SIM02E-011
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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 PV modules, carried out under such strict test conditions,
should be disclosed for reference purposes only. The decision
on whether the PV modules are suitable and compatible for
each installation 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 PV modules to a battery or to other
PV modules. If not connected correctly, the bypass diodes could
be destroyed.
PV modules can be wired in series to increase voltage. Connect
wires from the positive terminal of one PV module to the
negative terminal of the next PV module. Figure 1 shows PV
modules connected in series.
Connect PV modules in parallel to increase current. Connect
wires from the positive terminal of one PV module to the positive
terminal on the next PV module. Figure 2 shows PV 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 PV module from the circuit will not interrupt the grounding
of any other PV modules.
The PV 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 PV 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
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 clamps or
clips, using frame clamps (not provided) or clips (not provided)
is possible when they are designed for PV modules and with
minimum dimensions on the sides of the PV module in
accordance with the instructions and drawings provided. If using
frame clamps or clips, the PV modules should be fixed rigidly
and there shall be no damage to the PV modules by deforming
mounting structure against design load.
The SHARP PV module guaranty may be void if customer-
selected frame clamps are improper or inadequate for PV
module 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, using star washers in the
clamp hardware set).Please review the descriptions and
drawings carefully; not mounting the PV modules according to
one of these methods may void your guaranty. The PV module
has passed the test sequence which contains 3 cycles each
performed at 5,400 Pa positive and 2,400 Pa negative loading
in accordance with IEC61215-2. The system designer shall be
responsible to ensure protective structures so that the module
can bear to the loads that are different from the test condition
defined in the IEC standard.
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 PV module on structure, ensure that no
corner has a displacement of more than 2mm per every
1000mm of the diagonal.
The mounting structure shall enable
the PV module to deflect freely under wind and/or snow load not
to make direct impact to the center of the PV module.(i.e. min.
10 cm from the roof surface to the bottom face of PV module
frame). The installer shall be responsible for the selection and
construction of support structure.
9. MAINTENANCE
The PV 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 PV module glass
surface clean under most weather conditions. If dirt build-up
becomes excessive, use only a soft, damp cloth and water to
clean the glass. If cleaning the back of the PV 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.
The PV modules is equipped with anti-reflective coating glass,
do not touch the glass since finger prints or stains will easily
mark. If dirt build-up becomes excessive, clean the glass
surface with water only.
Bypass Diode
(Built-in Junction Box)
Bypass Diode
(Built-in Junction Box)
