Walk the Job Site: Every Required Placard

1. Rapid Shutdown Placard at the Service Equipment

Inspectors check this label first. Place it at each service equipment location the PV system connects to, or at an approved, readily visible spot. It also needs a simple diagram of a building with a roof.

The title reads “SOLAR PV SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN” in capital letters at least 3/8 inch tall. Next, choose the second line based on what your system shuts down:

• Array and conductors: “TURN RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH TO THE ‘OFF’ POSITION TO SHUT DOWN PV SYSTEM AND REDUCE SHOCK HAZARD IN ARRAY.”
• Conductors only: “…TO SHUT DOWN CONDUCTORS OUTSIDE THE ARRAY. CONDUCTORS IN ARRAY REMAIN ENERGIZED IN SUNLIGHT.”

Under the 2020 code, this placard had to be reflective. It also used black on yellow for array-level shutdown and white on red for conductors only. The 2023 NEC dropped that color rule, so it now asks only for legible, contrasting text. Even so, red and white remains the safe default.

2. Rapid Shutdown Switch Label

Put “RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH FOR SOLAR PV SYSTEM” within 3 feet of the initiator. This label hasn’t changed across editions. It still needs reflective white capital letters on red, at least 3/8 inch tall. Only the citation moved, from 690.56(C)(2) to 690.12(D)(2).

3. DC Conduit, Raceways and Junction Boxes

Mark exposed DC raceways, enclosures and junction boxes “WARNING: PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE.” Space the markings no more than 10 feet apart. Then add one within 1 foot of turns and bends, plus one above and below penetrations.

NEC 2026 moves these rules to 705.25(B) because they apply to all PV DC circuits. So update that citation in your plan set notes.

4. Disconnects and the Inverter

In 2023, the maximum DC voltage label moved from 690.53 to 690.7(D). After that, NEC 2026 added a real time-saver. You can now round the calculated voltage up, so one standard label replaces a stack of job-specific ones.

NEC 2026 also trims the PV disconnect marking to “PV SYSTEM DISCONNECT” or equivalent. Meanwhile, the line-and-load terminal warning now lives under 705.20(F).

5. Batteries and Multiple Power Sources

When solar, storage and the utility all feed one building, the 705.10 directory must show every source and its disconnect location. For that reason, plan it early on solar-plus-storage jobs.

NEC 2026 also deleted 706.16 and now points storage disconnects to 705.20. As a result, older ESS plan notes may cite sections that no longer exist.

What NEC 2026 Changed in Solar Labeling Requirements

The 2026 code added no new labels. Instead, most changes relocate or simplify existing rules:

• The voltage label can use a rounded-up value.
• The shock hazard label left 690.13(B).
• PV overcurrent devices need a “PV” or “Photovoltaic” marking.
• DC conductor marking moved to 705.25(B).

A bigger shake-up arrives with the 2029 NEC, which renumbers the chapters. Therefore, build your templates now so you can swap citations quickly.

Label Materials and Durability Under 110.21(B)

Durability is part of solar label requirements too. Section 110.21(B) covers field-applied warning labels. Your labels must stay permanently attached and suit the environment. Also, nobody should handwrite them, except for values that can change in the field.

Some fire authorities go further. For example, Orange County, California calls for reflective, weather-resistant red-and-white labels rated to UL 969. So always check local amendments before you order stock.

5-Step Label Check Before Final Inspection

1. Confirm the edition at the AHJ level. Your city may sit ahead of or behind the state.
2. Match every citation in your plan set to that edition.
3. Check fire marshal and utility add-ons, such as meter or color rules.
4. Photograph every label in place before you call for inspection.
5. Keep one master kit per edition, so crews never mix 2020 and 2023 stock.

Get Solar Label Requirements Right on Every Plan Set

A wrong citation on a $2 sticker shouldn’t hold up a $30,000 project.

Energyscape Renewables builds every plan set to the edition your AHJ actually enforces. Each set includes a matching label schedule, 24-hour PE stamping in all 50 states and a 99% AHJ and utility approval rate. In addition, our AHJ Utility Database tracks which code applies where, so your crew prints the right kit the first time.

Order PV labels without leaving your project. Sunscape now lets you order PV labels and placards straight from any active project. There’s no second login and no spreadsheet to chase. Every order also syncs to your project timeline automatically, so labels arrive before install day, not after the inspector asks for them.

Beyond labels, Sunscape keeps every job visible from site survey to permit, inspection and PTO. That way, you spot a stalled project and fix it before it costs you a payment cycle.

Building in a 2023 or 2026 NEC jurisdiction? Request a quote for an edition-correct plan set, or log in to Sunscape and order your label kit today.

FAQs About Solar Label Requirements

What does a solar rapid shutdown label need to say?
The service placard reads “SOLAR PV SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN,” with switch instructions and a roof diagram. The switch label reads “RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH FOR SOLAR PV SYSTEM.”

Do rapid shutdown placards have to be red and reflective?
Under the 2020 NEC, yes. However, the 2023 and 2026 editions only require contrasting, legible text on the building placard. The switch label stays red, white and reflective in every edition.

Did the 2026 NEC add new solar labels?
No. It simplified and relocated existing rules. The most useful change lets you round up the DC voltage on one standard label.

How do I know which NEC edition applies to my job?
Check with the local AHJ, because cities and counties can adopt editions separately from the state. You can also read the NFPA 70 code text for free.