The Rising Voltage of Solar Farms
Utility-scale solar systems have rapidly shifted from 600 V to 1,500 V DC strings, and in some cases, even higher. Bifacial modules, larger trackers, and extended conductor runs push combiner box voltages beyond the safe limits of conventional PPE and standard 1 kV tools. For solar operators, this means incident energy levels that can exceed 100 cal/cm², along with increased risks for technicians and O&M teams inheriting sites they didn’t build.
As solar technology scales, the safety challenge grows: How do you reliably prove zero energy in a 1,500 VDC system without opening the enclosure door?
High-Voltage Hazards in Solar Operations
Unlike traditional electrical systems, solar farms generate energy continuously; you can’t simply “turn off the sun.” Residual energy, backfeed pathways, and stored charge can remain in combiner boxes and inverters even after isolation has been implemented. This creates two critical risks for technicians:
- Arc flash energies beyond PPE limits
- Residual or hidden voltage even after shutdown
Standard 1 kV tools and practices leave a safety gap.
What Are PESDs and How Do They Improve Safety?
Permanent Electrical Safety Devices (PESDs) are UL-listed components that mount directly on enclosures, providing workers with safe, thru-door access to voltage presence indication and test points. By moving critical testing outside the enclosure, PESDs reduce exposure risk and standardize Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
In compliance with NFPA 70E 120.6(7), test-point PESDs enable Live-Dead-Live verification with a portable meter, while LED indicators provide continuous awareness of voltage presence until energy is fully dissipated.
Introducing ChekVolt® 3kV: Built for Solar DC Safety
ChekVolt 3kV closes the safety gap in modern solar operations. Its patented 10:1 divider technology scales 0–3,000 VDC into the safe 0–300 V range for any CAT III 1,000 V multimeter, with no special probes required.
Key features include:
- 10:1 Divider Technology: Safe absence-of-voltage testing up to 3,000 VDC
- High-Impedance Test Points: Touch-safe design prevents probe slips
- Dual Redundant LEDs: Clear, visual voltage presence confirmation
- Rugged Build: IP69 / NEMA 4X construction withstands desert, dust, and washdowns
- Easy Installation: Fits standard 30 mm knockouts
Benefits of ChekVolt® 3kV in Solar Applications
- Reduced downtime – Faster, standardized LOTO procedures that save time and labor.
- NFPA 70E compliance – Enables Live-Dead-Live testing without exposing workers to open conductors.
- Enhanced safety – Eliminates “wish and pray” voltage checks in high-energy circuits.
- Technician efficiency – Simplified interface reduces guesswork for O&M teams with high turnover.
Real-World Use Cases in Solar Operations
Wherever DC circuits exceed 1,000 V, ChekVolt 3kV is the right choice. For balance-of-plant equipment with a voltage of ≤ 1 kV, the standard ChekVolt AC and DC models remain the ideal choice.
- 1,500 VDC combiner boxes: Safely verify absence of voltage from outside the enclosure.
- Central inverters: Confirm both line and load-side conditions with LEDs and test points.
- High-turnover O&M crews: Standardized PESD interfaces reduce training gaps and human error.
Future of Solar Safety: Beyond Compliance
As renewable energy scales, engineered solutions like PESDs will shape the future of safe and efficient maintenance. ChekVolt not only meets current NFPA 70E requirements but also anticipates the evolving higher-voltage safety landscape in solar farms worldwide.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Solar technology is pushing higher voltages and greater risks. Don’t let outdated tools leave your team exposed. Equip your solar operations with ChekVolt 3kV, the higher-voltage PESD that makes safety, compliance, and productivity the easy choice.
Download our free eBook to learn how PESDs can transform safety in solar and beyond: Electrical Safety by Design: Save Lives. Increase Productivity.
Stay SAFE, and have a GREAT week!
