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Ver. 2.0 _ Mar 15, 2010
Installation Manual for PV Modules
INSTALLATION AND USER MANUAL
FOR SHARP PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES
NU-U240F1 / NU-U235F1 / NU-U235F3 / NU-U230F3
ND-U230C1 / ND-U224C1 / ND-U216C1
ND-224UC1 / ND-220UC1 / ND-216UC1 / ND-208UC1 / ND-200UC1
NT-175UC1 / NT-170UC1 / NE-170UC1 / NE-165UC1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important safety instructions for the PV module that must be followed during the installation and the maintenance of PV modules.
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE INSTALLING OR USING THE MODULES.
PLEASE PASS ALONG THIS MANUAL TO YOUR CUSTOMER.
A) GENERAL MANUAL
A-1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing a Sharp photovoltaic (PV) module. This Installation
Manual contains essential information for electrical and mechanical
installation that you must know before installing Sharp photovoltaic
modules. These modules are UL listed (UL 1703). This Manual also
contains safety information you need to be familiar with. All the information
described in this Manual is the intellectual property of Sharp and is
based on the technologies and experience that have been acquired and
accumulated over the long history of Sharp. Sharp does not assume
responsibility and expressly disclaims liability for loss, damage, or expense
arising out of or in any way connected with installation, operation, use or
maintenance of PV modules. No responsibility is assumed by Sharp for
any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties that may result
from use of PV modules. Sharp reserves the right to make changes to the
product, specifications or Installation Manual without prior notice. Refer to
module limited warranty information provided at the end of this manual.
A-2. GENERAL INFORMATION
(INCLUDING WARNING AND SAFETY)
The installation of PV modules requires a great degree of skill and should
only be performed by qualified licensed professionals, including licensed
contractors and licensed electricians. Please be aware that there is a
serious risk of various types of injury occurring during the installation
including the risk of electric shock. These Sharp PV modules are equipped
with a permanently attached special cable assembly for ease of installation
which does not require special assembly.
< GENERAL WARNING >
1. PV modules are heavy. Handle with care.
2. Before you attempt to install, wire, operate and maintain the PV
module, please make sure that you completely understand the
information described in this Installation Manual.
3. Contact with electrically active parts of a PV module such as terminals
can result in burns, sparks and lethal shock whether the PV modules
are connected or not.
4. PV modules produce electricity when sufficient sunlight or other
light source illuminates the module. When modules are connected
in series, voltage is cumulative. When modules are connected in
parallel, current is cumulative. PV systems can produce high voltage
and current which could present an increased hazard and may cause
serious injury or death.
5. Do not connect PV modules directly to motor loads. Variation in PV
module output power as a function of solar irradiance may damage
directly-connected loads. For example,
1: In the case of a brushless motor, the lock function may become
active and the motor may be damaged;
2: In the case of a brush type motor, the coil may be damaged.
< GENERAL SAFETY >
1. Install PV modules and ground frames and other metal components in
accordance with applicable codes and regulations.
2. PV modules should be installed and maintained by qualified personnel.
Only installation/service personnel should have access to the PV
module installation site.
3. Keep children away from PV modules.
4. Prior to installation, do not store modules outdoors or in a
damp environment to prevent glass from damage due to white
efflorescence.
5. When PV modules are installed on roofs or any other structures
above ground, appropriate safety practices should be followed
and appropriate safety equipment should be used in order to avoid
possible safety hazards. Note that the installation of PV modules on
some roof types may require the addition of fireproofing, as required
by local building/fire codes.
6. Roof mounted PV modules are to be mounted over a fire resistant roof.
7. Only PV modules with the same cell size should be connected in series.
8. Follow all safety precautions of other components used in the
system.
9. In order to avoid risk of injury or electrical shock, do not allow anyone
to handle damaged PV modules if the person is unqualified or has
limited knowledge of PV modules. Place defective PV modules in
cartons so PV cells are completely shaded, because a defective PV
module or module with broken glass may generate power even if it is
removed from the system.
10. When installing PV modules in a readily accessible location, the
National Electrical Code (NEC) 690.33 requires installing the additional
locking sleeve (Multi-Contact part # PV-SSH4) on the connector. Note
that this sleeve is not included with the module. This requirement is
for circuits operating in excess of 30 volts, nominal, maximum system
voltage for DC or 30 volts for AC circuits.
11. Avoid uneven shade on the PV module surface. Shaded cells may
become hot (“hot spot” phenomenon) which may result in permanent
damage to the module (e.g., solder joints may peel off).
12. Do not clean the glass surface with chemicals. Do not let water stay
on the glass surfaces of PV modules for a long time. This creates a
risk of permanent damage to the glass, such as white efflorescence,
otherwise known as “glass disease,” which may cause reduced power
output.
13. To avoid dirt accumulation or white efflorescence due to water
accumulation, do not install PV modules horizontally (flat).
14. In high snow load regions, appropriate measures are to be taken so
that PV module frames (on lower edges of the modules) will not be
damaged.
