The PV SPD protects the solar power system and acts in the manner of extending the life expectancy by protecting from harmful surges in voltage. Surges, in most instances caused by lightning strikes, grid fluctuations, or other electrical disturbances, can be very high and greatly take their toll on high-value components such as inverters and controllers. A single surge can reach as much as 40 kA, far beyond typical system component withstand. These surges, when unprotected, slowly deteriorate parts over time, reducing overall efficiency and the lifespan of any system.
Among the sensitive and expensive parts in a standard solar installation, the inverter usually operates within DC voltages ranging between 600 and 1,500 volts. The replacement of an inverter due to damage caused by surges costs in the range of $1,000 to $3,000, excluding the cost of labor and lost time. Installing an SPD prevents system owners from such costly replacements since the excess voltage is safely conducted to the ground by the SPD before it reaches the sensitive parts. In a nutshell, SPD acts like a kind of shielding that can take the impact of surges well before any damage is done.
That means standards for the industry, such as IEC 61643-31, ensure SPDs intended for solar applications provide a response in nanoseconds-that is, in very short time-and deliver protection even from extremely short surge exposure. The time is very important because even a few volts of voltage spike could cause damage to very important connections and degrade its efficiency. Over time, an SPD reduces wear and tear from minor surges on components effectively, thus preserving system performance and extending its service life.
A very important benefit from installing a PV SPD is the long-term savings it can offer. Considering commercial installations, solar panels operate efficiently upwards of 20 years, so avoiding any component degradation with downtimes ensures a steady ROI. As Mike Holt, an electrical engineer, explained: “A PV surge protection device is not just a one-time protection; rather, it’s kind of a long-term investment in the health of your solar system.” Correspondingly, through an investment in a PV Surge Protection Device, system owners who plan on increasing the life and efficiency of their system will find a way to protect against unpredictable surges, reduce future maintenance costs, and increase the general life span of their solar installation.