Module-to-module earthing is the continuous bonding of every solar panel frame to the next, to the mounting structure, and down to the buried earth conductor. It ensures that if a module becomes live through an insulation fault or a lightning-induced surge, the current has a safe path to earth and no frame can sit at a dangerous potential.
How it is done
- Each module frame bonds to the next with a lug, washer or bonding clip that bites through the anodising.
- The row of frames bonds to the mounting structure.
- Each structure row bonds to a buried earth strip or conductor running the array.
- The array earth ties into the plant earth grid.
Why continuity matters
Anodised aluminium frames do not reliably conduct through their joints, so dedicated bonding is required - a loose or missing bond breaks the path and leaves part of the array unearthed. Use tin-plated or stainless bonding hardware to avoid corrosion at the aluminium interface.
