Installation Manual

Date: 2018.7.16
Doc No: PS-M-0434
Ver. D
Page - 16 - of 17
includes a transformer as well as proper grounding of the negative DC leg of the PV array.
• Choose inverters with isolation transformers in hot and wet areas (such as shores, wetlands), to ensure
proper module function under positive voltage.
• A well designed solar system requires minimal maintenance; however, system performance and reliability
can be improved by taking some simple steps.
• Maintenance should be carried out at least once a year by trained personnel, always wearing rubber gloves
and boots with maximum working voltage not lower than 1000V DC (For TSM-PE05A.**, PE14A.**, not
lower than 1500V DC).
• Trim any vegetation which may shade the solar array thus impacting performance.
• Check that mounting hardware is properly tightened.
• Inspect all cables to verify that connections are tight; the cables are protected from direct sunlight and sited
away from areas of water collection.
• Check that all string fuses in each non/earthed pole are operating.
• It is recommended to check the torque of terminal bolts and the general condition of wiring at least once a
year. Also, check that mounting hardware is properly torqued. Loose connections will result in damage to
the array.
• Replacement modules must be of same type. Do not touch live parts of cables and connectors. Use
appropriate safety equipment (insulated tools, insulating gloves, etc.) when handling modules.
• The amount of electricity generated by a solar module is proportional to the amount of light falling on it. A
module with shaded cells will produce less energy and therefore it is important to keep modules clean.
• Normally rain water is sufficient to keep the modules clean however it is particularly important to ensure that
the solar modules are clean before onset of summer. Products installed at a tilt angle below 10° or which
are located in particularly dusty areas, are installed in landscape orientation or in areas of high pollution or
close to large bird populations will require more regular cleaning.
• When cleaning the module use a soft cloth together with a mild detergent and clean water. Take care to
avoid severe thermal shocks which might damage the module by cleaning modules with water which has a
similar temperature to the modules being cleaned.
• When cleaning the back surface of the module, take care to avoid penetrating the substrate material.
Modules that are mounted flat (0° tilt angle) should be cleaned more often, as they will not “self-clean” as
effectively as modules mounted at a 10° tilt or greater.
• The benefit of cleaning dirt and debris from the array is a trade-off between the cost of the cleaning,
increased energy production as a result of this cleaning, and the inevitable re-soiling of the laminates over
time once they have been cleaned.
• In the event that the solar modules need to be cleaned then clean the module use a soft cloth together with
a mild detergent and clean water. Take care to avoid severe thermal shocks which might damage the
module by cleaning modules with water which has a similar temperature to the modules being cleaned.
• On large systems, the benefit of cleaning dirt and debris from the array is a trade-off between the cost of
the cleaning, increased energy production as a result of this cleaning, and the time for the re-soiling of the
modules after cleaning.
• If you are unsure whether the array or section thereof needs to be cleaned then first select an array string
that is particularly soiled then
 Measure & record the inverter feed in current from that string
 Clean all modules in the string
 Measure the inverter feed in current again and calculate the % improvement from cleaning
 If the improvement is less than 5% then it is normally nor worth spending the expense on cleaning
• The above verification should only be carried out when the insolation is effectively constant (clear sky,
strong sunshine, no clouds)
• The back surface of the module normally does not need to be cleaned but, in the event this is deemed
necessary, avoid the use of any sharp projects that might damage the penetrating the substrate material.
• Cover the front surface of modules by an opaque material when repairing. Modules when exposed to
sunlight generate high voltage and are dangerous.
• Trina Solar PV modules are equipped with bypass diodes in the junction box. This minimizes module
heating and current losses.
 Do not try to open the junction box to change the diodes even if they malfunction.
 In a system using a battery, blocking diodes are typically placed between the battery and the PV
8. MAINTENANCE AND CARE