Panasonic VBHNxSA series, General Installation Manual

Page: 7 / 14

7
MODULE INSTALLATION

Install modules where they are not
shaded by obstacles like buildings or
trees. Especially pay attention to
avoid partially shading the modules
by objects during the daytime. If a
part of the PV module is always
shaded, hot spot may occur and the
PV module may break down.

Water stains might be caused when
rain water remains on the glass
surface for a long time. To avoid
water stains, Panasonic recom-
mends to install modules at a slope
steeper than the water gradient.

Modules should be firmly fixed in
place in a manner suitable to with-
stand all expected loads, including
wind and snow loads.

Metals used in locations that are
exposed to moisture shall not be
employed alone or in combinations
that could result in deterioration or
corrosion.

The clamps should be made of alu-
minum alloy or other material that
will reasonably protect against a risk
of electrolytic corrosion.

Clearance between the roof surface
and module frame is required to
allow cooling air to circulate around
the back of the module. This also
allows any condensation or mois-
ture to dissipate. The required
clearance between the roof surface
and the module is more than 4 inch.

The modules should be mounted
basically at the four (4) quarter
points by the means shown in Figure
1, and based on installation meth-
ods shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5 shows using a bolt and nut
for mounting.

Do not contact a tip of a mounting
bolt to back sheet of the module
when fixing the module to the
mounting structure rail.

Recommendation of bolt torque: 10
ft-lbs.

Figure 5 shows that a module
should be attached on a mount or
support structure rail by corrosive-
resistant metal clamps.

Appropriate material should be
used for mounting hardware (the
module frame, mounting structure,
and hardware) to prevent itself
from corrosion.

Panasonic does not provide a war-
ranty for clamps. The module war-
ranty Panasonic provides shall be
voided if clamps selected by the
customer are of an improper materi-
al or size.

Please contact your Panasonic Au-
thorized Representative with ques-
tions regarding mounting profiles
for modules if needed.

The module was tested using Iron-
Ridge clamps with the specifications
see Figure 5 and below;
IronRidge clamps:

Provider: IronRidge Inc.

Product Line: RoofMount

Clamps type: Top Mounting Clamps
(Universal Fastening Objects(UFOs)
and Stopper Sleeves)

IronRidge Part No. UFO-CL-001,
UFO-CL-001B, UFO-STP-40MM, UFO-
STP-40MM-B

Width: Universal Fastening Objects;
1.12”(28.4 mm), Stopper Sleeves;
1.09”(27.7 mm)

Thickness: Universal Fastening Ob-
jects 0.29”(7.4mm),

Torque: 9.04 N.m (80 in-lbs).

Material: Universal Fastening Ob-
jects; 300 Stainless steel, Stopper
Sleeves; 6000 Aluminum alloys

Note: Please refer to IronRidge
manual, for installation method.
Module
Stopper Sleeves
1.12”
0.37”
7/16” Head
Universal Fastening Objects
End clamp
7/16” Head
0.37”
<Ironridge clamps>
Mid clamp
Figure 5. Module Installation
Solar Module
Module
Mounting Structure Rail
5/6” or M8 Nut
(Stainless steel)
Flat washer
(Stainless steel)
Flat washer
(Stainless steel)
Spring washer
(Stainless steel)
5/6” or M8 Nut
(Stainless steel)