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Higher voltage PV solar panels safety precautions

sparklehunt

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Aug 19, 2021
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I spoke to a Victron distributor for advice and he mentioned that a 48V system adds extra challenges in terms of the solar PV panels.

Let's say you put panels in series to fully utilize a Victron 250V MPPT controller.

We talk a lot about being safe around batteries. But how about working with the voltages in the wires from the panels?

I could not find any definitive guides to hooking up panels correctly, safely. If someone could point me please. I want to know what extra precautions are necessary for hooking up high voltage solar panels? For example, types of cables, fusing and where, types of connectors/lugs, anything like that.
 
Do not touch open ends of wires with the panels hooked up.

When you follow a simple order of operations:
Connect cable to the MPPT first and then click the MC4 connectors together, there is usually no harm to you to be expected.
Below 60V your skin is a good barrier in case you accidental touch something.

Still, you shouldn't touch electronic stuff.
I know people do it, but with wet hands even 12V can be a hazard under the right conditions.

- Get insulated tools and gloves.
- Turn everything off when you work on the wires
- secure against re energizing.

That is true for 12V and for 1000V

For burning up stuff - there is not really extra precaution between 48V and 250V.
48V is already almost as dangerous as 250V for damaging equipment. There is no different education needed.

As European - everything below 400V is considered low voltage :p our outlets have 230V so any extension cord is also on that voltage and nobody cares.

Use parts rated for the voltage you use. Same for batteries.
 
:ROFLMAO: I was thinking that was a smart alecky reply and then just realized you mean so there's no voltage being generated from the panels. MY bad.

When it comes to safety, we don't mess around. Well, most of us don't. Some of us have to learn the hard way and we need our Darwin Award Nominees. :rolleyes:
 
When working on solar array.
1) open circuit via disconnect.
2) verify circuit is open. And no power is present.
3) verify circuit is open. And no power is present.
4) verify circuit is open. And no power is present.
 
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