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Grounding ground mount panels
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2022 2:13 pm
by NikoV6
I have mounted my panels on a timber framed steel clad "shed" . Do I need to ground the shed using an earth spike please. UK install
Thanks
Re: Grounding ground mount panels
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2022 2:45 pm
by Stinsy
Opinions vary. There is no consensus, additionally the prevalence of RCDs has reduced earthing requirements in many situations. Some countries specifically require solar panel frames to be bonded to the property's main earth connection, the UK is not one of them.
You should exercise common sense. Current from the solar panels cannot flow to earth because the DC side is functionally isolated from Earth so there is no risk of electric shock between the DC side and Earth. The cladding would need to be earthed only if it is considered an "Exposed conductive part" (irrelevant of the solar system). Is there anywhere where single-insulated cables could come in contact with the cladding?
Re: Grounding ground mount panels
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2022 3:35 pm
by NikoV6
Stinsy wrote: ↑Wed Sep 07, 2022 2:45 pm
Opinions vary. There is no consensus, additionally the prevalence of RCDs has reduced earthing requirements in many situations. Some countries specifically require solar panel frames to be bonded to the property's main earth connection, the UK is not one of them.
You should exercise common sense. Current from the solar panels cannot flow to earth because the DC side is functionally isolated from Earth so there is no risk of electric shock between the DC side and Earth. The cladding would need to be earthed only if it is considered an "Exposed conductive part" (irrelevant of the solar system). Is there anywhere where single-insulated cables could come in contact with the cladding?
The DC cables run across the roof but I believe these are double insulated?
I am having 6mm armoured AC power run from the house, but this will be on its own RCD as a new circuit (lights and twin socket for the new shed)
Re: Grounding ground mount panels
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2022 4:20 pm
by Stinsy
NikoV6 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 07, 2022 3:35 pm
Stinsy wrote: ↑Wed Sep 07, 2022 2:45 pm
Opinions vary. There is no consensus, additionally the prevalence of RCDs has reduced earthing requirements in many situations. Some countries specifically require solar panel frames to be bonded to the property's main earth connection, the UK is not one of them.
You should exercise common sense. Current from the solar panels cannot flow to earth because the DC side is functionally isolated from Earth so there is no risk of electric shock between the DC side and Earth. The cladding would need to be earthed only if it is considered an "Exposed conductive part" (irrelevant of the solar system). Is there anywhere where single-insulated cables could come in contact with the cladding?
The DC cables run across the roof but I believe these are double insulated?
I am having 6mm armoured AC power run from the house, but this will be on its own RCD as a new circuit (lights and twin socket for the new shed)
You don't have to worry about the DC because it is functionally isolated from Earth.
So long as no single-isolated cables can com in contact with the cladding then you don't have to worry about the AC side either.