| 15
EN-Rev IM/GN-BM-EU/1.93 Copyright © August, 2021. CSI Solar Co., Ltd.
www.csisolar.com
6.2 MOUNTING METHODS: CLAMPING
The mechanical load test with these mounting methods
were performed according to IEC 61215.
Each module must be securely fastened at a minimum
of four points on two opposite sides. The clamps should
be positioned symmetrically. The clamps should be
positioned according to the authorized position ranges
defined in table below. Install and tighten the module
clamps to the mounting rails using the torque stated by
the mounting hardware manufacturer. M8 x 1.25 (5/16”)
bolt and nut are used for this clamping method. The
yield strength of bolt and nut should not be less than
450 MPa.
Tightening torques should be within 16~20 Nm
(11.8~14.75 ft-lbs) for M8 (5/16”-18 Grade B7) coarse
thread bolts, depending on the bolt class. For the bolt
grade, the technical guideline from the fastener
suppliers
should
be
followed.
Different
recommendations from specific clamping hardware
suppliers should prevail.
The system designer and installer are responsible for
load calculations and for proper design of support
structure.
The mounting rails shall be designed to limit as much
as possible shade on module rear side cells.
Canadian Solar’s warranty may be void in cases where
improper clamps or unsuitable installation methods are
found. When installing inter-modules or end-type
clamps, please take the following measures into
account:
1.
Do not bend the module frame.
2.
Do not touch or cast shadows on the front glass.
3.
Do not damage the surface of the frame (to the
exception of the clamps with bonding pins).
4.
Ensure the clamps overlap the module frame by at
least 10 mm (0.4 in) for CS6W, CS7N, CS7L, and 5mm
/0.2in) for others.
5.
Overlap in length by at least
a)
80 mm (3.15 in) when 2400 Pa < uplift load ≤ 4000
Pa is required.
b)
40 mm (1.57 in) when uplift load ≤ 2400 Pa is
required.
6.
Ensure the clamp thickness is at least 3 mm (0.12 in).
Clamp material should be anodized aluminum alloy or
stainless steel.
Clamp positions are of crucial importance for the
reliability of the installation. The clamp centerlines must
only be positioned within the ranges indicated in table
below, depending on the configuration and load.
For configurations where the mounting rails run
parallel to the frame, precautions should be taken to
ensure the bottom flange of the module frame overlaps
the rail by at least 15 mm (0.59 in) for CS6W, CS7N, CS7L,
and 10 mm (0.4 in) for other module series.
