Indeed, an SPD for PV can save costs by avoiding exorbitant destruction of crucial components in a solar power installation. Such sudden surges, often due to lightning strikes or fluctuations in the power grid, can be so costly when it involves repairs and system downtime. For instance, the price of replacing a single damaged inverter has a range from $1,000 to $3,000 without including the cost of labor or energy losses. Installation of an SPD, generally costing in the range of $100 to $500, depending on the size and voltage of the system, is a very cost-effective solution to protect these high-value components from surge-related damage.
Most vulnerable among these are solar power systems operating within high DC voltages, from 600 to 1,500 volts. The SPD would divert the excess voltage away from the inverter, controller, and other equipment that is sensitive to spikes. In higher-risk areas with frequent thunderstorms, a model up to 40 kA-rated SPD provides added protection from repeated maintenance costs and extends the service life of the entire system.
Long-term savings from an SPD also come from minimalized downtime. A system down due to surge damage loses energy production, directly impacting returns on investment. For commercial installations, lost production can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars per day, especially in peak sunlight conditions. By avoiding this downtime with a reliable SPD, solar power system owners ensure consistent performance, maintaining projected return on investment.
IEC 61643-31 is the international standard for SPDs. The devices have been outlined on how well they protect against DC surge voltages, with the speed of action being less than a few nanoseconds and the surge impact limited. Fast action makes sure that the system keeps its effectiveness and functionality. Long-lifetime A lot of SPDs are designed to last as long as 10 years, which means they are long-time investments offering protection always against unexpected expensive voltage spikes.
As Mike Holt, a solar expert, puts it: “The cost of not installing a surge protection device in a solar system can far outweigh the initial investment.” A PV Surge Protection Device provides reliable, long-term savings to solar owners by minimizing maintenance costs, avoiding downtime, and prolonging the useful life of expensive equipment.