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INSTALLATION - PLANNING
INSTALLATION TOOLS
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4,5 & 6 mm Allen keys or 4,5 & 6 mm Allen Key fittings to suit torque adjustable drill (for racking
components and inverter)
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Torx T20 screwdriver (Power-One/ABB inverter systems only)
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Cordless torque adjustable drill
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Angle grinder with stone disk (for tile cutting if required)
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Electricians hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers etc.)
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String line
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Timber to shim tile roof interfaces (if required)
STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT
The installer is responsible for ensuring that the building and building structures are capable of withstanding
the additional loads and forces generated as a result of installing the PV system. For domestic dwellings, it
is recommended that a structural engineering assessment is completed. For all other installations, a
structural assessment is required to be completed by a qualified structural engineer.
COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES
Complete installation of inverter communications devices requires the installer to register the communication
device and inverter on the inverter manufacturer’s web portal. Hence, to complete the communications
equipment installation, the installer must have access to the PV system owner’s internet connection. An
example of items that should be organised prior to onsite installation are:
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Confirmation that an internet accessible network port is available
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Length of networking cable required from inverter to networking port
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Wi-Fi access including SSID and password
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PV system owner’s network administrator permission and assistance to adjust firewall, network
address translation (NAT) and port forwarding settings.
PV MODULE ORIENTATION AND INCLINATION
To maximize system output, install modules at optimum orientation and inclination (tilt) angles. The specifics
of this will depend on the installation location and must be calculated by a qualified system designer. The
ideal angle for mounting a module should result in the sun’s rays falling perpendicular (i.e. at a 90° angle) to
the module surface.
Note:
All modules in each series string must have the same orientation and inclination to ensure that
modules do not underperform due to a mismatching of each module’s output.
Modules should be installed in a shade free position. Even minor or
partial shading of the modules/array will reduce array/system output. A
module is considered shade free when it is both:
Free from shade or shadows all year round.
Exposed to several hours of direct sunlight, even during the shortest
days of the year.
Note:
The following information is provided as a guide only:
•
Modules should be installed facing toward true north. Where this
orientation is not practical, a system facing up to 45° (NW or NE)
from true north is satisfactory however losses of up to
approximately 6% will occur. A module facing due east or due
west will experience a loss in performance of approximately
18%.
