Abound Solar
Mounting Application Note
AB1-Series
Page 2
Document #3106761 Rev A
Effective 18 May 2010
Backbox:
The backbox is located on the rear of
the non-semiconductor back side of the module,
and its purpose is to provide strain relief for the
two interconnection cables. It is approximately
16mm thick. The backbox is sealed and should
never be opened; preferably, the modules
should be oriented so the leads from the
backbox are pointing toward the ground to
minimize the possibility of water ingress into the
backbox.
Cables:
The cables are designed for optimum
efficiency, and they are long enough to connect
side-by-side modules when placed with
reasonable spacing. The effective length of the
cables is approximately 600 mm. The positive
(+) cable is on the left when viewed from the
rear of the module, which should always be
placed on the eastern side of the module when
mounted in the Northern Hemisphere. The (+)
connector has a male plastic housing with a
female metal ferrule inside.
Frames:
The modules do not have a frame.
Abound Solar AB1-Series solar modules are
intended to be installed in most applications
without a frame. However, it is understood that
under special circumstances, such as an
extremely high wind load, a frame may be
desirable. Please discuss the application with
Abound Solar prior to installing a frame.
Grounding:
Since the modules do not have a
frame, nor do they have any exposed metal
components, there is no need to ground any part
of the module. In fact, the module must be
insulated from contact with metallic surfaces.
Clips:
Modules must be mounted with a
minimum of 4 rubberized clips installed on the
long (1200mm) module edges, with the
centerline of the clips placed 275 mm +/- 25 mm
from the short edge of the module as shown in
the Figure 2.0. Typical rubberization is typically
made from Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
(EPDM)
– or similar material - contacting the
module. Be sure to follow the clip
manufacturer’s recommendations; a minimum
gap of 1 mm is required between the edge of the
rubberized clip and the edge of the module to
allow for thermal expansion.
The amount of overlap that the clip should have
on the module is a maximum distance of 12 mm,
minimum of 10 mm. It is acceptable to have
additional overlap on the bottom-side of the
modules as this will not interfere with the
electrical properties of the active cells.
Thickness:
The typical module thickness is 8.1
mm. Due to manufacturing process tolerances,
this value may vary by -0.4 mm and up to +0.8
mm. Any clips which are used must be able to
accommodate this range of module thickness.
The compressive force exhibited by the clips on
the module should be no greater than 19 psi.
Figure 2.0
Panel Mechanical Reference
Safety Hook:
When mounted in portrait mode
with side clips, the module must be supported
on the lower edge to prevent the module from
sliding due to gravity and drag forces. A safety
hook should be used to prevent sliding of the
module. The location along the bottom edge of
the module is not critical, but it should not cover
