Should I ground my solar roof mounts?

[FloridaSun]

What if we attract it on purpose for the purpose of harnessing it?

Can someone build me a cc for that please

ah... think you'll have to read Frankenstein's papers for that trick

[russ]

What if we attract it on purpose for the purpose of harnessing it?

Can someone build me a cc for that please

I believe Ben Franklin started down that road - something about a kite and a key

[Cal Dan]

The whole idea of "attracting lightning" by providing a ground is not a useful concept IMHO.

What if we attract it on purpose for the purpose of harnessing it?

Can someone build me a cc for that please

[GoodJBoy]

Thanks everyone!

I just wanted to thank everyone for setting me straight here. It is really appreciated. I want to setup this solar equipment properly so that my home is safe and you are helping me out.

[Sunking]

Do it right and Home Owners Insurance should cover damages from lightning strikes.

Do it wrong and the insurance company WILL LAUGH AT YOUR CLAIM AND SAY SEE YOU LATER. Claim denied.

[inetdog]

If I ground the mounts, will that attract lightning?

No more so than putting the mounts up ungrounded will. The whole idea of "attracting lightning" by providing a ground is not a useful concept IMHO.
And, as Dereck said, you are required to do it anyway.

High sharp points, whether firmly grounded or very poorly and unintentionally grounded, will either prevent lighting strikes by bleeding off charge or attract lighting strikes, take your choice.
But if they are there anyway, it is always better to provide a good solid ground path.
Since the mounts may end up electrically connected to the panel voltage by a fault, you have to ground them for that reason too.

[Sunking]

It is required by electrical code.

[GoodJBoy]

I am planning on installing two arrays (300 watts each) of solar panels on unistrut mounts. This system will be used to power a battery bank in my attic (the battery bank will be vented).

I am planning on grounding my battery bank and the solar panels. Should I ground the actual unistrut mounts as well?

If I ground the mounts, will that attract lightning? If I don't ground the mounts, what is the risk? To ground or not to ground... that is the question for you guys out there with lots of experience.

Please advise...

Thanks!