Disconnecting Solar Panels Safely

Pvstop is the only safe way to deactivate panels at the source the solar panels themselves.

Disconnecting solar panels safely.

Solar panels cannot be turned off when exposed to light. The solar safety shutoff is capable of simultaneously isolating solar panels stopping the combining of panel voltages and limiting the system voltage to the safety of extra low voltage outlined in green on the diagram below. Any solar installer or solar company can remove panels for you in order to complete the work safely. Typically the company from whom you originally purchased the panels should perform the work.

In the event of a short circuit fire or flood the solar panels continue to generate potentially lethal dc voltage. For example a 110ah battery should never be connected to a panel more than 11w without a solar controller and if you are using a solar controller you do not need a blocking diode. The rule of thumb when connecting solar panels directly to a battery is never connect more than c 10 watts where c is the capacity of your battery. This disconnection can be performed either at the switchboard or remotely by disconnecting the supply voltage.

Step 4 cover the ends of each wire with electrical tape a plastic bag or a rubber terminal cover to prevent physical contact should the wires become live. The dc danger zone refers to the safety risk that solar panels pose. I thought that without the battery connected the solar panel would fry the controller. Some larger systems use a solar power disconnect switch for added safety in case one of the solar panels gets exposed to light during maintenance.