Module 2: Iraq-Specific Safety Requirements
Module 2: Iraq-Specific Safety Requirements
Estimated time: 30 minutes
2.1 Climate Considerations
Iraq presents unique challenges for solar installation that differ from other markets:
| Factor | Iraq Condition | Impact on Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Summer temperature | Up to 52C (shade) in Basra | Panel output drops 13% (standard) or 8.7% (HJT) |
| Dust and sand | Frequent sandstorms | Panel soiling reduces output 5-15% without cleaning |
| Wind | Shamal winds up to 80 km/h | Mounting must withstand sustained wind loads |
| UV radiation | Extreme UV index 10+ | All outdoor cables must be UV-rated |
| Humidity | High in southern Iraq (Basra) | Corrosion risk — use stainless steel hardware |
2.2 Personal Safety
Mandatory PPE for Every Installation:
- Hard hat (especially rooftop work)
- Safety harness and anchor point (roofs above 2m height)
- Insulated gloves (rated to 1000V DC)
- Safety boots with insulated soles
- UV-protective clothing (long sleeves — Iraq sun is extreme)
- Adequate hydration — minimum 4 liters water per installer per day in summer
2.3 Electrical Safety
Solar panels produce DC voltage whenever exposed to light. You CANNOT turn them off.
- Always assume panels are live during daylight hours
- Cover panels with opaque material before wiring (reduces voltage to near zero)
- Never work on DC wiring with wet hands or in rain
- Use insulated tools rated for DC voltage
- Measure Voc before connecting strings — verify against expected value
- Install DC isolator BEFORE connecting to inverter
2.4 Working Hours
Iraq summer temperatures are dangerous. Follow these guidelines:
| Season | Safe Working Hours | Mandatory Break |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Nov-Feb) | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM | 30 min every 3 hours |
| Spring/Autumn | 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM | 30 min every 2 hours |
| Summer (Jun-Sep) | 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM only | Mandatory stop by noon |
SolarCity Safety Promise: No installation deadline is worth a safety incident. If conditions are unsafe (extreme heat, sandstorm, wet roof), stop work and reschedule. SolarCity will never penalize you for prioritizing safety.
Knowledge Check
Q: Can you turn off solar panels?
Q: What is the summer working hours restriction?
Q: What PPE is mandatory for rooftop installations above 2m?
Answers: No — always live in daylight | 5AM to noon only | Safety harness with anchor point
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