Earthing systems for photovoltaic systems

• Flat and round conductors
• Connectors
• Connection terminals
• Earth entries
• Earth rods, ring and foundation earth electrodes
• Corrosion protection
   

Earthing of PV systems

In Germany, a foundation earth electrode complying to DIN 18014 must be installed for new buildings with on-roof PV systems without a lightning protection system. In the case of on-roof PV systems with a lightning protection system, the requirements of VDE 0185-305-3 (IEC/ EN 62305-3) must be taken into account (earthing resistance < 10 Ohm). With free-standing PV systems, the requirements of VDE 0185-305-3 (IEC/EN 62305-3) must also be taken into account during earthing.

Earthing systems, type A

Type A earthing systems include, for example, screw and ram foundations, if they correspond to the requirements of VDE 0185-561-2 (IEC/EN 62561-2). Here, not only a minimum cross-section according to the selected material is to be maintained, but also mechanical and electrical properties must be taken into account.

Earthing systems, type B

Plate and strip foundations are examples of type B earthing systems. According to VDE 0185-305-3, Supplement Sheet 5, they have a reduced earth impact and should be expanded using additional earthing measures such as grid earth electrodes (20 m x 20 m) or earth rods.

For both cases, OBO offers matching deep earth rods of Ø20 mm or Ø25 mm or wires with Ø10 mm and strips of various dimensions such as 30 x 3.5 mm or 40 x 4 mm in its portfolio.

In the case of foundations with reinforcement steel, a tin-plated or copper-plated earth electrode in the earth is not permitted. In the earth, a high-alloy stainless steel with at least 2% molybdenum content must be used, such as the materials nos. 1.4401, 1.4404 or 1.4571. This is primarily neutral to other nobler or baser materials, thus guaranteeing high system availability.