Is TVSS (transient voltage surge suppressor) a must for every PV system installation?

ragzky2004ragzky2004 Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭
in General Solar Power Topics #1
Hi everyone, I'm new and this is my first post :)

Shall I include a TVSS in every installation -- regardless of PV system size?  I did 2 100-kwp cap PV plant with a TVSS on the AC side because it was required by the client.  Just recently, I did a 10.80 Kwp system without one.  What are the possible repercussions?  'Appreciate your inputs!  
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  • mike95490mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    If you ever get a lightning strike near the array or wire runs, induced voltage can fry your gear.  Surge Protection can help prevent that.

    Think of lightning VS your gear as a single turn, air core, transformer.   Really lousy energy transfer, but when you have mega volts and millions of amps, even a 0.001% efficient transformer can fry stuff only expecting a couple hundred volts
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
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    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • ragzky2004ragzky2004 Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭
    #3
    is TVSS different from SPD (Surge Protection Device)? Because our system has SPD (on the DC side, before the inverter connection).  The TVSS, in our 100-kwp system,  was installed on the AC side, just before the grid tie-in. The 10.80Kwp system has only SPD, no TVSS. 
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  • mcgivormcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Perhaps this TVSS is to protect the inverter from transient spikes from the grid side or the equation?
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
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  • mike95490mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #5
    SPD (Surge Protection Device)
    TVSS (Surge Protection Device)
     They both are the same sort of thing.  The name may depend on who makes it, who sells it, or what you think you want it to do.
    The both come in different voltage usage and clamp ratings
    Both have Amperage/Jule ratings
    In the electronics industry, TVSS is a small device soldered on a circuit board at IO points, like the USB ports on a computer
    Neither will Absolutely prevent damage, some carry a "insurance warranty"
    http://ecmweb.com/content/demystifying-tvss

    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • Dave AngeliniDave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,444 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #6
    ragzky2004 said:
    Hi everyone, I'm new and this is my first post :)

    Shall I include a TVSS in every installation -- regardless of PV system size?  I did 2 100-kwp cap PV plant with a TVSS on the AC side because it was required by the client.  Just recently, I did a 10.80 Kwp system without one.  What are the possible repercussions?  'Appreciate your inputs!  
    How long is your labor warranty? Many electronics have a 5 year warranty now. Let the owner decide and if they choose not to then they can worry about it. For me, it is an extra $300 on a $15,000 equipment order. No brainer time!
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
     http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
    E-mail [email protected]

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