Common Solar PV Labels and What They Identify

At a glance

Quick answer: common solar PV labels identify switches, power sources, wiring routes and shutdown steps across a system. Most PV systems in Australia will include a core set of identification and safety labels that indicate what each switch does, where power flows and how to shut down the system safely. While wording and layout vary by project, the label types below are widely recognised in day-to-day installation and service work. Clear, consistent labels cut the time it takes to isolate safely and reduce guesswork during faults.

• Main switch (inverter supply) – identifies the main switch that isolates the inverter’s AC backfeed into a switchboard.
• Solar array DC isolator – marks the DC isolation point at or near the array, often at rooftop level.
• Inverter AC isolator – marks the AC isolation device adjacent to the inverter.
• Multiple supply sources – warns that a switchboard can be energised from more than one source.
• PV array wiring route warning – indicates conduits or cable trays carrying PV DC wiring.
• Emergency shutdown instructions – sets out the site-specific shutdown sequence and locations.
• Earthing/bonding identification – identifies earthing connections relevant to PV equipment.
• String or combiner labels – identifies individual strings, MPPT inputs or combiner box circuits.
• Battery energy storage labels (if fitted) – identifies battery system isolation, hazards and shutoff points.

Need replacements fast or a new set for a retrofit? Order online or request a quote from Sign Portal for Custom Electrical Labels and Engraved Laminate Tags. Priority production is available for standard sizes and approved reprints.

What common solar PV labels identify (quick guide)

The sections below explain each common PV label’s purpose and typical mounting points. Align wording and positions with the project drawings, client specification and any applicable Australian requirements for your site and network. Keep the wording short, unambiguous and consistent with the single-line diagram.

Main switch (inverter supply) — solar PV label

Identifies the main switch in a switchboard that isolates the inverter’s AC output. It lets anyone working on the board find the correct device before maintenance or emergency action. Place it on the board face adjacent to the relevant main switch and repeat on a directory card or schedule plate if used. Where space allows, include the board reference (e.g. MSB, DB-1) to match the drawings.

• Identifies: The main switch controlling the inverter AC feed.
• Typical location: Switchboard escutcheon next to the labelled device and in board schedules.

Solar array DC isolator — solar PV label

Identifies the device used to isolate DC from the PV array, commonly located near the array or within reach of the inverter, depending on system design. Clear identification reduces the risk of operating the wrong isolator during maintenance or fault response. For rooftop locations, use exterior-grade materials and, where practical, mechanical fixing with stainless hardware for long-term security.

• Identifies: The DC isolation point for the PV array.
• Typical location: At or near rooftop isolators; near inverter DC isolators.

Inverter AC isolator — solar PV label

Marks the AC isolator at or near the inverter that separates it from the AC supply. During service, the label supports deliberate, correctly sequenced isolation with any DC isolation requirements. Mount the label immediately adjacent to the handle so the association is obvious at a glance.

• Identifies: The AC isolation point at the inverter.
• Typical location: Adjacent to the inverter, above/below the switch itself.

Multiple supply sources — PV safety label

Warns that a switchboard may be energised by the utility and by the PV inverter (and possibly battery storage). The intent is to prompt correct isolation of all live sources before work proceeds. Fit this where it will be read before the board is opened and repeat on any sub-boards receiving backfeed.

• Identifies: Presence of more than one energising source feeding the board.
• Typical location: Main switchboard door/escutcheon; sub-boards receiving PV backfeed.

PV DC wiring route markers — solar PV labels

Indicates conduits, cable trays or wall/roof penetrations carrying PV DC wiring. It helps prevent accidental damage during building works and guides responders during an incident to avoid cutting or drilling live DC paths. On long runs, repeat at ≤2 m intervals, at direction changes and at both sides of penetrations so trades can’t miss them.

• Identifies: Cable routes carrying PV DC circuits.
• Typical location: At entry/exit points, on conduits/trays, and near roof penetrations.

Emergency shutdown instructions — PV label

Provides a concise, site-specific sequence for shutting down the PV system and identifies where control points are located. This is valuable for facilities teams and emergency responders unfamiliar with the installation. Keep the sequence short and map-based callouts simple; arrows or a small site plan often reduce hesitation in an emergency.

• Identifies: The steps and switch locations to shut the system down safely.
• Typical location: Near the main switchboard, at the inverter area, and at principal building entry where appropriate.

Earthing and bonding markers — PV label

Marks earthing points, equipotential bonds or dedicated earthing connections related to the PV installation. Consistent identification aids verification and routine testing. Use durable plates or tags close to the termination so testers don’t need to trace cables to confirm the point.

• Identifies: Earthing/bonding terminations for PV equipment.
• Typical location: At connection lugs, bars, or designated earthing points near the inverter or switchboard.

String and combiner circuit IDs — PV labels

Labels for strings, MPPT inputs and combiner circuits make fault-finding more efficient. Matching identifiers on the array, in combiner boxes and at the inverter streamlines commissioning and service work. Heat-shrink markers on array tails paired with plates/decals at combiner and inverter ends survive weather and keep IDs consistent end-to-end.

• Identifies: Individual PV strings and their destinations (e.g. MPPT1, MPPT2).
• Typical location: On string tails, inside combiner boxes, and at inverter DC terminals.

Battery energy storage identification (if fitted) — PV labels

Where a battery energy storage system is installed, labels identify battery isolation, hazards and emergency shutoff points. Clear labelling supports safe intervention, especially where storage is in a separate location. If the battery is in a dedicated room or enclosure, duplicate hazard and isolation labels at the entry door as well as on the equipment.

• Identifies: Battery isolators, hazard warnings and shutdowns.
• Typical location: At the battery system enclosure, at isolation devices and on relevant switchboards.

Solar PV label materials and construction options

PV labels must remain legible despite UV exposure, heat and cleaning. Sign Portal manufactures a range of label types in-house in Brisbane using equipment that includes two Mimaki JFX EX UV flatbed printers, a Trotec Speedy 500 laser, a large-format CO2 laser (230 W) and a Roland VG-640 printer/cutter. Choose construction by surface type, durability needed and whether the message may change later.

• Engraved laminate labels: Multi-layer engraving laminate is laser engraved so the text is permanent. Suits switchboards, isolators and durable identification indoors or outdoors.
• Printed self-adhesive decals: Wide-format printed and contour-cut vinyl decals allow detailed graphics, symbols and barcodes. Protective lamination can improve abrasion and UV resistance.
• Reverse-printed clear acrylic: Graphics are printed to the rear of clear acrylic, protecting the print behind the face. Useful for procedure plates and directory panels.
• Direct-printed panels: UV flatbed prints directly to aluminium or ACP where a rigid plate is needed (e.g. shutdown placards). Printed vinyl on metal is an alternative where reflective or speciality films are required.

Typical specifications we build to for PV work:

• Engraving laminate thickness: 1.6 mm for switchboards/isolators; 0.8–1.2 mm for confined fascias; exterior-grade with UV-stable cap colours.
• Adhesives for plates: 3M 468MP (0.13 mm) or 9472LE (0.13 mm) acrylic transfer for powder-coated metal and plastics; applied with firm pressure, 24–72 h dwell at room temperature.
• Decal film and overlaminate: Premium UV-stable film with 50–70 µm overlaminate in gloss or matte to suit lighting and glare.
• Edges and holes: 2–3 mm corner radii, deburred; common hole sizes 3.2 mm with 6–10 mm inset for rivets or pan-head screws with nylon washers.

On uneven or lightly textured surfaces, a thin acrylic transfer may not wet out fully — use a suitable foam tape or move to mechanical fixing. For rooftop isolators and outdoor conduits, UV-stable media and hardware make the difference between a 3-year and a 10-year result.

Solar PV label artwork, data and variable labels

Electrical labelling often contains variable identifiers such as string numbers, inverter references, board and circuit IDs, or QR codes linking to manuals and forms. Sign Portal supports variable-data production from structured spreadsheets so large sets of labels can be generated consistently and efficiently.

• Variable data: Sequential numbers, equipment IDs, and QR or barcodes produced from a checked schedule.
• Contour cutting: Decals trimmed to custom shapes with a clean vector cut path for neat presentation on enclosures and conduits.
• White ink on clear: Where labels are applied to tinted or clear surfaces, a white underbase can improve contrast.
• Colour management: Brand panels (e.g. procedure plates) can incorporate corporate colours where it does not conflict with a required safety or regulatory design.

Production traceability can be included on request: discrete back engravings or micro QR codes mapping each label to the as-built schedule (useful for multi-building sites and ongoing maintenance).

Solar PV label installation considerations

Labels must remain secure and readable in the environment. For self-adhesive labels, the receiving surface should be smooth, clean, dry and compatible with the adhesive. Low-surface-energy plastics, texture, moisture and temperature can reduce adhesion; follow the media manufacturer’s surface-prep guidance.

• Adhesive mounting: Suitable for many decals and light plates; ensure the surface is prepared and consider a protective laminate for cleaning.
• Mechanical fixing: Preferred for rigid plates in exposed or long-term applications; use compatible fasteners and avoid creating sharp edges or galvanic pairs.
• Around electrical services: Do not drill or fix blindly into enclosures or walls without understanding concealed services and access requirements.

Installer checklist (quick acceptance criteria):

• Labels are level, fully adhered or securely fixed, and do not obstruct access or ventilation openings.
• Wording matches approved artwork and the current single-line diagram/board schedule.
• Minimum character size is appropriate for viewing distance (5–6 mm cap height for critical isolation points at 1 m).
• Shutdown placards are mounted at agreed heights and locations; arrows and site plans (if used) clearly reference equipment.

Solar PV label maintenance and replacement

Outdoor exposure can be severe in Australia, particularly on north- and west-facing walls and rooftops. Periodic inspections should confirm that labels remain legible, securely fixed and up to date with the system configuration.

• Cleaning: Use methods compatible with the label construction; avoid aggressive solvents and abrasives unless the material manufacturer confirms suitability.
• Inspection: Check for fading, delamination, cracking, missing fasteners or outdated wording after system changes.
• Replacement: Replace any label that can no longer be read reliably or no longer matches the installation.
• Coastal sites: Consider more frequent inspection where salt and humidity accelerate degradation of fixings and substrates.

Solar PV label repair scenarios and updates

During fault rectification or equipment change-outs, labelling must be reverified. Typical repair scenarios include inverter swaps, DC isolator replacements, and reconfigured strings following module failures.

• After an inverter replacement: Confirm “Main Switch (Inverter Supply)” still points to the correct device. Update shutdown instructions if switch positions or nomenclature changed. Replace any AC isolator decals disturbed during works.
• After a rooftop DC isolator repair: Fit new UV-stable tags if existing plates show heat or UV damage. Re-mark conduits if routes were altered.
• String re-terminations: Re-issue string ID labels at array tails, combiner, and inverter MPPTs so identifiers stay consistent end-to-end.
• Battery service (if fitted): Check hazard and isolation plates for clarity and legibility; replace if contaminated or scratched.
• Documentation: Record label updates in the maintenance log and update the label schedule so procurement and future service calls stay aligned.

Repair workflow checklist (technician use):

• Photograph existing labels and switch positions before works (helps reconcile updates later).
• Isolate, lock out and prove de-energised; confirm all supply sources are isolated.
• Replace or add labels as required; ensure adhesives are applied above minimum temperature and to prepped surfaces.
• Cross-check wording and device references against the amended single-line diagram.
• Update shutdown plate if sequence or locations changed; re-proof with the client where required.
• Annotate job card with updated Item IDs and quantities; email the revised schedule for records.
• Re-energise following site procedure and complete functional checks.

Acceptance before re-energisation:

• All isolation points are labelled and legible at 1 m; no conflicting or redundant labels remain.
• “Multiple Supply Sources” present where applicable on affected boards.
• String identifiers are consistent from array tails to inverter MPPTs.

Need a rapid reprint after a repair? Submit the updated schedule and order via Custom Electrical Labels or request pre-engraved blanks from Engraved Laminate Tags for on-site punching and fixing.

Common solar PV label schedule template (checklist)

Use this checklist to assemble a complete label schedule for quotation, manufacture and as-built records.

• Project details: site name, address, contact, network jurisdiction.
• Standards references: AS/NZS 5033 (current amendment), AS/NZS 3000, AS/NZS 4777.1 where relevant.
• Board list: MSB, DB names, board locations (GPS or room), photos if available.
• Label items: exact wording, quantity, size, colour, material, fixings, and location notes.
• Identifier sets: string IDs, MPPT inputs, combiner circuits, asset numbers.
• Artwork controls: fonts, colour codes, symbol requirements, corporate branding constraints.
• QR/barcodes: destination URLs, error correction level, minimum size, placement.
• Environmental notes: coastal, industrial washdown, temperature extremes, direct sun orientation.
• Mounting method: adhesive spec (e.g. 3M 467MP/468MP), mechanical fixings, hole pattern (e.g. 3 mm at 6 mm inset), edge radius.
• Proofing contacts: approver names, required turnaround, revision control.

Suggested spreadsheet headers (copy/paste): Board/Area, Item ID, Exact Wording, Qty, Size (mm), Material, Colour, Fixing, Location/Photo Ref, Notes/Standard Ref

Template snippet (example rows):

Ordering common solar PV labels from Sign Portal

Sign Portal manufactures custom PV labels and panels in-house in Brisbane and ships Australia-wide. For multi-label projects, a structured schedule (spreadsheet) helps maintain consistency and reduces manual data entry. We can prototype a key panel or sample set for review on complex jobs.

1. Prepare data: Supply a label schedule with exact wording, quantities, sizes and any identifiers.
2. Artwork proof: We provide proofs so stakeholders can check wording, spelling, colours, dimensions and layout before manufacture. Approval is not a compliance review.
3. Manufacture: Production may include laser engraving, UV flatbed printing, wide-format printing, contour cutting and lamination as specified.
4. Packaging and freight: Labels and plates are packed to protect finished faces and edges; national freight can be arranged, including to regional and remote areas.

Order online or request a fast quote:

• Custom Electrical Labels – variable data sets, QR codes, shutdown plates and directory panels.
• Engraved Laminate Tags – durable switchboard and isolator tags with mechanical or adhesive fixing.

For urgent repair work, we can stage partial shipments by board or area so sites can return to service while remaining positions are completed.

Australian context and compliance for solar PV labels

PV labelling intersects with workplace safety communication and electrical practice. Use recognised Australian safety sign conventions so warnings, mandatory actions and emergency information are understood at a glance.

• Safety-sign conventions: Where a sign is intended to align with workplace safety practice, use the recognised category and visual treatment for the message’s function (e.g. as guided by AS 1319) rather than arbitrary colours.
• Project documentation: Follow the system drawings, equipment schedules and client or authority specifications provided for the job.
• When in doubt: Confirm the applicable requirement for the site and do not assume a label is compliant because it resembles an image found online.

Choosing solar PV label materials for Australian exposure

System location, sunlight intensity and cleaning practices influence label selection. Outdoor rooftop equipment faces high UV, heat and weather, while indoor switchboards may experience milder conditions.

• Harsh outdoor exposure: Consider engraved laminate plaques or printed decals with suitable media and protective lamination.
• Indoor boards: Printed decals or engraved plates both work well; prioritise readability and a tidy, consistent layout.
• Future updates: If wording is likely to change (e.g. tenant reconfiguration), choose modular plates or decals that are easy to replace.

Production methods matched to solar PV labelling jobs

Because Sign Portal controls printing, cutting and engraving in-house, we can align processes to your specification. For example, UV flatbed printing can produce rigid instruction plates on aluminium, while our Trotec Speedy 500 laser engraves durable laminate tags in the same production workflow. Where curved or hard-to-reach surfaces are involved, contour-cut decals can be supplied on application sheets to speed installation.

How Sign Portal ensures solar PV label durability and consistency

Our first-party controls are designed for PV environments and Australian exposure.

• Materials we commonly use: Rowmark LaserMax and Gravoply 2 engraving laminates, marine-grade 316 stainless hardware, and high-tack acrylic transfer adhesives such as 3M 468MP or 9472LE for plates; premium cast vinyls with UV overlaminate for decals.
• Process capability: In-house variable-data workflow (CSV/XLSX) drives engraving and print files, reducing manual entry errors on large sets (e.g. 200+ string IDs).
• Quality checks: Batch and position verification against your schedule; barcode/QR test scans; adhesive dwell-time and pull-tab checks before packing.
• Edge and fixing detail: Typical plate corners are radiused (2–3 mm) with deburred edges; common hole patterns are 3.2 mm at 6–10 mm inset to suit rivets or pan-head screws with nylon washers.
• Legibility targets: Minimum character height guidance used during artwork (e.g. 5–6 mm cap height for critical isolation labels on switchboards viewed at 1 m).

Packaging and traceability that help on site:

• Labels kitted by board/area with pick lists that mirror your schedule for quick sign-off.
• Optional discrete job codes or QR back marks to link each label to its drawing reference.
• Protective interleaving on engraved faces and corner guards on rigid plates to avoid transit scuffing.

Solar PV label practical specs and installer notes

• Common plate sizes: 75 × 20 mm, 100 × 25 mm, 150 × 40 mm for switchgear; 300 × 200 mm and 450 × 300 mm for shutdown placards.
• Contrast and colours: Safety colours follow message type; ensure background/foreground contrast ratio remains high under ageing (gloss black on white, white on red, black on yellow).
• Symbol clarity: Use vector symbols sized for viewing distance; avoid bitmap artefacts on small decals.
• Cable route markers: Directional arrows and “PV DC” repeats at ≤2 m intervals on long conduit runs and at entry/exit points.