PHOTOWATT PW60HT-C-XF, Installation Manual

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D69-P06-01 GB R6 01/07/2020 www.photowatt.com
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ANNEX C : MODULE CLEANING GUIDELINE
This manual covers requirements for the cleaning
procedure of EDF ENR PWT photovoltaic modules.
The purpose of these cleaning guidelines is to pro-
vide general information for cleaning Canadian
Solar modules. Professional installers should read
these guidelines carefully and strictly follow these
instructions.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in
death, injury or property damage to the photovoltaic
module. Damages induced by inappropriate clea-
ning procedures will void EDF ENR PWT warranty.
•
Cleaning activities create risk of damaging the
modules and array components, as well as in-
creasing the potential electric shock hazard.
•
Cracked or broken modules represent an electric
shock hazard due to leakage currents, and the
risk of shock is increased when modules are wet.
Before cleaning, thoroughly inspect modules for
cracks, damage, and loose connections.
•
The voltage and current present in an array du-
ring daylight hours are suffi cient to cause a
lethal electrical shock.
•
Do not immerse the module, partially or totally,
in water or any other cleaning solution.
•
Ensure that the circuit is disconnected before
starting the cleaning procedure as contact with
leakage of electrically active parts can result in
injury.
•
Ensure that the array has been disconnected
from other active components (such as inver-
ter or combiner boxes) before starting with the
cleaning.
•
Wear suitable protection (clothes, insulated
gloves, etc.).
HANDLING NOTICE
•
Use a proper cleaning solution and suitable
cleaning equipment.
•
Do not use abrasive or electric cleaners on the
module.
•
Particular attention should be taken to avoid the
module backsheet or frame to come in contact
with sharp objects, as scratches may directly af-
fect product safety.
•
Do not use abrasive cleaners, de-greasers or
any unauthorized chemical substance (e.g. oil,
lubricant, pesticide, etc.) on the module.
•
Do not use cleaning corrosive solutions contai-
SAFETY WARNING
ning hydrofluoric acid, alkali, acetone, or indus-
trial alcohol. Only substances explicitly appro-
ved by Canadian Solar are allowed to be used
for cleaning modules.
•
EDF ENR PWT recommends to avoid rotating
brush cleaning methods, as they could create
micro-cracks in the PV modules.
•
Dirt must never be scraped or rubbed away
when dry, as this will cause micro-scratches on
the glass surface.
OPERATION PREPARATION
•
Noticeable dirt must be rubbed away by gent-
le cleaning-implement (soft cloth, sponge or
brush with soft bristles).
•
Ensure that brushes or agitating tools are not
abrasive to glass, EPDM, silicone, aluminum, or
steel.
•
Conduct the cleaning activities avoiding the
hottest hours of the day, in order to avoid ther-
mal stress on the module.
We recommend the following to be used:
•
Water with low mineral content
•
Near neutral pH water
•
The maximum water pressure recommended is
4 MPa (40 bar)
CLEANING METHODS
Method A: Compressed Air
EDF ENR PWT recommends cleaning the soft dirt
(like dust) on modules just with compressed air.
This technique can be applied as long as the me-
thod is efficient enough considering the existing
conditions.
Method B: Wet cleaning
If excessive soiling is present on the module sur-
face, a non-conductive brush, sponge, or other
mild agitating method may be used with caution.
•
Ensure that any brushes or agitating tools are
constructed with non-conductive materials to
minimize risk of electric shock and that they are
not abrasive to the glass or the aluminum frame.
•
If grease is present, an environmentally friendly
cleaning agent may be used with caution