Surge protection for Solar panels...

[Peter - Retired Engineer]

Hi, I have recently had 18 solar panels (390W) fitted to my roof. The system is a GivEnergy. A Gen 1 Hybrid 5kW inverter (Gen2 version could not be sourced!) and a 9.5kWh battery. It all works well (although not much use with just winter sunshine).
My question is: I'm sure I have read that to comply with 18th edition (Amendment 2 ?) that both the DC side and the AC side of the solar panels should have 'Surge Protection'. I have spoken to the installer (the installation has not been signed off yet), who is a bit vague about this, but says he could fit surge protection for the whole house (ie: from the outside supply cabinet to the main CU) One has been fitted (different installer) to a second CU supplying the EV car charge point.
Any clarification would help...

 

[electricaldoctor]

Hi, I have recently had 18 solar panels (390W) fitted to my roof. The system is a GivEnergy. A Gen 1 Hybrid 5kW inverter (Gen2 version could not be sourced!) and a 9.5kWh battery. It all works well (although not much use with just winter sunshine).
My question is: I'm sure I have read that to comply with 18th edition (Amendment 2 ?) that both the DC side and the AC side of the solar panels should have 'Surge Protection'. I have spoken to the installer (the installation has not been signed off yet), who is a bit vague about this, but says he could fit surge protection for the whole house (ie: from the outside supply cabinet to the main CU) One has been fitted (different installer) to a second CU supplying the EV car charge point.
Any clarification would help...

Hi Pet

The SPD should be installed near the inverter more than 10 meters long and the second SPD should be in the box near to solar panel

Cheers!

 

[Peter - Retired Engineer]

Hi Pet

The SPD should be installed near the inverter more than 10 meters long and the second SPD should be in the box near to solar panel

Cheers!

Thank you for that. This is what I thought. Can you quote me where in the regulations that comes from. It would be nice to be able to pass this on to the installer, so there is no argument about it...
Peter

 

[electricaldoctor]

Thank you for that. This is what I thought. Can you quote me where in the regulations that comes from. It would be nice to be able to pass this on to the installer, so there is no argument about it...
Peter

Usually from the consumer unit in order to protect against equipment from damage under the 18th wiring regulation

 

[kropaske]

Can you quote me where in the regulations that comes from. It would be nice to be able to pass this on to the installer, so there is no argument about it..

712.443.101
If Spd is required under section 443, same shall be applied to DC side.
However type of the spd and location is determined be several factors, such as: presence of lightning protection system, location of inverter and pv array, main supply system etc

 

[Peter - Retired Engineer]

Usually from the consumer unit in order to protect against equipment from damage under the 18th wiring regulation

Thanks again. I'll pass this onto the installer, when he eventually turns up...
Just out of interest: I have been out all day and when I got back the 9.5 kWh battery was at 100% and had exported 6kW (No SEG yet). Plugged the car in and soon got rid of all that!

 

[Peter - Retired Engineer]

712.443.101
If Spd is required under section 443, same shall be applied to DC side.
However type of the spd and location is determined be several factors, such as: presence of lightning protection system, location of inverter and pv array, main supply system etc

Thanks. This is what I have being trying to explain to the installer, but at the time I was just pleased that the system was up and running (solar panels were up in July, but not connected till September!).
I have also emailed GivEnergy Support, to see what they say (no reply yet...)
Peter