Canadian Solar CS5A, Installation Manual, Page: 8 / 11

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EN-Rev 2.4 Copyright© May 2013.CanadianSolarInc. 12
indicated in table 6. Install and tighten the module clamps to the mounting rails using the torque stated by the mounting
hardware manufacturer (in the absence of instructions, Canadian Solar Inc recommends a torque about 15Nm to 20Nm).
System designer and installer are responsible for load calculations and for proper design of support structure.
y
Clamp material should be aluminum. EPDM type rubber or similar material should be used between the laminate/clamp
and laminate/mounting rail interfaces in order to prevent any damages to the laminate.
y
Canadian Solar Inc. warranty may be void in cases where improper clamps or unsuitable installation methods are found.
When installing inter ‐ modules or end type clamps, take measures so as:
1. Not to bend the laminate excessively
2. Not to cast shadow on the cells
3. Not to damage or scratch the surface of the glass and backsheet
4. To ensure the clamps overlap the module glass by at least 12 mm.
5. To ensure the clamps overlap length is at least 76 mm.
6. To ensure a minimum contact area of 40mm x 30mm between the
clamp and the mounting rails (rail thickness should be at leat 40mm).
7. To use clamps of appropriate thickness, allowing the CS5A ‐ M ‐ L 4mm glass laminate to be fixed floatingly.
y
Vertical (landscape) mounting of the laminate is not authorized unless appropriate safety hooks are used to secure the
laminate against sliding ‐ off.
Table 6: Authorized attachments for CS5A ‐ M ‐ L laminate
Uplift load ≤ 2400 Pa
Downforce load ≤ 2400 Pa
Uplift load ≤ 2400 Pa
2400 Pa ≤ Downforce load ≤ 5400 Pa
Clamping on
long side
frame
Use 4 clamps on the long side, at the positions defined
below (tolerance ±20 mm).
Mounting rails may run perpendicularly or parallel to
the long side frame
Not allowed.
Clamping on
short side
frame
Not allowed
A1=286mm
A1
A2=334mm
A2 A2
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EN-Rev 2.4 Copyright© May 2013.CanadianSolarInc. 13
7.0 MAINTENANCE
y
Do not change the PV components (diode, junction box, plug connectors).
y
Regular maintenance is required to keep modules clear of snow, bird droppings, seeds, pollen, leaves, branches, dirt spots
and dust.
y
If a module has a sufficient tilt (at least 15
0
), it generally is not necessary to clean the modules (rainfall will have a
self ‐ cleaning effect). When there is a noticeable buildup of soiling deposits on the module surface, wash the PV array
with water and a gentle cleaning implement (a sponge) during the cool part of the day. Dirt must never be scraped or
rubbed away when dry, as this will cause micro ‐ scratches.
y
If snow is present, a brush with soft bristles can be used to clean the surface of the module.
y
Periodically inspect the system to make sure all wiring and supports stay intact.
y
If you need electrical or mechanical inspection or maintenance, it is recommended to have a licensed, authorized
professional carry out the job to avoid hazards of electric shock or injury.