Daytime = Danger—the PV system will be energized whenever sunlight hits the modules.
Nighttime = No hazard from the PV system, but be aware of potential battery bank dangers elsewhere on the premises.
Ensure that all breakers at the main electrical service panel are shut off.
When a PV system is identified, it is imperative that everyone on the fire ground be notified. Securing the main electrical panel does not shut down the PV modules. Voltage can continue in the wiring between the modules and the inverter in the daytime.
Firefighter-supplied lighting, like high-lumen emergency lighting—called “scene lighting” in the fire service—will not produce enough light to generate dangerous voltage from the arrays.
Sunlight can be blocked only by opaque material. Remember: All of the modules need to be covered for the array to be rendered inoperable.
Stay away from the arrays and conduit. Don’t break, remove, or walk on the modules.
