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Mechanical Installation
• Panels should be mounted to maximize direct exposure to sunlight and to
eliminate or minimize shadowing.
• Even partial shadowing can substantially reduce panel and system output.
• Panels must be securely fastened using support frames or mounting kits
specialized for PV applications.
• Panels may be mounted at any angle from vertical to horizontal orientation.
• Care must be taken to avoid low tilt angles which may cause dirt to build-up
on the glass against the frame edge.
• Dirt build-up on the surface of the panel can cause active solar cells to be
shaded and electrical performance to be impaired.
• Contact Evergreen Solar for more information regarding minimum recommended
tilt angles for specific panel products.
• For roof mounted systems, provide adequate rear ventilation under a panel
for cooling (100mm: 4 in. gap minimum).
• Clearance of 7mm:¼ in or more between panels is required to allow for
thermal expansion of the frames.
• Always keep the back surface of the panel free from any foreign objects or
structural elements which could come into contact with the panel, especially
when the panel is under mechanical load.
• Ensure panels are not subjected to wind or snow loads in excess of the
maximum permissible loads and are not subjected to excessive forces due to
thermal expansion of the support structure.
• Evergreen Solar permits several different mounting methods. The permissible
mounting methods and maximum permissible wind and snow loads are
detailed in the Mounting Guide available from Evergreen Solar (IEC 61730
compliant version).
• For permission to use mounting methods not described in the Mounting Guide
(IEC 61730 compliant version), please consult Evergreen Solar. Failure to do
so will void the warranty and panel certification.
• Always follow the mounting equipment vendors’ installation instructions in
addition to the instructions found in the Mounting Guide (IEC 61730 compliant
version). In cases where the vendors’ instructions are more stringent than
those detailed in the Mounting Guide (IEC 61730 compliant version), the
vendors’ instructions shall apply.
• In cases where the maximum permissible loading determined by the mounting
equipment vendor is less than the maximum permissible load stated in
the Mounting Guide (IEC 61730 compliant version), the maximum loads
determined by the vendor should always be used.
• The maximum permissible loads apply to uniformly distributed wind or snow
loading. Care should be taken to avoid mounting panels in areas that are prone
to drifting snow, icicle and/or ice dam formation.
Operation and Maintenance
• No routine maintenance is required. However it is advisable to perform periodic
inspection of the panels for damage to glass, back-skin, frame, junction box or
external electrical connections.
• Check electrical connections for loose connections and corrosion.
• PV panels can operate effectively without ever being washed, although removal
of dirt from the front glass can increase output.
• Water can be used for regular washing or rinsing of the front glass to remove
dust, dirt or other deposits.
• To remove ingrained dirt, the glass can be washed with a micro-fiber cloth and
ethanol or a conventional glass cleanser.
• No aggressive and abrasive cleansers or chemicals should ever be used on
the front glass. No alkali based chemicals should be used, including ammonia
based solutions.
• Always wear rubber gloves for electrical insulation whilst maintaining, washing
or cleaning panels.
IEC 61730 Required Information
• The Evergreen ES-C series panels have been qualified for Application Class A.
• Panels rated for use in Application Class A may be used in systems operating at
greater than 50V DC or 240 W, where general contact access is anticipated.
• Panels qualified to IEC 61730 within Application Class A are also considered
to meet the requirements for safety class II.
• Under normal conditions, a photovoltaic panel is likely to experience conditions
that produce more current and/or voltage than reported at Standard Test
Conditions. Accordingly, the values of Isc and Voc marked on this panel should
be multiplied by a factor of 1.25 when determining component voltage ratings,
conductor capacities, fuse sizes, and size of controls connected to the PV
output.
• Conductor recommendations: single conductor cable, type USE-2 (non-
conduit), or PV WIRE 14 AWG minimum (2.5mm
2
minimum).
• Maximum number of series/parallel panel configurations: a maximum of 2
strings in parallel may be used without an over-current protection device in
series with each string. 3 or more strings in parallel may be used if a properly
rated and certified over-current protection device is installed in series with
each string.
• To ensure that the string voltage does not exceed 1000V, a maximum of 35
panels may be connected in series at an ambient temperature of -40°C.
ES-C Series Photovoltaic Panels
Safety, Installation and Operation Manual
Valid from 1
st
December 2009 / 2009-DEC_IM_ES-C_EN_IEC_revA © 2009 Evergreen Solar, Inc.
