Of course, we think labelling is the most important aspect of life, it’s what we live for here at SLD! This blog is here to touch on how you would label your renewable energy installations correctly and safely. However, before we talk about the labelling part, we think it is important to highlight a quick history of solar panels.
The first solar panel was created as far back as 1881 by Charles Fritts, and the development of the modern solar panel was finalised and used in 1954. Since then, there has been a huge demand for them in both commercial and domestic settings to save power and make it renewable and more financially beneficial. Solar panels convert light from the sun into energy that many nowadays use to power their homes and businesses. Before the 70s it was mostly for spaceships – but the oil crisis boosted solar panels. With high electricity bills in recent years, the demand has skyrocketed – it was not super common to use it before the 90s.
I could go on, but you didn’t come here to read so much about the history behind this incredible invention, you came here because you’re interested in what we do for them and in turn, what we can do for you: which is provide PV signs and labels! Because labelling renewable energy sources is just as important as having them!
I know that rules take the fun away from things, but when it comes to signs and labels, it is extremely important to follow the rules – it could save you a lot of problems in the future. Placing your photovoltaic (PV) labels is important as it allows you and your installer to see the electrical hazards that are present as solar panels convert radiation into DC electricity. The correct label on these plants may just save a life!
Dual supply isolation points are an area of the energy supplying appliances that is important to label. Some installations may not have such obvious isolation points, whether they do or not, you should always apply a sticker to inform the technician where the isolators can be accessed. This can be especially useful for the emergency services who will need to shut down the isolator points quickly.
It is also important to note that you should clearly mark all the currents whether they are alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) in order to show that they are active lines and should be isolated before any work should be carried out.
Among the most important things about marking, is that it clearly shows that there is live lines of double-fed electricity and that there may be energised parts in the installation even if the main current is broken.
Along any long cable associated with solar panels, there should be signs between 5m and 10m along the long cable so that they are visible from far away.
It is also important to label when the system was tested and when the next test is due. Usually, they have a span of about 30 years warranty, but it needs to be kept in mind that solar panels need to be inspected regularly in case of any faults.
There are a range of warning labels you should place on your solar appliances like the ones you will find on www.sld-ltd.co.uk such as “danger high voltage”, AC/DC isolation signs and electrical mains identifiers.
Safety and instructional labels should always be visible. Label your solar panels correctly with the use of our webtool and use our ready-made templates with ISO standards to speed up your ordering process. Our signs are scratch, water and UV resistant, have industrial strength and can withstand temperatures from -50°C to 90°C and are halogen and asbestos free.
See more examples like the images you saw in this blog post and more information about our products here on our website! https://www.sld-ltd.co.uk/solar_panel_signs
Signs and Labels Direct UK 