2-3-2. Mounting using the "Clipping method"
"The clipping method" is a way to secure modules on steady
base profiles (rail structures. etc.,) with "clipping" materials to
hold the top of the frame, without directly securing it with bolts
and nuts on the back of the module.
Mitsubishi Electric Corp.
doesn't specify or
warrant any materials,
e.g. base profile and
clipping materials etc.,
related to the clipping
method.
• The base profile should be perpendicular to the longer side
of the module (see figure below).
•
The module shall be attached at 4 points or more on the frames.
•
Refer to the figure for the proper attachment.
• Secure the clips using M6 (1/4”) or larger (M8 (5/16”)) bolts
for where heavy snow loads are expected.
• Make to use clips that reach at least 5mm in from the edge
of the module frame.
• Use clipping material with sufficient strength and proper
form that can withstand forces from wind pressure and
snowfall pressure specific to the local climate.
• Secure bolts with the appropriate torque to avoid
deformation of the module frame.
• Take precaution in utilizing locking fasteners to avoid
loosening of the panel from its original anchored position.
• Note that the drainage holes at each corner of module
should not be blocked by the base profile.
En-2
En-3
2-3. MOUNTING
• Use mounting framework that can withstand forces from wind
pressure and snowfall pressure specific to your local climate.
• Use mounting framework and brackets that can withstand the
environment where the PV modules are to be used. Select
proper corrosion resistant materials and coatings.
• Use appropriate safeguards and components to install the
modules.
• PV modules shall be mounted over a fire resistant roof
covering rated for the application and on any slope less than
5in/ft (127mm/305mm) to maintain a fire Class rating.
• Installing the modules at an angle less than 2°can result in
decreased module output due to dirt and dust accumulating
on the module surface.
• Make sure there is enough space for air circulation behind
the PV modules to dissipate heat.
• DO NOT open any additional holes in the modules.
• The module is Type 2 of Fire Performance.
2-3-1. Mounting using bolt holes
Mounting examples:
• Fasten the corner holes of the PV module with M8 (5/16”)
stainless steel bolts to the mounting framework with a
torque of 4.5 to 6N·m (3.3 to 4.4 ft-lb).
• Use spring washers and flat washers to fasten the PV module as
shown in figure1.
• Install the PV module securely
by fastening the appropriate
bolts with double nuts and
locking washers.
• Make sure that there is more
than a 5 mm gap between
modules to prevent buckling
caused by thermal expansion.
CAUTION
WARNING
2.INSTALLATION
Refer to Local Code (US: National Electrical Code) standards,
construction rules and safety instructions regarding installation
of the PV modules.
Electrical installations in Canada shall be in accordance with
CSA. C22. 1, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations,
Canadian Electrical Code, Part1.
2-1. CLIMATE CONDITIONS
Install the PV module within the following conditions:
• Ambient monthly mean temperature: -20°C to 40°C (-4 to 104 °F)
• Operating temperature: -30°C to 83°C (-22 to 181 °F)
• Allowable pressure: up to +2400/-3000Pa
• Water resistance/damage: The PV modules shall not be
immersed in water and shall not be continually exposed to
a source of water, such as a sprinkler, fountain, etc.
• Corrosion warning: The PV modules shall not be installed in
corrosive areas such as:
-- Salty areas: areas where salty water such as ocean
spray comes in direct contact with the module, or
-- Sulfurous areas: areas near sulfurous volcanos and
sulfurous springs.
Note
In case of installation in Asian countries, PV modules shall
not be installed in corrosive areas within 500m from a body
of salt water and/or areas where there is direct contact with
salty wind.
2-2. ORIENTATION
• Install the PV modules facing South in the Northern
Hemisphere or North in the Southern Hemisphere.
• PV modules connected in series should be installed in the
same orientation and angle. Different orientation or angles
may cause loss of output power due to the different
amount of sunlight being absorbed by the modules.
• Do not allow the modules to be shaded at anytime.
Shade causes loss of electrical output, even though the
factory fitted bypass diode will reduce such loss to some
extent.
1-2. MULTIPLYING FACTOR
Under normal conditions, the PV module is likely to experience conditions that produce more current and/or voltage than reported
under Standard Test Conditions. Accordingly, the values of Isc
and Voc marked on this module should be multiplied by a factor of
1.25 when determining component voltage ratings, conductor
capacities (cross sectional area), fuse sizes, and size of controls
connected to the PV output. Customers in US should refer to article 690.8 the National Electrical Code for an additional
multiplying
factor of 125 percent (80 percent derating), which may
be applicable. Customers in other locations should refer to the codes relevant to
the location of installation for further guidance. Voc should be increased by a factor based on the lowest ambient temperature
recorded for the location. To determine the corrected value for Maximum System Voltage follow the guidelines in article 690.7 of the
NEC or applicable section in the CEC. The voltage temperature coefficient for the module in use should be used when determining
Maximum System Voltage.
1-1. STRUCTURE
CAUTION
5mm min.
Frame (longer side)
bolt
Clipping material
Framework (base profile)
Module
(in principle)
Fig. 1 Module mounting
Fig. 5 Grounding method #3
2-4-1. Method #1 (use of self-tapping screws)
• Install a stainless steel screw (M5 or No.10) with 32 threads
per inch to the grounding hole with a torque of 2.3N·m
(20lbf-in).
• Ensure that at least 2 threads are engaged in the module
frame.
• As shown in the figure 3, the copper wire should be
compressed by the screw head.
• A stainless steel washer with an appropriate corrosion
resistant coating should be inserted between the copper
wire and screwhead.
• A proper cupped washer should be inserted between the
copper wire and frame to avoid galvanic corrosion.
• The copper wire must be #14 AWG or thicker, and be
secured to the module frame.
Fig. 3 Grounding method #1
2-4-2. Method #2 (use of a ground lug)
• An appropriate device such as UL Listed ILSCO ground lug,
Cat. No. GBL4-DBT should be secured by a stainless steel
screw (M5 or No.10) with 32 threads per inch with a torque
of 2.3N·m (20lbf-in) as shown in the figure 4.
• A star or toothed washer shall be inserted between the
ground lug and module frame.
• The copper wire must be #14 AWG or thicker, and be
secured to the ground lug screw.
Fig. 4 Grounding method #2
2-4-3. Method #3 (use of bolts and nuts)
• A No.8 stainless steel bolt and nut with 32 threads per inch
can be used instead of a No.10 self-tapping screw in
Method #2 under the following conditions:
- Torque to secure the bolt: 1.8N·m (16lb-in)
- A lock or spring washer shall be inserted between the
nut and toothed washer.
Fig. 2 Clipping method
Required mounting area to be fixed
2-4. GROUNDING
• The grounding method should satisfy the Local Codes and
the NEC or CEC accordingly.
• Securely ground the PV modules and the mounting
framework.
Examples of proper grounding technique:
WARNING
2 Nuts
(Stainless steel, 5/16(M8))
Spring washer
(Stainless steel, 5/16)
Flat Washer
(Stainless steel, 5/16)
Mounting structure
(Alminium)
Flat Washer
(Stainless steel, 5/16)
Bolt
(Stainless steel, 5/16(M8))
Stainless steel washer
(#10)
Self-tapping screw
(Stainless steel, #10-32TPI)
Cupped washer
Copper wire (14AWG or thicker)
Module frame
(Stainless steel)
Copper wire
(14AWG or thicker)
(Stainless steel)
Stainless steel washer(#10)
Cupped washer
Module frame
Self-tapping screw
(Stainless steel, #10-32TPI)
Self-tapping screw
(Stainless steel, #10-32TPI)
Copper wire
(14AWG or thicker)
Toothed washer
(Stainless steel, #10)
Grounding lug
(ex. ILSCO GBL4-DBT)
Copper wire
(14AWG or thicker)
Grounding lug
(ex. ILSCO GBL4-DBT)
Self-tapping screw
(Stainless steel, #10-32TPI)
Toothed washer
(Stainless steel, #10)
Bolt
(Stainless steel, #8)
Nut (Stainless steel, #8)
Grounding lug
(ex. ILSCO GBL4-DBT)
Spring washer
(Stainless steel, #8)
Copper wire
(14AWG or thicker)
Toothed washer
(Stainless steel, #8)
E(4 PLACES)
Drainage holes
15[0.59]
20[0.79]
6[0.24]
35[1.38]
1657[65.2]
1000[39.4]
1200[47.2]
1199[47.2]
994[39.1]
46[1.81]
A A
B
B
C
φ
4.09[
φ
0.16](4 PLACES)
6[0.24]
×
20[0.79](4 PLACES)
φ
4.09[
φ
0.16](4 PLACES)
φ
9[
φ
0.35](4 PLACES)
D
E
(+
)
(–
)
Mounting area (4 places)
Framework (base profile)
up to +2400/-3000Pa
up to +2000/-2400Pa
up to +2000/-2000Pa
1657 (65.2)
594 (23.4)
994 (39.1)
600 (23.6)
900 (35.4)
1400 (55.1)
φ
9[
φ
0.35]
21.5[0.85]
30[1.18]
46[1.81]
φ
4.09
[
φ
0.16]
D(4 PLACES)
φ
4.09
[
φ
0.16]
Grounding Mark
25.3[1.00]
Grounding Mark
25.3[1.00]
C(4 PLACES)
A−A
B−B
24.5[0.96]
