This Solar DC Isolation & Commissioning SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how licensed electrical workers isolate, test for absence of voltage and commission solar PV DC systems, including array and string isolators, DC cabling and inverters. It covers the isolation sequence from AC to DC, inverter discharge times, why arrays stay live in daylight, battery storage isolation, commissioning tests against design values and re-energising in reverse order. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Solar PV installers and electricians
Electrical contractors doing solar maintenance and fault-finding
Solar and battery service technicians
Commercial solar maintenance teams
Electrical apprentices under supervision
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Electric shock from live DC conductors, connectors and terminals
DC arc flash, which doesn't self-extinguish like an AC arc
Panels and DC cabling staying live whenever exposed to daylight
Wrongly assuming a DC circuit is de-energised
Burns from arc energy when switching or disconnecting DC components
Falls from height when accessing rooftop isolators and connections
Incorrect polarity, faulty connectors or damaged cabling
Fire from DC arc faults in cabling, connectors or combiner boxes
Undetected earth faults or insulation breakdown
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from licence and PV accreditation to design documents, test instruments, isolator condition and weather
A 14-step operating procedure covering AC then DC isolation, string isolation, testing for absence of voltage, commissioning tests and re-energising
Isolation and energy control explaining why a PV array can't be fully de-energised and how to work safely around it
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for electric shock, arc flash, fire and unexpected voltage readings
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Electrical, HVAC & Solar SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Who can carry out this work?
Only a licensed electrical worker who is competent and, where applicable, accredited for solar PV work. The pre-operational checks confirm the licence and accreditation are current.
Does it cover installing panels on the roof?
No. Mounting, racking, panel installation and running DC cabling on the roof are covered by the Solar Panel Roof Installation SOP. AC circuit isolation and EV or hybrid vehicle systems have their own procedures too.
Does it cover battery storage systems?
Yes. Where a battery energy storage system is connected to the array, the SOP requires it to be isolated and locked out following the same approach.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
