7
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES SAFETY
AND INSTALLATION MANUAL Rev. M
VALID IN NORTH AMERICA ONLY
Valid from February 2011
1305 South Bertelsen Road, Eugene, Oregon 97402, USA
www.grapesolar.com
Tel: 1-877-264-1014 (toll free), 1-541-349-9000, Fax: 1-541-343-9000
7
III.
MODULE INSTALLATION
1.
Installation Site Selection
1.1
The site for PV module installation shall have an environment temperature within Grape Solar’s
PV module operating temperature range -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F).
1.2
The site shall allow all modules to be exposed to sunlight without obstruction all year round
(shadows generated by trees or buildings, even partial shading, on the module array will result
in reduction of PV system yield).
1.3
The site shall have adequate ventilation of the module backside to avoid heat build-up, which
can cause module performance degradation and system yield reduction. For roof mounted
systems, at least a 4 inch clearance is required between the module back surface and roof for
rear ventilation and module cooling.
1.4
The modules have been evaluated by UL that can sustain a positive or negative mechanical
loading of 30 lbs/ft
2
(1600 Pascal). To avoid exceeding the 30 lbs/ft
2
mechanical loading limit,
site specific loads such as wind and snow should be taken into account.
1.5
The site should not have exposure to extremely corrosive chemicals (e.g. emissions from
manufacturing facilities).
2.
Module Orientation & Tilt Angle
2.1
To obtain maximum yield from the PV system, the direction and tilt angle for the modules shall
be set to receive the incident sunlight perpendicularly to the module surface. To avoid
performance degradation in serial connected module strings, all modules shall have the same
orientation and tilt angle.
2.2
To avoid dirt build-up on the glass against the frame edge, low module tilt angle is not
recommended. Dirt build-up on the module surface can cause partial shading and degrade
module and system electrical performance.
3.
Electrical Connection
3.1
All installations must be performed in compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and
any applicable local codes by authorized personnel. If the module is installed in Canada,
installation shall be in accordance with CSA C22.1, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations,
Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1.
3.2
Modules may be connected in series and/or in parallel to achieve the desired electrical output.
When serial connected, all modules must have the same amperage, but the maximum open
