Version 20200601
No.
Mechanical Installation
General installation
Any hardware used must be compatible with any other used material to avoid galvanic corrosion. Defects caused by
corrosions void the warranty.
It is not recommended to use modules with different configurations (grounding, wiring) in the same system.
Excessive cables must be organized or fixed in an adequate way, e.g. attached to the mounting structure by using
non-metallic cable ties.
Solar cables, connectors and juction boxes should not be exposed to water exposure, and snow, and rain
or water submersion for a long period of time(IP65/67/68).
For applications requiring high operating voltage several modules can be connected in series to form a string of modules;
the system voltage is then equal to the sum of the voltage of each module.
For applications requiring high operating currents several strings of modules can be connected in parallel; the system
current is then equal to the sum of the current of each string of modules.
The maximum system voltage is 600 volts ,1000 volts or 1500 volts depending on the product family DC according to standards.
The maximum number of series connected modules depends on system design, the type of inverter used and environmental
conditions.
Based on the maximum series fuse rating of module and local electrical installation code, always make sure Suntech PV
modules are assembled with the appropriate string fuse for circuit protection.
There is no specific limitation on the number of modules that can be connected in parallel, the number of modules is
determined by system design parameters such as current or power output.
To prevent the cables and the connectors from overheating, the cross section of the cables and the capacity of the
connectors must be selected to suit the maximum system short circuit current. The recommended cable is PV wire with a cross
section of at least 4mm
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Caution: do not secure the cables too tight. Any cable damage caused by cable management system is not covered under
Suntech's warranty.
Always refer to the cable manufacturer's bending radius which includes the radius just behind the connectors.
When designing large modules arrays connected to a single inverter, always take into account the resulting isolation
resistance (Riso), which decreases increasing the number of modules in the array. A too low Riso can results in inverter faults.
Please refer to local regulations to determine the system wires size, type and temperature.
Suntech modules are supplied with connectors used for system electrical connections. The recommended connectors are
TL-CABLE01S connectors, Amphenol H4 connectors, Multi Contact MC4 connectors etc. Suntech strongly recommends using the
genuine connector type specified by Suntech's product data sheet. Any choice of a different connector type other than specified
may void the warranty of the module.
To ensure reliable electric connection and to prevent possible intrusion of humidity, two connectors must be mated and
locked together until a click can be heard.
Long-term exposure to wet environments may cause connectors' poor connectivity, resulting in current leakage and poor
conductivity which voids the warranty. Suntech recommends proper connector/cable/wire management to prevent moisture
intrusion. Depending on the amount of humidity, Suntech recommends periodic inspections of the installation system to
maintain optimal module performance.
The DC current generated by photovoltaic systems can be converted into AC and fed into a public Grid. As local utilities’
policies on connecting renewable energy systems to the Grids vary from region to region. Always seek the advice from a
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