Protection of photovoltaic systems against the impact of atmospheric discharges

In the study the attention was paid to the problem of protection of photovoltaic systems against the impact of direct and indirect atmospheric discharges (lightning). Relevant standards were quoted according to which the lightning protection system shall be executed as well as the standards applicable for equipment used in the lightning protection. Protection angle and rolling sphere methods were described in order to determine the protection zones and the height of vertical air terminals. The method of determining the minimum clearance between the elements of the PV and lightning protection systems was indicated along with the types of the used surge arresters. Various protection methods were indicated depending on the type of the system.