Photovoltaic energy generation is one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources. Hundreds of MW of rooftop systems and utility-scale PV parks are installed every year. VARITECTOR PV surge protection helps to extend the service life of photovoltaic systems, minimize financial risks and ensure the long-term profitability of a photovoltaic system. This is crucial for reliable energy production.
To avoid system failures, high repair costs and loss of sales due to surge damage, powerful PV arresters are the best solution. Surge protection modules of the VPU PV series have been designed for optimal protection of the inverter against surges.
PV systems are at high risk of lightning strikes due to their installation in exposed locations and must therefore be protected against surges in accordance with EN 61643-32. VARITECTOR PV is designed for use in PV string combiner boxes for generator voltages up to 1,500 V and complies with UL and EN standards for global application.
The new monobloc components of the VARITECTOR PU PV series are designed to protect PV applications with generator voltages from 600 V up to 1,500 V. They comply with latest EN standards for global use. They also combine reliable surge protection with future-proof performance – a must to maximize system uptime and profitability.
The new VPU PV series surge protection module has been designed to optimize protection of the inverter against overvoltage. The product is designed for the connection of 2 MPP trackers and is particularly narrow, measuring only five TE. As a combination of type I and II, it is particularly flexible for use in all areas of the system.
The figure on the left shows the general architecture of a PV system. The table below is intended to help you select the correct surge protection products according to the specifications of applicable standards in a PV system.
L1 describes the cable length between the main distribution board and PV inverter (AC side) and L2 describes the line length between PV inverter and PV generator (DC side). With a line length > 10 m, an SPD is required on both sides by the standard.
| Question 1 | Question 2 | Question 3 | Question 4 | Installation locations AC | Installation locations DC | ||
| Outdoor lightning protection system present? | Separation distance observed? | Line length L1 less than 10 m? | Line length L2 less than 10 m? | SPD 1 | SPD 2 | SPD 3 | SPD 4 |
| No | - | No | No | TYPE II AC | TYPE II AC | TYPE II PV | TYPE II PV |
| No | - | No | Yes | TYPE II AC | TYPE II AC | TYPE II PV | - |
| No | - | Yes | No | TYPE II AC | - | TYPE II PV | TYPE II PV |
| No | - | Yes | Yes | TYPE II AC | - | TYPE II PV | - |
| Yes | Yes | No | No | TYPE I AC | TYPE II AC | TYPE II PV | TYPE II PV |
| Yes | Yes | No | Yes | TYPE I AC | TYPE II AC | TYPE II PV | - |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | No | TYPE I AC | - | TYPE II PV | TYPE II PV |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | TYPE I AC | - | TYPE II PV | - |
| Yes | No | No | No | TYPE I AC | TYPE I AC | TYPE I PV | TYPE I PV |
| Yes | No | No | Yes | TYPE I AC | TYPE I AC | TYPE I PV | - |
| Yes | No | Yes | No | TYPE I AC | - | TYPE I PV | TYPE I PV |
| Yes | No | Yes | Yes | TYPE I AC | - | TYPE I PV | - |
Lightning and surge protection for PV systems always has two areas: Lightning and surge protection is required on direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) sides in order to protect both areas.
When selecting components, a distinction must be made between systems with and without external lightning protection. If external lightning protection is available, a type I+II arrester should be used. Our selection guide makes it easier for you to choose the right surge protection products to fulfill the standards for a photovoltaic system.
The following applies to the AC range:
Since 2016, the integration of surge protection (in accordance with DIN VDE 0100-534) has been mandatory. This applies to all new buildings and to modifications or expansions of existing electrical installations.
The following applies to the DC range:
For this purpose, it is helpful to refer to standard DIN EN 62305-3 or VDE 0185-305-3 – Supplement 5. These standards describe how to determine the need for surge protection measures on the AC side of the PV power supply system in accordance with DIN VDE 0100 443. If this results in the need for surge protection measures on the AC side and if protection of the inverter is to be ensured, then surge protection are also required on the DC side.
In order to protect photovoltaic systems, the surge protection unit must be installed on both the direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) sides. The surge protection unit should be installed as close as possible to the device to be protected.
There are different installation locations depending on the application, which you can find in our selection guide.
Use the Weidmüller Configurator to quickly and easily configure and request our components. The tool supports continuous engineering workflows from planning with E-CAD systems to documentation.
Our electronic catalog in BMECat format and other formats provides you with all product data on our components and modules. Benefit from fast access to product data through proven standards.
We speak the language of our customers. With expertise and passion for the various industries.
