Solar Label Placement Guide: Where Every Label Goes

Your inspector shows up and walks the job methodically. He checks the service panel. He checks the RSD switch. He walks the conduit run - and stops every 10 feet looking for conduit labels. He opens the combiner box. He checks the inverter. He checks the AC disconnect. Then he pulls out his clipboard and marks three items as missing. You passed everything except the labels.

That scenario plays out on 1 in 4 residential solar inspections nationally. Labeling is the most common minor failure point, and it almost always comes down to knowing exactly where every label needs to go - not just the big ones at the panel, but every junction box, every conduit segment, every disconnect. This guide covers every NEC-required label location on a residential solar PV system so your crew can label it right the first time, every time.

What Governs Solar Label Placement?

Solar PV labeling requirements come primarily from NEC Article 690 Part VI and are supplemented by Articles 110, 200, 225, 230, and 705. In the 2023 NEC, many power source identification requirements were consolidated into Article 705.10, creating a more unified standard across PV systems, battery storage, and generators.

Think of your label schedule as having two layers:

1. Article 690 labels - specific to the PV system (rapid shutdown, DC voltage, conduit marking)
2. Articles 705 and 110 labels - system interconnection and general safety (power source directory, arc flash)

You need both layers to pass. Missing either is a fail. Print Pro AZ's NEC 2023 solar label bundles are organized by code section so you can verify coverage on both layers before calling for inspection.

Where Does the Rapid Shutdown Label Go?

The rapid shutdown placard is required at the service equipment - on or adjacent to the main service disconnect enclosure where it's plainly visible. Per NEC 690.56(C) and 690.12(D) in the 2023 NEC, this placard must:

• State "SOLAR PV SYSTEM EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN"
• Identify the exact location of the RSD initiation device
• Include a roof diagram showing which conductors are controlled
• Use red background, white lettering, minimum 3/8 inch uppercase letters

If the service equipment is grouped (multiple meters, multiple disconnects), the placard goes at the group location.

A second label goes at the rapid shutdown initiation device itself - typically the AC disconnect, a dedicated switch at the service panel, or a breaker labeled for shutdown. This label per 690.12(D)(2) reads "PV SYSTEM RAPID SHUTDOWN INITIATION DEVICE." Many AHJs also want "RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH FOR SOLAR PV SYSTEM" directly at the switch handle.

What Labels Go on Solar Conduit and Raceways?

This is the most frequently missed area. DC conductors in conduit, raceways, or cable trays must be labeled per NEC 690.31(G)(4) with the words:

"WARNING: PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE"

Placement requirements:

• Every 10 feet on exposed runs
• At every turn in the conduit run
• Above and below every penetration (through walls, floors, ceilings)
• At every junction box, pull box, and conduit body cover or enclosure

This applies to all exposed DC conduit from the array to the inverter - on the roof, through the attic, down the exterior wall, wherever it runs. Red background, white lettering, minimum 3/8 inch letters.

Walk the entire conduit run before calling for inspection. Measure out every 10 feet. If you have a 45-foot exposed exterior conduit run, you should have labels at the top, at 10 feet, at 20 feet, at 30 feet, at 40 feet, and at the bottom. That's 6 labels on one conduit run. Forgetting even one is a fail.

Print Pro AZ carries conduit labels in vinyl, plastic, and metal formats, pre-printed with the exact NEC-required language. Shop the solar label collection to see all conduit label options.

What Goes on the DC Disconnect Label?

The DC disconnect needs two types of labels:

1. Identification label per NEC 690.13(B): "PV SYSTEM DISCONNECT" with open/closed position indicated.

2. Electrical data label per NEC 690.53: This is the technical data tag that shows:

• Maximum system voltage
• Rated maximum power-point voltage (Vmpp)
• Rated maximum power-point current (Impp)
• Short-circuit current (Isc)

These values come directly from your final engineering package. The label must match the approved plan set. A voltage mismatch between the label and the plans is a common inspection failure - pull the final engineering values before printing.

If both sides of the disconnect can be energized in the open position (true for virtually every utility-interactive solar system), an additional warning label is required: "ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD - TERMINALS ON THE LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION."

What Labels Are Required on the AC Disconnect?

The AC disconnect - isolating the AC output of the inverter - requires a label per NEC 690.54 at the point of interconnection disconnecting means. This label identifies the AC disconnect as the interconnection point for the solar system.

Many crews use the text "AC DISCONNECT FOR SOLAR PV SYSTEM" to clearly distinguish the AC disconnect from the DC disconnect and the main service disconnect. Your label should also satisfy NEC 705.10, which requires each power source disconnecting means to indicate the location of the other power source disconnects.

A simple label that says "PV SYSTEM AC DISCONNECT - PV DC DISCONNECT LOCATED AT [LOCATION]" satisfies both 690.54 and 705.10 in one label.

What Labels Go on Junction Boxes and Combiner Boxes?

Every junction box, pull box, combiner box, and conduit body containing DC PV conductors must be labeled per NEC 690.31(G)(3) and (G)(4):

"WARNING: PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE"

This includes:

• Roof-mounted junction boxes
• Wall-mounted pull boxes where conduit turns
• String combiner boxes (also need source circuit identification per 690.9)
• Any enclosure where DC conductors are present

The label goes on the cover or enclosure lid - visible without opening the box. This is a location that new crews often miss. The conduit labels are visible; the box labels require intentionally putting a label on each lid.

What's Required at the Service Panel (Backfed Breaker)?

If you're using the 120% rule under NEC 705.12(B)(2)(3)(b) - backfeeding a breaker at the opposite end of the busbar from the main breaker - you need a label at the breaker that identifies it as the solar backfed breaker and notes the busbar rating.

Per NEC 705.12(B)(2)(3)(b), a label is required that identifies the interconnection breaker. Many AHJs require wording like "SOLAR INTERCONNECTION - DO NOT RELOCATE" to prevent future electricians from moving the breaker to a non-compliant position on the busbar.

Where Does the Power Source Directory Go?

Per NEC 705.10, a directory of power sources is required at the service equipment and at any location where multiple power production sources are interconnected. On a standard solar install, that means your main service panel.

The directory is a permanent label - not a document tucked in a folder - that lists all energy sources, their disconnect locations, and voltages. On solar-only installs, it covers the PV array and the utility. On solar-plus-storage installs, it covers the PV array, the battery ESS, and the utility.

FAQ

How often do I need "WARNING: PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE" labels on conduit?

Per NEC 690.31(G)(4), every 10 feet on exposed runs, plus at every turn, above and below every penetration, and at every junction box or enclosure. Walk the entire run and count them out before calling for inspection.

Does the rapid shutdown placard go on the panel or next to it?

Per NEC 690.56(C), it goes on or adjacent to the service disconnect enclosure where it is plainly visible. It does not need to be on the panel door itself - adjacent and clearly visible satisfies the requirement. Confirm placement preference with your AHJ.

What label goes on a backfed solar breaker?

Per NEC 705.12(B)(2)(3)(b), a label identifying the interconnection breaker is required. Most AHJs want wording that identifies it as the solar interconnect breaker and prevents it from being relocated. Check your AHJ's preferred wording.

Do microinverter systems need DC conduit labels?

Microinverter systems have no DC conductors in conduit between the array and an inverter - the inversion happens at each module. However, any DC wiring that does exist (module-to-module wiring on the roof) still applies to 690.31(G)(4) where it's in a raceway. The trunk cable running to the gateway/combiner is AC and does not require the "WARNING: PV POWER SOURCE" label.

Do I need an arc flash label on a residential solar installation?

Generally no. NEC 110.16 does not apply to dwelling units. Residential solar installations are typically exempt from arc flash labeling requirements. Commercial solar installations in non-dwelling settings are subject to 110.16(A) at minimum.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Seven key label locations exist on every residential solar job - and most inspection failures come from the conduit label spacing (every 10 feet) and the junction box lids, not the panel placard.
2. The DC disconnect needs both an identification label and the 690.53 electrical data label - make sure voltage and current values match the approved plan set exactly.
3. The power source directory at the service panel (NEC 705.10) is often overlooked - it's required on every solar installation and covers all interconnected energy sources.

Shop our NEC 2023 compliant solar label packs → /collections/solar-electric-tags

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