The Impact of Protective Devices on Photovoltaic (PV) System Performance and Installation

Abstract:

The integration of photovoltaic systems into energy grids has been very common in recent times since more renewable forms of energy are sought after. Reliability and safety are among the most essential concerns that have to be considered for the deployment and operation of such systems. There have been some very conspicuous failures of protective devices in recent installations, leading to huge damage to solar equipment and an estimation of millions of Naira in repair and maintenance costs. The said incidents further underscore the need for technical competency in PV system installations as well as good-quality protective component acquisition. This study examines the critical role of protective devices in photovoltaic (PV) systems, focusing on their impact on system reliability, operational safety, and financial implications. A survey of industry professionals revealed that the major causes of device failures are overvoltage and poor-quality devices. Similarly, Circuit Breakers and Surge Protectors top the list of devices affected by failures. Critical system shutdowns take up 50% of the resultant consequences of failures, deteriorated performance, and safety hazards. Surprisingly, 65% of those who responded reported financial losses due to the failures, estimated at 45% between N100,000 and N500,000, while 15% had losses above N500,000. The study recommends high-quality protective devices be installed, installation and maintenance be standardized, and predictive maintenance/remote monitoring technologies be adopted to improve reliability and early fault detection. The long-term performance of devices in varying environmental conditions and the economic benefit of using durable, high-quality components are to be focused on further for research. These findings also put forward actionable suggestions to better ensure the PV system resilience for all stakeholders, thereby reducing their financial risks and ensuring the continued growth of the solar energy infrastructure in a reliable manner.

• Periodical: Advances in Science and Technology (Volume 160)
• Pages: 121-137
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-Ol0uy7
• Online since: February 2025
• Authors: Cyril Francis Praise*, Rukayat Olubunmi Adesina, Abubakarr Sall
• Keywords: Circuit Breaker, Energy, Fuse, Overcurrent, Overvoltage, Photovoltaic (PV), Protective Devices, Safety, Short Circuit, SPD

References

[1] Adaramola, Muyiwa & Paul, Samuel & Oyewola, Olarenwaju. (2014). Assessment of decentralized hybrid PV solar-diesel power system for applications in Northern part of Nigeria. Energy for Sustainable Development. 19.

DOI: 10.1016/j.esd.2013.12.007

[2] Akinola, A. (2023) Solar Photovoltaics Development in Nigeria: Drivers, Barriers, and Policies. Energy and Power Engineering, 15, 315-328.

DOI: 10.4236/epe.2023.1510017

[3] Pillai, Dhanup & Natarajan, Rajasekar. (2018). A comprehensive review on protection challenges and fault diagnosis in PV systems. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 91.

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.082

[4] Christodoulou, C.A. & Ekonomou, Lambros & Gonos, Ioannis & Papanikolaou, N.P. (2016). Lightning protection of PV systems. Energy Systems. 7.

DOI: 10.1007/s12667-015-0176-2

[5] Kuan, Hua & Chew, K. & Chua, Kein Huat. (2020). Surge Protection Device for Ex Application. Advances in Science, Technology and Engineering Systems Journal. 5. 768-780.

DOI: 10.25046/aj050692

[6] Zhang, Yang & Chen, Hongcai & Du, Ya Ping. (2019). Lightning protection design of solar photovoltaic systems: Methodology and guidelines. Electric Power Systems Research. 174.

DOI: 10.1016/j.epsr.2019.105877

[7] Sabbaghpur Arani, M., & Hejazi, M. A. (2016). The Comprehensive Study of Electrical Faults in PV Arrays. Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2016, 1–10

DOI: 10.1155/2016/8712960

[8] Ye Zhao, Brad Lehman, Jean-François de Palma, Jerry Mosesian, Robert Lyons (2018). Challenges to Overcurrent Protection Devices under Line-line Faults in Solar Photovoltaic Arrays

DOI: 10.1109/ecce.2011.6063744

[9] Birkl, J., Zahlmann, P.: Specific requirements on SPDs installed on the DC-Side of PV-generators. ICLP 2010, Calgary (2010).

DOI: 10.1109/iclp.2010.7845893

[10] Birkl, J., Zahlmann, P., Beierl, O.: Surge protection for PV generators: Requirements, testing procedures, and practical applications. In: X International Symposium on Lightning Protection, Curitiba, Brazil 9–13 Nov (2009)

DOI: 10.1109/iclp.2010.7845893

[11] Pradeep Solanki, Pratim Dutta and Satnam Mahley (2020). Importance of Fuse Coordination for DC Cable Protection in PV Plants.

[12] National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 690: Photovoltaic PV System.

[13] Zhang, Yang & Chen, Hongcai & Du, Ya Ping. (2020). Considerations of Photovoltaic System Structure Design for Effective Lightning Protection. IEEE Transactions on Electromagnetic Compatibility. PP. 1-9.

DOI: 10.1109/TEMC.2020.2990930