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· Do not immerse modules in water or constantly expose
modules to water (either fresh or salt) (i.e. from fountains,
sea spray).
· Exposing modules to salt (i.e. marine environments) or
sulfur (i.e. sulfur sources, volcanoes) incurs the risk of
module corrosion.
· Failure to comply with these instructions will void
Canadian Solar Inc. warranty.
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
· Ensure that the module meets the general technical
system requirements.
· Ensure that other systems components do not damage
modules mechanically or electrically.
· Modules can be wired in series to increase voltage or in
parallel to increase current. To connect modules in series,
connect the positive terminal of one module to the nega-
tive terminal of the next module. To connect in parallel,
connect the positive terminal of one module to the positi-
ve terminal of the next module.
· Only connect the quantity of modules that corresponds
to the voltage specifications of the inverters used in the
system. In addition modules must NOT be connected
together to create a voltage higher than the maximum
permitted system voltage stated on the module name-
plate, even under the worst local temperature conditions
(see Table 1 for the correction coefficients that apply to
open-circuit voltage).
· A maximum of two strings can be connected in parallel wi-
thout using an over-current protection device (fuses, etc.)
incorporated in series within each string. Three or more
strings can be connected in parallel if an appropriate and
certified over-current protection device is installed in se-
ries with each string.
· Only modules with similar electrical parameters should
be connected in the same string to avoid or minimize mis-
match effects in arrays.
· To minimize risk in the event of an indirect lightning strike,
avoid forming loops with the wiring when designing the
system.
· The recommended maximum series fuse rating is stated
in table 1 in the Annex A.
· Modules should be safely fixed to bear all expected loads,
including wind and snow loads.
· After the installation of double glass modules, a maximum
40 mm deflection for frameless module, and a 30 mm
deflection for framed module is allowed.
· For frameless modules, a minimum clearance of 10 mm
(0.394 in) or more between modules is required to allow
the thermal expansion of the modules. The clearance is
measured from one plastic corner protector to the adja-
cent plastic corner protector.
· For framed modules, a minimum clearance of 6.5 mm (0.25
in) between modules is required to allow thermal expansi-
on of the frames and modules.
OPTIMUM ORIENTATION AND TILT
· To maximize the annual yield, please calculate the opti-
mum orientation and tilt for PV modules in that specific
installation site. The highest yields are achieved when sun-
light shines perpendicularly onto the PV modules.
AVOID SHADING
· Even minor partial shading (e.g. from dirt deposits) re-
duces the yield. A module can be considered to be unsha-
ded if its entire surface is free from shading all year round.
Sunlight should be able to reach at least the front side of
the module even on the shortest day of the year.
· For optimizing the power generation of the rear side of
bifacial modules, obstacles between modules and the
mounting ground should be avoided as much as possible.
· Constant shading conditions can affect module service
lifetime, due to accelerated ageing of the encapsulation
material and thermal stress on the bypass diodes.
RELIABLE VENTILATION
· Bifacial modules use direct, reflected, or diffuse sunlight
on the backside to generate additional power. Therefore,
bifacial modules are not suggested to be used in building
attached photovoltaic systems (BAPV). If BAPV, or similar
mounting is still required, sufficient clearance of at least
10 cm (3.94 in) between the module and the mounting
surface needs to be provided to allow cooling air to circu-
late around the back of the module. This also allows con-
densation or moisture to dissipate.
· According to UL 1703, if any other specific clearance re-
quired for maintaining a system fire rating should prevail.
