Earthing Sola Panels

Submitted: Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 16:06
ThreadID: 68472 Views:2259 Replies:1 FollowUps:0
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I went to some effort to isolate the solar panel frames (AL) from the mounting bars (gal) on the roof of our van to eliminate electrolysis between 2 dis similar metals so am reluctant to earth them using the screws provided ie a wire from the AL panel to the Gal mounting/van.

Comments appreciated.

Peter
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Reply By: Member - John and Val W (ACT) - Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 16:32

Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 16:32
Peter,

In a fixed installation on your house, it's good practice to earth frames of the panels.

In a van installation I would not earth them, for 2 reasons..

1) the mounting bars aren't earthed anyway (unless you deliberately provide an earth spike driven into the ground and connect them to it - why would you do that????)

2) Don't waste copper - there is nothing to be gained by connecting the frame of the panel electrically to it's mounting. I'd use that extra copper to improve the current carrying capacity of the electrical cables!

I agree with your views on electrolysis too.

Cheers

John
J and V
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