I'm a bit confused about something. As I understand it, the frames of solar panels are generally made from anodized aluminum, which does not conduct electricity. Yet it seems that many grounding strategies rely on contact with and between anodized surfaces.
Take IronRidge, for example. Their rails are anodized, and the anodized panel frames lay against the rails. The "UFO" bolts, which clamp the panels against the rails, are stainless, and it's possible the rail is not anodized inside the groove where the UFO connects; but the UFO still clamps against the anodized panel frame. And this system is considered robust enough that they require only one grounding lug per row of panels.
Specifically I don't see how an electrical connection is made between the panel and the rail. I must be missing something.
Take IronRidge, for example. Their rails are anodized, and the anodized panel frames lay against the rails. The "UFO" bolts, which clamp the panels against the rails, are stainless, and it's possible the rail is not anodized inside the groove where the UFO connects; but the UFO still clamps against the anodized panel frame. And this system is considered robust enough that they require only one grounding lug per row of panels.
Specifically I don't see how an electrical connection is made between the panel and the rail. I must be missing something.
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