P A G E 3 O F 1 7
M I S S I ON S OL A R E NE R G Y L L C
ELECTRONIC
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C OP YR I GH T 2 0 2 0 M I S S IO N S OL A R E N ER GY L L C , AL L R I G H T S R ES E R V ED
REVISION: R2 RELEASE DATE: 9/25/2020
5.0
SAFETY
5.1
GENERAL WARNING
You must understand and follow all applicable local, state and
federal regulations in addition to standards for building
construction, electrical design, fire and safety. Check with local
authorities to determine applicable permitting requirements before
attempting to install or maintain PV modules.
•
Module interconnects pass direct current (DC) when exposed
to sunlight or other light sources.
•
Contact with electrically active parts of the module, such as
terminals, can result in injury or death, whether the module is
connected or disconnected.
•
Never wear metallic rings, watch bands, ear, nose or lip rings or
other metallic devices when installing or trouble shooting a
photovoltaic system.
•
Mission Solar PV modules are intended for use in terrestrial
applications only with an altitude of less than 2000m, thus
excluding aerospace or maritime conditions or use with sunlight
concentration. Excluded applications include, but are not
limited to, installations where modules are likely to come in
contact with any salt water or where likely to become partially
or wholly submerged in fresh or salt water. It is advised that
modules be installed at least 500m away from the sea.
5.2
MECHANICAL
•
Rooftop PV systems should only be installed on dwellings that
have been formally analyzed for structural integrity, and
confirmed to be capable of handling the additional weighted
load of PV system components including PV modules by a
certified building specialist or engineer. For your safety, do not
attempt to work on a rooftop until safety precautions have
been identified and taken, including without limitation fall
protection measures, ladders or stairways, and personal
protective equipment (PPE).
•
For your safety, do not install or handle PV modules under
adverse conditions, including and without limitation - strong or
gusty winds and wet or frosted roof surfaces.
•
The flat-plate PV module construction consists of a laminated
assembly of solar cells encapsulated within an insulating
material with a rigid glass surface and an insulated substrate.
The laminated assembly is supported by an aluminum frame
that is also used for mounting the module.
5.3
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
•
PV modules can produce current and voltage when exposed to
light of any intensity. Electrical current increases with higher
light intensity.
•
DC voltage of 30 Volts or higher is potentially lethal. Contacting
the live circuitry of a PV system operating under light can result
in lethal electric shock.
•
Use insulated tools and do not wear metallic jewelry while
working with PV modules.
•
In order to avoid arcing and electrical shock, do not disconnect
electrical connections under load.
•
Faulty connections can also result in arcing and electrical shock.
•
Keep connectors dry and clean; ensure that they are in proper
working condition.
•
Never insert metallic objects into the connectors, or modify
them in any way in order to secure an electrical connection.
•
Modules must be handled with care. If the front glass is broken
or if the polymer back-skin is torn, contact with any module
surface or the frame can produce electrical shock, particularly
when the module is wet.
•
Do not touch or handle PV modules with broken glass,
separated frames or a damaged back sheet unless the PV
modules are first disconnected and you are wearing proper PPE.
•
Broken or damaged modules must be disposed of properly.
•
Avoid handling PV modules when they are wet unless cleaning
the PV modules as directed in this manual.
See 12.2 Cleaning.
•
Never touch electrical connections that are wet without
protecting yourself with insulated gloves. Artificially
concentrated light should not be directed on the module or
panel.
5.4
FIRE
•
Mission Solar Energy modules hold PV Type 1 fire rating in
accordance with the UL 61730 standard.
•
The fire rating of this module is valid only when mounted in the
manner specified in the mechanical mounting instructions. See
9.0 Mechanical Installation
•
PV modules are electricity generating devices that may affect
the fire safety of a building.
•
The use of improper installation methods and/or defective
parts may result in the unexpected occurrence of an electrical
arc during operation.
•
The recommended standoff height is no less than 150mm (6
inches). If other mounting means are employed this may affect
the fire class ratings. A minimum slope of 5in/ft. for installation
over a roof is required to maintain the class C fire rating.
Modules must be mounted over a fire resistant roof covering
rated for the application.
•
In order to mitigate the risk of fire in this event, PV modules
should not be installed near flammable liquids, gases and/or
locations with hazardous materials.
•
In the event of a fire, PV modules may continue to produce a
dangerous voltage, even if they have been disconnected from
the inverter, have been partly or entirely destroyed, or the
system wiring has been compromised or destroyed.
•
In the event of fire, inform the fire crew about the particular
hazards from the PV system, and stay away from all elements
of the PV system during and after a fire until the necessary steps
have been taken to make the PV system safe.
WARNING
