Solar Venture 300W PV Array Operator and Maintenance Manual
October 2020
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The PV array must be secured with three (3) to six (6) sandbags (Figure 14) to reduce the potential
for damage in high winds.
Sandbags should weigh a minimum of 50 pounds (23 kg) each. Place sandbags on the large ground-
securing mesh under the PV panel and on the small ground-securing mesh behind the panel as
shown below (Figure 14).
Secure the Array to the Ground
WARNING
Failure to properly secure the PV array(s) to the surface with sandbags could result in PV
array damage, injury, or death in high winds. Wind damage can render arrays nonfunctional or
significantly reduce their functional life expectancy. PV arrays must be properly secured to the
ground even in low-wind environments.
Note:
Before the arrays are secured to the ground, be observant and take care to ensure
the support frame is not twisted. If the support frame is twisted, the array will be exposed to
torsional strain, which can cause damage to the cells of the array panel(s).
CAUTION
DO NOT DAMAGE THE ARRAY SUPPORT FRAME
DO NOT DROP SANDBAGS ONTO THE PV ARRAY SUPPORT FRAME
Figure 14. Ground-securing sandbag placement
Do not secure the arrays to the ground before establishing proper location and orientation