7
© 2011-2013 Silfab Ontario Inc. - Specifications in this manual are subject to revisions without notice
SAFETY AND INSTALLATION MANUAL FOR
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES
7. Installation
7a) Module Mounting
The module is class C fire rated.
When installing Silfab modules, local building
code requirements and regulations must be
adhered to at all times. In particular, in case
of roof mounting, fire protection must be
compatible with the class C fire rating (ie. fire
resistant roofing materials). Class C rating is to
be maintained when mounting the modules at
any inclination angle.
Sufficient ventilation of the module backside is
required for maintain the Class C fires rating,
and therefore the mounting configuration (e.g.
sufficient clearance) should be adapted
accordingly
.
The recommended clearance
distance is a minimum 10 cm.
Do not drill any additional holes into the
module frames and do not cover the
drainage holes
.
Pre-assembled mounting systems will need
written approval by Silfab in advance.
•
The modules can be mounted in every angle
from horizontal to vertical, avoiding
configurations with the junction box up-side
down at all times (e.g. trackers with “sleep
mode”).
•
In order to maximize module exposure to
direct sunlight, the modules should be
oriented to the south in the northern
hemisphere and to the north in the southern
hemisphere.
Mounting Methods:
Mounting using mounting holes:
•
Each module must be securely fastened at
a minimum of 4 points.
•
Use the 4 mounting holes (slots, see Fig.
3a/3b) on the PV module frame to bolt the
module with M6 (1/4”) stainless steel
screws and nuts to the mounting
framework.
•
The distance of the mounting holes has
been designed in order to result in a
uniform wind and snow load without
damaging the module.
Do not drill additional holes in the
module frame; doing so will void the
Warranty.
Mounting using clamping method:
•
Silfab recommends the use of clamps with
a design as shown in Fig. 4a (or
equivalent). The use of improper clamps
will void the Warranty.
•
When using clamps, it is possible to mount
the modules in horizontal (the shorter side
of one module facing the shorter side of
the neighboring module) or in vertical (the
longer sides facing each other)
configuration. Refer to Fig. 4b,c,d for an
example of attaching the modules to a
support structure using mounting clamps.
(It is recommended to always use stainless
steel screws and bolts.)
•
The modules can be mounted on
continuous base structures (inclined or
horizontal) such as rails or similar.
•
Both base structures must be mounted at
the same distance from the symmetrical
axis (vertical or horizontal) of the module
(Fig. 5a/5b).
•
In vertical configuration, it is strongly
recommended to place the supporting
elements nearby the mounting holes, or in
any case, allow a spacing of 800-941 mm
between them. This is necessary in order
to maintain a correct load distribution (Fig.
