🚨 Emergency Response Guidelines: Solar PV System Incidents
⚠️ If You Are NOT Trained or Do Not Have PPE
Do NOT attempt to apply PVSTOP or engage with the solar system if you:
- Do not have the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Are not trained in PVSTOP operation
- Are in an environment with smoke, structural risk, or electrical danger
👉 Your safety is the priority. Immediately:
- Evacuate the area
- Call Emergency Services
- Provide responders with:
- Access to the PVSTOP device
- The User Manual or a printed Quick Guide
- Any system information you have (location of inverter, panel type, etc.)
🔧 What Trained First Responders Should Know
PVSTOP is a light-blocking, non-conductive spray that shuts down solar panels by covering them and cutting off the light that powers them.
✅ How It Helps:
- De-energizes solar PV panels in seconds
- Protects responders from DC electrical shocks
- Blocks toxic nanoparticles and prevents electrical arcs
🛡️ How to Use PVSTOP (Only Trained Operators)
1. Wear full PPE: gloves, mask, protective eyewear
2. Do a safety check: confirm safe access, air quality, and risk of falling debris
3. Apply PVSTOP:
- Pull safety pin
- Aim at solar panels
- Squeeze to spray across at least 40% of panel center
- Aim for full 100% coverage where possible
⚡ Even 40% coverage makes the panel electrically safe (0 Amps output)
🧽 After Application
- Do NOT try to peel off or clean the coating unless authorized
- Only qualified technicians may reactivate or clean the system
- Dried PVSTOP forms a peelable film that lasts up to 12 months
🚷 What You Should NEVER Do
❌ Never spray PVSTOP on people or animals
❌ Never tamper with the pressurized cylinder
❌ Never attempt to engage a burning system without full PPE
❌ Never assume a panel is safe just because it looks damaged or shaded
❌ Never try to restart the system on your own
📍 Where Should PVSTOP Be Stored?
- In visible and easily accessible locations
- Away from high-heat or freezing conditions
- Not in narrow corridors or areas with fire risk blocking access
- Marked with clear signage and mounted securely
📢 Important Notice to Building Owners
If PVSTOP was used during an emergency:
- DO NOT touch the system
- Contact a licensed electrician to inspect and reactivate
- Keep the used canister labeled and dispose of it properly