The rainy season in Port Harcourt, Warri and Yenagoa brings heavy thunderstorms. When NEPA light returns, it can come with a spike. Both can destroy an inverter. Earthing and surge protection are your shield.
Earthing
An earth rod is driven into the ground and connected to your system's metal frames and earth points. If something goes wrong, current goes safely into the ground, not through a person.
Surge protection devices (SPDs)
| Where | What it protects |
|---|---|
| DC side (panels to inverter) | Inverter from spikes on long roof cables |
| AC side (inverter / grid) | Inverter and appliances from grid surges |
Signs it is missing
- No earth rod or green-yellow earth cables
- No SPD modules in the DC or AC box
- Not listed on your quote
Ask for both. Read how to read a solar quote.
Yearly check
- Check SPD indicator windows (green = okay on many types).
- Check earth connections are tight and not rusted.
- Replace SPDs after a big strike if they show red.
During storms
- Keep away from the inverter and panels.
- If your installer advised it, switch off grid input during very bad storms.
