P a g e
|
15
SECTION 3 — DECOTECH™ SOLAR SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS
AND REQUIREMENTS
Design Considerations
•
Slope limitations…
DecoTech™ Module Assembles are intended for use solely on roofs having a
slope between 4:12 and 12:12.
•
Deck mounting…
DecoTech™ Module Assembles must be deck-mounted. They can
not
be
installed over shingles.
•
Deck thickness and fastening...
The roof deck must be a minimum of 15/32" (11.9 mm) thick
plywood or 7/16" (11.1 mm) OSB decking as recommended by APA – The Engineered Wood
Association. Wood plank decking must be well-seasoned and supported having a maximum 1/8"
(3 mm) spacing at the ends and sides using, minimum nominal thickness 1” (25 mm) X maximum
6" (152 mm) lumber. The decking must have adequate nail-holding capacity and a smooth surface.
Boards with a nominal thickness of 1" (25 mm) and a maximum width of 6" (152 mm) are
acceptable too. Installers should also ensure that deck is properly fastened per local building code
requirements.
•
Horizontal mode…
Install the DecoTech™ Module Assembly with its longer edge parallel to the
eave of the roof (landscape orientation).
•
Maximum number of connected solar modules…
The number of modules that can be connected
in a DC string or to an AC truck cable is dependent on the solar laminate electrical output, MLPE
limitations, and PV design layout. Refer to the permit package to determine the maximum number
of modules that can be connected together in a single string.
•
Operating temperature…
The DecoTech™ Module Assembly with SolarWorld laminates has an
operating temperature range of -40 to +185°F (-40 to +85°C).
•
DC electrical output...
Under certain ideal environmental conditions, the DecoTech™ Framed
Module may produce more current and/or voltage than reported at standard test conditions
(irradiance of 1000 W/m², AM 1.5 spectrum, and a cell temperature of 25°C (77°F)). The solar
designer should account for these conditions when designing the solar array.
•
Installation environment exclusions…
Do not install the DecoTech™ Solar Array in areas with
atmospheric contaminants such as, but not limited to, industrial locations with chemical
emissions and the in vicinity of volcanoes (sulfur). Do not immerse the DecoTech™ Solar Module
Assemblies in water nor expose them to continuous spraying (e.g., by fountains). Exposure to
chemical loads, sulfur, or salt implies a risk of corrosion. The DecoTech™ Solar System must not
be used on stables. The DecoTech™ Solar System must not be installed in the vicinity of highly
flammable gases, vapors, or dust.
•
Paint...
Do not apply paint to any part of the DecoTech™ Solar System.
