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2.3 Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) for PV Installation
Lightning will cause damage either from a direct strike or from surges due to a nearby strike.
Induced surges are the most likely cause of lightning damage in majority or installations, especially
in rural areas where electricity is usually provided by long overhead lines. Surges may impact on
both the PV array conduction and the AC cables leading to the building. Specialists in lightning
protection should be consulted during the end use application. Using appropriate external lightning
protection, the effect of a direct lightning strike into a building can be mitigated in a controlled way,
and the lightning current can be discharged into the ground.