05-15-2017, 02:04 PM
This subject interested me so I did a few minutes of research. There is a lot of misinformation on the internet on this matter. It seems that most of the damage to a solar system from an EMP would only apply to grid-tied systems. I found this quote to be useful:
"Solar systems (PV arrays and associated electronics) are fortunately relatively "low impedance" circuits that may not be adversely effected by an EMP blast depending primarily upon distance from the blast. The reason that CME and EMP can disrupt grid power systems is that the grid is like a large antenna which collects energy over a large area and can therefore concentrate large currents within the network. People who talk about watches stopping due to EMP, etc., don't understand that the aperture size of smaller objects (i.e., their ability to collect electromagnetic energy like an antenna) is insufficient to cause damage. Also, watches, cars, and even your solar inverters are usually encased in metal (a Faraday cage) which will limit the induced over voltage from an EMP. The greatest threat from an EMP (unless its right over top of you, and then you have other more serious issues to deal with) is current surges coming into your system from the grid."
ETA: I assume by CME the author is referring to a coronal mass ejection, a natural phenomenon from the sun that can also fry the grid and other electronics.
"Solar systems (PV arrays and associated electronics) are fortunately relatively "low impedance" circuits that may not be adversely effected by an EMP blast depending primarily upon distance from the blast. The reason that CME and EMP can disrupt grid power systems is that the grid is like a large antenna which collects energy over a large area and can therefore concentrate large currents within the network. People who talk about watches stopping due to EMP, etc., don't understand that the aperture size of smaller objects (i.e., their ability to collect electromagnetic energy like an antenna) is insufficient to cause damage. Also, watches, cars, and even your solar inverters are usually encased in metal (a Faraday cage) which will limit the induced over voltage from an EMP. The greatest threat from an EMP (unless its right over top of you, and then you have other more serious issues to deal with) is current surges coming into your system from the grid."
ETA: I assume by CME the author is referring to a coronal mass ejection, a natural phenomenon from the sun that can also fry the grid and other electronics.