SIM425-002
2
4.
PV modules produce electricity when the sufficient sunlight or other
sources illuminate the module surface. When the modules are
connected in series, voltage is cumulative. When the modules are
connected in parallel, current is cumulative. As a result, a large-scale
PV system can produce high voltage and current which could present
an increased hazard and may cause serious injury or death.
5.
Do not connect the PV modules directly to the loads such as motor
since the variation of the output power depending on the solar
irradiation causes damage for the connected motor.
1: In the case of a brushless motor, the lock function becomes active
and the hall IC is most likely to be damaged.
2: In the case of a brush type motor, the coil is most likely to be
damaged.
6.
In case of snow build-up, snow would slide easier on the smooth
surface of the module than other parts of the roof. Snow may
suddenly slide, fall off the roof and hit nearby objects/areas. Take
preventive measures (e.g. snow stopper) when there is possible risk
such case would cause an injury or a damage.
GENERAL SAFETY
1.
Install PV modules and ground frames and other metal components in
accordance with applicable codes and regulations.
2.
PV modules should be installed and maintained by qualified personnel.
Only installation/service personnel should have access to the PV
module installation site.
3.
Keep children away from PV modules.
4.
Prior to installation, do not store modules outdoors or in a damp
environment to prevent glass from damage due to white efflorescence.
5.
When PV modules are installed on roofs or any other structures
above ground, appropriate safety practices should be followed and
appropriate safety equipment should be used in order to avoid
possible safety hazards. Note that the installation of PV modules on
some roof types may require the addition of fireproofing, as required
by local building/fire codes.
6.
Roof mounted PV modules are to be mounted over a fire resistant
roof.
7.
Only PV modules with the same cell size should be connected in
series.
8.
Follow all safety precautions of other components used in the system.
9.
In order to avoid risk of injury or electrical shock, do not allow anyone
to handle damaged PV modules if the person is unqualified or has
limited knowledge of PV modules. Place defective PV modules in
cartons so PV cells are completely shaded, because a defective PV
module or module with broken glass may generate power even if it is
removed from the system.
10.
Avoid uneven shade on the PV module surface. Shaded cells may
become hot (“hot spot” phenomenon) which may result in permanent
damage to the module (e.g., solder joints may peel off).
11.
Do not clean the glass surface with chemicals. Do not let water stay
on the glass surfaces of PV modules for a long time. This creates a
risk of permanent damage to the glass, such as white efflorescence,
otherwise known as “glass disease,” which may cause reduced power
output.
12.
To avoid dirt accumulation or white efflorescence due to water
accumulation, do not install PV modules horizontally (flat).
13.
In high snow load regions, appropriate measures are to be taken so
that PV module frames (on lower edges of the modules) will not be
damaged.
14.
Do not expose PV modules to sunlight concentrated with mirrors,
lenses or other means. Turn off inverters and circuit breakers
immediately, should a problem occur.
15.
The maximum open circuit voltage must not be greater than the
specified maximum system voltage. Voltage is proportional to the
number of PV modules in series and is affected by weather conditions.
For strings connected in parallel take proper measures to block
reverse current flow.
Following clauses with *) describe requirement
for US market
only
16.
*) When installing PV modules in a readily accessible location, the
National Electrical Code (NEC) 690.33 requires installing the
additional locking sleeve (Multi-Contact part # PV-SSH4) on the
connector. Note that this sleeve is not included with the module. This
requirement is for circuits operating in excess of 30 volts, nominal,
maximum system voltage for DC or 30 volts for AC circuits.
18.
*) Wiring and grounding method of the frame of arrays shall comply
with the NEC, article 250.
19.
*) Grounding shall be achieved through securement to the array frame.
The array frame shall be grounded in accordance with NEC, article
250.
HANDLING SAFETY
1.
Do not expose the PV module to excessive loads on the surface of
the PV module or twist the frame. The glass may break.
2.
Do not stand or step on the PV module. The glass may be slippery,
and there is a risk of injury or electric shock if glass is broken.
3.
Do not hit or put excessive load on the glass or back sheet. PV cells
may break.
4.
To avoid damage to the back sheet, do not scratch or hit the back
sheet.
5.
To avoid damage to the terminal box and electricity leakage or shock,
do not hit the terminal box; do not pull the interconnect cables; do not
scratch the interconnect cable.
6.
Avoid the connector from scratching or impacting the back sheet of
the module.
7.
Install connector such that it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
8.
Do not twist the interconnect cable excessively.
9.
Never touch the end of the interconnect cables with bare hands when
the module is illuminated. Cover the surface of module with cloth or
other sufficiently opaque material to block the module from incident
light and handle the wires with insulated gloved hands to avoid
electric shock.
10.
Do not drill holes in the frame. It may compromise the frame strength
and cause corrosion of the frame.
11.
Do not scratch the anodized coating of the frame (except for
grounding connection). It may cause corrosion of the frame or
compromise the frame strength.
12.
Do not touch the PV module with bare hands. The frame of the PV
module has sharp edges and may cause injury. Wear suitable gloves,
such as leather gloves with padding in the palm and finger areas.
13.
Do not drop the PV module or allow objects to fall on the PV module.
14.
Do not lift the PV module by only one side. The frame may bend.
Always use two hands to lift and carry the PV module on the long side
of the frame.
15.
To prevent finger prints and/or any other stains on the glass, do not
touch the anti-reflective coated glass.
INSTALLATION SAFETY
1.
Always wear protective head gear, insulating gloves and safety shoes
with rubber soles.
2.
Keep the PV module packed in the carton until installation.
3.
Do not touch the PV module unnecessarily during installation. The
glass surface and the frame may be hot. There is a risk of burns and
electric shock.
4.
Do not work in rain, snow or windy conditions.
5.
Due to the risk of electrical shock, do not perform any work if the
terminals of the PV module are wet.
6.
Use insulated tools and do not use wet tools.
7.
When installing PV modules, do not drop any objects (e.g., PV
modules or tools).
8.
Make sure flammable gasses are not generated or present near the
installation site.
9.
Check all connections. Insert interconnect connectors fully and
correctly.
10.
The slack interconnect cable, excluding parts such as connectors,
should be securely fastened to the module frame, the mounting
racking or in a raceway to prevent movement of the interconnect
cable over time. Cable support should be done in a way to avoid the
connector from scratching or impacting the back sheet of the module.
11.
Do not touch the terminal box and the end of the interconnect cables
(connectors) with bare hands during installation or under sunlight,
regardless of whether the PV module is connected to or disconnected
from the system.
12.
Do not unplug a connector if the system circuit is connected to an