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XPG20 SERIES
Figure 15. Latitude Lines
HORIZONTAL
TILT ANGLE (EXAMPLE 30º)
SOLAR MODULE
SUNLIGHT
Figure 16. Solar Module Tilt Angle Adjustment
For the SunSource Comfort System, a fixed solar module
should be oriented facing southwest, and be tilted at an
angle that is equal to about 2/3’s of the local latitude. This is
at variance with typical solar system design and the reason
is that this orientation gives better coincidence of peak
solar module output with the heat pump’s cooling mode
operation. Summer offers a better match between solar
availability and heat pump power needs so it is suggested
that biasing solar module orientation to take advantage of
this condition.
The above guidance is intended to aid in optimization.
Locating and mounting solar modules frequently involves
compromises: many times homeowners wish to have the
module located in a sub−optimal location/orientation for
esthetic reasons. The pitch of the roof may be what
determines the tilt of the module and the orientation of the
home itself may dictate the direction the module faces.
Solar module should be mounted with proper gap for
ventilation air to flow under the solar module for cooling.
(See solar module manufacturer’s recommendations.)
Solar module should be mounted according to
manufacturer’s recommendations. Stainless Steel hardware
(nuts and bolts) is recommended for longevity.
Two solar module mounting kits are available. See
Field
Supplied Components
on page 2 for catalog numbers.
Solar modules produce the most power when they are
pointed directly at the sun. The module tilt angle is
measured between the solar modules and the ground as
illustrated in Figure 16.
SOLAR MODULE WIRING
The wire typically used to interconnect the solar module
should be single or two conductor, from 10 AWG (5.26
mm) up to 14 (2.08 mm) gauge copper wire, in a sunlight
resistant jacket UF−B cable. This cable is suitable for
applications where wiring is exposed to outdoor
conditions.
See Figure 14 for connection requirements.
S
Solar module should be wired per the manufacturer’s
recommendations and the National Electric Code
Article 690.
S
Conductor ampacity should be at least 156% of the
solar module’s short circuit current.
S
Solar module comes pre−wired with locking
connectors multi−contact (MC) connectors. Mating
connectors should be utilized. See
Field Supplied
Components
on page 2 for catalog numbers.
S
The 2008 NEC requires a DC rated disconnect and a
DC ground fault protection device be installed with the
module. Check with the local code official for local
requirements.
S
The solar module should be grounded according to
NEC 690 Section V or local code requirements.
