Solar PV System Protection

Solar PV Surge Protection for Arrays, Combiner Boxes and Inverters

Coordinate DC SPDs for solar arrays, combiner boxes and inverter inputs with AC and communication-line surge protection for commercial, utility-scale and OEM PV projects. Send your voltage, layout and site conditions for model selection.

Review Solar SPD Selection
DC + AC + SignalOne coordinated protection path
600V / 1000V / 1500VPV DC system selection support
Type 2 / Type 1+2Selected by actual site conditions
Quick System Answer

Protect three paths, then choose the PV voltage.

DC pathArray, combiner box and inverter input.
AC pathInverter output and distribution panel.
Signal pathRS485, monitoring and exposed data lines.
Choose Your PV DC Voltage Route

Choose 600V, 1000V or 1500V PV SPD options.

Confirm the voltage route first. Then review SPD Type, poles, wiring and the exact model documents.

LEEYEE 600V PV DC surge protective device
600V PV DC

600V PV SPD Options

For compatible smaller and commercial PV string, combiner-box and inverter-input designs.

Type 2 options2P / 3P review
Review 600V option
LEEYEE 1000V PV DC surge protective device
1000V PV DC

1000V PV SPD Options

For commercial PV combiner boxes and inverter inputs, with Type 2 or Type 1+2 review by site condition.

Type 2 / Type 1+22P / 3P review
Review 1000V option
LEEYEE 1500V PV DC surge protective device
1500V PV DC

1500V PV SPD Options

For compatible commercial and utility-scale 1500V DC systems requiring project-level model confirmation.

Type 1+2 options3P D4 review
Review 1500V option
Not sure which PV SPD fits your system? Send the maximum string voltage, installation position and site condition. LEEYEE will review the suitable voltage route, SPD Type and model options.

Final selection must confirm maximum string Voc, Ucpv, Type, poles, wiring, backup protection and the exact document scope.

Type 1+2 or Type 2

Match the SPD type to the lightning-current exposure.

Use the two routes below for pre-selection, then confirm the full site condition and product documentation.

Common induced and switching surges

Type 2 PV SPD

For positions where the design does not require lightning-current discharge capability.

Partial lightning-current exposure

Type 1+2 PV SPD

For positions where the protection design indicates lightning current may enter the PV electrical path.

View Type selection conditions
Site conditionMain distributionInverter AC sidePV DC side
No external LPSType 2 subject to building designType 2 AC SPDType 2 PV SPD where required
LPS with separation maintainedType 1 or Type 1+2 at origin as designedType 2 AC SPDType 2 PV SPD where required
LPS without adequate separationType 1+2 according to the designType 1+2 where lightning current may enterType 1+2 PV SPD where required

Final selection must follow the project risk assessment, local requirements, cable routing, earthing and verified model documentation.

Optional System Review

Check the remaining DC, AC and signal paths.

Open only the path you need. The product and Type decisions above remain the primary route.

PV DC PathArray → Combiner → Inverter
Confirm module Voc, modules per string, minimum temperature, Ucpv, poles, cable route and the local PE connection.
AC PathInverter Output → Distribution
Confirm AC voltage, phases, earthing arrangement, distribution position and upstream Type coordination.
Signal PathRS485 → Monitoring → PE
Confirm interface voltage, data rate, wire pairs, shielding, cable exposure and grounding method.
Four checks before ordering a PV SPD
VoltageUse maximum string Voc at the minimum design temperature.
All entry pathsReview DC, AC and wired monitoring routes.
Lead lengthKeep SPD and PE connections short and direct.
DocumentsConfirm certificate and report scope for the exact model.
Long or exposed cable route?Review coordinated protection near both ends; distance alone is not a universal selection rule.
Testing and Documentation

Verify the exact model with test and document evidence.

Document availability depends on the exact voltage, SPD type, poles, model series and branding configuration.

MOV and GDT component testing for LEEYEE surge protective devices

Component Checks

Incoming and batch-control verification.

LEEYEE lightning impulse generator and surge current testing equipment

Impulse Testing

Model-level discharge and impulse evidence.

Thermal stability and thermal disconnector test for surge protective devices

Thermal Safety

Stability and disconnector review.

Project and OEM Support

Open the support path relevant to your project.

For EPCs and system designers

Confirm PV string data, inverter / MPPT arrangement, DC and AC cable routes, external LPS, earthing and monitoring interfaces.

For combiner-box and OEM buyers

Confirm model and poles, remote contact, cabinet wiring, labels, packaging and batch-inspection requirements.

FAQ

Solar PV surge protection questions

Where should SPDs be installed in a solar PV system?

Common positions include PV combiner boxes and inverter DC inputs on the DC side, inverter outputs and distribution panels on the AC side, and exposed wired monitoring interfaces where signal protection is required. The final arrangement depends on cable route, voltage, earthing and lightning protection conditions.

How do I choose a 600V, 1000V or 1500V PV DC SPD?

Start with the calculated maximum PV string open-circuit voltage at the minimum design temperature. Select a suitable Ucpv above that value, then confirm the SPD type, pole configuration, discharge ratings, Up, short-circuit capability, wiring and document scope.

What is the difference between Type 1+2 and Type 2 PV SPD?

Type 2 is commonly used for induced lightning and switching surges. Type 1+2 is considered where the protection design requires lightning-current discharge capability, including certain installations affected by an external lightning protection system without adequate separation.

Do solar systems need both DC-side and AC-side SPDs?

Many systems do. The DC side protects strings, combiner boxes and inverter inputs, while the AC side protects inverter output, AC panels and grid-connected distribution. Protecting only one side can leave another surge path exposed.

Do RS485 and solar monitoring lines need surge protection?

They may. Long outdoor or inter-building communication cables can provide another surge path. The signal SPD must match the interface voltage, current, data rate, wiring and grounding method.

Solar System Specification

Send the information you already have. LEEYEE will review the protection positions, PV voltage, SPD type and document requirements for your project.

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