Yingli Solar PV Modules, Installation and User Manual / page 5
M E C H A N I C A L I N S TA L L AT I O N
Mounting structures and other mechanical parts must be designed and
approved to withstand the design wind and snow loads applicable for a
particular site. Yingli Solar PV modules must not be subjected to forces
from the substructure, including forces caused by thermal expansion.
The mounting method must not result in the direct contact of dissimilar
metals with the aluminum frame of the PV module that will result
in galvanic corrosion. An addendum to UL 1703 recommends metal
combinations not exceed an electrochemical potential difference of
0.5 Volts.
Yingli Solar PV modules can be mounted in landscape or portrait
orientation, as illustrated in Figure 10, provided that the mounting method
follows one of the acceptable methods listed below.
Figure 10: Landscape and portrait mounting
In order to maintain the fire class rating, the distance between the PV
module front surface (glass) and the roof surface shall be at least 4
inches (10 cm). This spacing also allows air flow to cool the PV module.
Install PV modules with a minimum spacing of 0.4 inches (1 cm) between
neighboring frames to allow for thermal expansion.
Mounting Methods
The following mounting methods are available:
Option A: Bolts or clamps
Refer to the Module Supplement at the end of this manual to determine
how many connection points are required for a specific module series.
The locations of mounting holes and clamp tolerances are illustrated
in the drawings located in the Module Supplement. Do not modify the
existing mounting holes or drill new holes.
• Bolts:
Modules must be mounted using the mounting holes located on
the rear side of the long frame parts using ¼ inch stainless steel bolts,
nuts, and washers. Refer to the racking manufacturer for specific torque
requirements. This mounting method has been tested for a maximum
static load of 50 psf (2400 Pa) in both the positive and negative
directions.
Figure 11: Detail of a bolt mounting attachment
• Top-down Clamps:
Third-party clamps that have been designed for
PV mounting structures are an approved mounting attachment method
for Yingli Solar PV modules. Modules must be fastened using clamps
applied to the top side of the long frame parts. A clamp holds two
modules except for the clamps at the beginning and end of a module
row. The centerline of the clamps must be in line with the mounting
hole positions plus or minus a distance of two (2) inches (50mm).
Clamps must be installed according to the manufacturer’s specified
instructions with minimum bolt size of 1/4 inches. Do not apply
excessive pressure on the frame such that the frame deforms. Refer to
the clamp manufacturer for specific hardware and torque requirements.
This mounting method has been tested for a maximum static load of
50 psf (2400 Pa) in both the positive and negative directions.
Figure 12: Detail of a top-down clamp mounting attachment
Option B: PanelClaw™ Attachment System
Attachment with the PanelClaw system is permitted for Yingli Solar
PV modules listed in the Module Supplement. Support structures
manufactured by PanelClaw, Inc. employ a special clamp, or “claw” (Part
Number: 500-0005) designed to attach to the flange of the PV module at
each of the four corners, on the two short frame members.
Figure 13: Detail of claw placement
For proper attachment, place a claw over the PV module frame flange at
each of the four designated locations and tighten the stainless steel 3/8-
16 x 1.25” hex head cap screw to a torque pressure between 18 ft∙lbf
(24.4 N∙m) and 20 ft∙lbf (27.1 N∙m). Ensure that the claws are flush with
both the long and short lengths of the PV module flange. This mounting
method has been tested for a maximum static load of 50 psf (2400 Pa) in
both the positive and negative directions.
Landscape Orientation
Portrait Orientation
Mounting with bolts diagram
Explode assembly
PV Laminate
Backing Nut
Aluminum Frame
Nut Washer
Support Structure
Screw
Screw
Backing Nut
Nut Washer
PV Laminate
Mounting Rail
Aluminum Frame
