Bonding (grounding) solar panels

[Isetech]

Now that we know we are not "earthing" the solar panels (class 11 , double insulated cells and wiring) and not installing lightning protection unless a study is carried and out and it becomes a requirement.

Let hear how you bond the metal frame, rails, end clamps, centre clamps and any other expose metal that they might be secured to, for the purpose of bringing it all to the same potential.

You just using a tex screw with a 6 mm sq wire and lug to one of the rails (no paste or compound), the most common method I have seen.

A brass screw with a lug, which can be removed and open the bonding loop.

A grounding lug, with a bunch of wires secured with the a screw which is so tight (not 2 Nm as suggested by the supplier) it has damaged some of the strands.

I have heard of the S/S clip system between the panels frames, but yet to see it installed.

The WEEB, also never seen it used.

What would you like to see when you climb on the roof when doing a test report?

One continuous earth wire from the DC control box or inverter to the first ground lug on the top rail, still not cut, to the next rail and to the next rail, etc, linking all the rails together to create one solid loop (no cuts, lugs, tex screws or brass nuts and bolts).
A WEEB between each panel frame which will create a bond from panel to panel, which has a paste or compound to reduce corrosion (especially on coastal regions).
Just a note if you use a WEEB on the top of the centre clamp, you will need to bond the panel frames to the rail. What might be a better choice is to fit a WEEB between the panel and the rail.
Do not forget to bond the rail joints.

The reality is, I doubt you will ever see this in SA, due to many factors, one being stock shortages or the fact that it is not sold locally.
So, what would you regard as a legit compliant method to create a secure loop, which will not be affected if one panel is removed from the rail?

[Dylboy]

Quick one, if we bond are we bonding all the metal of the PV and then taking a cable to the Earth of the municipality. I.e the main earth bar of the AC DB board ?

If so are we now bonding AC and DC so if there is an Earth fault the panels will now be with the AC potential.

If the above is correct...

What if it is a ground mount system, now the metal frame is at a higher potential to true earth so if you standing on the earth and touch this now risen above earth potential PV panel you will be shocked ?


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[GCE]

Quick one, if we bond are we bonding all the metal of the PV and then taking a cable to the Earth of the municipality. I.e the main earth bar of the AC DB board ?

If so are we now bonding AC and DC so if there is an Earth fault the panels will now be with the AC potential.

If the above is correct...

What if it is a ground mount system, now the metal frame is at a higher potential to true earth so if you standing on the earth and touch this now risen above earth potential PV panel you will be shocked ?


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Earth is earth - How do you test if your earth is good - You test to the " god made earth" and your " man made earth" and if you get 0 Ohm you have an excellent earth - You reference is the earth , the soil that you stand on and plant flowers in

If your ground mount system is metal and the poles are buried in the earth then it is more than likely going to have a good earth and the frame cannot be at a higher potential than the earth as it will be at the same potential because it is in the earth - The only time it can be at a higher potential is if the earthing is not good.

There is no such thing as DC earth and AC earth - It is all earth

[Dylboy]

Ahhhh ok, I have had it wrong in my head the whole time. I always thought the moment 230V went into the earth cable due to a fault it made the Earth cable now at 230V to earth but because it is earhered to soil it just brings it all to 0V to the soil.

Apologies I have had it wrong in my head the whole time.

Reason is I see in the UK when the do like EV charges they don't continue the PME earth from the DB and use a rod for if there was a fault and such like a neutral being broken etc. Same as if they do a outbuilding which is metal and earhted to solid earth they then TT the earth of that out building and some use the supply earth so if there was an Earth fault in the main house it won't bring the metal work to a higher portion to try earth.



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[Isetech]

Section 7.15 DC installations

b) if an earth electrode is required, it shall comply with the requirements of SANS 1063, be installed in accordance with SANS 10199 and be bonded to the main earthing terminal of the electrical installation;

Thank goodness every rushed out and purchased SANS 1063 and 10199, so they can post the relevant notes

[Isetech]

Dont forget...

c) the main earthing terminal shall be bonded to the consumer's earth terminal (see also 6.11);

[Derlyn]

Thats only if you can find the main earthing terminal 😂😂😂😂.

[Isetech]

3.28.4 main earthing terminal busbar terminal (or busbar) that is part of the earthing arrangement of an installation that enables the electric connection of a number of conductors for earthing purposes (see also 3.78)

Thats only if you can find the main earthing terminal .

[Isetech]

3.78 supply earth terminal clamp or terminal at the point of supply to which the supply protective conductor is connected (see 3.28)

[Derlyn]

Still looking for a main earthing terminal on all the installations I've worked on. Still cannot find one. Anyway, I'll keep on looking.

I know what the book says, but still dont know where to find it, physically.

Is there one at your house ? If so, where is it ? Inside ? Outside ? In the attic ?
Where ?