Photovoltaic systems are technologically highly sensitive and a direct lightning strike would definitely destroy it. There is also yet another hazard,as a lightning strike could create surge voltage near the solar power system and these surge voltages can also destroy the system. The inverter is the primary point in need of protection. Usually, inverters will integrate surge-voltage protectors into their inverters. However, since these components only discharge small voltage peaks, you should consider using surge protective devices (SPD) in individual cases.