Grounding/Earthing of Solar PV and GE kit

3 comments started 2022-06-21 last 2022-06-21
CommisioningGivEnergy Products
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#1 sponev

I'm looking for some advice about the earthing requirement for a solar array and associated Givenergy gear please. We have a split E/W 9.5kwp array, 5kw inverter, batteries and some MyEnergi gear going in towards Autumn.

When our smart meters were installed a month or so ago the guy left a warning card saying something about out-of-date earthing, however he left quickly without explaining and I've subsequently misplaced the card. This has left me concerned whether it could compromise the install or whether it's irrelevant?

We do have a tested earth rod for our EV charger which is very close to the place where the GE gear will go. Could this be used if necessary?

Sorry for the vague questions but I'm new to this and just trying to make sure the installation runs smoothly. The installer is snowed under at the moment so I'm unlikely to get a prompt answer from him, so thought I'd seek some guidance here. Cheers.

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#2 Zakalwe

I would have thought that if the installer deems additional earthing to be necessary then they would advise, install it and charge as necessary.
Earthing EV chargers was and is a requirement for some EVSE, though more and more are PEN protected which means that there isnt a need for additional earthing.
If an additional earth is needed then generally it's not the biggest job in the world to drive an earth rod into the ground.
You could also have a look in the gas and electricity meter boxes and make sure that there is a earth bonding strap affixed. Ditto at the mains water meter or stopcock (though not necessary if the water mains comes in in plastic pipes).

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#3 sponev

Zakalwe Thanks, I'll have a look in the utilities cabinets. The installer isn't too hot with their comms at the moment and hence why I'm trying to pre-empt any issues - I watched a YouTube vid where the install couldn't happen due to incorrect earthing and I want to avoid anything like that. We do have an EV charger earthing rod available so presumably they can use that if needed.