[westom]

Originally Posted by Ric

...I intend to run it on solar power thus doing away with the need to have any cabling in the ground.

Originally Posted by Ric

Would ground currents have any effect on solar powered items?

Ground currents are the same problem cited in that cow. First, you want no currents entering and leaving the solar array. If the array is surrounded by a buried ground ring, then voltages everywhere in that solar array are same - no current.

BTW, this is what farmers do to eliminate ground currents in a barn. Ground currents can cause a significant reduction of milk production from cows. Not just currents from lightning. Also stray currents from nearby AC distribution lines.

That previous example showed two structures - a building and an antenna. If the solar array is not part of the building, then the solar array must be treated as a second structure - just like the antenna in that application note.
http://www.erico.com/public/library/fep/technotes/tncr002.pdf

Two factors to remember. First, conductivity and equipotential are both made as best as possible so that no currents flow through the cow, building, or structure.

Second, resistance is not relevant. Conductivity is about low impedance. Wire resistance is defined mostly by wire diameter. Wire impedance is mostly defined by wire length and other factors (ie sharp wire bends). Surge protection is always about impedance. Impedance connects as low as possible to earth ground. Impedance between protectors and electronics higher. Impedance - not resistance - determines where surge currents flow.