Do I need separate assessments for each structure on a multi-asset renewable site?

Yes, each structure type requires its own calculation. Collection area, height factor, and equipment sensitivity differ between an inverter station, turbine, battery enclosure, and control building. A single generic assessment cannot capture the risk gap between a 150 m turbine and a 4 m inverter station. Scoping errors at the input stage lead to under-designed protection downstream.

What happens if I use national average flash density instead of site-specific data?

You risk material errors in your assessment. National averages can miss elevated exposure in high-density regions, which leads to under-designed protection. Site-specific Nsg data sourced from a lightning location network is required for accurate results under IEC 62305-2:2024.

How does upward lightning affect risk calculations for wind turbines?

Upward lightning originates at the turbine tip and travels into the cloud rather than descending from it. Standard lightning location systems miss more than 50% of these events on tall structures, so assessments that rely solely on location system counts can significantly understate real strike exposure on turbines above 150 m tip height. Collection area calculations for tall turbines need inputs that account for upward lightning to produce accurate results.