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How much do I need to worry about lightning?
By brkwind2, Section Solar Posted on Tue Jun 30, 2009 at 12:16:35 AM MST
Ground everything? or don't worry about it?

I can run a cable around the frames on the panels if I need to & was planning to bury pvc to the house for the wires coming in from the panels. Should I use aluminum conduit instead so I can ground it? I'm running about 30' on a 12v system. It would be much easier if I don't have to worry about it but the easy way usually isn't the right way so I'd value your input. thanks

How much do I need to worry about lightning? | 10 comments (10 topical)

Re: How much do I need to worry about lightning? (3.00 / 0) (#1)
by dnix71 on Mon Jun 29, 2009 at 08:58:39 PM MST

This sounds off-grid. Where are the panels mounted if they are 30' from the house?
If they are on frames on the ground, then grounding them there would help keep a strike from coming over to the house.

The 2008 NEC calls for #6 AWG or larger and each panels has to be connected to the ground wire (if you need to follow code). Don't use metal conduit from the panels to the house. That just makes it easier for a strike on the house or panels to jump across. The house wiring in supposed to have a ground separate from the panels.

There should be a quick blow fuse between your panels and the house as well.

Re: How much do I need to worry about lightning? (3.00 / 0) (#2)
by brkwind2 on Mon Jun 29, 2009 at 10:24:45 PM MST

Thanks for the reply. I'm rural, on grid now unfortunately, just a hobby application. I'm mounting the panels on the ground. I figured if they weren't attached to the house & I was just charging batteries then the insurance co. shouldn't complain too much. Not that I'm going to tell them.
Good to know I'm better of with pvc. Lots cheaper. Actually I guess I could just use underground wire & do away with the conduit completely. I'm a little worried about the wires coming in to the house though. I guess I'll just unhook them if it storms. Probably the safest bet all around. I've just got a couple sets of HF panels so not able to do too much right now. So far I'm running the filters & air pumps on 2 aquariums & the better looking half's tv light (cfl). She seems to think we should be able to do more for the money I've spent! Maybe I'll get more appreciation when the power goes out.
"I get along with all people despite their shortcomings of race, religion or orientation. So long as they recognize my superiority we'll get along fine." "O
[ Parent ]

Re: How much do I need to worry about lightning? (3.00 / 0) (#3)
by Bruce S on Tue Jun 30, 2009 at 06:37:42 AM MST

I too was worried about the lightning issue. We have nice tall Oak trees that have more than once taken a hit instead of stuff around them, but never hurts to be safe.

As far as the HF panels and better 1/2, have a look over at some of the other posts on this subject :-)).
I have a few as well, and the last time power was out for the entire block, I merely went down stairs and flipped a switch, TADA lights and coffee :).

While grid is up and all, do the little things, obtain or build LED light strips, low wattage CFL amazing how much light a 7 watt CFL will put out when all others are dark.
Go to resale shop, find that neat at the time little Mr. Coffee 4-cupper, and an el-cheapo inverter that will just handle the max surge, I use a 300 watter, and when light go out, go make the coffee and the other 1/2 will think you're the cat's meow :)

Then be ready for visit from the neighbours :].

Abouve all else , Have Fun with it!!

Cheers;
Bruce S

[ Parent ]

Re: How much do I need to worry about lightning? (3.00 / 0) (#4)
by brkwind2 on Tue Jun 30, 2009 at 03:48:18 PM MST

I rigged up a few LED lights but they put off a funny blue colored light. I got 3 of those HF triangle shaped LED touchlights & wired them in a series. It works but I'd like to find something that puts out more of a white light. Blue beats nothing when the power's out I suppose. That is a good idea about the coffee pot. That should score me quite a few points in certain situations.
When I have the spare cash I'd like to get more batteries. If I could keep the TV on for several hours I would truly be a knight in shining armor.
"I get along with all people despite their shortcomings of race, religion or orientation. So long as they recognize my superiority we'll get along fine." "O
[ Parent ]

Re: How much do I need to worry about lightning? (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by Bruce S on Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 08:18:05 AM MST

brkwind2;
If you're up to it, here's a link to a webiste that I buy my bulk LEDs from."http://www.hebeiltd.com.cn/?p=z.led.products.pricelist"

They have pics of what the LED light will look like when lit.
I normally go looking for their posting up on Ebay too since they posts there and can be bought in smaller batches.

The wide angle amber colored ones seem to be the better lighting for steps or floors.
The ultra-whites are good for putting a quick light in a room, plus they light up just holding them with a watch type battery :)

RS is also a good place to find LEDs to switch out those blue ones if you're up to some soldering work, I did, I use the amber ones and was much much nicer to look at.

Have Fun with it;
Bruce S

[ Parent ]

Re: How much do I need to worry about lightning? (3.00 / 0) (#7)
by brkwind2 on Mon Jul 06, 2009 at 09:22:44 PM MST

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Good info. I'll check it out. If I can get decent light from LED's that would make the wife mitey happy when the power goes out. Maybe she will get a job & buy me some more solar panels! I can dream can't I?
"I get along with all people despite their shortcomings of race, religion or orientation. So long as they recognize my superiority we'll get along fine." "O
[ Parent ]

Re: How much do I need to worry about lightning? (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by fireofenergy on Sat Jul 04, 2009 at 11:36:47 AM MST

The best leds (in terms of efficiency)are the Cree Q5. They put out slightly greenish light around the edges but can handle ~.3 amp (at around 3 volts) without a heatsink if mounted on a "star". I got some from Deal Extreem (China, but thought Cree was American) for about $5 each. If they are heatsinked, they can handle a whole amp. In comparison, an ordinary 20 cent led can only handle ~.02 amp. The less current, the more efficient and are far brighter than ordinary ones at the 20 mA. At 300 mA, they put out about 100 lumens which means that a glass and silicone encased set of ten 1x3 cells charging 3 sets of 3 AA Nimh will last all night long and light up an entire room enough to read by! I made mine to use less current to ensure it still stays lit on winter nights.

[ Parent ]

Re: How much do I need to worry about lightning? (3.00 / 0) (#8)
by brkwind2 on Mon Jul 06, 2009 at 09:30:36 PM MST

Thanks for the reply. I may need a new light for my fish tank. I might experiment with LED's there for the experience. I had a Wally world 12v flourescent I modded into a regular fish tank light fixture but the wife said it isn't working. Maybe I didn't do a good solder job or something.
It took me a while to figure out how to reply to you guys. For some reason I never got the option to reply in the solar section. I had it in other sections? Anyway, I had to delete temp. internet files, cookies, & history & then log back in. After that it worked. So if you reply, rest assured I'm reading & appreciating your comments even if you never hear from me again!
"I get along with all people despite their shortcomings of race, religion or orientation. So long as they recognize my superiority we'll get along fine." "O
[ Parent ]

Re: How much do I need to worry about lightning? (3.00 / 0) (#9)
by Bruce S on Thu Jul 09, 2009 at 03:11:03 PM MST

The not able to reply, happens once in while. No real reason why it happens.
I have two broswers and switch over when it happens.
I have less of this problem using the newest Opera.

You might want to wonder over to Commanda's posts, she's got some awesome instructions on building up LED lights , as well Rich has a post were he built ones thatre now being used in Fiji after the last trip out. These make some very good lighting!!

Cheers
Bruce S

[ Parent ]

Re: How much do I need to worry about lightning? (3.00 / 0) (#10)
by Photowhit on Fri Jul 10, 2009 at 05:53:47 PM MST

Is this correct?

My understanding is that there is to be one and only one ground for everything, The electrian(not a PV specific) who looked over my off grid system even said he'd prefer the ground being done in the power center, I had the panels grounded directly to the rod (same rod as the power center and everything else)

I beleive if there are 2 grounds they have to be bonded together.

-
-Whit "All who wander are not lost"
[ Parent ]

How much do I need to worry about lightning? | 10 comments (10 topical)

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