SIM428-001
3
problems such as animal biting, electricity leakage in
puddle.
19. Take proper measures for preventing the laminate
(consisted of resin, cells, glass, back sheet, etc.) from
dropping out of the frame in case the glass is broken.
20. Cables shall be located so that they will not be exposed to
direct sunlight after installation to prevent degradation of
cables.
21.
If batteries are used with modules, follow safety
precautions of the battery manufacturer.
22.
In case of extreme snow build-up, the weight of the snow
may cause the module’s frame to deform. Take appropriate
preventive measures to minimize any possible resulting
damage.
4. SITE SELECTION
In most applications, the PV modules should be installed in a
location where there is no shading throughout the year. In the
Northern Hemisphere, the PV modules should typically face
south, and in the Southern Hemisphere, the PV modules should
typically face north.
Please make sure that there are no obstructions in the
surroundings of the site of installation. TAKE PROPER STEPS
in order to maintain reliability and safety, in case the PV modules
are used in areas such as: Heavy snow areas / Extremely cold
areas / Strong wind areas / Installations over, or near, water /
Areas
where
installations
are
prone
to
salt
water
damage/corrosive gas environment/ Small islands or desert
areas.
The results of the ammonia test and the salt-mist-corrosion test
on the modules, carried out under such strict test conditions,
should be disclosed for reference purposes only. The decision
on whether the modules are suitable and compatible for each
instal
lation field will depend on the user’s judgement and
responsibility.
5. TILT ANGLE
The tilt angle is the measurement between the PV module and
a horizontal ground surface. The PV module generates the
maximum output power when it faces the sun directly.
5 degrees or more is recommended for the tilt angle of the PV
module for the maintenance. (See 9. Maintenance)
For the standalone systems with a battery where the PV
modules are attached to a permanent structure, the tilt angle of
the PV modules should be determined to optimize the
performance when the sunlight is the scarcest. In general, if the
electric power generation is adequate when the sunlight is the
scarcest, then the angle chosen should be adequate during the
rest of the year. For grid-connected installations where the PV
modules are attached to a permanent structure, it is
recommended to tilt the PV module at the angle equal to the
latitude of the installation site so that the power generation from
the PV module will be optimum throughout the year.
6. WIRING
To ensure proper system operation and to maintain your
guaranty, observe the correct cable connection polarity (Figures
1 & 2) when connecting the modules to a battery or to other
modules. If not connected correctly, the bypass diode could be
destroyed.
PV modules can be wired in series to increase voltage.
Connect wires from the positive terminal of one module to the
negative terminal of the next module. Figure 1 shows modules
connected in series.
Connect PV modules in parallel to increase current. Connect
wires from the positive terminal of one module to the positive
terminal on the next module. Figure 2 shows modules
connected in parallel.
7. GROUNDING
The frame grounding must consider the local requirement and
regulation at the installation site. When grounding is required,
please refer to below example connection (Figure 3). Please be
careful in arranging the system ground so that the removal of
one module from the circuit will not interrupt the grounding of
any other modules.
The modules should be grounded to the same electrical point
as described below.
You can use a hole with the appropriate symbol for
equipotential bonding on the side frame for either a bolt, nut and
washer grounding the module to the frame, a ground lug
fastened by bolt or screw, or appropriate screw (hardware not
provided). An example of acceptable ground connection using
a bolt, nut and washer retaining a ground lug is shown in figure
3. In a connection of this type, the hardware (such as a toothed
locked washer / star washer) must score the frame surface to
make positive electrical contact with the frame. The ground wire
must be considered within the local requirement of local and
regulation at the site of installation.
8. MOUNTING
Please make sure that all the information described in the
installation manual is still valid and proper for your installation.
The mounting method has been verified by SHARP and NOT
CERTIFIED by a third party organization.
The approved way to mount Sharp PV modules to a support
structure is described in this INSTALLATION MANUAL.
Although Sharp does not specify or warrant frame clips or
clamps, using frame clips (not provided) or clamps (not
provided) is possible when they are designed for PV modules
and with minimum dimensions on the sides of the module in
accordance with the instructions and drawings provided. If using
frame clips or clamps, the modules should be fixed rigidly and
there shall be no damage to the modules by deforming mounting
structure against design load.
The Sharp module guaranty may be void if customer-selected
frame clips are improper or inadequate for module properties
(including strength or material) or installation. Note that if metal
clips are used, there must be a path to ground from the clips,
(for instance, using star washers in the clip hardware set).
Please review the descriptions and drawings carefully; not
mounting the modules according to one of these methods may
void your guaranty. These mounting methods have been tested
to allow module loading up to 2400Pa. The module has passed
a snow load test of 5400Pa according to IEC61215. Support
structures that PV modules are mounted on should be rigid.
Sharp PV modules are designed to ensure optimal electrical
performance under the condition that they are mounted on rigid
support structures. Deformation of support structure may
damage PV module with its electric performance.
When mounting the module on structure, ensure that no corner
has a displacement of more than 2mm per every 1000mm of the
diagonal.
9. MAINTENANCE
The modules are designed for long life and require very little
maintenance. If the angle of the PV module is 5 degrees or more,
normal rainfall is sufficient to keep the module glass surface
clean under most weather conditions. If dirt build-up becomes
excessive, clean the glass surface preferably with water only, or
with wet soft sponge or cloth in case to remove stubborn dirt. If
cleaning the back of the module is required, take utmost care
not to damage the back side materials. In order to ensure the
operation of the system, check the connection of wiring and the
state of the jacket of wires occasionally.
SIM201-004
