Lightning Protection in Photovoltaic Systems
Summary
Lightning poses a critical risk to photovoltaic (PV) installations, as both direct strikes and nearby electromagnetic discharges can induce severe overvoltages that compromise module integrity, inverter electronics and balance‐of‐system components. Given the widespread deployment of ground-mounted and rooftop arrays in exposed locations, comprehensive lightning protection strategies are essential to ensure reliability and safety. Key measures include optimised earthing designs to control ground potential rise, comprehensive lightning protection systems (LPS) with air-termination and down-conductor networks, and the judicious placement of surge protective devices (SPD). Advanced simulation tools and experimental studies have refined our understanding of transient overvoltage propagation within PV structures, leading to more economical and effective protection schemes. Globally, the resilience of solar farms against lightning impacts underpins uninterrupted renewable energy generation, particularly in regions where strike incidence is high.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Lightning Protection in Photovoltaic Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in lightning protection in photovoltaic systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD): A numerical technique for solving Maxwell’s equations in time and space, used to simulate electromagnetic transients and overvoltages in PV structures.
Surge Protective Device (SPD): A component that limits transient voltage surges by diverting excess current to earth, thereby protecting connected equipment from overvoltage damage.
Lightning Protection System (LPS): An assembly of air-termination rods, down conductors, earthing electrodes and bonding arrangements designed to intercept and safely convey lightning currents to ground.
Transient Overvoltage: A short-duration spike in voltage caused by lightning or switching events, which can stress insulation and damage electronic components if not properly managed.
Ground Potential Rise (GPR): The rapid elevation of earth potential in the vicinity of a lightning strike, which can induce dangerous voltages in nearby metallic structures and conductors.
References
- Evaluating transient behaviour of large‐scale photovoltaic systems during lightning events using enhanced finite difference time domain method with variable cell size approach. High Voltage (2024).
- Lightning Protection of Floating Photovoltaic Power Plants—Simulation Analysis of Sample Solutions †. Energies (2023).
- Assessment of Insulation Coordination and Overvoltage for Utility Girds Integrated with Solar Farms. Energies (2024).
About these summaries
This Nature Research Intelligence Topic summary is created with the cited references and a large language model. We take care to ground generated text with facts, and have systems in place to gain human feedback on the overall quality of the process in line with our AI principles. We strive to create accurate and useful summaries for people unfamiliar with the research topic and that supports this goal. These pages are a beta release and will be updated as we learn how best to help people gain value from a research topic summary.
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.