A rare case of electrocution due to direct current (DC) generated by a solar panel: A case report

Electric hazards in the workplace are common in developing countries, where most of them are caused by alternating current. Here we present a rare case of high-voltage direct current electrocution in a solar panel worker. The severity of electric injuries depends on multiple factors. Alternating current is four to six times more likely to cause death than direct current. However, high-voltage direct current could result in a fatal outcome occasionally. Therefore, it’s important to know the differences in pathophysiological impacts between alternative and direct current. A solar panel worker in an industrial setting accidentally shocked himself while wearing only shoes as protective equipment and was pronounced dead at the scene. Postmortem examination disclosed torn-off garments, typical joule-burns, singeing of hair, arc-burns and other burns of multiple degrees. Internal examination revealed organ congestion, whereas histological examination revealed elongation of cells of the lower layers of the burnt epidermis. The urine multi-drug screening test was negative, and no further toxicological analysis was performed. The cause of death due to electrocution was made based on the circumstances, scene visit findings, postmortem examination, histological examination and toxicological analysis. High-voltage and high-amperage electricity is deadly from either alternating or direct current. Where there is a massive expansion in the solar power field, it’s necessary to have protective measures to prevent such untimely deaths.