In Germany, the use of a surge protector has become mandatory in all newly planned buildings since 14.12.2018. Furthermore, the obligation to install at least a type 2 surge protection on the DC side also applies to the new construction of PV systems. An increased DC overvoltage protection type 1+2 becomes mandatory if a lightning protection system is required in the application.

The installation of a lightning protection system is a comprehensive concept and describes not only the internal protection via designated surge arresters but also the so-called external protection via air-termination systems. Accordingly, before deciding whether a type 1+2 combined arrester must be installed, it should first be clarified whether a lightning protection system is required or available. For existing buildings on which a new PV system is to be installed, only the PV system must be provided with surge protection. The rest of the house remains unchanged.

Surge protection makes sense in any case

Regardless of whether lightning protection of the DC side is legally obligatory, it is also useful in any case to protect your PV system and the associated investment. Overvoltage damage (e.g. caused by nearby thunderstorms) can irreparably damage your inverter. Defects of this kind are excluded in all warranty conditions of the manufacturers known to us and in case of damage this will also be checked carefully. DC overvoltage protection can be implemented relatively easily with the help of a generator junction box, which is installed between the inverter and the module field.