend on the size of the system and the level of protection that you want.

For example, a small system may only require a few SPDs, while a large system may require several. The number of SPDs also depends on the distance to the equipment that is being protected. The closer the SPD is to the equipment, the more effective it will be.

According to industry standards, the maximum distance between the SPD and the equipment that it is protecting should be no more than 10 meters (33 feet).

SPD Ratings

Consider the ratings, too. The SPD rating calculation will tell you how much surge current the SPD can handle and how long it can last. The two most important ratings to consider are the maximum continuous operating voltage (MCOV) and the nominal discharge current (In)

The MCOV is the maximum voltage that the SPD can withstand for a sustained period of time. The In is the amount of surge current that the SPD can handle for a short period of time. A higher In rating means that the SPD can handle larger surges.

SPD Features

Consider also, the features that are available with the solar surge protection device. Some features make the device more durable, while others provide usability. A remote monitoring capability, for example, would let you monitor the SPD from a distance. This may be desirable in some applications.

On the other hand, some features may be added to enhance the device’s protection capability while also ensuring your system’s safety, or they can be features to make the SPD last longer such as heavy-duty casing and insulated MOV.

SPD Features
Resources: https://youtu.be/MIg3We8iXbw

SPD Warranty

When selecting an SPD for the solar system, you should also consider the warranty. A good SPD should have a warranty. This will give you peace of mind knowing that the SPD is covered in case it fails.

That also means choosing the best SPD manufacturer. Different surge protection device manufacturers offer different product quality levels, in addition to the variation in warranty length.

When searching for the many surge protection device suppliers for your solar needs, be sure to look for a well-known and reputable manufacturer. A good manufacturer will offer a high-quality product with a long warranty.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider when selecting an SPD for the solar system. The most important things to look at are the SPD type, quantity, ratings, features, and warranty. By considering these factors, you can be sure to select the best SPD for your needs. Solar SPDs are vital protection components, and choosing the best one will give you peace of mind and safeguard your investment.

Related Resource

IGOYE Surge Protection Device Catalog

The post How to Choose an SPD for Solar System Protection appeared first on IGOYE Solar Energy Equipment.

Benefits of Surge Protection Devices for Solar PV Systems

HiManager1 — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 03:27:40 +0000

Solar SPDs protect solar systems
Resource: https://www.if-insurance.com

When it comes to solar energy, your photovoltaic (PV) system is only as good as its condition. Using surge protection devices for solar PV installations is, therefore, something that cannot be overlooked. Because, in addition to ensuring a secure and reliable power system, solar SPDs help you avoid costly repairs or replacements. We compiled a list of the benefits that these devices offer.

What is SPD in Solar System?

SPD stands for Surge Protection Device. It’s essentially an active electronic device that limits voltage surges to prevent damage to electrical equipment. In most cases, it consists of a metal-oxide varistor (MOV) that can conduct a high amount of energy during a surge event and then quickly return to its normal state of high resistance.

The surge protection device’s function is to divert excess voltage away from sensitive equipment. A sudden surge in voltage can damage or destroy sensitive electronic components, which is why SPDs are so important for PV systems.

These devices are typically installed at the point where power enters a building or structure as well as where it goes to the various loads, both on the DC and AC sides. Now that you understand what a solar SPD is and what it does, let’s see why these devices are a crucial part of PV installations.

Solar surge protection system
Resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_c4NXXuU8c

Benefits of Surge Protection Devices for Solar PV Systems

An SPD is essentially a sacrificial component that absorbs the excess voltage and dissipates it safely, thereby protecting the rest of the system from damage. There are several benefits that surge protection devices for solar PV installations offer, which are listed below.

Improved System Performance

When your solar PV system is properly protected against voltage surges, you can expect improved overall performance. This is because the risk of damage to sensitive components is reduced, allowing the system to operate at optimal levels.

There are minimal disruptions and more consistent power output, which leads to better system efficiency and higher ROI. This is important when it comes to solar farms that must maintain high levels of productivity to be profitable.

Solar surge protection devices are also important in smaller solar power systems too, which must power a facility and do so reliably.

Enhanced Equipment Safety

As we mentioned earlier, voltage surges can damage or destroy sensitive electronic components in your PV power system. This is not only costly in terms of repairs and replacements, but it can also pose a safety hazard.

In addition to protecting the solar system components such as inverters and solar panels, solar SPD devices guard electrical equipment in a power system including TVs, computers, home appliances, and office equipment.

By using surge protection devices for PV system protection, you can help to ensure the safety of your equipment and avoid the possibility of electrical fires. This is a major requirement in PV systems that are located in areas with severe weather conditions.

Longer Equipment Lifespan

Another big SPD benefit is that the devices help to prolong the lifespan of your equipment. Solar panels are designed to withstand a certain level of voltage, but anything beyond that could cause damage.

A sudden spike in voltage – known as a transient voltage – can come from several sources, including lightning strikes, power outages, and faulty wiring.

When that happens, the electrical current can overload and damage sensitive components within your solar panels. This not only reduces the efficiency of your system but also decreases its lifespan. By using an SPD device, you can protect your equipment from transients and extend its lifespan.

Cost Savings

Another benefit of surge protection device use is money savings. While the initial cost of investing in SPDs may seem high, it’s important to remember that they offer long-term cost savings. This is because they help to prevent damage caused by transients, which can be expensive to repair.

In most cases, the damage caused by a single transient event costs more than the SPD itself.

In the long run, using SPDs can save you money. This is because they help to prevent damage caused by transients, which can be expensive to repair.

Enhanced System Reliability

This is another major SPD benefit. When your solar PV system is properly protected, you can count on it to be there when you need it. This is because SPDs help to prevent power surges that can damage or destroy equipment.

This is especially important for businesses that rely on solar power for their operations. SPD devices give peace of mind by ensuring that your system will be up and running when you need it, even when the installation is located in an area with severe weather conditions.

Buying Surge Protector

Buying Surge Protector
Resources: https://youtu.be/AhXrEgon44M

When choosing surge protection devices for solar PV protection, it’s important to select one that’s specifically designed for this type of equipment. Solar panels are delicate and require special protection. So, be sure to select an SPD that’s rated for use with solar PV systems.

It’s also important to choose an SPD that has a high surge current rating when buying surge protector devices for your PV system. This is the amount of current that the device can handle before it trips or shuts off: the higher the rating, the better.

Finally, make sure to install your SPD as close to the solar panel array as possible. This also applies to other components, especially critical loads. It will help to ensure that it’s able to provide the maximum level of protection.

Conclusion

Surge protection devices for PV systems are a reliable way to protect a solar installation from transients because solar energy systems, like any electrical system, are vulnerable to power surges. These devices are designed to protect equipment from damage by absorbing or redirecting the surge of electrical current. This ensures that your solar system and equipment remain operational and can help to prolong their lifespan.

Related Resource

IGOYE Surge Protection Device Catalog

The post Benefits of Surge Protection Devices for Solar PV Systems appeared first on IGOYE Solar Energy Equipment.

Types of Solar Surge Protection Devices and Use

HiManager1 — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 03:02:11 +0000

Different types of surge protection devices
Resource: https://facilityexecutive.com

Different types of solar surge protection devices are available to protect solar power systems from overvoltage. These are used at different points in the system, both up and downstream of the PV array.

In this article, the types of surge protection devices that installers and solar system owners can use are described. These are based on the location in the system where they are installed.

Surge Protection Device Meaning

An SPD, surge protection device, is an electrical product that is installed in a power system to protect it from voltage surges. Voltage surges are also known as transient voltages and can occur in any type of PV system.

It can be a surge protection device for home electrical systems or a protection device for large-scale solar power plants and other commercial or industrial applications.

Overvoltage protection devices work by diverting or dissipating the excess energy from a voltage surge so that it does not damage the equipment in the system. They are designed to operate within a certain voltage range, and will not work if the voltage exceeds this range.

SPDs can also be used to protect both AC and DC circuits. A DC surge protection device is commonly used in PV systems to protect against lightning strikes, but can also be used to protect against other sources of overvoltage. AC SPD types are also used- on the AC side.

Different types of solar surge protection devices serve different purposes
Resource: https://www.eprmagazine.com

Types of Solar Surge Protection Devices

Because different solar power circuits require different surge protection levels, there is no single surge device that is right for every system. So electricians use different types of surge protectors in the same installation. The types of surge protectors installed depend on the application and the specific needs of the system being protected.

According to the IEC/EN 61643-11 standard on surge protection, there are 3 main types of solar surge protection devices: type 1, type 2, and type 3. Each type of SPD is designed for a specific location in the system and offers different levels of overvoltage protection, as described below.

Type 1 SPD

The type 1 SPD is designed to be installed at the solar panels or at the point where the utility grid is connected to the system, upstream of the inverter. This type of surge protector device is used to protect against voltage surges that come from direct lightning strikes.

Because type 1 surge protection devices are designed for installation at the service entrance, they offer protection from external surges rather than from within the system. They are also typically used in combination with other protection devices, such as fuses or circuit breakers.

Type 1 SPDs are the most effective type of SPD in solar installations. They are usually required for the protection of systems that are located in areas with a high risk of lightning strikes. The surge protection device type 1 has the following characteristics:

High discharge current capacity
Current Waveform: 10/350 μs

Type 2 SPD

The type 2 SPD is designed to be installed at the inverter circuit, downstream of the solar panels. This type of surge protector device is used to protect against voltage surges that come from indirect lightning strikes.

Type 2 SPDs are less expensive than type 1 SPDs and will also usually have a lower rating when compared to type 1 SPDs, both in terms of voltage and protection level. The type 2 surge protection device for solar has the following characteristics:

Medium discharge current capacity
Current Waveform: 8/20 μs

Type 3 SPD

The type 3 SPD is designed to be installed downstream of the inverter, and near sensitive loads. These types of solar surge protection devices are used where types 1 and 2 types are already installed

Type 3 solar charge devices are, therefore, usually a supplement to type 2 SPD. That means type 2 protectors must be installed before them to dissipate the higher energy surges. A surge protection device type 3 for solar installations will have the following characteristics.

Low discharge current capacity
Current waveform: 1.5/50 μs and 8/20 μs

A typical surge protection device
Resource: https://professional-electrician.com

Type 1 vs. Type 2 SPD

While both type 1 and type 2 SPD devices are effective at protecting against voltage surges, there are some key differences between them. These are summarized below.

Starting with their location within the system, type 1 SPD is installed at the solar panels or utility grid connection, while type 2 SPD is installed at the inverter.
Because of this difference in location, type 1 SPDs offer protection against direct lightning strikes while type 2 SPDs offer protection against indirect lightning strikes.
Type 1 SPDs also have a higher discharge current capacity than type 2 SPDs. This means that they can safely divert more surge current away from the system.
In terms of the current waveform, type 1 SPDs are designed to protect against surges with a 10/350 μs waveform while type 2 SPDs are designed to protect against 8/20 μs waveforms.
Finally, type 1 SPD is typically more expensive than type 2 SPDs. This is because they offer a higher level of protection and can safely divert more surge current away from the system.

So, when deciding which type of SPD to use in a solar installation, it is important to consider the location of the system, and the level of protection required. Each type of protection device has its best application based on its location and protection level.

Conclusion

Different types of solar surge protection devices can be used in different parts of the system to offer different levels of protection. Type 1 SPDs are typically used where they can protect against direct lightning strikes.

Type 2 SPDs are installed to protect against indirect lightning strikes and are usually used together with type one protectors. Type 3 SPD is usually used close to the load, and usually as additional protection after the type 2 SPD.

Related Resource

IGOYE Surge Protection Device Catalog

The post Types of Solar Surge Protection Devices and Use appeared first on IGOYE Solar Energy Equipment.

Solar SPD and How It Works to Protect Solar Systems

HiManager1 — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 02:45:49 +0000

Surge protection device
Resource: https://teltechinsight.blogspot.com

Every year, transient over-voltages hit solar installations around the world, causing millions of dollars in damage. A solar SPD is designed and used to protect against this type of damage. That makes it a vital part of solar power systems, both in terms of safety and in the prevention of costly repairs. Here is more about how an SPD for solar power systems works and what it does.

What is a Surge Protection Device?

The surge protection device definition first: A surge protection device is an electrical device that helps to protect against sudden and excessive voltage surges. Voltage spikes and surges can be caused by a number of things, including lightning strikes, utility grid switching, and faults in the electrical system.

A surge protection device works by diverting or absorbing the excess voltage, thus protecting the equipment connected to the electrical system. SPDs are installed in a variety of settings, including homes, office buildings, and industrial facilities.

Surge protection devices are also commonly used in solar power installations to protect against damage from lightning strikes and other voltage spikes. Talking of the solar system SPD, here is what it is and its working principle.

Solar SPD for solar panel
Resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW7pUsS1OVU

Solar Surge Protection Device, SPD

Just like any other electrical system, a solar power installation is vulnerable to damage from voltage spikes. A solar SPD is a surge protection device that is specifically designed for use in a solar power system and its components.

Solar surge protection devices essentially divert any excess voltage that is produced by a lightning strike or other voltage spike, protecting the solar installation from damage. There are mainly two kinds of these devices, AC and DC solar SPD.

Solar AC Surge Protection Device

A solar AC surge protection device is connected to the AC side of the solar installation, between the inverter and loads. This type of SPD cannot be used on the DC side of the system as it is only designed to work with AC voltage.

Solar DC Surge Protection Device

A solar DC surge protection device is connected to the DC side of the solar power installation, between the inverter and the array or panels. DC SPD for solar systems works by diverting any excess voltage to the ground, thus protecting the solar panels from damage during an overvoltage by a lightning strike or other overvoltage.

Inside a low voltage surge protection device
Resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ehw6uZOOfw

How Does a Solar SPD Work?

Most solar SPDs consist of a metal oxide varistor (MOV). MOVs are devices that can change their resistance in response to changes in voltage. When the voltage is high, the MOVs have a low resistance, allowing them to conduct current. When the voltage is low, the MOVs have a high resistance, preventing them from conducting current.

The image above shows the inside of a typical MOV surge protection device. The resin-covered/insulated metal oxide varistor is seen in the center, with two metal plates on either side. The MOV is connected to the metal plates using braided copper wires. Here is the surge protection device working principle (MOV type).

Under normal conditions, the voltage across the MOV is low, and the resistance is high. This prevents current from flowing through the MOV.
When a surge or spike in voltage occurs, the voltage across the MOV increases. This increase in voltage causes the electrical resistance of the MOV to decrease, allowing current to flow through it.
The current flowing through the MOV creates heat, which is dissipated by the device. Because transient over-voltages only last for a short period of time, the MOV never gets hot enough to be damaged.
Once the voltage returns to normal, the resistance of the MOV increases, and it goes back to blocking current.

Solar SPDs are conveniently rated to handle specific voltage levels and are usually connected in parallel with the solar system’s equipment. When a voltage spike occurs, the MOVs will divert the excess voltage. This protects the solar installation and its components from damage by preventing the voltage spike from reaching sensitive components.

Solar SPDs are designed to withstand multiple strikes from lightning, meaning that they can provide long-term protection for a solar installation. In addition, SPDs will also provide protection from other types of overvoltage events, such as those caused by utility grid switching.

Where to install surge protectors in solar power systems
Resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy8lkVPVWGA

Where to Install Surge Protectors in a Solar Power System

Let’s now see where to install solar surge protectors in a solar power system. Ideally, an SPD should be installed as close to the equipment as possible to provide the best protection. In most cases, this will be at the inverter. A solar SPD for inverter protection will help to protect the inverter from damage by voltage spikes.

For AC sides of solar systems, the SPD should be installed between the inverter and the loads. For DC sides, the SPD should be installed between the inverter and the array or panels. This will help to protect the equipment from damage by diverting any excess voltage to the ground.

An SPD for solar protection can also be installed at the point of connection between the utility grid and the solar installation. This will help to protect the solar installation from voltage spikes that are caused by the working of the utility grid.

Small-rated solar SPDs, on the other hand, can be installed at the load terminals to provide protection to individual loads. This can be a good option for sensitive loads that are particularly vulnerable to voltage spikes.

Solar SPD Price

The SPD price is a key factor to consider when selecting the right SPD for your needs, as you will need more than a single unit of these devices in your solar power system. Solar SPDs typically range in price from $50 to $300. The surge protection device price will depend on the features and specifications of the SPD.

Basically, the higher the voltage rating and the higher the current rating, the more expensive the SPD will be. However, it is important to select a solar SPD that is rated for the specific voltage and current requirements of your solar installation.

Note that there will usually be a number of different surge protection devices in a solar system installed in a cascading manner. The primary SPD will be installed at the point of connection between the utility grid and the solar installation and between the panels and the inverter.

The secondary SPD will then be installed at the inverter, with smaller rated SPDs installed at the load terminals to provide protection to individual loads. This type of cascading configuration provides the best possible protection for a solar installation by diverting.

Conclusion

Solar SPD devices are vital protection devices for PV power systems. They help to protect the equipment from damage, usually by diverting excess voltage to the ground. When properly used, they can provide long-term protection for a solar installation, since most are modular and easy to replace. These devices are essential to ensure a reliable solar power system. That’s in addition to helping prevent the losses associated with damage by lightning or other voltage spikes.

Related Resource

IGOYE Surge Protection Device Catalog

The post Solar SPD and How It Works to Protect Solar Systems appeared first on IGOYE Solar Energy Equipment.