Ver. 2.0U Dec. 4, 2008
- 4 - Installation Manual for PV modules
B) MODULE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
There are several approved ways to mount these Sharp PV modules to
a support structure. They may be mounted either using the bolt holes
provided or using frame clamps (not provided). Inter-module type or
end-type clamps must be designed for PV modules and have minimum
dimensions shown in Figure 5 on the long sides of the module in
accordance with the instructions below and drawings provided. Sharp
does not warranty frame clamps. The Sharp module warranty may be
void if customer-selected frame clamps are improper or inadequate
with respect to properties (including strength or material) or installation.
Note that if metal clamps are used, there must be a path to ground
from the clamps, (for instance, by using star washers in the hardware
set). Please review the descriptions below and drawings carefully; not
mounting the modules according to one of these methods may void
your warranty. Additionally, UL has tested and listed these modules for
mounting using either bolts or clamps. Mounting with clamps is
considered to be equivalent to mounting with bolts and is acceptable
under the same conditions as bolt mounting. These mounting methods
are designed to allow module loading of 2400 Pa. Figure 7 and 8 gives
indications of maximum point loads for an installed array.
Mounting Using Frame Bolt Holes (Figures 6 , 9 & 10)
The modules may be fastened to a support using the bolt holes in the
bottom of the frame at location “C”, as shown in Figure 9 and 10 (back
view of the module) and Figure 6 (mounting detail). The module should
be fastened with four (4) M8 (5/16”) bolts.
Mounting Using Clamps on Long Edge of Module: Long Edge
Parallel to Array Rails (Figures 5 , 11 & 12)
The modules may be mounted using clamps designed for solar
modules as shown in Figures 5 . Note that the clamp positions are
important – the clamp centerlines must be between 9.3” (235 mm) and
19.4” (495 mm) regarding ND series as shown in Figure 11, and 8.3”
(210mm) and 18.5” (470mm) regarding NT/NE series as shown in
Figure 12 from the end of the module. The module must be supported
along the length of the long edge, and should overlap the array rail by
at least 0.4” (10 mm). Note that the mounting clamps should meet the
minimum dimensions (catch width of 0.2” (5 mm), thickness of 0.13”
(3.3 mm) and length of 1.5” (38 mm)) as shown in Figure 5. The array
rails must support the bottom of the modules and must be a continuous
piece (no unspliced breaks in the rail).
Mounting Using Clamps on Long Edge of Module: Long Edge
Perpendicular to Array Rails (Figures 5 , 13 & 14)
The modules may also be mounted using clamps on the long sides of
the module when the array rails are perpendicular to the long sides, as
shown in Figure 13 and 14. The clamp centerlines must be between
9.3” (235 mm) and 19.4” (495 mm) regarding ND series as shown in
Figure 13, and 8.3” (210mm) and 18.5” (470mm) regarding NT/NE
series as shown in Figure 14 from the ends of the module. The module
must be supported along the length of the long edge, and should
overlap the array rail by at least 0.4” (10 mm). Note that the mounting
clamps should meet the minimum dimensions (catch width of 0.2” (5
mm) , thickness of 0.13” (3.3 mm) and length of 1.5” (38 mm) shown in
Figure 5. The array rails must support the bottom of the modules and
must be continuous pieces (no unspliced breaks in the rail).
10 mm Min.
support width
Clamp
Rail
Frame
catch length
catch length
38 mm Min.
5 mm Min.
3.3 mm Min.
thickness
Figure 5
BOLT M8 X 20 mm
Figure 6
Point Load carrying capability
Figure 7 (ND series)
Figure 5
Figure 6
Point Load carrying capability
Figure 7 (ND series)
○
: High (
≦
100 kg)
□
: Middle(
≦
50 kg)
×
: Low
○
: High (
≦
100 kg)
□
: Middle(
≦
50 kg)
×
: Low
Figure 8 (NT/NE series)