Description
Rapid Solar PV Isolation for Fire, Maintenance & Emergency Response
When solar panels are exposed to daylight, they continue generating DC electricity, creating a significant safety consideration for fire and rescue teams, electrical technicians and maintenance personnel working around a photovoltaic installation. The PVSTOP 9 Litre Solar Panel Block Out (EPVS9) is designed to address this problem by applying a water-based polymer coating directly onto the solar panels, blocking the light reaching the panels and helping to isolate power at the point of generation. Jactone describes PVSTOP as a way of effectively covering solar panels with a temporary film so the PV system can be made electrically safer without physically accessing or modifying the panels.
For professional users dealing with solar PV during fires, flooding, storms, short circuits or planned maintenance, the 9 litre EPVS9 provides a practical system that can be deployed from the supplied hose and discharged over the panel array. The unit contains 9 litres of PVSTOP water-based polymer, operates at 15 barg at 20°C, has an approximately 70-second discharge time and an effective range of up to 10 metres, allowing operators to maintain a greater working distance from the solar panels during application.
How PVSTOP Works
The principle behind PVSTOP is straightforward: block the light and stop the panels generating electricity. The water-based polymer is sprayed over the photovoltaic panels where it forms a temporary coating that prevents light reaching the cells. Jactone states that the coating dries into a protective, non-flammable film which can subsequently be peeled away from the panels without damaging the system when the PV installation is ready to return to service.
The manufacturer also identifies a number of additional characteristics designed around emergency and maintenance use. PVSTOP is described as non-conductive, anti-arcing, quick drying, insulating and fire retardant in its wet state, while the dry coating is non-flammable. These characteristics are intended to help reduce electrical hazards when suitably trained personnel are working around solar PV equipment.
Product Highlights
- 9 litre PVSTOP water-based polymer for solar PV isolation
- Effective range of up to 10 metres for application from a safer working distance
- Approximately 70-second discharge time at 15 barg operating pressure
- Temporary coating can be peeled away from the panels when the system is ready to be reactivated
- Designed for suitably trained fire & rescue, electrical and PV personnel and verified by third-party authorities, with ISO 14034:2016 ETV accreditation stated by Jactone
A Specialist Safety Tool for Solar PV Installations
PVSTOP is particularly relevant to organisations responsible for large solar arrays, commercial rooftop PV systems, industrial installations and solar maintenance operations. Jactone identifies fire and rescue services, first responders, electrical technicians, maintenance personnel, PV system owners and PV system operators as intended users, making it a specialist product for organisations that need a method of dealing with the continuing electrical generation of solar panels during an incident or maintenance activity.
The EPVS9 is supplied as a stored-pressure, single-use device and includes a pressure gauge, hose and wall bracket as part of its product configuration. The cylinder is constructed from mild steel with a polyester finish and brass valve, and the complete unit weighs approximately 14.2kg.
An Important Distinction
PVSTOP is not a fire extinguisher and must not be used as one. It is a specialist product for helping to isolate solar PV-generated electrical power by blocking light from reaching the panels, and should be used by appropriately trained personnel in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the site’s emergency or maintenance procedures.
Why Buy PVSTOP from HSE Store?
At HSE Store, we understand that specialist safety equipment needs to solve a specific operational problem, particularly when working around modern technologies such as solar PV. We supply professional safety equipment to businesses and technical users across the UK, with free delivery on orders over £50 and 5-star customer reviews. Where available, we can also help with custom requirements and product options, making it easier to source specialist equipment for solar, electrical, industrial and emergency-response applications.
