Solar Panel Aluminum Frame Conductivity / Grounding Issue

Solar Panel Aluminum Frame Conductivity Issue during grounding process because of oxide layer
#Solar_Panel
#Aluminum
solar panel frame

[@adex2000ng]

Thank you for the experiment and good explanation

[@MkmeOrg]

Yup aluminum oxide is indeed a VERY good insulator. The white stuff used as an insulator on spark plugs for HV- yep alum oxide. Good stuff. Cheers

[@sophiegrisom]

I suspect the non-conductivity of the frame (anodizing and/or oxide) only matters for dissipating static electricity. It wouldn't stop lightning which is many kV. If lightning strikes a panel, it will likely damage it. Indeed, grounding the panel will make it a better "lightning rod", but I think NEC requires grounding the frames for personnel safety. Currently investigating this and appears most installations simply ground the mounting rails, not each panel, despite the panel frames having convenient grounding holes. Just grounding the rails might not suffice for avoiding a little spark to a human, though unlikely to be life-threatening, nor to even happen unless touching an aluminum ladder that is touching wet ground.

[@JAKIRHOSSAIN-uo3we]

Thank you very much Sir!!! Love U!!!

[@ABID5]

Very informative.

[@atnstn]

Nicely explained.