Path-Q Solar
How can I decide whether a solar system needs a new inspection after a nearby lightning strike?
Answer
A new inspection is prudent when the strike was close, the system or building was affected, protection devices operated, monitoring changed, alarms appeared, or there are visible signs such as scorch marks, damaged electronics, tripped equipment, or burning odor. Even without visible damage, hidden damage to modules, wiring, grounding, surge protection, or inverters may exist after a nearby strike.
Key points
- Compare production, alarms, communications, and equipment status before and after the event.
- Inspect only from a safe distance for scorch marks, melted parts, cracked enclosures, or displaced components.
- Include the array, inverter, battery, surge protection, grounding and bonding, communications, and building interfaces in the assessment.
- Notify the insurer or warranty contact before repairs if a claim may be involved.
What it depends on
- Distance and severity of the lightning event
- System protection and grounding design
- Visible damage, alarms, and production changes
- Whether the building or utility service was also affected
Risks and trade-offs
- A normal production total does not rule out degraded surge protection or latent damage.
- Opening equipment after a storm can create shock hazards.
- Replacing protection devices or electronics without testing may miss damage elsewhere.
Information you may need
- Lightning timing, location, and observed effects
- Before-and-after monitoring and alarm records
- Photos of equipment and building electrical interfaces
- System protection, grounding, warranty, and insurance records
Your next step
What to do next
Arrange a qualified post-event inspection if there was close exposure, any symptom, or uncertainty about protection-device operation, and preserve records for possible insurance or warranty review.
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