For rooftop solar installations using civil anchor block foundations (ballast blocks or RCC roof anchors), M25 grade concrete (nominal mix ratio 1 : 1.5 : 3 — Cement : Fine Aggregate : Coarse Aggregate) is standard. For heavy industrial soil ground-mount anchor footings, M20 or M25 grade reinforced cement concrete (RCC) is specified to provide adequate compressive strength and resist wind uplift forces.
The Lightning Arrestor (LA) — such as an ESE (Early Streamer Emission) or conventional Franklin Rod — must be installed at a height of at least 2 to 3 meters above the highest point of the solar panel array. This placement creates a protective 45° to 60° umbrella (cone of protection) over the entire solar installation and roof area, ensuring any atmospheric lightning discharge strikes the arrestor tip directly and passes safely to its dedicated earthing pit.
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