Yingli Solar PV Modules, Installation and User Manual / page 2
De-energize PV modules by removing them entirely from light or by
covering their front surface with an opaque material. Regard the safety
regulations for live electrical equipment when working with modules that
are exposed to any light. Use Insulated tools and do not wear metallic
jewelry while working with PV modules.
In order to avoid arcing and electrical shock, do not disconnect electrical
connections under load. Faulty connections can also result in arcing and
electrical shock. Keep connectors dry and clean, and ensure that they
are in proper working condition. Never insert metallic objects into the
connectors, or modify them in any way in order to secure an electrical
connection.
Do not touch or handle PV modules with broken glass, separated frames
or a damaged backsheet unless the PV modules are first disconnected
and you are wearing proper PPE. Avoid handling PV modules when they
are wet unless cleaning the PV modules as directed in this manual. Never
touch electrical connections that are wet without protecting yourself with
insulated gloves.
Transport and Handling
Yingli Solar PV modules must be transported in the supplied packaging
only and kept in the packaging until they are ready to be installed.
Protect pallets against movement and exposure to damage during
transportation. Secure pallets from falling over. Do not exceed the
maximum height of pallets to be stacked, as indicated on the pallet
packaging. Store pallets in a cool and dry location until the PV modules
are ready to be unpackaged.
Figure 2: Pallet of PV modules
Yingli Solar PV modules are heavy, and should be handled with care.
PV modules shall be handled at the frame; never use the junction box
or cables as a grip. Do not exert mechanical stress on the cables. Never
step on PV modules or drop or place heavy objects on them. Be careful
when placing PV modules on hard surfaces, and secure them from falling.
Broken glass can result in personal injury. PV modules with broken glass
cannot be repaired and must not be used. Broken or damaged PV
modules must be handled carefully and disposed of properly.
For unpacking PV modules from the Yingli Solar supplied packaging,
first remove the pallet lid (after removing securing straps, if provided).
Remove PV modules one at a time by sliding them up the channel in
the package (see Figure 3). You may need to secure the remaining PV
modules in the pallet packaging to prevent them from falling over.
Figure 3: Removing PV modules from a pallet
Check PV modules for damage due to transportation before they
are installed; do not install damaged modules. Contact the company
you purchased the Yingli Solar PV modules from in order to obtain
information on making claims for defective PV modules.
PV module surfaces are susceptible to damage that could affect the
performance or safety of the PV module; do not damage or scratch
the PV module surfaces, and do not apply paint or adhesive to any of
the surfaces, including the frame. For your safety, do not disassemble
or modify Yingli Solar PV modules in any way. Doing so may degrade
performance or cause irreparable damage and will void any applicable
warranties.
If it is necessary to store PV modules prior to installation, the PV modules
should remain inside the packaging and protected from exposure that
could compromise the durability of the packaging.
Fire
Yingli Solar PV Modules have a Class C fire resistance rating in
accordance with UL 1703 certification. When PV modules are mounted
on rooftops, the roof must have a fire resistant covering suitable for this
application. PV modules are electrical generating devices that may affect
the fire safety of a building.
The use of improper installation methods and/or defective parts may
result in the unexpected occurrence of an electrical arc during operation.
In order to mitigate the risk of fire in this event, PV modules should not
be installed near flammable liquids, gases, or locations with hazardous
materials.
In the event of a fire, PV modules may continue to produce a dangerous
voltage, even if they have been disconnected from the inverter, have
been partly or entirely destroyed, or the system wiring has been
compromised or destroyed. In the event of fire, inform the fire crew
about the particular hazards from the PV system, and stay away from
all elements of the PV system during and after a fire until the necessary
steps have been taken to make the PV system safe.
A P P L I C AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N
Application Restrictions
Yingli Solar PV modules must be mounted on appropriate mounting
structures positioned on suitable buildings, the ground, or other
structures suitable for PV modules (e.g. carports, building facades or PV
trackers). PV modules must not be mounted on moving vehicles of any
kind. Yingli Solar PV modules must not be installed in locations where
they could be submerged in water.
Yingli Solar PV modules must not be sited in locations where aggressive
substances such as salt or salt-water, or any other type of corrosive
agent, could affect the safety and/or performance of the PV modules.
Although Yingli Solar PV modules have passed the IEC 61701 salt-
mist corrosion test with a salt concentration of 5% by weight, galvanic
corrosion can occur between the aluminum frame of the PV module
and mounting or grounding hardware if such hardware is comprised of
dissimilar metals. Yingli Solar recommends that only stainless steel and
aluminum metal directly contact PV modules in seaside installations to
limit corrosion.
Artificially concentrated light must not be directed on Yingli Solar PV
modules.
Design Recommendations
Yingli Solar recommends that PV modules be mounted at a minimum tilt
angle of 10 degrees to allow for proper self-cleaning from normal rain
showers.
Partial or complete shading of a PV module or modules can significantly
reduce system performance. Yingli Solar recommends minimizing the
amount of shade throughout the year to increase the amount of energy
produced by the PV modules.
Lightning protection is recommended for PV systems that are to be
installed in locations with high probability of lightning strikes.
