FS Series 3 PV Module User Guide—North America
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PD-5-200-03 NA | REV 2.1 | 02771_UG_NA_24OCT12
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Proper Operating Conditions
The proper operating condition requirements listed below must be maintained.
Important:
Failure to maintain proper operating condition requirements for the modules will void the warranty
(refer to First Solar FS Series Module Warranty Terms & Conditions PD-5-102).
Requirements:
•
First Solar requires installers to use commercially reasonable efforts to grid-connect the modules as soon as
practicable to prevent open circuit exposure or to use mitigation techniques (resistive load banks) to maintain
conditions equivalent to normal loaded maximum power point (MPP) operation. First Solar must be notified in
writing prior to exceeding 90 days of cumulative module operation in open circuit conditions. Upon conclusion of
open circuit exposure, this notification must be supplemented to report total time in open circuit on a per inverter
basis. Failure to complete this notification in a timely manner may void module warranty coverage at the election of
First Solar. First Solar reserves the right to modify module power output warranty coverage in the event 90 day open
circuit exposure is exceeded.
•
Short circuit operation is permitted only during short duration system safety testing or in failsafe system states.
•
All electronic components that are interconnected to modules must have an operating voltage window that matches
the maximum power point of the array, and be capable of operating the array at the maximum power point at all
times.
•
All electronic components that are interconnected to modules must be rated for the maximum operating voltage of
the array.
•
Modules must have adequate ventilation and airflow to prevent excessive operating temperatures above 85 degrees
C.
•
Modules must not be partially shaded by obstructions at times of high irradiance (typically between 9:00am and
3:00pm). Module row-to-row shading in landscape orientation is acceptable; Module row-to-row shading in portrait
orientation is prohibited.
•
Modules must not be used in positive-grounded or bi-polar systems.
•
Strain relief cable ties must not be removed.
•
If module cleaning is undertaken, modules must be cleaned only when in open circuit – either disconnected from
load, or during times when inverter is turned off and otherwise in accordance with PD-5-804 “FS Series PV Module
Cleaning Guidelines”.
