Voltage Distribution in Group-Grounded 8 x 2 Solar PV Panel Assembly during Lightning Strike

This paper is focused on the effect of group grounding of solar PV assemblies using both end-point and mid-point grounding on the potential rise across the solar PV panels during a lightning strike. This system consists of 16 assemblies forming an 8x2 array. Simulation has been carried out for various lightning attachment points in PSPICE using the lossy transmission line model. Voltage drop at various points in the assembly is determined for various soil resistivities. Based on the simulation results, group grounding of solar PV panels with middle grounding shows a lower voltage transient potential rise compared to end grounding.