Do I need isolator/solar disconnect when I have breakers?

[kje]

Do I need isolator/solar disconnect when I have breakers? Can I just turn off the breakers when doing maintenance on the solar panels? Like on this picture?

 

[Quattrohead]

The breakers will be fine as an isolation switch too.
Whole different ball game if it is being inspected though.

 

[MichaelK]

Some juridictions may require you to have rapid solar array shutoff, like this one. Will depend on your local code

 

[LydMekk]

I like DC disconnect switches followed by DC fuses.

 

[kje]

The breakers will be fine as an isolation switch too.
Whole different ball game if it is being inspected though.

What is the practical difference? Isn't it completely isolated with the breakers?

 

[Quattrohead]

What is the practical difference? Isn't it completely isolated with the breakers?

Yes totally isolated. It just comes down to NEC regulations after that.

 

[cdsolar]

A DC isolator will disconnect both + and -. A breaker normally breaks only one leg (usually +). You can use a two pole breaker as a disconnect, assuming it is wired properly, to break both legs.