Use and Care Manual

3
STEP 2: PHYSICAL INSTALLATION
• DO NOT TWIST, BEND,
OR DISASSEMBLE THE MODULE
• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR
A BROKEN MODULE
• USE INSULATED TOOLS DURING
INSTALLATION
• NEVER TOUCH WIRING WITH
BARE SKIN
BOLT
CLAMP
LOCKING NUT
MODULE
SUPPORT STRUCTURE
FASTEN USING CLAMPS
BOLT
FLAT WASHER
FLAT WASHER
SPRING WASHER
LOCKING NUT
MODULE FRAME
SUPPORT
STRUCTURE
FASTEN USING BOLTS & WASHERS
After you have decided on the correct placement, you can now begin
physically installing your solar module. There are many different ways
your solar module can be set up; however the most common are set up
as a
single panel or are installed as part of a larger multiple panel
system, known as a solar panel array. This manual will cover the basic
elements of these two methods.
All solar panels are
highly recommended to be attached to a support
structure of some kind, instead of being directly screwed or bolted onto
a surface. Solar modules
must have adequate airflow around them to
avoid a risk of fire or system damage due to overheating;
the minimum
space required is 100mm from the back of the module to the near-
est flat, non-ventilated surface. Using a support structure should
provide this room as well as help reduce physical strain caused by wind,
snow, rain and other environmental factors. These support structures can
vary widely by design, so only basic information about them will be
addressed in this manual. If you have a solar system integrator or
designer for this installation, consult them for more detailed information
about the specific features of your support structure.
The following
instructions assume the support structure(s) to be used have
already been partially assembled and prepared for attachment of
solar modules. Please follow any included instructions provided by the
support structure manufacturer and observe all safety precautions noted
in them in addition to the contents of this manual.
All solar panels
MUST have their front surface covered by an
opaque material at all times during installation to avoid acciden-
tal power generation. If uncovered, the modules can start producing
power, leading to injury or fire. Use caution and keep the surface
covered until the entire system is ready to use.
FOR SINGLE PANELS
Single panel systems are the simplest way to start using your module.
After preparing your support structure, first
locate the four 8.5mm
mounting holes in the back of the solar module’s aluminum frame.
These should be the only holes used to secure the module into position;
any additional holes drilled or modifications made to the module will
invalidate the warranty.
Line up the module’s holes with the support
structure’s mounting holes. Then, using high strength bolts, washers,
and nuts, fasten the module to the support structure at each point of
contact where the holes are aligned. M6-M8 bolts and nuts are recom-
mended. Using the diagram shown at right,
washers should be
placed where needed; additional washers made of PVC or stainless
steel may be used between the module’s frame and the support structure
to avoid corrosion when exposed to water. This is highly recommended
if the support structure is not made of aluminum, as this corrosion often
occurs between different types of metal. Once the washers are in place,
securely tighten the nut; repeat this process for each mounting hole
on the module’s frame. The prepared mounting holes have been UL
evaulated to carry a maximum positive or negative load of 2400Pa
(50.12 lb/ft.²); this should be enough for most uses, but if additional
support is needed, it can be added by using pressure clamps (if your
support structure uses them), as described below. If you do not need
additional support, you may skip to the
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
section of this manual.
If your support structure uses pressure clamps instead of mounting holes
OR you require additional support for your module,
locate the four
mounting holes in the back of the solar module’s aluminum frame.
These will be the best places to position your clamps since they are
already designed to carry weight at these points. Using the diagram
shown at right,
place the clamp so that its mounting hole aligns with
the matching support structure hole. Then, using high strength bolts
and nuts, fasten the module to the support structure through a clamp at
each mounting point.
Place the bolt through the clamp and support
structure, then securely tighten the nut; repeat this process for each
clamp to be used on the module’s frame. Once this is complete, you
may skip to the
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION section of this manual.