Lightning protection practice for large-extended photovoltaic installations

Abstract

This paper aims to analyse the lightning protection system (LPS) of an isolated large and extended Photovoltaic (PV) installation park. The area where the PV plant operates is characterised by the high ground flash density (25 thunderstorm days per year) and the extremely high soil resistivity value (i.e. pure rock with a resistivity of more than 2000m). The paper includes the LPS system design after experimental testing results, which were performed in the laboratory. It also includes solutions to some difficult overcoming problems that were faced during the application of the lightning protection design.