In the world of off-grid solar, grounding isn't as black-and-white as the NEC might suggest. Many experienced installers in unpermitted setups intentionally do not ground the solar array. Why? Because in most off-grid scenarios, especially when panels are high on a roof and isolated from human contact, grounding might introduce more danger than it prevents.
Solar panels, like any conductive surface, seek the closest path to ground when there's electrical potential — especially during lightning storms.
Think about how a lightning rod works: It invites lightning by providing a direct, low-resistance path to earth. If you ground your solar array frame, you're essentially turning your panel system into one giant lightning rod.
⚠️ Warning: If lightning strikes your grounded array, the energy will flow right into your expensive equipment — destroying inverters, charge controllers, and batteries.
That said, not grounding your array doesn’t eliminate all danger.
If a hot wire ever rubs against a panel frame and the array is not grounded, that panel could become energized — and you won’t know it. Touching it could result in a dangerous shock.
That’s why it's critical to test for stray voltage.
Many solar users clean their panels with a pressure washer. Do not go on the roof until you've done this simple test:
If you read anything over 1 or 2 volts, do not touch the panel. There’s a real chance of shock — especially dangerous if you're standing on a wet roof.
| Scenario | Ground the Array? | Why or Why Not |
|---|---|---|
| Permitted install | ✅ Required | NEC mandates it |
| Unpermitted, remote roof | 🚫 Optional | Safer from lightning damage |
| Accessible array (e.g. ground mount) | ✅ Recommended | Reduces shock hazard |
| Roof cleaning planned | ⚠️ Test first | Check for stray voltage before climbing up |