Solar Label Material Systems Used by PV Labels

Not every solar label or placard should be made from the same material. A small warning label on a disconnect has different requirements than a reflective rapid shutdown label, engraved directory placard, or mechanically mounted exterior sign. PV Labels uses different material systems so installers can choose the right product for the application, visibility requirement, surface, and exposure level.

Material Comparison

The best solar marking material depends on the job. Use the comparison below to choose between standard vinyl labels, reflective labels, engraved placards, and metal signs.

Standard White Solar Labels

Standard white solar labels are the most common choice for NEC photovoltaic warning labels and general electrical identification. PV Labels uses FLEXcon DPM FWS white vinyl material for many standard solar label applications because it is designed for durable goods and equipment labeling, including compliance labels, warning labels, instructional labels, nameplates, and industrial equipment identification.

FLEXcon DPM FWS is a 3.5 mil flexible white vinyl with a print-receptive surface compatible with conventional and UV ink systems. It uses a permanent acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive designed to bond to a range of surfaces, including plastics, painted metal, powder-coated paint, polycarbonate, and fiberglass.

Reflective Solar Labels

Reflective solar labels are used when visibility matters. They are especially useful for emergency identification, exterior disconnect labeling, rapid shutdown identification, and other PV marking locations where labels may need to be seen in low-light conditions.

PV Labels uses Avery Dennison engineering-grade beaded retroreflective film for reflective label applications. This material is designed for permanent and temporary outdoor signage, provides omni-directional reflective performance, and meets ASTM D4956 Type I / EN-12899 RA1 performance requirements.

• MaterialAvery Dennison engineering-grade beaded retroreflective film
• PerformanceASTM D4956 Type I / EN-12899 RA1
• Durability7 years for vertical exposure
• Service Temperature-10°F to 150°F

Engraved Solar Placards

Engraved solar placards are a strong option for system maps, directories, warning placards, battery system identification, and permanent equipment marking. Unlike printed labels, engraved placards physically mark the material surface, making them a preferred choice for applications where long-term readability and a more permanent appearance are important.

PV Labels uses Rowmark UltraGrave for engraved acrylic placards. UltraGrave is a polymer-surfaced impact-modified acrylic designed for interior and exterior signage. PV Labels engraves and router-cuts these placards for clean, professional field installation.

• MaterialRowmark UltraGrave polymer-surfaced impact-modified acrylic
• FinishMatte finish
• Thickness1/16 inch for standard engraved placards
• Marking MethodLaser engraved and router cut
• Compliance NotesRoHS compliant, halogen-free, PVC-free, formaldehyde-free, phenol-free, UL 94 HB rated

UV Stability vs Outdoor Weatherability

UV stability and outdoor weatherability are related, but they are not the same thing. UV stability refers to a material’s ability to maintain colorfastness under ultraviolet exposure for a limited period of time. Outdoor weatherability refers to the material’s ability to withstand exterior weathering conditions such as sunlight, rain, heat, temperature changes, and environmental exposure.

In real solar installations, both matter. Labels and placards may be exposed to direct sun, heat, rain, dust, maintenance activity, and changing field conditions. That is why PV Labels uses different material systems instead of relying on one material for every application.

Material & Durability FAQ

Need Help Choosing the Right Solar Label Material?

PV Labels can help you select the right material for your solar labels, reflective labels, engraved placards, system maps, battery labels, and metal signs.