Earthing Solion / Console mounted arrays

[DomB]

Chaps, we're installing approx 40 PV panels in Solions (plastic mountings much like the Consoles etc).

We're using an SMA 10000 TL so we need to Earth the array.

When using a TL inverter on standard metal mounted arrays I usually just earth to the mounting rails. Are we going to need to daisy-chain an earth to each and every panel (given that the mounting is plastic)?!

Thanks

 

[SolarCity]

I don't see that it is needed. The fact that the panels are all seperated means that it would be a pointless exercise. It is safer to keep them seperate and not connect them together in my opinion.

 

[DomB]

Thanks SolarCity.

Just reasoning out loud here, please do criticise! I guess it's the array's mounting system that the DTi guide refers to earthing not the PV panels themselves. The panels are "Class II", double insulated, hence no rqmt to earth them. And the mounting in this instance is plastic so we definitely don't need to earth that. My conclusion: no Earthing required.

This is going on a school roof so if anyone does have any thoughts do let me know!

 

[SolarCity]

My thinking is the same as yours but I'd be interested to hear other opinions also.