Photovoltaic Module Installation Instructions
231 Lake Dr. Newark, Delaware 19702 USA Tel: (302) 451-7500 Fax: (302) 451-7501
Doc. ID#: SM329WI-03
Overview
This document provides information for the
safe installation and operation of your GE
Energy photovoltaic module. Carefully read
this entire instruction sheet prior to product
installation. Information about system sizing,
design, safety, and operation are available
from your respective distributor.
Determine local permit, installation and
inspection requirements before installation. If
not otherwise specified, it is recommended
that the requirements of the U.S. National
Electrical Code (NEC) or respective European
Code be followed.
Applicable Products
This document is applicable to all GE Energy
solar module products.
Cover the module’s front face completely with
opaque material to halt the production of
electricity before making any electrical
connections. Before working on a solar
module, disconnect it from other sources of
electricity, such as batteries.
Only trained personnel familiar with the
principles of electricity and electrical
equipment should install solar modules. Use
properly insulated tools and appropriate
protective equipment.
Solar modules have a protective glass front.
Broken solar module glass is an electrical
safety hazard (electric shock and fire). These
modules cannot be repaired and should be
replaced immediately.
Make sure the modules are arranged such
that the current and voltage characteristics
of the array are within the tolerances of the
device to which the array will connect.
Modules sold in the US are rated up to 600V
while some European modules may be rated
up to 1000V.
In actual usage, a photovoltaic module may
experience conditions that result in more
current and/or voltage than reported at
standard test conditions. The module’s Isc
rating should be multiplied by a factor of 1.25
when determining component ratings. NEC
690.8 requires an additional multiplying factor
of 1.25 for conductor and fuse sizing. Refer to
NEC Table 690.7 for voltage correction factors
that are based on ambient air temperatures.
If NEC Table 690.7 is not available, a factor of
1.25 should be used to adjust voltage.
This module has a Class C Fire Rating and
must be installed over a roof of appropriate
fire resistance. Consult your local building
department to determine approved roofing
materials. Do not install this module integral
with a roof or wall of a habitable structure.
Exception, only the GEPVp-066-G module can
be installed integral with a roof.
Do not artificially concentrate sunlight on
modules. Do not install modules where a
flammable gas may be present. Do not
remove any part installed by GE Energy or
disassemble the module.
Handling and Use
Protective gloves should be worn when
handling solar modules. The gloves will
protect against sharp objects and burns.
This GE Energy module is made using a glass
front cover. Although tough, it is subject to
breakage if not properly handled and
installed. Always transport and store the
module in the shipping container provided.
Do not leave the module unsupported prior to
installation. For example, wind can cause a
module that is leaning against a fence to fall
and break. Avoid application of excessive
bending or twisting forces to the module.
Avoid stepping on the module or subjecting it
to impact.
Mounting
GE Energy solar electric modules can be
mounted using the four mounting holes
located on the solar modules frame or may
also be mounted using pressure clips that
compress the frame from the top to the
mounting rail (figure 1). The mounting rails
must be within one inch (1”) [2.54 cm] of the
frame mounting holes (Figure 2) and run
perpendicular to the length of the module.
Secure the module using the four mounting
holes provided and ¼ in. (6mm) corrosion-
resistant hardware. Lock washers should be
used with this hardware for long-term
security.
Module Specification -
GE Energy solar
modules have been designed and tested to a
maximum loading of +/- 50 psf (pounds per
square foot). This loading can be any
combination of snow, ice, or wind. In order for
the solar modules to withstand this loading
the frame must be properly supported. The
frames include four mounting holes at the
proper locations to distribute loading.
Figure 1: Typical pressure clamp
Glass
Glass
Mounting Rail
Figure 2: Mounting and placement
G
E
P
V
-1
1
0-M
N
A
0
0
1
110 WA
T
T
16.
7
V
O
LT
S
21.
2 V
O
LT
S
6
.6
A
M
P
S
7.
4 A
M
P
S
600
V
O
LT
S
15 A
M
P
S
18
A
M
P
S
C
L
AS
S C
xx
xxx
x
xxxx
xx
xxx
x
12
A
W
G
M
IN
.
IN
S
U
L
A
TE
D
F
O
R
75
°C M
IN.
MA
D
E
I
N
U
S
A
Mounting Rail
Mounting Holes
Hole Lo/- 1"
90°
Hole Lo/- 1"
Drag Force -
If the installation is located in an
area that has heavy snow loading or an area
with repetitive freeze thaw cycles, the solar
modules will be subjected to a drag force.
This drag force is the force pulling the
modules at a downward angle (figure 3). To
resist the drag forces the solar module must
have support on the lower edge of the
module frame. It is recommended that the
mounting rails be oriented vertically,
placing
the module mounting hardware at the lower
module edge. The solar system designer must
determine the amount of drag force, as more
then 2 mounting clamps may be required for
some sites.
Electric Shock and Burn Hazard
This photovoltaic module produces
electricity when exposed to the sun or
other light sources.
There are typically two or four modules
to a shipping container. These
containers are heavy. To safely transport
these containers multiple people and/or
equipment should be used to avoid
injury.
Improper mounting of solar modules can
lead to the frame separating from the
glass, the glass breaking, and/or the
solar module (or component used to
construct the solar module) may become
a falling object.
