7
INSTALLATION
There are multiple ways of installing Solbian
Solar Panels.
T
he panels can be
supplied with
either Quick Connect Cables
or
Rear Wiring
Strip
s
for
the
electrical connection, and
Velcro,
zippers
, g
rommets and other custom fasteners can be installed by
your local
canvas shop.
Installing a Solbian Solar Panel with Terminal Strips permanently to a hard surface
requires
special considerations. It is recommended that this type of installation be accomplished by
a qualified and competent professional.
The use of a twin-wall backing panel is highly
recommended for this type of installation.
Solbian Panels must not be bent to a chord height
(sagitta)
greater than
25% of the
arc
length.
Simplified: T
he depth of bend must not exceed 25% of the length o
r
width of the panel.
Panels
must be properly installed, following the instructions. The
support
structure
that
the
panel
will be
installed on, must be capable of
full
suppor
t
, without deformation,
in
any weather condition, like wind, snow
and, for marine applications, salt and storms. The
support
structure
should
not
be subjected to excessive bending
and flexing
.
Excessive and repetitive f
lex
ing
or bending of the
support
structure may cause irreversible damage
to
the
panel
components
,
reducing the efficiency
and possibly causing internal structural damage.
S
Modules fixing must be executed with maximum attention and precision, in fact the glue placed on
SOLBIANFLEX modules doesn’t permit a replacement or a splitting up of modules without damaging it. First
of all, put the sheaths that shrink when exposed to heat into ribbons, paying attention to put the sheath
s as
nearest as possible to the module. The aim is to minimize the surface covered by ribbons. Use a hot source
(phon or flame) to shrink and then adhere the sheaths to ribbons. Eventually use some SikaFlex to
electrically isolate with a thin coating the metallic part of the ribbon nearest to the module that could be
uncovered by sheaths. Sign a rectangle on the rigid support where the module will be fixed on, with the
same internal dimension of the module, to determine its exact position:
The
mounting of the panel
must permit air to freely circulate at least on the face exposed to sunlight.
This reduces the temperature and
results in
better performance.
Electrical
wiring size
must be sufficient
for a
maximum voltage drop of
3
%
. Consult NEC tables, ABYC
Standard E
11
, or your Solbian dealer for guidance.
It is recommended to use electrical cable designed for the marine environment if permanently exposed.
Purpose made electrical cables with MC4 connectors are available from your Solbian dealer
.
IMPORTANT:
.
IF THE PANEL IS TO BE MOUNTED ON A FLEXIBLE SURFACE, I.E. A CANVAS DODGER OR
BIMINI, THERE MUST BE NO COMPONENT OF THE SUPPORT STRUCTURE UNDER THE
MATERIAL THAT CAN INTERFERE WITH THE UNIFORM LAY OF THE PANEL.
.
THERE MUST BE NO BEAM, RAIL, BAR, OR OTHER FORM OF BRACING OR SUPPORT
UNDER THE CANVAS OR FLEXIBLE MATERIAL THAT CAN FORM A HARD RIDGE THAT THE
PANEL MIGHT REST ON. THE PANEL MUST LAY ON COMPLETELY UNSUPPORTED
MATERIAL FOR THE ENTIRE PANEL SURFACE AREA.
.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE PANEL
AND FABRIC THAT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
