Introduction
The clawFRplus 10 Degree flat roof mounting system is comprised
of four major components that intuitively assemble into a
support structure for photovoltaic (PV) modules. This installation
manual explains how to build a PV array using clawFRplus 10
Degree.
A CORROSION INSPECTION ONE YEAR AFTER INSTALLATION
AND ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS THEREAFTER IS REQUIRED
TO MAINTAIN THE PRODUCT WARRANTY. VISIBLE SURFACE
RED RUST ON STEEL COMPONENTS MUST BE LOCALLY
COATED WITH A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE GALVANIZED
PAINT OR COATING TO MAINTAIN PRODUCT WARRANTY.
EXCEPT FOR DEFLECTORS, ALL RACKING COMPONENTS IN
EACH SUBARRAY AND THEIR CONNECTIONS, BALLAST, AND
MECHANICAL ATTACHMENTS (IF ANY IN DESIGN) MUST BE
INSTALLED
BEFORE
MOUNTING
MODULES.
WHEN
FORECASTED WIND GUSTS EXCEED 25% OF THE WIND
SPEED LISTED IN THE SITE CRITERIA TABLE OF THE RACKING
CONSTRUCTION SET, DEFLECTORS MUST BE INSTALLED ON
ALL MOUNTED MODULES TO AVOID POSSIBLE SYSTEM
DAMAGE.
Installer’s Responsibility
IT IS THE INSTALLERS RESPONSIBILITY TO:
•
Ensure safe installation of all electrical aspects of the array. All
electrical installation and procedures should be conducted by
a licensed and bonded electrician or solar contractor. Routine
maintenance of a module or panel shall not involve breaking
or disturbing the bonding path of the system. All work must
comply with national, state and local installation procedures,
product and safety standards.
•
Comply with all applicable local or national building and fire
codes, including any that may supersede this manual.
•
Ensure all products are appropriate for the installation,
environment, and array under the
site’s
loading conditions.
•
Use only PanelClaw parts or parts recommended by
PanelClaw; substituting parts may void any applicable
warranty.
•
Ensure provided information is accurate. Issues resulting from
inaccurate information are the
installer’s
responsibility.
•
Ensure bare copper grounding wire does not contact
aluminum and zinc-plated steel components, to prevent risk
of galvanic corrosion.
•
If loose components or loose fasteners are found during
periodic inspection, retighten immediately. Any components
showing signs of corrosion or damage that compromise safety
shall be replaced immediately.
•
Provide an appropriate method of direct-to-earth grounding
according to the latest edition of the National Electrical Code,
including NEC 250: Grounding and Bonding, and NEC 690:
Solar Photovoltaic Systems.
•
Disconnect AC power before servicing or removing modules,
AC modules, microinverters, and power optimizers.
•
Review module and any 3
rd
party manufacturer's
documentation for compatibility and compliance with
warranty terms and conditions.
THIS PRODUCT MUST BE INSTALLED AND USED ACCORDING
TO THESE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS. ANY INSTALLATION OR
USE OF THIS PRODUCT NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH OR NOT
AUTHORIZED BY THIS MANUAL SHALL VOID ANY AND ALL
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ON THE PRODUCT OR
THE USE OF THE PRODUCT AND MAY CAUSE FAILURE,
PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY. PANELCLAW IS
NOT LIABLE FOR ANY UNAUTHORIZED USE. INSTALL AND
USE ONLY WITH OTHER PANELCLAW
AUTHORIZED
RACKING
PRODUCTS TO ENSURE PROPER FIT AND FUNCTION.
Storage Considerations
PanelClaw recommends installing the racking components shortly
after delivery to the project site. If clawFRplus components are
not deployed immediately, they should be stored in a well-
ventilated, dry location. Otherwise, moisture can form between
the packed components which may cause staining and/or white
rust. Significant white rust formation may decrease the coating
service life and, in extreme cases, the component performance.
If storage onsite is unavoidable, remove the plastic and/or
carboard wrapping from the exterior of the packaging and cover
with canvas or place components under an open sided tent. Note
the use of a plastic cover does more harm than good as it
prevents the product from breathing and causes condensation.
Storing parts in any other manner is at the
customer’s
own
risk.
PanelClaw is not liable for claims related to improper storage and
any such claims are not covered by the product warranty.
Operations & Maintenance
See O&M Manual, available upon request, for initial inspection
recommendations including steps that can be performed only
during construction.
Sub Array Dimensions
Each PV system is unique and is frequently made up of multiple
sub arrays. The Racking Construction Set, which must be onsite at
all times during construction, details sub array dimensions and
location on the roof. Review the Racking Construction Set in its
entirety to prevent unnecessary rework during site construction.
The furthest extent of the racking components or modules of
adjacent sub arrays, whichever defines the outermost array
boundaries, must be separated by
at least
the minimum
dimensions documented in the Racking Construction Set. Refer to
the
general notes
and the
Minimum Clearance Requirements
table
, if present, within the Racking Construction Set.
Safety Overview
Safety is an essential part of every PV installation and every
construction site. Please view
Appendix F: Safety
for further
information
.
PRIOR TO INSTALLATION, READ THE SAFETY PROVISIONS
ATTACHED IN
Appendix F: Safety
AND REVIEW THIS
INSTALLATION MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY.
Disclaimers