Interest in photovoltaics in Poland is constantly growing. The largest increase in power in recent years occurred in micro-installations, they accounted for over 70% of the total power installed in photovoltaics, which means an almost threefold increase year on year. The gradual increase in the accumulated power in micro-installations, i.e. small home installations with a capacity of up to 50 kW, recorded since 2014, resulted in the achievement of 1.3 GW in 2020, which, according to estimates, corresponds to approximately 200,000. Installations throughout Poland. Photovoltaic installations are currently the main sector of renewable energy investments, it is estimated that by 2025 their total capacity may exceed 7.8 GW, thus exceeding the value planned by NECP for 2030.
Why is photovoltaics developing?
The years 2018-2020 are a period of significantly accelerated development of renewable energy sources in Poland, which is caused by several factors. One of the most important changes was the adoption of an amendment to the RES Act, the provisions of which significantly supported the production of electricity from photovoltaic installations . The most important changes concern the extension of the definition of prosumer to include enterprises, the elimination of the requirement to have a construction design for micro-installations up to 50 kW, the thermal modernization relief in income tax and the unification of the VAT rate for PV installations at 8%. EU subsidies and an increase in the prices of emission allowances, increasing the profitability of green energy, also had an impact on the development of the industry. By the end of 2020, approximately PLN 220,000 was subsidized from the "My electricity" program alone. installations worth over PLN 1.1 billion. The extension of the program planned for 2021 to include support for the purchase of chargers for electric cars , energy storage units and heat pumps has been very well received by the market. Forecasts for the development of the renewable energy market for the coming years are very optimistic.
Is lightning protection for photovoltaic installations mandatory?
Photovoltaic panels provide many benefits, primarily economic and ecological. Thanks to their properties, they convert solar radiation into electricity without noise, pollution and other changes in the natural environment. It is important, however, to remember that in addition to the advantages, they also involve threats that must be faced. The largest factors include the impact of atmospheric factors, including: lightning discharges and directly related overvoltages. The need to install a lightning protection system is determined by the result of the risk analysis, but if it is not performed, we always recommend installation for safety reasons. A properly designed lightning protection system protects photovoltaic panels and the entire building against the effects of lightning such as fires, damage to PV panels and the building structure.
This is especially important in the case of the constantly increasing value of home furnishings, including: thanks to the popularization of heat pumps and chargers for electric cars. It becomes even more important to use the highest quality security measures, properly tested and compliant with Polish standards. An important argument for investing in a lightning protection system is the provision on its due date included in the policy conditions, which is used by most insurers. For example, at the largest insurance company in Poland, PZU, as of January 4, 2021, this subsection reads as follows: Insurance protection may cover a photovoltaic installation that meets all of the following conditions: (...) 3) is equipped with a surge and lightning protection system (if required in accordance with applicable law) and grounding.
The obligation to use appropriate products rests primarily with designers and contractors. Effective and long-lasting operation of the lightning protection system depends on the use of tested and proven materials. When using ELKO-BIS products, the contractor receives up to 5 years of warranty, which confirms the high quality of our elements.
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What lightning protection system should I use?
Elko-Bis' extensive offer, which includes over 2,000 items, includes products dedicated to the use of lightning protection for photovoltaic installations, whether in the micro version, for the roof of single-family houses or large-scale farms. Our products have not only been thoroughly tested and provided with the necessary certificates, but have also won numerous awards and distinctions! Thanks to this, our customers can enjoy the highest quality lightning protection. A properly designed and constructed lightning protection installation ensures high aesthetics, safety of the entire investment and its proper functioning (e.g. by minimizing shadow). The most common protection practices include the use of chimney spiers and gable spiers on the facility, and the use of high-voltage cables to reduce the necessary insulation distance.
One of the basic mistakes made when starting investments related to photovoltaic installations is not taking into account the requirements of lightning protection standards, which makes the subsequent application of protection much more difficult or requires additional changes. To meet the expectations of investors and designers, we have created a dedicated technical department where designers, contractors and investors can obtain answers to questions regarding lightning protection issues, standard requirements and receive assistance in the design process.
Our engineers have access to CAD programs and are able to check all documentation, correct errors or prepare a full design proposal. Our clients can be sure that the project will comply with currently applicable standards and that modern and effective lightning protection solutions will be used.
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Surge protection
Proper design and implementation of external lightning protection installation for photovoltaic panels, while maintaining a safe insulation distance, protects photovoltaic systems against direct lightning discharge and the effects of lightning current flow through these devices. This allows you to avoid the most dangerous effects of lightning discharges, which are the destruction of photovoltaic panels and the penetration of lightning current into the internal electrical installation of the facility.
However, it should be remembered that the effects of discharges causing damage or destruction of electrical devices may be felt within a radius of up to 2 km from the lightning discharge site as a result of the so-called lightning electromagnetic pulses, which may cause an increase in voltage in the electrical installation of a building, the value of which may exceed the highest permitted operating voltage. The effect of this increase in voltage is technically referred to as "overvoltage".
With this in mind, external lightning protection of photovoltaic panels should also be supplemented with dedicated surge arresters in accordance with the zone protection concept included in the PN-EN 62305-4 standard. Coordinated external and internal (overvoltage) lightning protection allows you to fully protect photovoltaic panels and the internal installation against any effects of lightning discharges.
Summary
The useful life of photovoltaic installations is estimated at 7 to even 30 years, and any repair of the system will significantly reduce its profitability. This means that at the very beginning of the investment, it is necessary to take actions to counteract all threats for decades. Planning the installation of a lightning protection system allows you to ensure the safety of yourself and your property already at the investment design stage. Please contact our technical department at [email protected] , whose employees will answer any questions and propose effective and aesthetic solutions tailored to your needs.
Footnote: GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR GROUP INSURANCE OF PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATIONS at PZU (accessed on January 4, 2021)