Video and photos of what a lightning arrestor does for a solar panel system.
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On this video Mike from REC Solar explains how the lightning protector (arrestor) works.
The lightning arrestor shown below and in the video is a Delta LA602DC. However the product has been discontinued. Looks like these devices run around $40, considering that it is a one time use item – that seems like a reasonable price.
I was looking at the guarantee for this device and it only guarantees the device and not your solar array or inverter. I was kind of thinking it would be similar to a UPS for a computer, if it got taken out by lightning they would pay for the computer. So that is where your home owner insurance comes in.
SolarDave: How does it work?
Mike: In theory if the array gets hit (by lightning) it is full of silicone, the arrestor works by taking the whole system to ground…
SolarDave: Just like a large capacitor?
Mike: I guess, that might be a good way to describe it. We haven’t had lightning strike yet, we do put it on every system. I went to class when I first started and guy that taught it, he had one that got hit by lightning the whole bottom corner was burnt out – big hole in it. I am not sure where he got it and I am not sure if it did the job, but he had one.
SolarDave: So what does it protect? Protects to the breaker box?
Mike: Actually supposed to protect – connected to the DC side, so it is pretty much supposed take the DC voltage straight to ground. (that means I have the red markings on the image above incorrect.)
