ATEX Solar Panel
- Type: Solar Panel Ex Zone 1 & 2
- Brand: AP, Bartec
- Scope: Design, Engineering, Procurement, Assembly, FAT, Site Commissioning.
- Rating (Wp): 38, 65, 139, 186, 249, 370
- Voltage: 12V, 24V
In hazardous industrial environments—from oil and gas refineries to chemical processing plants—safety is non-negotiable. Standard electrical equipment poses a significant ignition risk, and this includes conventional solar power systems. To meet the stringent safety requirements of these volatile sites, specialized, explosion-proof solar panels are essential.
Team Switchgear is the leading partner in the UAE for the design, supply, and integration of fully ATEX and IECEx Certified Solar Panel Power Packs and systems, ensuring reliable, off-grid power without compromising safety in Zone 1 and Zone 2 classified areas.
This comprehensive guide will detail everything you need to know about ATEX solar power, how these certified systems work, and why choosing a specialist like Team Switchgear is critical for your operational success and regulatory compliance worldwide
An Explosion-Proof Solar Power System is a sophisticated integration of certified components, meticulously designed to prevent sparks, hot surfaces, or thermal ignition. It is not just a standard panel bolted to a frame it is a complete, custom-engineered solution.
A. The ATEX Certified Solar Panel
The solar panel itself must be certified, typically achieving protection by utilizing specialized materials, sealed junction boxes, and a robust mechanical design to prevent damage that could lead to arcing. Key features include:
- Non-Sparking Enclosure: The terminal box where wiring connections are made is either intrinsically safe (Ex i) or housed in a flameproof enclosure (Ex d).
- Robust Materials: Use of anti-static, durable, and corrosion-resistant materials suitable for harsh desert and marine environments often found in hazardous regions.
B. The Certified Power Pack (Controller, Battery, Enclosure)
The true complexity lies in the power pack, which contains the energy-storing and power-regulating electronics:
- Explosion-Proof Enclosure: The batteries and charge controller are housed in a robust, sealed enclosure, usually certified to Ex d (Flameproof) or Ex e (Increased Safety) standards. This prevents an internal explosion from propagating to the outside atmosphere.
- Charge Controller: The solar charge controller is the system’s brain and must be certified to prevent the production of dangerous sparks or excessive heat during charging and discharging cycles.
- Batteries: Even non-sparking batteries are housed and wired to maintain the overall system’s ATEX/IECEx integrity.
- Wiring and Glands: All cable entries use certified Ex cable glands to maintain the flameproof or ingress protection rating of the enclosure.
For facilities who are looking to enter into energy and industrial sectors, certified solar power offers multiple critical advantages:
Maximum Safety and Compliance
The primary reason is simple: safety. Using a non-certified system is a violation of site safety protocols and can lead to catastrophic failure. Certified Zone Certified Solar Panel Power Packs are essential for protecting personnel, assets, and the environment. Choosing ATEX and IECEx compliance guarantees you meet the highest global standards.
Reliable Off-Grid Power
In remote pipelines, wellheads, monitoring stations, and other hazardous areas, grid power is unavailable. These systems provide a highly reliable, autonomous power source for:
- Cathodic Protection (CP) Systems: Essential for preventing corrosion on pipelines and metal structures.
- Monitoring and Control Equipment: SCADA systems, RTUs, sensors, and remote telemetry units (RTUs).
- Safety and Surveillance: Certified CCTV cameras and emergency lighting.
Longevity and Durability
Our Ex Solar Power Systems are built for the challenging conditions around the globe. They are engineered to withstand:
- Extreme Heat: Maintaining performance in the high ambient temperatures.
- Dust and Sand: High Ingress Protection (IP) ratings to keep out dust and moisture.
- Corrosion: Galvanized or stainless steel mounting structures to resist corrosion in coastal or industrial air.
