PV System Testing under Lightning Conditions

Abstract

The photovoltaic systems present some risks related to their use in outdoor environment, the main being their susceptibility to lightning atmospheric discharges. The paper analyzes the changes of the electrical parameters of photovoltaic (PV) systems under direct and indirect lightning exposure. Experimental determinations are made with waveforms that simulate the indirect lightning surge, with the focus on the testing to lightning discharge of a PV test unit, disposed on a special mounting frame oriented in a manner that uses sunlight at any time of the day. A testing procedure to lightning surge on PV systems was implemented, that can be further extended to any other electrical systems, such as industrial lines, machine tools, robots.