Solar PV Installation Safety

Solar PV installation on buildings involves mounting panels on roofs and connecting DC electrical circuits to inverters.
Solar panels generate DC electricity whenever exposed to light — they cannot be fully switched off during daylight hours.
DC electrical systems behave differently from AC — DC arcs are sustained and DC current locks muscles, preventing release.
Working on roofs during panel installation creates fall from height risk requiring edge protection or harness systems.
Manual handling of panels and mounting rails is repetitive throughout the installation, causing cumulative musculoskeletal strain.
Roof conditions including fragile surfaces, pitched slopes, and weather exposure add complexity to the fall protection plan.
Inverter and AC connections must be made by qualified electricians with proper isolation of the grid connection.
Panels can overheat in direct sunlight — handling hot panels causes thermal burns to hands and forearms.
Fire risk exists during installation from DC arcing if connections are incorrect or cables are damaged.
Commissioning involves energising the DC and AC systems, requiring competent electrical supervision throughout.

DC remains live	Solar panels cannot be turned off in daylight — installers work on circuits that are permanently live during the day.
Roof fall risk	Panel installation means sustained work on pitched or flat roofs — edge protection or harnesses prevent fatal falls.
DC arc hazard	A DC arc does not self-extinguish like AC — it sustains and generates extreme heat that starts fires and causes severe burns.

Do

Don't

Follow DC-specific isolation procedures when working on solar panel circuits.
Install roof edge protection or use harness systems for all roof-level panel work.
Rotate panel handling tasks to prevent cumulative musculoskeletal strain.
Assess roof surfaces for fragile materials before positioning workers and panels.
Ensure only qualified electricians make inverter and AC grid connections.
Wear gloves when handling panels in direct sunlight to prevent thermal burns.
Check all DC cable connections and insulation to prevent arcing during installation.
Follow the commissioning procedure for DC and AC system energisation under supervision.
Inspect the roof edge protection daily and after adverse weather events.
Brief all installers on DC hazards during the project-specific safety induction.

DON'T touch solar panel terminals in daylight without following DC isolation procedures.
DON'T work on roofs without edge protection or fall arrest systems in place.
DON'T install panels all day without rotating tasks to reduce repetitive strain.
DON'T step on fragile roof surfaces such as roof lights when positioning panels.
DON'T make AC or inverter connections unless you are a qualified electrician.
DON'T handle panels in full sun without gloves — they reach temperatures that burn.
DON'T leave damaged DC cables unrepaired — they arc and cause fires.
DON'T energise the system without following the full commissioning procedure.
DON'T assume roof edge protection remains intact — check it daily.
DON'T work on solar PV without understanding DC electrical hazards from the induction.

See also: Renewable Energy Safety Awareness | Ground Mounted Solar Farm Safety

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