Every solar install ends with a round of labels: at the disconnects, on the service panel, on the junction boxes, and a placard that tells firefighters how to shut the system down. Inspectors look for them, and the ratings on them have to match the system you built. Here is what a typical residential PV job needs, and how we make them.
The core labels on most installs
These eight make up our Essentials set:
- PHOTOVOLTAIC AC DISCONNECT, with the rated AC output current and operating AC voltage of your system.
- PV SYSTEM DISCONNECT.
- MAXIMUM DC VOLTAGE OF PV SYSTEM, with your voltage.
- WARNING: ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD. TERMINALS ON THE LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
- WARNING: POWER SOURCE OUTPUT CONNECTION. DO NOT RELOCATE THIS OVERCURRENT DEVICE. This one goes at the breaker where the system connects to the panel.
- WARNING: THIS EQUIPMENT FED BY MULTIPLE SOURCES, the busbar warning.
- CAUTION: MULTIPLE SOURCES OF POWER, a directory listing where each disconnect is, with your service phone number.
- The rapid shutdown placard, 8 x 5 inches, with the house diagram.
More equipment, more labels
Our Complete set has everything above, plus MAIN PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM DISCONNECT, PHOTOVOLTAIC DC DISCONNECT and PHOTOVOLTAIC AC DISCONNECT plates, a second shock hazard warning, a THIS PANEL IS FED BY MULTIPLE SOURCES plate, two PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE junction box cover plates, and DO NOT DISCONNECT UNDER LOAD.
With a battery, add an ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM DISCONNECT plate with your nominal AC voltage and maximum DC voltage, a third shock hazard warning for the battery disconnect, a multiple sources plate for your backup loads panel, and a plate marking where the battery disconnect is. That is our With battery set.
Rapid shutdown: pick the right placard
There are two versions, and the right one depends on how your system shuts down:
- If the whole array shuts down: TURN RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH TO THE "OFF" POSITION TO SHUT DOWN PV SYSTEM AND REDUCE SHOCK HAZARD IN ARRAY. We engrave this one yellow with black text.
- If only the wiring outside the array shuts down: TURN RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH TO THE "OFF" POSITION TO SHUT DOWN CONDUCTORS OUTSIDE THE ARRAY. CONDUCTORS IN ARRAY REMAIN ENERGIZED IN SUNLIGHT. We engrave this one red with white text.
Some inspectors expect a two-color layout, with a colored title band over a white body. An engraved plate is one color pair, so if your inspector wants that layout, check with them first.
Two labels we don't make: the rapid shutdown switch label itself has to be reflective, and reflective material can't be laser engraved, so buy that one as a reflective sticker. Conduit runs need flexible wrap-around labels; our junction box cover plates are flat.
The site map placard
If your jurisdiction asks for a site map showing the building, the array and every disconnect, send us the site plan page from your permit set. We turn it into an engraved placard with CAUTION: MULTIPLE SOURCES OF POWER across the top, from 4 x 4 to 8 x 8 inches, and send a free digital proof within 1 business day. See the Solar Site-Map Placard.
Why engraved instead of printed stickers
Our labels are 1/16 inch two-ply laminate. The laser cuts the lettering through the top layer into the contrasting core, so the text can't wear off or fade like a printed sticker. The material is UV-stable and rated for indoor and outdoor use, for the labels mounted outside at the meter or disconnect. Adhesive backing is included, and we drill screw holes on request at no charge.
Requirements vary, so check first
Label requirements vary by city, utility and fire department, and by code year. We can't promise what a particular inspector will accept. What we can promise: every label is proofread word for word, we engrave exactly the wording you approve, and if your area needs different wording or extra values, tell us before you order and we will match it.
How to order
- Pick your set: Essentials (8 pieces, $32), Complete (16 pieces, $52) or With battery (20 pieces, $64), in red with white text or yellow with black text.
- Send us your system ratings with the order.
- Approve your free proof. Nothing is engraved until you do.
Shipping is a flat $5.99 within the US. See the Solar PV Label Set, or browse all our solar labels. Doing panel work on the same job? We also make engraved panel labels and voltage warning plates.