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
4
Installation
4.1
Mounting
Physically damaged modules may cause ground faults and associated electrical hazards. To avoid these
conditions:
•
Handle modules with care during installation, as heavy impact on the front, back, or edges could result in damage
to the module.
•
Do not stack or carry multiple modules on top of one another after removal from factory packaging to minimize
the risk of breakage.
•
Do not lift or pull on modules using lead wires or strain relief wire loops to minimize the risk of wire damage.
Do not install the modules in high wind or wet conditions to reduce the likelihood of injury.
Wear safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1-2003) and cut-resistant gloves when working on non-interconnected modules or
systems.
Wear electrically rated PPE when working on interconnected modules or system components.
Mounting of the FS Series 3 PV Module to a suitable structure can be done by attaching the module directly to the structure
using retaining clips (see Figure 5.1).
The module is considered to be in compliance with UL 1703 only when the module is mounted in the manner specified by
the mounting instructions specified in First Solar Application Note PD-5-320 NA.
Any module without a frame (laminate) shall not be considered to comply with the requirements of UL 1703 unless the
module is mounted with hardware that has been tested and evaluated with the module under this standard or by a field
Inspection certifying that the installed module complies with the requirements of UL 1703. The FS Series 3 PV module is a
frameless laminate and is considered to be in compliance with UL 1703 only when the module is mounted using approved
hardware in the manner specified by the mounting instructions in First Solar Application Note PD-5-320 NA.
Additional mounting systems may be approved for use. Retaining clip designs must meet the technical requirements
specified in First Solar Application Note PD-5-320, and must be approved for use by First Solar prior to installation. The
mounting system design must provide adequate support for the glass laminate module to prevent damage from occurring
when the module is subjected to wind loads of 130km/h (80.8 mph), with a safety factor of 3 for gusty conditions. The
location of the clips shall be along the 1200mm (47.25 in) length of the module and the center point of the clip shall be
located between 250mm (9.84 in) and 300mm (11.81 in) from the module edge. See Figure 5.1 for allowed location. Rubber
gasket material, or equivalent, must be used between the module and both the clip and mounting structure to provide
adequate protection of the glass laminate module. No direct contact of rigid structures is permitted against the surface or
edges of the glass laminate.
All mounting structures must provide a flat plane for the modules to be mounted on, and must not cause any twist or stress
to be placed on the module.
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